Immersion Experience

We participated in three different activites, which

included the following: racing while holding

potatoes on spoons, playing musical chairs and

fishing with plastic fish to get prizes. The best part

about this acitivity time was getting to know the

children. Although we had a language barrier, we

were able to communicate and get to know each

other. After the activity time we had a little time to

play a different version of duck, duck goose. Then

we had a great time playing freeze dance where

we had to try to stay frozen as long as possible.

After that they kids went to lunch and we stayed

outside talking to the students from Notre Dame.

Once the first group of children left, we had lunch.

Then we were able to take a nap so we could rest

for the next group. After the nap we met another

group of students from Notre Dame and another

group of children, ages 10-14. We got to watch

them play guitar for us and then dance. It was very

exciting because this was the first time the guitar

students had played for a group. After we watched

them perform we got to watch some of the children

play soccer while other children played the drums.

All of the Saint Francis High School students

traveling on the immersion trip were so excited to

leave San Francisco and come to Brazil. After the

many different troubles we had when traveling, we

were a little bit tired when we arrived in Brazil at

two in the morning and all we could think about

was sleep. When I woke up that next morning I

was excited but nervous for what the day would

bring. We walked to CECOIA after we finished

breakfast. I did not know what to expect but once I

arrived and I saw all of the children, ages 7-10,

sitting on the ground waiting for us. We first met

some students from Notre Dame and once we

were introduced we sat down to watch a

performance from the students. Some of the girls

showed us this dance that reminded us of a

country line dance. After they finished dancing all

of us were very impressed with their ability to

dance. Once the dance was over the children

were divided into three different groups. Once we

were also separated into three groups the

activities began.

Immersion Experience

Then we divided into two different groups. One

continued to play soccer, while the rest went to

learn how to dance. I went with the group that

taught us how to dance. They showed us a few

more dances and we struggled to keep up with

them. They showed us a step from the Samba

and they showed us a traditional Brazilian partner

dance. After we finished dancing and playing

soccer, we went in for a snack. During this time

we got to talk with the children. A few of them

were trying to speak in English and it was really

exciting to see the different cultures sitting side by

side and interacting. We enjoyed our time at

CECOIA so much that we were sad to leave. After

I went to CECOIA, I was no longer nervous about

what the rest of Brazil would hold but instead

excited to make new memories and form new

friendships. Looking back on the immersion, I

think that the first day says it all. We really got to

experience the culture of Brazil and complete

service. All of us are sad to leave but we know

that these new friendships and memories will stay

with us forever.

Immersion Experience