Friday, November 28, 2003
wednesday continued
the work with vfc children continued with a wonderful art therapy session, which denise, margaret and ben attended, with magnificent results, and in the afternoon ben rejoined the 'men'' while the ladies went to the market - a fantastic mix of sight and smells which enabled them to buy the ingredients for a lovely curry created for us by Narendar for our evening meal.
we ended the day with a trip to the local supermarket to buy our rations for tomorrow, and to try to get some connection leads and a mouse for the computer here which is giving us some trouble in our communication.
we also bought two boxes of chocolate sweets to give to the merchant's two men, both of whom live in the vila.
the work with vfc children continued with a wonderful art therapy session, which denise, margaret and ben attended, with magnificent results, and in the afternoon ben rejoined the 'men'' while the ladies went to the market - a fantastic mix of sight and smells which enabled them to buy the ingredients for a lovely curry created for us by Narendar for our evening meal.
we ended the day with a trip to the local supermarket to buy our rations for tomorrow, and to try to get some connection leads and a mouse for the computer here which is giving us some trouble in our communication.
we also bought two boxes of chocolate sweets to give to the merchant's two men, both of whom live in the vila.
wednesday continued
it is difficult to describe how you feel as you work in this place and it becomes your 'norm'' for a short time - on the one hand you start to make friends and everyone seems to be going about their day in the same way as others would anywhere in the world, albeit with no roads, open sewers and electric wires literally hanging down in the middle of the path so you have to go around them to avoid being electrocuted (the tv and press were outside our property today because the governor of Parana State was visiting, as they are considering giving the vila a proper electricity supply, and he wanted publicity for his good works - well, plans anyway). When you go under the surface though, every person has a story to tell which touches your heartstrings and makes you think so seriously about the lifestyle we enjoy in the west.
we ate a workmans lunch with the other vila workers in a caff today, which was 89p each, for beef, rice, spaghetti, vegetables, beans (of course) and drink - mark reckons it would cost 20 pounds per head in bristol!
it is difficult to describe how you feel as you work in this place and it becomes your 'norm'' for a short time - on the one hand you start to make friends and everyone seems to be going about their day in the same way as others would anywhere in the world, albeit with no roads, open sewers and electric wires literally hanging down in the middle of the path so you have to go around them to avoid being electrocuted (the tv and press were outside our property today because the governor of Parana State was visiting, as they are considering giving the vila a proper electricity supply, and he wanted publicity for his good works - well, plans anyway). When you go under the surface though, every person has a story to tell which touches your heartstrings and makes you think so seriously about the lifestyle we enjoy in the west.
we ate a workmans lunch with the other vila workers in a caff today, which was 89p each, for beef, rice, spaghetti, vegetables, beans (of course) and drink - mark reckons it would cost 20 pounds per head in bristol!
wednesday
another very hot day, but fortunately not as hot as the previous day, so we were able to work very very hard again. we put in a ten-hour day today, and now have all the foundations laid for a major push to get the job we hope to do, finished by friday evening. we mixed and carted concrete by the barrow load for some hours, after burying the new water system, making a lintel above our new kitchen window, and getting the toilet to flush for the first time in several months - if ever. as we have now finished digging, we should not uncover any more rubbish, which has obviously just been left in the ground where it has been dropped. we put all bits of wood and other articles (including our empty coca cola bottles) outside on the roadside, and within minutes it is all taken away by the vila's residents. we try in vain to work out what they could possibly use it for, but we have been supplying the vila with stuff we can't use all week and they have been accepting it and making use of it all.
we have to 'borrow' electricity from the people next door, as we don't have any ourselves, and we take loads of firewood to some of our 'ámigas' - for example one girl of 21 who lives in a shed and feeds her two beautiful children on R$2 per day (about 40p) using her woodburning stove to cook on.
another very hot day, but fortunately not as hot as the previous day, so we were able to work very very hard again. we put in a ten-hour day today, and now have all the foundations laid for a major push to get the job we hope to do, finished by friday evening. we mixed and carted concrete by the barrow load for some hours, after burying the new water system, making a lintel above our new kitchen window, and getting the toilet to flush for the first time in several months - if ever. as we have now finished digging, we should not uncover any more rubbish, which has obviously just been left in the ground where it has been dropped. we put all bits of wood and other articles (including our empty coca cola bottles) outside on the roadside, and within minutes it is all taken away by the vila's residents. we try in vain to work out what they could possibly use it for, but we have been supplying the vila with stuff we can't use all week and they have been accepting it and making use of it all.
we have to 'borrow' electricity from the people next door, as we don't have any ourselves, and we take loads of firewood to some of our 'ámigas' - for example one girl of 21 who lives in a shed and feeds her two beautiful children on R$2 per day (about 40p) using her woodburning stove to cook on.
