Tuesday July 19, 2011

Okay let's emphasis something I did not....but the group decided it would be good to arrive at the worksite by 8 am. That means we have to leave the hotel by 7:30 am. Therefore, I need a wakeup call at 6 am. Those who know me know that I do not like to wake up early and I prefer to have a leisurely breakfast and get out the door before 10!

That being said......MY WAKEUP CALL DID NOT HAPPEN! So I get a phone call at 7 am from my mother....'Where are you?' Of course the first words out of my mouth....in a room with a very straight shooting christian guy...was 'Well SH*T!'

Needless to say, I apologized while throwing some clothes and racing out the door and down to breakfast! Thirty minutes later, I have shoved food down my throat and somehow, successfully grabbed everything I needed for the day. In my drowsy stupor I had even remembered to throw in my toothpaste and toothbrush into a bag! Hurray for making it out the door and on time!

We arrive at the worksite and I'm still a little grumpy. Still, it's a full day of work ahead. As far as the day goes, it has already become fairly routine. We all scatter to our positions and begin working on our various tasks. A group is designated to build and measure jigs for creating the window panels and wall panels. Another is measuring and cutting timber for trusses and Dad and I are still working on the wooden plate. The cramped lot means space is at a premium and everyone seems to be working on top of one another, but somehow things are getting done and progress is starting to be made! By the end of the day Dad and I have cut, sanded, chiseled, filed, sawed, and attached the plate to the foundation! That means tomorrow....it will start looking like a building!

Now don't think I've forgotten to talk about the most important part of the day....THE FOOD! I mean it's simply incredible that we have 2 homecooked, made with love meals including desserts that these beautiful Brazilian women serve us everyday! I tell you that in and of its self is a blessing and worth the price of the trip down here!!

Lunch was an amazing homemade lasagna with a ham variation as well as a chicken variation!

Lightly steamed green beans, broccoli, and cauliflower

Pan Fried Beef and Onions

Fresh Mango (heavenly)

and Feijoda with Arroz (black beans and rice)

***I am on the quest to find out how they cook their beans...and I will find out they are INCREDIBLE!**

"What about dessert?" you ask.....

Mousse de MARACUJA (passion fruit)!!! AHHHHHH!!!! When I saw this I nearly jumped for joy! Fresh custard/pudding topped with Maracuja glaze with the seeds....YES YES YES!!

Mid-Day Snack

Homemade Carrot Cake with chocolate icing......life is good....and sweet here in Brazil :-)

Feeling surprisingly refreshed after a long day of eating and working. Nana and I take quick showers so we can go about and explore the neighborhood. Not very many of the shops are open, but the weather is perfect and I really haven't had a chance to explore too much of the neighborhood. It almost seems to be one big park! The sidewalks are nearly all tiled with black and white stone in varying mosaic patterns. More updates to come :-)

Monday July 18, 2011

The first day working on the site is not the most glamorous. It's the day where we organize and plan, we gather the materials, and semi-confusion rules for the first few hours. We were discussing the plans for the day until nearly 11:30 when the materials finally arrived. As soon as the van pulled up, we all rushed to help unload. We soon found a problem with the lumber. Some of the boards were too wide for our plans and because they were custom cut for the job, we couldn't send them back. So we had to revise our original plans to compensate for the different dimensions. Just one more hurdle to overcome!

Dad and I were appointed with the task of putting the wooden plate around the foundation. I helped Dad with this the last time we were in Campo Grande, Brazil. So we were both familiar with the responsibility. I won't bore you with specific details of what has to be done, but basically there is a wooden plate that is screwed to the foundation walls. On this plate the walls, trusses, basically everything attaches to and rest on this wooden plate. So it is a semi-thankless job, but an integral...perhaps even the most important job that must be done.

We selected our wood for the plate and then started to gave it to the staining team to prepare. Meanwhile we measured, and prepared the foundation. It seems like an easy job but when the foundation walls are curved and sometimes not level, it's important to correct those things as much as possible.

Before we know it, it's lunch time! Which is one of my FAVORITE times of day. It's a time to gorge myself on authentic, homemade Brazilian food! YUMMMMMY!! For our first meal we had 'estrogonofe' which is a Brazilian stew. Today's selection was 'frango' or chicken! Accompanied by a cooked piece of carne (beef) with onions on top! We also had arroz (rice) along with boiled potatoes, beets, and what I call sawdust (which i can't remember the correct name) but it's SOOOO GOOD! And we had watermelon for dessert! Everything was DELICIOUS!

