Juliana: Hey, Dad! Meeting with the President's Cabinet went well! They're...well...they're...people!
Dad: Well...it's good to hear there are humans running your school.
Though my surprise may have seemed a bit odd, it was however sincere. Allow me to explain. When Mr. Brian announced we were going to see the President's Cabinet, the first thought that crossed my mind was "Oh dear...big important people." My terror only got worse when I was chosen as one of the main spokespeople for the group.
The morning of the meeting, I got up very early so as to make sure I looked as professional as I could, hoping to make the best impression possible. I went over what I was going to say multiple times, until I was sure I had it down.
It felt like a long walk from the CSL office (where we had met up) to the top floor of Kennesaw Hall (where the President and his Cabinet were waiting for us). I was very impressed with my classmates as they entered the meeting room with poise and class. They shook the hands of the Cabinet and chit-chatted professionally. Then as the meeting started and we were to introduce ourselves, they impressed me even more. They reached into the depths of their souls and shared their hearts. They stood tall but expressed sincere gratitude. They were sure of themselves but humble. It was definitely the Pegs' finest hour.
Though I think the Cabinet was impressed with us, we were impressed with the Cabinet, or I was at least. At first I had been afraid because I had pictured important, intimidating people. However, I found that they were really warm, friendly, and classy people that really did want to know how we felt about the trip to Brazil and about KSU. It was good to be reassured that very people of strong character are running our school.
I think the meeting was important for both parties. It was important for the Cabinet to know that this learning community is definitely a good idea for future students. However, it was, first of all, important for us to know that the Cabinet cared, and second of all, know that we have the strength as a team to pull off even the scariest of tasks.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, The Yuka Root Farm
Nice Man: "This is a pineapple bush."
Zari: "Can I eat the pineapple?"
Nice Man: "Uh...No."
Zari: "Then why are you showing me the freakin' pineapple bush?"
Yes, by the end of Saturday afternoon, we were all pretty tried of looking at plants, as Zari so expressed in her hypothetical conversation. From early in the morning we rode to a co-op that was completely covered in plants. We looked at some of the plants and then went to another project where there were more plants. So we had had our fill of plants.
However, it was actually a very fascinating thing we saw on Saturday. When we drove up after two hours of lovely sleep, all that was in sight was a beautiful array of foliage and greenery. Every shrub was neatly kept. Every tree was fresh and green. It looked like a fair wonderland to me. During our time there, we found that I wasn't the only one who thought it was amazing.
The co-op was established by a man in hopes of teaching the community how to help itself, which is essentially what its doing. The co-op project is a school called the Rural Family House. The school takes in 35 kids a year. One week the kids will learn skills and techniques in agriculture. Then, for two weeks, they will apply what they have learned in their own homes and communities. The School is a connection between kids, families, and communities.
They grew all sorts of things such as pineapple and bananas, but their main culture is what we call the "yuka root." It is used for edible purposes and industrial purposes.
Though the miniscule details of this place were a bit tedious, as Prof. Prochaska and I discussed, the concept is incredible. This is a school that not only teaches communities to be self-sustaining, but it is a place that prepares kids to be leaders in their communities, giving them a sense of pride in their accomplishment, as they trail-blaze this new initiative. That in itself is incredible.
Zari: "Can I eat the pineapple?"
Nice Man: "Uh...No."
Zari: "Then why are you showing me the freakin' pineapple bush?"
Yes, by the end of Saturday afternoon, we were all pretty tried of looking at plants, as Zari so expressed in her hypothetical conversation. From early in the morning we rode to a co-op that was completely covered in plants. We looked at some of the plants and then went to another project where there were more plants. So we had had our fill of plants.
However, it was actually a very fascinating thing we saw on Saturday. When we drove up after two hours of lovely sleep, all that was in sight was a beautiful array of foliage and greenery. Every shrub was neatly kept. Every tree was fresh and green. It looked like a fair wonderland to me. During our time there, we found that I wasn't the only one who thought it was amazing.