'tuesday continued
all around the carrying of sand, stones topsoil and cement, even helped by the builders merchant's men, non-stop until 6 pm. a long day with much fun, and pretty exhausting!
as soon as we stopped work it began to pour with rain, with a terrific thunderstorm which lasted for about 2 hours.
we went out as a team with no translators for our evening meal, and in the rain got fairly lost on our way to our favourite restaurant 'boi gourdo'' - if anyone can tell us what that means please e-mail the answer back to us!!!
all around the carrying of sand, stones topsoil and cement, even helped by the builders merchant's men, non-stop until 6 pm. a long day with much fun, and pretty exhausting!
as soon as we stopped work it began to pour with rain, with a terrific thunderstorm which lasted for about 2 hours.
we went out as a team with no translators for our evening meal, and in the rain got fairly lost on our way to our favourite restaurant 'boi gourdo'' - if anyone can tell us what that means please e-mail the answer back to us!!!
log for tuesday...late due to technical problems with computers down here. sorry folks.
todays the day for fixing loos, plumbing moving sand and gravel. for rebuilding, not knocking down any more!
losing weight in the hot sun as we work is all part of this rich experience! sweat pouring down faces which are glowing red, clothes covered with dirt - thats the days scene for the men at the vila.
hot !!! 32C.
denise and margaret have been with the voice for change children at their house - despite the language barrier, although they provide us with thw words, our pronunciation leaves much to be desired. our format so far has been looking atr a book together, with Margo translating, and then re-reading it with much discussion again and again. a vital part of the children here getting ahead is to help them learn english as a second language, something most people will give anything to have. today we also did clay modelling work, which showed great creativity and concentration from the children. this was followed by showers, lunch at 12 and off to school at 12.30 - they go to school for the afternoon shift, until 5 - although the teachers have a different set of children in the morning too!!!
the afternoon in the vila was spent with the group of ladies who come for Narendars craft and study session, with their children, who spent their time colouring quietly.
todays the day for fixing loos, plumbing moving sand and gravel. for rebuilding, not knocking down any more!
losing weight in the hot sun as we work is all part of this rich experience! sweat pouring down faces which are glowing red, clothes covered with dirt - thats the days scene for the men at the vila.
hot !!! 32C.
denise and margaret have been with the voice for change children at their house - despite the language barrier, although they provide us with thw words, our pronunciation leaves much to be desired. our format so far has been looking atr a book together, with Margo translating, and then re-reading it with much discussion again and again. a vital part of the children here getting ahead is to help them learn english as a second language, something most people will give anything to have. today we also did clay modelling work, which showed great creativity and concentration from the children. this was followed by showers, lunch at 12 and off to school at 12.30 - they go to school for the afternoon shift, until 5 - although the teachers have a different set of children in the morning too!!!
the afternoon in the vila was spent with the group of ladies who come for Narendars craft and study session, with their children, who spent their time colouring quietly.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
message for ben from ETC
hope you are having a good time.
ETC was very quiet without you!
caleb says - sorry i didn't get to see you before you left, hope you enjoyed the football ( and the rugby).
we are going to play thorpe st andrew at basketball soon.
hollie says - i have new pink fluffy socks, i'll buy you a pair for christmas! keep smiling love ETC
hope you are having a good time.