After lunch we were all renewed and ready to go back to work! At the end of the day to look around the site, not much had changed. Still we had much of the staining done and 1/4 of the plate was installed. For a first day of work, I think we accomplished a great amount and were able to prepare many of the pieces of the puzzle!

Most importantly, at the end of the day, our hosts were gracious enough to offer us a light dinner of hotdogs with a tomato based sauce with corn and some soft drinks! Light and delicious! More food and progress reports tomorrow!

A Full day in Brazil

Sunday July 17, 2011

Ahh what a refreshing feeling to wake up and realize that you are in another country! The possibilities of the day are endless and adventures are guaranteed! Luckily, I didn't set my alarm until 9am, so I am well rested and ready for the day. And I do have to admit, the beds in the hotel are wonderful, so getting up is difficult. Still, I make it into the shower and down for breakfast.....

A little unsure of what to expect, I opened the doors and find a smorgasbord of food (yes I used the word smorgasbord)! None of this continental breakfast....fake orange juice and perhaps a stale bagel and cream cheese. No, the Brazilian breakfast is amazing. There are petite slices of deli meats and cheese with a vast array of breads and rolls for little sandwiches in the morning. There are scrambled eggs, bacon, CHEESE BREAD (so good), for your more traditional meals. There are also fresh and sweet pineapple, papaya, and melon. Along with a small selection of cereals and sweet breads and other sweets. I have often wondered what the 'continental' part of a continental breakfast was....now I know...it means cheap!

BUT WAIT....there's more!

Along a side table, there is freshly squeezed pineapple and orange juices along with BRAZILIAN COFFEE! If you have not had Brazilian coffee, you have not fully experienced what it is to be awakened by a fresh cup of caffeinated goodness! They say ignorance is bliss and although you may THINK your morning joe is tasty and dependable, the Brazilian coffee is like nothing you've ever tried! Brazilian coffee is sweet and strong and I consider it the oil that revs up my motor in the morning and gets me ready for the day!

I sufficiently stuff my face and down nearly 3 coffees. It was as I had not eaten in a week and my tongue took on a life of it's own and wanted to taste every bite! I managed somehow to pull myself from the breakfast table and waddle back to my room. Thankfully there is an elevator ;-)

I went upstairs and had to resist the urge to lay back in bed. I checked my watch and realized it was time to head downstairs for our first devotion. The entire group joined to rally our spirits and our faith to prepare us for the task ahead! Today was the day we would see the worksite where the chapel was to be built!

We all climbed in to a passenger van and were told it was only a 'short ride' from the hotel to the worksite.....it tooks us 30 mintues! Happy to have finally arrived, I slide open the side door and leapt out of the car. The first time seeing the worksite, one would think...'There's nothing here!' And it's true! There is only a concrete slab with about 3 feet of concrete/masonry to outline the walls and the position of the doors. But the excitement grows when you look at this simple masonry box and realize that in a few short days a building, a chapel will be in its place!

I looked around and before you know it, we were led to church member's house for some coffee and to meet a handful of the members of the church. The coffee and snacks they prepared were wonderful! We all were enjoying our food when Oseaus began to reveal to us exactly what the catalyst was that created the confusion before our trip began. He was visibly shaken and emotional, but after hearing his tale, I could feel the conviction of our group rise! We all knew that this was a much needed place for this new church to gather and we had been lead to the right place!

It seemed like only a few minutes had past, and we were whisked away to the church service at another member's home! The Brazilian homes I have been in may not have been much to look at from the outside, but what they do have inside, they take care of! They are proud of what they have and incredibly warm and eager to open their homes to us! It was a great service and everyone was so eager to shake our hands and give us hugs. You could feel the gratitude that filled the room when each member walked through the door! It is so incredibly exciting to know that you are a part of something special and wonderful! I can not wait to start tomorrow....

Arrival in Brazil

Well well well....I can't believe I haven't utilized this blog since 2007! I have renewed interest at the moment and want to keep everyone involved on my trip to Brazil!

