Sao Paulo
Wednesday
Another quick domestic flight and I was in Sao Paulo Wednesday midday. I love that the Sisters of Mary are so easy to spot in their grey garments, dresses and head things (Im sorry I have no idea what its called). Sister Terezinha, a petite and adorable Korean woman picked me up and we went directly to the school. This place had originally had the same concept as the girlstown in Brasilia but for boys. Unfortunately, after a lot of complications with permission, laws and construction, it remained a small school for poor children in the community. It also has a doctor and dentist office for community members who dont have access to health care, along with 2 chapels, bedrooms for the sisters and guests and 2 kitchens and eating areas.

There are about six classrooms, ranging from ages 3 to 5. You can assume logically, the kids are utterly adorable. It's hilarious to see that in any country, culture and language, kids are basically the same. Interested in everything, learning a million things at once, and realizing their boundaries (and freedoms). These kids all wanted to take my hand and share with me their world there in the classroom. They showed me their legos and blocks and illustrated how to build a castle. Most of the boys were too distracted by play fighting with fake weapons made of paper.

In the evening, Sister Terezinha, another Korean woman who cooks at the school (Christine) and 3 young women who work and live there as well, took me for a little field trip and we drove around to see some famous parks and historical places. While we ate dinner together, I learned that the 3 young girls were all graduates from the school in Brasilia. One is working here in the doctors office, one is the secretary and the other is a teacher for one of the kids classes. These girls are like family and the Sisters are like their mothers. It was so cute to see how they interact and I could sense the trust and admiration. It seems like they don't do a lot that most young girls do but they seem happy. They said that the Sisters provide food and housing and necessities but that they earn money working and are allowed to go out and do stuff. One girl told me that they went out dancing one night but Sister Jecunda was worried and didn't sleep so they havent gone again. It's interesting how different their lives are from most Brazilian girls their age who are so occupied with dancing, partying and boyfriends. These girls are very nice, respectful and grateful but certainly not serious. They laugh all the time and joke with each other and the Sisters. Especially the Korean Sisters who speak Portuguese but still have a strong accent.

Even though I was interested in the girls, I didn't ask too much because I know they came from difficult situations and didn't want to ask the wrong thing. Interestingly enough, they were the same with me. They were very shy but each was pushing the other to ask me questions they clearly had discussed prior. Who was I and what relation do I have to Father Al? Am I married? Have I seen the other schools in Korea or the Philippines or Guatemala? To make things easy, I gave them a recap of my life story and of my travels this year, explaining how I eventually arrived to meet them. They all seemed pretty relieved so I assume I answered most of their questions, including "No, I'm not married."

Thursday
Today was my last day in Brazil and I was a true tourist. Christine and Sister Terezinha took me all over the city; to museums, plazas, cathedrals and a huge market. People were right, Sao Paulo is definitely different than Rio: more organized, more city attitude, more space (the roads are bigger and it doesnt seem as crowded). And Cariocas are wrong when they always say that there's nothing in Sao Paulo. Most of Brazils history is here! The spot where Pedro yelled "Independence or death!" and started the battles for independence. A cathedral that's been visited by the Pope. Also, there's a lot more international business here and I haven't seen this many Asians (a ton of Koreans and Chinese) since California! In fact, we went to a Korean-owned buffet restaurant and ate for free. I like walking with Sister Terezinha because for once I'm not the center of attention for being gringa. Kids are always looking at her in her outfit and saying,"mom! Look!"

Now it's "tchau Brazil" and "HOLA Mexico!!" I can't believe this is it, a few more days and I'll be HOME!!! But first, some authentic tacos and chilaquiles and enchiladas (if this diarrhea goes away of course... That's another story I'm sure no one wants to know about!), Aztec pyramids and the Cathedral of Guadalupe and another one of Uncle Al's girls schools in Chalco!!! THEN Thanksgiving feast, Ricardos visit, Arizona, then my birthday, the list is endless and only full of good things (as long as we avoid topics like job and money haha).