ETC was very quiet without you!
caleb says - sorry i didn't get to see you before you left, hope you enjoyed the football ( and the rugby).
we are going to play thorpe st andrew at basketball soon.
hollie says - i have new pink fluffy socks, i'll buy you a pair for christmas! keep smiling love ETC
hi ben
as you know, friday was children in need day.
we all went to see teacher idol at lunchtime. it was really good.
mr fish won, he was singing elton john 'your song'. some of the others were realy terrible and it was really funny. we're all proud of what you are doing.
gemma, jenny, matthew, shane, james, and leah.
as you know, friday was children in need day.
we all went to see teacher idol at lunchtime. it was really good.
mr fish won, he was singing elton john 'your song'. some of the others were realy terrible and it was really funny. we're all proud of what you are doing.
gemma, jenny, matthew, shane, james, and leah.
message from the uk
hi mark
lovely to read your message. sounds like you are are going to come back fit and tanned - had to scrape ice off the car this morning here!!
we are all thinking of you quote 'i want my daddy: daddy bin in 'zil a lawng, lawng, toime!!' (guess who?!!)
we are all ok, apart from colds - northern eagle will land on wdenesday!!
praying for you and missing you loads
love jen and the girls xx
hi mark
lovely to read your message. sounds like you are are going to come back fit and tanned - had to scrape ice off the car this morning here!!
we are all thinking of you quote 'i want my daddy: daddy bin in 'zil a lawng, lawng, toime!!' (guess who?!!)
we are all ok, apart from colds - northern eagle will land on wdenesday!!
praying for you and missing you loads
love jen and the girls xx
Monday, November 24, 2003
The Dream team's first monday in very hot weather!!
We are all well and continuing to work hard as a team.
As usual we started with a team briefing and prayer.
Today Denise and Margaret went to our ''House of Gold'' to help with our children. In the Morning they played with the children, role play using a Zoo animal book and assisted with colouring books! After Lunch a great deal of washing and drying of clothes was carried out to help the VFC Staff! Denise and Margaret were then treated to a make-believe tea by the children as a reward!
The Lads were on a heavy duty day!
Steve continued to finish off the roof, set a new kitchen window and make good various walls and holes with bricks concreted in by him and well set.
Simon started the key plumbing work today which is likely to last a couple of days. He will establish two kitchen sink areas and ensure two toilets are in full working order. Using trenches dug by other team members full piping was set by Simon to link all the key areas tomorrow. We cannot emphasize enough how something as simple as water working makes such a difference.
Keith Mark Ben and Malcolm adopted pit pony position and in the heat dug the key trenches for piping and grass play areas for eight hours! Ben and Mark also laid the drainage pipe which will drain the play area for the children. We laid the foundation for top soil to arrive tomorrow.
We have all collapsed back to Skip and Debbie's house for a meal to be cooked by them.
Our love and best wishes to you all and we hope you are all safe.Mark
Dream team
We are all well and continuing to work hard as a team.
As usual we started with a team briefing and prayer.
Today Denise and Margaret went to our ''House of Gold'' to help with our children. In the Morning they played with the children, role play using a Zoo animal book and assisted with colouring books! After Lunch a great deal of washing and drying of clothes was carried out to help the VFC Staff! Denise and Margaret were then treated to a make-believe tea by the children as a reward!
The Lads were on a heavy duty day!
Steve continued to finish off the roof, set a new kitchen window and make good various walls and holes with bricks concreted in by him and well set.
Simon started the key plumbing work today which is likely to last a couple of days. He will establish two kitchen sink areas and ensure two toilets are in full working order. Using trenches dug by other team members full piping was set by Simon to link all the key areas tomorrow. We cannot emphasize enough how something as simple as water working makes such a difference.
Keith Mark Ben and Malcolm adopted pit pony position and in the heat dug the key trenches for piping and grass play areas for eight hours! Ben and Mark also laid the drainage pipe which will drain the play area for the children. We laid the foundation for top soil to arrive tomorrow.
We have all collapsed back to Skip and Debbie's house for a meal to be cooked by them.
Our love and best wishes to you all and we hope you are all safe.Mark
Dream team
Day 4, another day of rest, the report is late because of technical problems on this side of the world.
Computers are the same the world over.
It was a chance for the team to get together and plan the next few days of work and how we achieve the best results. Everybody was able to contribute and the plans are looking good for the community centre.
After the planning meeting we took a trip on the local bus to the city centre "hippy market", the transport system is regarded as one of the best in the country, but just like being at home the buses don't seem to run on time. The market was a heaving mass of humanity with hundreds of small stalls selling all sorts of locally produced goods. Many of the team bought presents for family and friends in the market.
Some of the team returned to the original children homes to see the site and for some, put to rest the pain of the hold up and removal of the children. It is a beautiful location looking out over the jungle, but it is isolated and simply not worth the risk of further hold ups.
