Our Family Grew!

Sorry for the delay in posting a blog; my excuse is valid. Starting last Tuesday we had two students from Erval de Cima living with us. Gabriel, 13 and Ana Paula, 9 lived with us through the weekend because of a fight between their mom and another woman over water payments that resulted in their mother first trying to kill the other woman, then herself later in the day. It was quite an eventful day but by the afternoon we decided it was a good idea to take the kids out of the house for a little bit and the mom readily agreed. The first night their 15 year old brother, also our student, came along too but by the second night he wanted to be home; we think it had more to do with a young girl that he has a crush on that lives nearby :)

Matt playing monkey in the middle with the kids!

It was a week full of playing soccer, visiting the temporary movie theater that was set up near our home, Mass to celebrate the Assumption of Mary, black and white birthday parties, and playing with our neighbors. We kept the kids busy with lots of fun activities but also made them do their share of housework too- they learned to cook rice, always helped with dishes, and had to also make their beds every morning. We took the chance to teach them some English with 'thank you' frequently being said and each night ending with 'I love you'. There were several times that I had to smile to myself thinking I was acting exactly like my mom! It was tough work but thinking about the alternative for them made it worth it. Sunday night after Mass we sat them down to talk about why they had to go back home to their mom but also the importance of constantly keeping us up to date if they ever feel in danger in their home. Luckily it is evident their mom loves them, she is just severely depressed and sometimes causes harm to herself. Hopeful this time apart from her kids will strengthen their relationship and she will realize just how much they rely on her and need her to be strong for them. 

Black and white birthday party- all decked out!

Last Monday we spend all day in a school in a nearby town called Jose La Cerda; this is where our older students at the new PETI in Erval study as their town does not have a school and this is the closest town. We had a great time going into each classroom and talking about what we are doing here in Brazil and answering some questions about our culture and country. We also played a fun winking game with the kids that led to many laughs. The day ended with some capoeira taught by Megan for everyone to learn the basics. It was amazing the behavioral differences between the kids here as opposed to the kids in Imbau. We have heard that those who live in rural areas are better behaved than those in a 'city' (not that Imbau is much of a city, but more so than Erval), and we saw this first hand on Monday. The students were so respectful and polite- it was a very noticeable difference and one that made me so proud of the work the school is doing to keep these kids on the right track. We really enjoyed the day! 

Playing at the local school!

Since we had those siblings living with us, other students have said their parents now are requesting we take them to our house for a night.. imagine that, parents looking for a chance to get a break from their kids! :) Our plan is to sell this 'sleepover' as an option in our upcoming store that we will have the last Friday of the month so that it is open to all the kids without us having to pick. Our house might always have kids coming and going; I wouldn't want it any other way!

Our Imbau students studying English extensively at PBF are doing excellent. Unfortunately we had to lose one student who had missed a large amount of classes and was too far behind to try and catch up. However, two other students have since passed the test to complete the first book and they are moving on to the second of four!! I am so proud of them and their dedication to the language and their studies. The others who are still on the first book are close behind. I would like to take this chance to once again thank those who are sponsoring these kids and making a huge difference in their lives- they too always make a point to thank you for your help in making their future have greater possibilities! 

Praying for everyone in the States as school starts back up again! Hope the adjustment goes well and that the school year starts off well!