The co-op was established by a man in hopes of teaching the community how to help itself, which is essentially what its doing. The co-op project is a school called the Rural Family House. The school takes in 35 kids a year. One week the kids will learn skills and techniques in agriculture. Then, for two weeks, they will apply what they have learned in their own homes and communities. The School is a connection between kids, families, and communities.
They grew all sorts of things such as pineapple and bananas, but their main culture is what we call the "yuka root." It is used for edible purposes and industrial purposes.
Though the miniscule details of this place were a bit tedious, as Prof. Prochaska and I discussed, the concept is incredible. This is a school that not only teaches communities to be self-sustaining, but it is a place that prepares kids to be leaders in their communities, giving them a sense of pride in their accomplishment, as they trail-blaze this new initiative. That in itself is incredible.
Friday, The UN Facility
Friday morning: “It’s 6:04, people!” Zari yelled. “Get up!” The bus would be there at 6:45 to pick us up. We all dragged ourselves wearily out of bed and onto the bus, upon which we fell right to sleep again. It was a five-hour trip and we were all thrilled to be embarking upon it. Not so much for the adventure, but for the chance to sleep. What did you expect from a group of college kids?
Our destination was a UN facility in the mountains. I knew it was going to be beautiful as I picked up clues from the gorgeous countryside. I couldn’t help but admire the beauty. I had never seen anything like it. I had never seen tropical beauty. I was gladly surprised to find that there is beauty everywhere and that the uniqueness of the beauty is sometimes what makes it all the more beautiful.
We arrived, finding ourselves at the top of the world. The view went on for miles. It was amazing. The facility was clean and shiny and new. It was a good break from the hostile. The air was cooler up in the mountains and we all appreciated it greatly.
We went on a nature walk and heard a lot about what the facility was there for. We found that it was the base of an Ecological Preservation Area. It is what the world knows as a “hot spot.” This means that there is major diversity in the flora and fauna here. Their job is to preserve the rainforest, meanwhile finding jobs for those people whose only hope was cutting the rainforest down. They have started many co-ops in order to create new jobs, while creating new wealth, all the while, protecting the ecosystem here. One of the main rivers here is called River Juliana, which runs through Juliana Valley. I thought it was rather nice of them to name them after me, having known me for only a little while.
On a more serious note, I was glad to see that my jaded perspective of “saving the rainforest” was cleared up a bit and that I was able to gain respect for what they are trying to do. They want to save this area because it is good for natural resources. They aren’t trying to cripple humanity in favor of fauna. In fact, all of the is done for the sole purpose of making peoples’ lives better. It was for this reason that my respect for this place was bolstered.
Our destination was a UN facility in the mountains. I knew it was going to be beautiful as I picked up clues from the gorgeous countryside. I couldn’t help but admire the beauty. I had never seen anything like it. I had never seen tropical beauty. I was gladly surprised to find that there is beauty everywhere and that the uniqueness of the beauty is sometimes what makes it all the more beautiful.
We arrived, finding ourselves at the top of the world. The view went on for miles. It was amazing. The facility was clean and shiny and new. It was a good break from the hostile. The air was cooler up in the mountains and we all appreciated it greatly.
We went on a nature walk and heard a lot about what the facility was there for. We found that it was the base of an Ecological Preservation Area. It is what the world knows as a “hot spot.” This means that there is major diversity in the flora and fauna here. Their job is to preserve the rainforest, meanwhile finding jobs for those people whose only hope was cutting the rainforest down. They have started many co-ops in order to create new jobs, while creating new wealth, all the while, protecting the ecosystem here. One of the main rivers here is called River Juliana, which runs through Juliana Valley. I thought it was rather nice of them to name them after me, having known me for only a little while.
