Making Connections

On Monday, my first day at Vo Flor, our CCS Program Director Vini told us David's story minutes after we arrived.  David was given the nickname "Pequence Bola De Fogo" which means little ball of fire.  He has visible scars from burns on his body.  His mother took him with her when she was collecting trash and it appears he had some sort of chemical burns.  We were told he doesn't speak and not to take it personal.

All of the small children refer to the volunteers as "Tia" or "Tio" pronounced chia/chio.  David has connected with Xiao Feng and I speaking to us as much as any of the other children.  He looks like he's about 3 now, seems to be thriving and developing at a normal pace.  I've noticed the other kids go out of their way to accommodate David.  Like most kids their age sharing isn't one of their favorite things, but they always let him have whatever he wants.  I haven't seen him have physical altercations or get really worked up so the behavior amongst the children has either been taught or there's an innate understanding between them.  We decided to make kites with the children today.  David was sitting next to me and there was a boy I just met today on my lap.  A woman walked up behind us trying to get David's attention.  He turned around, she picked him up, he screamed and kicked to be put down.  She did and he ran into the bathroom.  The woman followed him into the bathroom but couldn't get him to come out.  On 3 separate occasions 3 staff members of the orphanage tried to get him to come out to no avail.  I remembered his story, asked Jalisson if the woman was David's mother and he confirmed.  On Segunda Feira (Monday) I made David a paper airplane when he wasn't interested in drawing with the other kids.  Terca Feira (Tuesday) thru Quinta Feira (Thursday) David has either made a parachute from a bag with string, tied a string to balloons we've given him or attached a string to airplanes.  I asked Ivelisse to give me the first kite for David.  She wasn't aware of what was going on with his mother since she was focused on the other children.  I walked into the bathroom and David was standing in a stall with his face pressed against the wall in the corner.  I spoke to him in English to get his attention, showed him the kite and he exited the bathroom with me.  David and I played in the courtyard but he kept his eyes on his mother and wouldn't let her near him.  His mom played with Brian one of the 2 year olds awhile, and then eventually left.  My mind and heart were actually at peace.  I'm happy David feels safe at the orphanage and is now in an environment where he appears happy.

Vo Flor has a special needs sister in her late 50s/early 60s that lives on the campus.  Cognitively she appears to function at the level of a 5 year old.  I've observed her pull out her bag of books and sit at a table nearby whenever we give the children paper.  Today I decided to take a closer look to see what she was doing.  Xiao Feng saw me and mentioned she likes to draw and paint her hands.  She wrote the letter "A" multiple times on her paper.  I sharpened her pencils that were dull in her case, wrote the alphabet in dotted letters for her to trace on another sheet of paper and handed it to her.  She took the paper and continued to write the letter A on her sheet.  I walked away and engaged with the children for awhile, and when I checked in with Vo Flor's sister she had the sheet I gave her and was randomly selecting/writing the letters I wrote on her original sheet.  This was the moment I actually felt I was truly connecting and felt a bit emotional.

I've noticed Xiao Feng has started to sit next to me at dinner, during rides to/from our work assignment and stays close whenever we're out as a group.  Today she was nodding off in the van on our way home from the orphanage and would apologize whenever she felt her head hit my shoulder.  I told her it was ok once and continued to look out the window.  She eventually was comfortable enough to allow herself to fall asleep and laid her head on my shoulder.  I feel exhausted with a 2 hour time difference so I can't image what's its like for her with the 11 hour time change.  It wasn't until that moment in the van I realized Xiao Feng and I have spent almost 24 hours each day together since we've arrived.  We're roommates, have the same work assignment and attend most of the same group outings.

After lunch we traveled to TV Pelourinho to go thru the process of making a promotional video for the station.  Upon arrival we were informed that the "international volunteers" would be the actors, director, producers, etc.  I suggested we each answer the same four questions in front of various backdrops around Pelourinho.  The station crew made me the director, I coached everyone thru the lines and of course didn't follow any of the directives I gave the others when it was my turn.  I'll share the video when we receive it.  During the introduction we also learned the station was a non profit and has a 13 month program for "underprivileged" teenage students and they're taught the TV production process from start to finish.  I immediately thought of Jalisson and Sara so fired off about 10 questions about the program to ensure they'd qualify.  I spoke to the director of the station, she assured me if Jalisson and Sara apply they have a good chance of getting accepted in Jan. They will also provide transportation and snacks.  I reached out to Jalisson while I was there and he expressed a sincere and enthusiastic interest.  I told the director of TV Pelourinho and Tiasa our CCS Program Manager I'm not leaving Brazil until this process is set in motion...

After dinner I went to "Caranguelo Do Farol Bar E Restaurante" on the beach with Justin, Luis, Shadi and Tony to watch the Brazil vs. Argentina soccer game.  On the way I mentioned the last time I took that route to the beach I saw the teenagers being arrested.  Apparently the guys were a few mins ahead of us and saw the kids fighting in the middle of the street.  I was relieved to hear they hadn't committed a more severe crime.  We were all saddened by the events that happened in Paris.  The game ended in a tie.  Marc went to Rio de Janeiro for the weekend and I must admit I missed him a bit.

We leave for Morro De Sau Paulo on the 9 AM ferry.  Its a 2 hour journey via boat.  My backpack is stuffed and I'm looking forward to a weekend away with my international counterparts.  We now understand each other's personalities and have completely opened up.  I'm sure I'll have fun stories, but not positive I'll be able to share them here.  So you may actually get a nice break from my ramblings...the next two posts may just be photos. :)