Brazil 2015 Immersion LE

2 cancelled flights, 7 delays and 65 hours later wearrived in São Paulo, Brazil without the slightest ideaof what was to come. Luggage-less and in oufits wehad been wearing for 4 days now, we pulled up tothe Holy Cross Brothers´ residence in Campinas at 4 AM. What we soon would experience wereexperiences far beyond what we would´ve imaginedat the time.

The next morning we walked down the streetto CECOIA. From the moment we walked in, the kidswere nothing but full of excitement and welcoming. As we were all very tired from minimal sleep and a lot of travel, the kids energy fueled us. In theircelebration of Festa Junina they preformed a beauiful dance in plaid shirts and boots replicatingcountry style.

In our time here we also went to the

Santa Clara Parish with some Notre Dame

students. At the parish we ate lunch and

snacks together. We also visited sick

people in the surrounding community. On

the bus ride back from the parish we sang

together with the CND students.

The next morning we all went to a

school to play with kids before they had to

go to school. I helped cut stars and played

a bat game with the kids. It was really cool

to see how we could connect with the kids

through activities regardless of the fact

that we spoke different languages.

We played numerous games with the kids

througout the day including musical chairs,

soccer, a fishing game and others. While the

language barrier was difficult, as all of us

speak english, there were kids from Notre

Dame to help us communicate with the

children. Even though many of us were

unable to understand each others´ laguage,

we were able to connect through music,

dance and games.

Later in the afternoon, with Notre Dame students, wewent to an elderly home where we met and played BINGO with the residents. The elderly were very excited andhonored that we had come from the United States andwanted to play games with them.

The next day (Saturday) we arrived at Festa Junina. The festival was an amazig experience overall. My favoritepart was the food, especially the churros and pastels. It wasineresting to see a large celebration unlike any sort ofcelebration we have in the United States. It was very fun andI am grateful that we were able to attend the festival.