On a more serious note, I was glad to see that my jaded perspective of “saving the rainforest” was cleared up a bit and that I was able to gain respect for what they are trying to do. They want to save this area because it is good for natural resources. They aren’t trying to cripple humanity in favor of fauna. In fact, all of the is done for the sole purpose of making peoples’ lives better. It was for this reason that my respect for this place was bolstered.
Thursday, Vice Mayor
It’s Thursday, already! I can’t believe it really. It seems like just the other day we were flying in, and yet, it also seems as if we’ve been here forever. Our week just got better was we were further enlightened.
We visited another community, which was doing its best to restore itself. The community was called Candeal (KAHN-djee-al). It started with a little boy who grew up in Candeal, beating on his mother’s washtubs. He became so great at percussion that he got famous. He went on to found a music school in the very community he grew up in. He wanted to give the children of the area a way to move on in the world—a source of hope for the future. He also went on to create an English school there. We found that sometimes a community can do a lot for itself if it can gain a sense of pride in itself, in its accomplishments, and in the people that come out of it. That is exactly what happened with this community and, with that little push from the man who started it all, they are slowly remaking their community.
After that, we all went to one of the government buildings to visit the vice mayor of the city of Salvador. I was excited because “vice mayor” just sounded so very important and I got to wear my pretty dress. On the other hand, I was nervous about what to expect—“Will he be boring? Will I fall asleep?” Thankfully, I found that all my fears were laid to rest as he began to speak. He said many things, but mostly I remember his respect. He had great respect for the United States. He was excited we were visiting. He loved us. However, he expressed much love for his own city, saying, “You sing of your country. I will sing of mine.” He sang of his country and of the many things he hoped to do to try to fix it. He encouraged us to study so that we can become great leaders in our own community, saying that it was only because he studied that he made it as far as he did. I found that he had a lot of wisdom to pass on to us and that he wasn’t the least bit boring. I also found that everybody loves his or her country. Americans love America. Russians love Russia. Brazilians love Brazil. I realized that we should all respect each others love of ones country instead of putting people down for their patriotism. We should love the fact that Brazilians love Brazil instead of hoping that they’ll love America more. We always talk of tolerance, but what about respect and admiration? Why is it that America doesn’t admire patriotism in other countries? Why is it we can’t all say, “You sing of your country, I will sing of mine?” If tolerance turned into respect, America might see that there is beauty in every country that should be admired by the others.
We visited another community, which was doing its best to restore itself. The community was called Candeal (KAHN-djee-al). It started with a little boy who grew up in Candeal, beating on his mother’s washtubs. He became so great at percussion that he got famous. He went on to found a music school in the very community he grew up in. He wanted to give the children of the area a way to move on in the world—a source of hope for the future. He also went on to create an English school there. We found that sometimes a community can do a lot for itself if it can gain a sense of pride in itself, in its accomplishments, and in the people that come out of it. That is exactly what happened with this community and, with that little push from the man who started it all, they are slowly remaking their community.
After that, we all went to one of the government buildings to visit the vice mayor of the city of Salvador. I was excited because “vice mayor” just sounded so very important and I got to wear my pretty dress. On the other hand, I was nervous about what to expect—“Will he be boring? Will I fall asleep?” Thankfully, I found that all my fears were laid to rest as he began to speak. He said many things, but mostly I remember his respect. He had great respect for the United States. He was excited we were visiting. He loved us. However, he expressed much love for his own city, saying, “You sing of your country. I will sing of mine.” He sang of his country and of the many things he hoped to do to try to fix it. He encouraged us to study so that we can become great leaders in our own community, saying that it was only because he studied that he made it as far as he did. I found that he had a lot of wisdom to pass on to us and that he wasn’t the least bit boring. I also found that everybody loves his or her country. Americans love America. Russians love Russia. Brazilians love Brazil. I realized that we should all respect each others love of ones country instead of putting people down for their patriotism. We should love the fact that Brazilians love Brazil instead of hoping that they’ll love America more. We always talk of tolerance, but what about respect and admiration? Why is it that America doesn’t admire patriotism in other countries? Why is it we can’t all say, “You sing of your country, I will sing of mine?” If tolerance turned into respect, America might see that there is beauty in every country that should be admired by the others.