We departed Knoxville on Friday morning excited to start our journey. My family and I left the house around 10 am EST. After nearly 3 flights, changing planes, 9 hours in layovers, and passing through Brazilian Customs (and some unexpected excess baggage fees). We arrived in Curitiba, Sao Paulo Brazil around 3pm Brazilian time (which is one hour ahead of eastern time) on Saturday afternoon. So let's see....3pm in Curitiba is 2pm EST. So we traveled for approximately 28 hours we finally arrived at our final destination!

Upon our arrival, we were greeted with open arms and expectant smiles by Pastor Oseias, whose church is hosting our visit. We divided the luggage on a small, shortbed truck and some in the bus. With the luggage, literally piled in the bed of the truck and everyone squeezed into the van, it was on to our hotel. Room being at a premium on the bus, I volunteered to sit atop a stack of luggage for the 'short ride' to the hotel. After traveling for so many hours without much rest, we were all ready to unload our luggage and lay down! Little did we know that we would spend nearly an hour on our 'short ride' to the hotel. If I had known it was going to be such a long trip, I would never have volunteered to nest upon the baggage!

Regardless, a few minutes later we were all in our rooms, thankful to have a place to lie down! After a quick survey of the room and despite my exhaustion, I know the best way to overcome jetlag is to power on through the day and then go to bed early in the evening! My grandmother and I walked around the beautiful public square that is just across our street. Simply taking in the scenery and in search of a good meal! Apparently in Brazil, most stores are closed during the midday on the weekend so there wasn't much to see.

When we finally headed back to the hotel, it was time to go in search of a real meal. The doorman Jose was extremely helpful and suggested a local pizza place that was very close. We walked the two blocks and found a gourmet pizza parlor. Ordering was a bit of a challenge in regards to the language barrier, but the waiter was extremely patient and helpful. The food was INCREDIBLE! We shared a large pizza and since it had finally grown dark....it was time for....AHHHH a night of much needed sleep!

We returned to the hotel and the bed was too inviting to pass up! After over 36 hours of being awake.......ZZZZZzzzzz

Sedona Part II

After admiring the world around me, the trailblazer and I decided to climb back down to join the rest of our group. They were waiting for us, but getting down was no easy task. There were many times where I was climbing down in a crab walk position. We jokingly paid homage to Linda Blair in her stellar performance in "The Exorcist." After shuffling carefully down the mountain we met up with the rest of our group and it was decided...Onward Ho! Another adventure awaits.

Cathedral Rock was our next destination. Here the vortex is said to be feminine because it spirals inward. It is a larger rock formation than Bell Rock and more accessible. Feeling ever so adventurous, we all decided to strive for the summit. It seemed as if we were hiking for ever, a few miles can take quite along time clambering uphill on a rocky face. It is also incredible how in just a few steps the view can change so distinctly. The higher we got the cooler the air felt and the more beautiful the veiw. The sun was beginning its descent to the west when we finally reached the saddle (a ridge between two peaks). Stopping for a few minutes allowed us to ponder the amazing view and take it all in; it was simply breathtaking. Words and pictures can not do justice to this place. You could see for miles. The saddle opened up so that you could see the opposite side past the mountain. There were beautiful red rocks and even a small river. I hadn't seen running water in weeks! It is amazing those simple things we take for granted. The sight of the water itself made me feel refreshed as if I had been lost in the desert and found an oasis.

We each found our own place to sit and meditate on the day and to vainly try to remember every detail that caught our eye. Our stopping wasn't planned, but there was another small group of people who had gone on around to our final destination and we waited for them to return so we could selfishly and thirstily soak up whatever we could. while we waited we literally refreshed ourselves with water and snacks from the pack. Not much time had passed when the group returned and headed back down the mountain. Finally, we were nearing the ending of our upward climb and the excitement was almost unbearable.

After a short walk, we were there. Nestled in a carved sanctuary of red rock, we gazed in awe at the beauty of erosion and time. It was here that we again found our own place in which to sit and meditate and center ourselves. I had been meditating more frequently in hopes to feel something inside and now was my chance. I seperated myself from the others and found a rock ledge. A small table, almost altar-like slightly removed from the others. I laid down on the barren, hard rock floor and began breathing. Focusing on breath and trying to free my mind and make my body aware. It was really fascinating. I didn't specifically feel a pulsating or anything like that, but I did feel something. I felt a sense of sorrow. I justify it now as being the sorrow of Mother Earth. It was the feeling and the knowing that the Mother provides much, receives little, and sacrifices greatly. Thoughts like this started to form in my mind and a spontaneous need to cry overcame me. I allowed this emotion to wash over me and take me on a journey. A journey that lasted a lifetime in a second.