Everybody attended the evening service and although we were unable to speak the language it was evident God was present. We were witness to seven people making a first time commitment during the service.
Time to sign off, the work party is ready for another day in the vila, again sorry for the delay.
Steve and the team
Computers are the same the world over.
It was a chance for the team to get together and plan the next few days of work and how we achieve the best results. Everybody was able to contribute and the plans are looking good for the community centre.
After the planning meeting we took a trip on the local bus to the city centre "hippy market", the transport system is regarded as one of the best in the country, but just like being at home the buses don't seem to run on time. The market was a heaving mass of humanity with hundreds of small stalls selling all sorts of locally produced goods. Many of the team bought presents for family and friends in the market.
Some of the team returned to the original children homes to see the site and for some, put to rest the pain of the hold up and removal of the children. It is a beautiful location looking out over the jungle, but it is isolated and simply not worth the risk of further hold ups.
Everybody attended the evening service and although we were unable to speak the language it was evident God was present. We were witness to seven people making a first time commitment during the service.
Time to sign off, the work party is ready for another day in the vila, again sorry for the delay.
Steve and the team
Saturday, November 22, 2003
Day 3, the day of rest. Saturday started early, all the men were awake at 6:30 for the start of the final of the rugby world cup (England v Australia). What a great start to the day it was with England only just winning in extra time 17-14.
After a week of traveling and hard physical work under the burning hot sun we all needed a rest. We spent the most of this morning thinking and talking about what we were going to do for the coming week (team meeting).
The rest of the morning was spent looking around some of Curitiba's sights. This included a visit to the Opera house and the Botanical gardens.
However, the high point of the day was when we took the children and house parents from the children's home to the zoo for the afternoon. This is a small zoo and like all the other things we visited was free of charge.
The team is now complete with the arrival of Margaret Green from England this lunchtime. Margaret will be working alongside Denise with the children's and the house parents.
signing off for a quiet evening
Ben and the team
After a week of traveling and hard physical work under the burning hot sun we all needed a rest. We spent the most of this morning thinking and talking about what we were going to do for the coming week (team meeting).
The rest of the morning was spent looking around some of Curitiba's sights. This included a visit to the Opera house and the Botanical gardens.
However, the high point of the day was when we took the children and house parents from the children's home to the zoo for the afternoon. This is a small zoo and like all the other things we visited was free of charge.
The team is now complete with the arrival of Margaret Green from England this lunchtime. Margaret will be working alongside Denise with the children's and the house parents.
signing off for a quiet evening
Ben and the team
Friday, November 21, 2003
Hello again at the end of day two for the Brazilian Dream Team. It has been another day of hard work at the community centre in the 'Vila'.
Simon and Steve have become expert in roof construction having built from scratch a new roof on part of the building. This will eventually become a kitchen area for use by the volunteers, parents and children who visit the centre.
The Wrecking Crew ( Malcom, Mark, Ben and Keith) have worked skillfully and tirelessly to clear a derelict building from the site to make room for a garden/play area for the children.
We have been assisted by Narender who has been an absolute star as our translator and guide. Narender is a full-time volunteer for VFC and is the main worker at the Community Centre. As a result we are developing a good relationship with the ironmonger and the local people.
We are all constantly challenged by the poverty that surrounds us and the friendliness of people. We some times wish there was a magic wand we could wave to make everything OK....but God does not always work like that.
Denise and Margo (administrator and superstar for VFC) spent the day at the children's home working with both house parents and children which went well.
We all feel immensely privilidged to be a part of the work here and value your support and prayers. We send you our love.
So until tomorrow.......
What a wonderful and gracious God we serve!!!!
Simon and Steve have become expert in roof construction having built from scratch a new roof on part of the building. This will eventually become a kitchen area for use by the volunteers, parents and children who visit the centre.
The Wrecking Crew ( Malcom, Mark, Ben and Keith) have worked skillfully and tirelessly to clear a derelict building from the site to make room for a garden/play area for the children.
We have been assisted by Narender who has been an absolute star as our translator and guide. Narender is a full-time volunteer for VFC and is the main worker at the Community Centre. As a result we are developing a good relationship with the ironmonger and the local people.
