As I write this I happen to be laying in the sun at Minas Tênis Clube in Belo Horizonte, Brazil! It is so amazing here and I would love to tell you all about it but my job is to tell you about the lovely time we spent in Recife.
On the second day there we were practically dragged out of bed. The team was exhausted from what seemed like never-ending flights and bus rides. The first thing we did that day is eat probably the most flavor-filled breakfast of our entire lives. There were so many interesting foods, therefore a very large variety of tastes. It was the first meal we had (not including the “meals” we had on the planes and airports) that didn’t include a wonderful dessert that left our taste buds wanting more.
We continued to make a lot of bracelets, especially for Shelton and Pedro. I found that those two little boys were by far the cutest, sweetest and brightest little boys I will ever have a conversation with. They left everlasting imprints on my life as well as the rest of the team’s.
Later that day we walked to another part of the beach. It was there that we all piled into a boat. It wasn’t just an ordinary boat and if there were words to describe this very cool and interesting boat, I would definitely describe it. I guess I will let the pictures that the team and the coaches took do their job for that part. We took two stops on the boat. The first stop was at a very small but beautiful church. We all walked inside and took a “tour” of it. At the front of the church were three tombstones, there were about eight rows of benches for the people to gather on Sundays, and there were many open windows and the doors were open to anyone and everyone. The next stop was at an incredibly small beach which happened to have clay right below the surface of the sand. This particular clay made your skin soft and smooth and the team instantly fell in love. Even a few girls took handfuls to bring back home. I am sure there are many pictures of eight clay-covered girls!
Before we left the beach house for another long bus ride and another three hour flight to Belo Horizonte we ate another extravagant meal at the beach house, packed up the bus and said goodbye to all the wonderful people we had already met. It was harder for us all than anyone thought it would be. It wasn’t long until we were back at another airport for another flight!
About three hours later we met our host families at the Minas Tênis Clube. We discovered that the families were so kind, welcoming and very touchy feely. Each of us got automatic hugs and kisses on the cheeks. They grabbed our bags for us and packed and stuffed them into their cars. When Lara and I got to their home they showed us our room and immediately began making us food. I would have to say it was the best grilled cheese sandwich I’ve had.
It was a long, exhausting but amazing day and it was insane how much we were able to experience. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this trip has to bring us.
Thanks to WVBA and our parents and all the amazing people here for making it happen.
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