Morning: Each morning we boarded a van to head to our assignment with the other volunteers. Both trips I made to Brazil I was assigned to the orphanage at the Madre Teresa complex that also housed a daycare center and a home for abandoned elderly women. I helped with whatever tasks were needed, including bathing the children, reading to them, playing games, making craft projects and keeping them entertained so the staff could complete other tasks. Cleanliness was very important, so we mopped the floor frequently and every day I helped do mounds of laundry by hand.
Some days we played outside, but if it was very hot we stayed inside the cool walls of the orphanage. We helped the children eat their lunch and put them to bed for naps. The mornings went by quickly we stayed so busy and the van picked us up at lunchtime.
Afternoon: Several afternoons a week we had Portuguese lessons from an excellent teacher from the local university. We also took trips to local historical sites to learn about the unique culture of Salvador. There was also plenty of free time to explore on our own, visit with the other volunteers or walk to the beach about 15 minutes away. A local mall within walking distance offered another opportunity for exploration. There were museums nearby and the neighborhood was very safe for walking.
Evening: In the evening after dinner, we had lectures on local history and culture by a university professor and samba or capoeira lessons. These were early in the evening so there was time to explore the nightlife in town afterward. On Tuesday nights there was always drumming and dancing in town and there were often soccer games between local teams.
Highlights: I went to Brazil the first time with no idea of what to expect. Even though I worked at the orphanage with people who spoke no English, everyone was very helpful and easy to work with. The time spent with the children was very special and our contribution was greatly appreciated by the orphanage staff and the children loved having so much attention.
I fell in love with both the people and the culture of Salvador. So much, that I returned six months later, requesting to be placed at the orphanage again. It was wonderful to see the staff and many of the same children again. I learned so much from putting myself far outside my comfort zone and being accepted readily by people who couldn’t understand my language, but were the most welcoming, loving people I’ve ever met.