Wednesday, The School
Sometimes it seems that some people think that they're the only ones in the world. They have the appearance of people who believe that they deserve it all and that if they don't have it, they are somehow being done an injustice. One could assume that nothing satisfies them because they believe nothing is good enough for them. This always saddens me. However, today, our group of Kennesaw students got to see the beauty of the other side of the spectrum--something that existed at one time called gratitude and selflessness.
When Hiraldo told us that we were going to the "ghetto," I had no idea what to expect--perhaps poverty, perhaps trash--the bad part of town. What we saw was possibly similar to what I had expected, however, what we "felt" was much different than any of us anticipated
What did we see, you might ask? We visited a school. No, it wasn’t an ordinary school. It was a school at university level for students who can’t afford the real university. At least five people have given up their time and dedication to the school. The school is connected to a sewing co-op that makes clothes for the community.
We were able to see a group of people who cared enough for the communities that are less fortunate than they are that they would go into the community from the outside in order to improve it. We saw a part of the community where the people are trying to preserve the environment—trees, plants, rivers, etc—where they are. We got to eat lunch at a school that in the US would be considered “poor.” However, the kids there appreciated it and enjoyed it. I was very excited as I saw the appreciation of the community towards what we might consider very little things (which were definitely not little to them) and I was ashamed as I held that up against my own ingratitude towards what to them would be considered luxuries. For instance, I have the opportunity to get a good education that goes beyond grade school. In fact, I am enrolled in a university and apart of a study abroad program. So many of the kids in the community we visited would give their all to get what I have. I should be far more grateful for what I have than I am now. I’m thankful that the people of Salvador have reminded me of that.
Not only did I learn but I also had a lot of fun as I rapped for some of the school children and the rest of us danced and sang. It only got better when we went up to the roof to draw some graffiti. Sierra impressed us with her amazing painting skills, which resulted in an amazing dragon. The rest of us doodled and just had a good time. I got to climb the later and paint “Eu amo Brasil!” (“I love Brazil”) which received some cheers and I got to get my picture taken.
All in all, fun and learning joined hand in hand as we continued our journey in Brazil!
When Hiraldo told us that we were going to the "ghetto," I had no idea what to expect--perhaps poverty, perhaps trash--the bad part of town. What we saw was possibly similar to what I had expected, however, what we "felt" was much different than any of us anticipated
What did we see, you might ask? We visited a school. No, it wasn’t an ordinary school. It was a school at university level for students who can’t afford the real university. At least five people have given up their time and dedication to the school. The school is connected to a sewing co-op that makes clothes for the community.
We were able to see a group of people who cared enough for the communities that are less fortunate than they are that they would go into the community from the outside in order to improve it. We saw a part of the community where the people are trying to preserve the environment—trees, plants, rivers, etc—where they are. We got to eat lunch at a school that in the US would be considered “poor.” However, the kids there appreciated it and enjoyed it. I was very excited as I saw the appreciation of the community towards what we might consider very little things (which were definitely not little to them) and I was ashamed as I held that up against my own ingratitude towards what to them would be considered luxuries. For instance, I have the opportunity to get a good education that goes beyond grade school. In fact, I am enrolled in a university and apart of a study abroad program. So many of the kids in the community we visited would give their all to get what I have. I should be far more grateful for what I have than I am now. I’m thankful that the people of Salvador have reminded me of that.
Not only did I learn but I also had a lot of fun as I rapped for some of the school children and the rest of us danced and sang. It only got better when we went up to the roof to draw some graffiti. Sierra impressed us with her amazing painting skills, which resulted in an amazing dragon. The rest of us doodled and just had a good time. I got to climb the later and paint “Eu amo Brasil!” (“I love Brazil”) which received some cheers and I got to get my picture taken.
