Yesterday morning we (the new group of volunteers) were introduced and oriented to our Home Base, Home Base staff, Brazil, the Brazilian culture, norms and realities. We also learned about our placements and most importantly safety.
The staff each introduced themselves, sharing openly their personal histories and lives. They are all Brazillian (even though this a U.S organization) and seemed really thrilled that we all chose to come to Brazil. All in all, they are extremely helpful, fun and interested in each of us which creates a nice environment to learn and live in.
For the placements, we all will be working with children in different capacities and in some cases with older women who are in the same programs. The placements are at schools, daycares, orphanages, and an agency that looks after children with HIV/AIDS. We will each work for 4 hours a day which seems easy compared to what I am used to. We saw pictures, heard a little bit about the history of the each organization and what to expect all contributing to our greater understanding of Brazil. Also, they want us to be well informed and prepared. By the end of this part we were all anxious to start.
Safety was also talked about quite a bit and they have many things in place to ensure our safety. So for all of you who so kindly worried about me and kept telling me to be careful, don't worry I will be-- and there are alot of staff watching out for all of us.
Safe, secure and happy in Brazil,
Susan/Sue/Susie
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