2010-10-18
I am sitting on the sofa of my host parents’ bedroom, the only corner of the apartment that has reliable internet. All the windows and doors are open, and the long flowy curtains which frame their balcony sway softly. The warmth here lulls me to sleep at night; I don’t even use my sheet. My...
Read More2010-10-18
When given times of reflection here, I have often struggled with one idea: what is a home? What does it mean to truly feel at home? There are so many little questions that I have based upon this one topic, as I stay with a family that I don’t really know much about, in a...
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The two week training in San Francisco was truly phenomenal. I have learned firsthand from powerful leaders from both the private and public sectors. I am talking about people who have worked with Bill Gates and President Kennedy. And within the NGO world, I met with founders and CEOs directly. I write this only to...
Read More2010-10-15
When I wake up in the morning the first sound I hear is the comforting hum of the fan, my indestructible line of defense against mosquitos and sweat baths at night, as long as the power is on. Next my ears tune to the roosters next door that act as the alarm clock I cannot...
Read More2010-10-14
After roughly 28 hours of traveling we arrived in Salvador and immediately began to soak up our surroundings. We sat down for dinner at a few plastic tables situated in the middle of a street, but before we could order we were engulfed by a political parade. I honestly thought that the stories about Brazilian...
Read More2010-10-14
On Saturday I did something a little different than usual- I went to Church. Well actually, I went to many Churches. But the most interesting and perhaps the most ironic part of the experience was that none of us (my host mother, my host sister and me) believe in the Catholic Doctrine—but I will get...
Read More2010-10-14
We stepped off the plane into the dark. Our feet fell on rocky asphalt rather than cushy airport carpet. African impression: dark and rough. Although I have been here for almost a week, I haven’t found my way out of the dark. Yes, the sun has come up, but it radiates over an unfamiliar land....
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