All in all, fun and learning joined hand in hand as we continued our journey in Brazil!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Tuesday: the University
Ouch! My leg! Goodness, it hurts! It was my fault really. I get a little vicious while playing one of my favorite sports--soccer. Yes, we played soccer today, and Marlee and I hit shins. She apologized and I cried, but it's ok. I wasn't mad at all. In fact, I had such a good day, pretty much nothing could ruin it.
We headed to the University of UniJorge, planning on meeting some students that we had previously been in contact with. The first thing we did was attend a lecture. As fun as that sounds, I had trouble staying awake. I was actually interested in what the professor was saying, because he was talking about the university and about Salvador. However, he turned the lights off to show us a video. With the air blowing cooly on my face and the lights off, my eyes just couldn't help but close. However, the lights came on before I made a fool of myself and offended the UniJorge students and we had a coffee break. We talked to the students a little and then we headed to the cafeteria to watch some "capoeira." Capoeira is a dance/martial art that they practice here in Brazil. It is a beautiful performance, requiring grace, strength, and balance. We watched as some masters performed and even taught us a little bit. It was an amazing experience to be able to be a part of the dance. I enjoyed it very much.
We had lunch, but that was almost unnecessary, because right after that we headed to the kitchen. After donning our lovely plastic shower cap like things and our plastic aprons, we were ready to make some delicious Brazilian desserts. The ingredients are the following three: butter, chocolate, and lots of condensed milk. Yes, it was deliciously rich!
We washed up and headed up to play soccer. It was so hot and the Brazilian students weren't able to make it to play with us, but some coaches from UniJorge made us do some practice drills and then we scrimmaged a bit. I hit the floor with a "smack" one time. Lindsay was knocked down a few times. Brigette busted a blood vessel in her leg. Jordan slapped his back on the floor once. Lastly, I cracked my shin against Marlee's. All in all, it was a very interesting game and despite all the injuries, we had a blast.
So, I lay my head down tonight, knowing more about "capoeira," Brazilian desserts, and getting hurt in soccer games. I'd call that a profitable day.
We headed to the University of UniJorge, planning on meeting some students that we had previously been in contact with. The first thing we did was attend a lecture. As fun as that sounds, I had trouble staying awake. I was actually interested in what the professor was saying, because he was talking about the university and about Salvador. However, he turned the lights off to show us a video. With the air blowing cooly on my face and the lights off, my eyes just couldn't help but close. However, the lights came on before I made a fool of myself and offended the UniJorge students and we had a coffee break. We talked to the students a little and then we headed to the cafeteria to watch some "capoeira." Capoeira is a dance/martial art that they practice here in Brazil. It is a beautiful performance, requiring grace, strength, and balance. We watched as some masters performed and even taught us a little bit. It was an amazing experience to be able to be a part of the dance. I enjoyed it very much.
We had lunch, but that was almost unnecessary, because right after that we headed to the kitchen. After donning our lovely plastic shower cap like things and our plastic aprons, we were ready to make some delicious Brazilian desserts. The ingredients are the following three: butter, chocolate, and lots of condensed milk. Yes, it was deliciously rich!
We washed up and headed up to play soccer. It was so hot and the Brazilian students weren't able to make it to play with us, but some coaches from UniJorge made us do some practice drills and then we scrimmaged a bit. I hit the floor with a "smack" one time. Lindsay was knocked down a few times. Brigette busted a blood vessel in her leg. Jordan slapped his back on the floor once. Lastly, I cracked my shin against Marlee's. All in all, it was a very interesting game and despite all the injuries, we had a blast.
So, I lay my head down tonight, knowing more about "capoeira," Brazilian desserts, and getting hurt in soccer games. I'd call that a profitable day.
Monday, the Tour!