We take so much for granted on a daily basis-breathing for one. It is amazing what one can learn just by breathing and listening. After allowing my body to experience a much needed catharsis, I felt alive. The world looked more beautiful and I could see things more clearly. Each breath was honored as the cool air filled my lungs with live. It was truly a beautiful thing to be sitting in virtual solitude upon a red rock throne away from the world with only the energy of the Earth, breath, and my thoughts to keep me company. I can't fully describe what happened during that moment of meditation, but it was powerful.

I was so saddened when the time came for me to leave the sanctuary of this place. The others and I trudged back down the mountain and I was incredibly reluctant to leave. Still, there was more excitement to be had. Being inspired and interested in the new age movement and having been surrounded by it all day, we went on to the main, more commercial area of town. We browsed a new age shop and spoke to one of the shopkeepers who was very knowledgeable. I purchased a bracelet which I will describe and write about at a later date. After speaking with the shopkeeper for a short while, I noticed a box of "vortex rocks." They were pieces of the red rock that had come from the Bell Rock vicinity that this woman had ingraved with symbols. She enjoyed talking to us so much, she gave each of us a little piece of Sedona which hopefully held some remnant of the energy of the vortex. It is now a constant bedside reminder for me to maintain calm in my life.

The day wrapped up with a lovely dinner and a ride back to Mesa. What a wonderful adventure it was. We all experienced something that day and were saddened to return to Mesa, but that is life. Life is ups and downs and if we had such adventures every day, then life wouldn't seem so incredible. Sedona is a truly special place, I believe it may be a temple created by the Earth. A place of thought, growth, cleansing, and so much more. I count myself lucky that I have had to pleasure of seeing such a beautiful place. What a day it was...

Sedona-Monday Nov. 5, 2007

I woke up this morning excited about the trip; uncertain what adventures lay ahead I stuck to my morning routine. Rolling out of bed so early was a true test of human willpower, hurling myself from the warm embrace of my bed to the cold apartment took everything I had. Checking my cell phone for the correct time, I groaned in complete dismay. I was really up at 7:45 a.m.??? To the majority of the world waking at 7:45 a.m. is a late morning-for me, it is like trying to wake the dead. I rubbed the morning sleep from my eyes as best I could and thirstily drank the entire cup of water by my bedside. With a sigh of dismay at leaving my bed, I walked to the bathroom and turned on the shower.

Ahhh...there really is nothing like a good hot shower. It awakes the senses and washes away the sins from the day before. Baptizing your own life and soul in preparation for a new day, and a new adventure. The shower was over far to quickly and time was ticking away. A pot of coffee, an omelette and half hour later, I actually felt something close to a human being instead of the sleep-walking neanderthal. I hurriedly packed a lunch, filled my water bottles, and loaded up my backpack. Before I knew it I was already running late and 9:00 a.m. had come and gone.

We had been planning the trip for weeks. Four travelers, strangers in the strange desert land of Arizona. We had been here for a little over a month but barely able to take in the glory around us. Mesa (a suburb of Phoenix) is not much to look at especially when you are surrounded by strip malls and retirement communities. The Superstition Mountains and the McDowell Mountains are captivating, however, making the walk to and from work something to look forward to. Still, it is no comparison to the Red Rock Mountains of Sedona!

Originally, it was going to be an overnight stay, then a desert camping excursion, but because of financial restrictions, a simple day trip would have to suffice. After jumping into the car, we took the scenic route driving up mountains and slowly climbing in elevation. We passed areas of desert shrubs and thousands of Saguaro cacti. They were there in this harsh, dry world standing tall, arms outstretched as if to hold up the sky. Coming from the Great Smoky Mountains, I had never seen anything like these tall desert soldiers until coming to Arizona. They stand so straight and proud in this land of barren sand and sun. Growing despite the heat's best efforts to suck them dry. As we continued to climb towards our destination, the landscape suddenly changed. No longer were we surrounded by cacti and stunted shrubs, but evergreens started to appear slowly covering the view with spots of green.

