Back in Brazil

We arrived last week. This morning we were back in Cajueiro Claro, feet covered in dust and hands covered in paint as we found, washed, and painted 220 rocks for our Easter party on Friday. The kids were the kids—so completely themselves it always amazes me. I can leave, I can change, but when I come back it is always the same—a part of me is theirs.

I wiggled my belly and said, “Look at my cheeks!” instead of “Look at my belly” and they erupted in giggles (in my defense, in Portuguese it is very similar). Shyness is gone and we move on to work and fun and of course soccer. Caid’s feet will soon be “broken in” to barefoot play, and I sit on the sideline and tell them if they hit the baby they lose the game.

We drive back with the windows down and the bumps uncomfortable and I feel it once more—the happy satisfaction of being. The “We are doing something important here” mixed with “This is what I was made for.” No, it isn’t perfect and yes most of the kids have most of the same problems over and over again—but it is some kind of home.

Check out Caid's vlog (especially those of you who don't really want to read all that I write): 

The kids gave 180 eggs that we will be using in our Easter celebrations for 6 communities of impoverished children! More pictures/video from the celebrations to come!