Greetings, Reader! I see you are back again and I’m quite glad you are. You might have missed a lot had you closed this blog and never looked back again. You would have never seen what we did on Monday, the day after we flew into the country. I tell you it was quite fascinating. It was a tour! A tour of what, you say? Oh, it was grand!
We made many stops around the city. The first that stood out to me was St. Francis' Church. It was a huge church built during the baroque period. The sanctuary was covered in gold--and by covered, I mean, almost every inch. What I found truly fascinating about it were the pictures on the walls lining the courtyard. On one wall, there were images and Latin phrases that spoke of death. On another, they spoke of virtue. The death images were incredibly interesting. One image depicted a man in a crown lying dead in his bed. Nearby, there was a pauper lying dead in his shack. The Latin phrase that was above the picture said "Death shatters all ranks." I was reminded how no one is too good to die and it is only in love and death that the classes are one.
We also visited a huge market, which looked very much like the markets in Russia--especially the one called "Targovi Complex" (but just a bit smaller). We walked around for quite a while, looking and buying. After a while, I'd become bored. However, not too long after my boredom had come one of our guides, Surgio, asked if we would like to see something interesting. Obviously, we did. So, Rachel, Surgio, and I headed down a long spiral staircase to a dark floor below. The floor was made up of large slabs of cement, sitting in a murky water. The walls were rounded like a tunnel and there were arches everywhere. I told Rachel that it would be an awesome Bat-cave if there were, say, a few crocodiles. Surgio explained to us that it had been a place where slaves were kept. There was no way out at that time. The water there came from the ocean and, at times, the water would rise and some of the slaves drowned because there was no way to escape the water in the dungeon. We were definitely saddened and it was a very eye-opening experience. Ironically, two seconds after that, we walked back up to a world of color and light and freedom, where people are shopping for things they want because they actually have the freedom to own them.
We visited a lot of other place including another church, a place where Michael Jackson filmed a video here in Salvador, and a restaurant where the waitress tried in vain to get us to buy soda, however the only word we knew was "agua."
All in all, Salvador is a fascinating place and I can't wait to see more!
We made many stops around the city. The first that stood out to me was St. Francis' Church. It was a huge church built during the baroque period. The sanctuary was covered in gold--and by covered, I mean, almost every inch. What I found truly fascinating about it were the pictures on the walls lining the courtyard. On one wall, there were images and Latin phrases that spoke of death. On another, they spoke of virtue. The death images were incredibly interesting. One image depicted a man in a crown lying dead in his bed. Nearby, there was a pauper lying dead in his shack. The Latin phrase that was above the picture said "Death shatters all ranks." I was reminded how no one is too good to die and it is only in love and death that the classes are one.
We also visited a huge market, which looked very much like the markets in Russia--especially the one called "Targovi Complex" (but just a bit smaller). We walked around for quite a while, looking and buying. After a while, I'd become bored. However, not too long after my boredom had come one of our guides, Surgio, asked if we would like to see something interesting. Obviously, we did. So, Rachel, Surgio, and I headed down a long spiral staircase to a dark floor below. The floor was made up of large slabs of cement, sitting in a murky water. The walls were rounded like a tunnel and there were arches everywhere. I told Rachel that it would be an awesome Bat-cave if there were, say, a few crocodiles. Surgio explained to us that it had been a place where slaves were kept. There was no way out at that time. The water there came from the ocean and, at times, the water would rise and some of the slaves drowned because there was no way to escape the water in the dungeon. We were definitely saddened and it was a very eye-opening experience. Ironically, two seconds after that, we walked back up to a world of color and light and freedom, where people are shopping for things they want because they actually have the freedom to own them.
We visited a lot of other place including another church, a place where Michael Jackson filmed a video here in Salvador, and a restaurant where the waitress tried in vain to get us to buy soda, however the only word we knew was "agua."
All in all, Salvador is a fascinating place and I can't wait to see more!
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