Besides the scenery, the conversation in the car was as equally diverse and changing. Knowing Sedona was a place of new age thinking and healing, much of our conversation centered around new age thinking but also included music, philosophy, and the power of faith. After nearly three hours of driving (an hour longer than planned) I was awestruck and excited when I saw the first signs of the Red Rocks. My initial excitement did nothing to prepare me for the beauty and incredulity I would later experience.

We arrived at the visitors center for a pit stop and lunch. After water bottle refilling and a light lunch, we were ready to go on our first hike of the day, Bell Rock. Bell Rock is one of the four major vortexes that surround the town of Sedona. According to some research I have done online and from talking to a local new age shopkeeper, the vortexs are either termed masculine or feminine. A Vortex is an area of swirling energy generated by the earth. It is scientifically explained by areas of naturally occurring magnetism and electromagnetism. Each Vortex has a specific energy that pushes energy outward, as labelled by the masculine denotation, or inward as denoted by the feminine label. Bell Rock is considered a masculine vortex with its energy swirling outward.

Honestly, I am not a new age practitioner. I have always seemed attracted to the new age movement, but have never really done much research or devoted much time to the study of it. Still I am a big believer in the power of meditation. Before the trip I had allowed myself the luxury of taking some time to meditate, in order for me to be more sensitive to the vortexs energy and simply more aware to all the details of the adventure. So, indeed, I started my climb of Bell Rock with all my senses alert in order to detect and experience something new and exciting.

Bell Rock does actually look like a large bell. The bottom portion of the formation is very rounded but there are more jagged outcroppings toward the top of the rock. We began our journey by starting up the marked trail winding around the bottom part of Bell Rock. After walking and exploring for a moment, our party split ways. One member wanted to continue upward on a more treacherous hike while the others wanted to just sit and wait.

Always up for the challenge, I followed the traiblazer upward towards a higher area. I am a novice rock-climber and the beginning of the ascent was very steep and treacherous. Making rather good progress, I was able to maintain only a short distance between myself and the traiblazer. I was mid-way up the steepest portion when I slipped slightly. I couldn't get a strong foot hold and there was no crevice for my hands. I could not see behind me so there was no way out. I couldn't go back the way I'd come for I might get hurt and here I was stuck on a rock. My limbs splayed every which way searching for some support. My heart began to race and my mind screamed. I could feel a rush of panic in my body and my eyes betrayed my terror to the trailblazer. He was calm and didn't urge me to continue, but just walked on neither encouraging or discouraging. I stayed there for a moment, pondering my direction and trying to calm myself. After this moment of thought, my body seemed to take over. My mind had made a decision, "the only way out of this is up." Testosterone and adrenaline flooded through my veins and I gripped with all my worth, using as much strength as I could muster to clamber upward.

Looking back, I am unsure how I succeeded and conquered my fear. I was stuck and scared but something primitive rose within me and pushed me forward. Was it my inner self that urged me on? Or was it the spiraling vortex that gave me the impetus and the energy to overcome a physical obstacle. Who knows. Regardless...I made it!

After completing that portion of the journey, there was nothing stopping me. I was at the highest summit I could reach in no time. The view was indescribably beautiful. The valley of varying green and gold surrounded by these Red Rock citadels. I sat there awestruck at what my eyes were perceiving and proud of such an accomplishment. Sitting quietly and looking out at the vast terrain surrounding me, I was truly in awe at the wonder and beauty that is our planet. As I pondered things and my journey thus far, I looked over and noticed a single tree atop the summit adjacent to me. It was a short, stunted thing but beautiful and full of life. I wondered how could something make a life atop a secluded rock? I felt as the tree was me somehow. No I wasn't alone but I felt that way looking out on the land. I felt as though I was sitting where no person had sat before and that I was a life, just like the tree, atop a secluded summit. Thinking, breathing and living were my sole responsibility at that moment. I was alone and yet part of something wonderful. Sometimes there is comfort in such a feeling of loneliness. It is humbling but empowering. Here I am World sitting atop this throne looking out...

Today is my first posting on this, my very first blog! I'm new to this but have recently recommited myself to writing more often and journaling in order to preserve the rare, mundane, and wonderful moments that happen in my life everyday. A place, a space for me to remember each day in all its glory whether good, bad, or ugly. It doesn't matter-it's MY life!