We are all constantly challenged by the poverty that surrounds us and the friendliness of people. We some times wish there was a magic wand we could wave to make everything OK....but God does not always work like that.
Denise and Margo (administrator and superstar for VFC) spent the day at the children's home working with both house parents and children which went well.
We all feel immensely privilidged to be a part of the work here and value your support and prayers. We send you our love.
So until tomorrow.......
What a wonderful and gracious God we serve!!!!
message from uk
Mark and the rest of the team
Great to get your messages and to hear you got a Brazilian football shirt!! Me and the girls are missing you loads but we are ok. Packed lunches and dishwashers-aargh!!
Keep well and smiling, dream team!
Lots of love
Jen xxx
Mark and the rest of the team
Great to get your messages and to hear you got a Brazilian football shirt!! Me and the girls are missing you loads but we are ok. Packed lunches and dishwashers-aargh!!
Keep well and smiling, dream team!
Lots of love
Jen xxx
Here is a message for ben from the Year 11 pupils in our Tutor Group. I have précised it somewhat!
Hi Ben!
This is Caspar, Kaylee, Carley and Louise!
We're pretty great!
We just had a smashing time doing tests (GCSE science modular exam)
Have fun.
Keep safe!
Love us!
================================
Having just downloaded the latest additions to the diary, here is further message for Ben from me ....laraine hake....
================================
Hi Ben!
Thought you would like to know that I am downloading the Voice for Change quick hit diaries so that we can read them in tutor time and have them on the notice board in S136.
I am so proud of you and what you are doing......................
My prayers are with you all...........stay safe!
Lots of love, Laraine Hake
==================================
Hi Ben!
This is Caspar, Kaylee, Carley and Louise!
We're pretty great!
We just had a smashing time doing tests (GCSE science modular exam)
Have fun.
Keep safe!
Love us!
================================
Having just downloaded the latest additions to the diary, here is further message for Ben from me ....laraine hake....
================================
Hi Ben!
Thought you would like to know that I am downloading the Voice for Change quick hit diaries so that we can read them in tutor time and have them on the notice board in S136.
I am so proud of you and what you are doing......................
My prayers are with you all...........stay safe!
Lots of love, Laraine Hake
==================================
hello to simon and the rest of the team
it was great to hear from that you all arrived safely, even if a couple of you got no sleep on the plane!!
hope the football was good and that the work goes well as you get started.
we are missing you already and look forward to more news.
its raining here in norfolk by the way so think of us as the sun shines in curitiba.
lots of love sian
it was great to hear from that you all arrived safely, even if a couple of you got no sleep on the plane!!
hope the football was good and that the work goes well as you get started.
we are missing you already and look forward to more news.
its raining here in norfolk by the way so think of us as the sun shines in curitiba.
lots of love sian
ben
pleased to hear you arrived safely. sorry you can't be at our pizza night tomorrow but i'm sure you are enjoying the food in brazil!
we are thinking of you.
sara
pleased to hear you arrived safely. sorry you can't be at our pizza night tomorrow but i'm sure you are enjoying the food in brazil!
we are thinking of you.
sara
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Through the day we have all sorted and carried heavy timber which can be recycled for house building.
At the end of a very hot and stuffy day we collapsed into out transport to visit some local DIY centres to gian further ideas on more equipment needed! Most of which will be delivered tomorrow for the next day's work.
A very rewarding day for the ''DREAM TEAM''
love and best wishes to you from us all in Beautiful Brazil!
At the end of a very hot and stuffy day we collapsed into out transport to visit some local DIY centres to gian further ideas on more equipment needed! Most of which will be delivered tomorrow for the next day's work.
A very rewarding day for the ''DREAM TEAM''
love and best wishes to you from us all in Beautiful Brazil!
Malcolm , Ben and Mark in the afternoon began to dig drainage foundation for the play area that the children will eventually have built for them.
Malcolm, Mark Denise and Margo cleared three remaining areas of rubble timber and bricks and where possible we gave recycled materials for local people which was well appreciated.
Cement and other mixing materials arrived at lunchtime and the Team started to make cement for the roof preparation.
Simon and Steve with assistance began the roof foundation work in boiling hot conditions.
Cement and other mixing materials arrived at lunchtime and the Team started to make cement for the roof preparation.
Simon and Steve with assistance began the roof foundation work in boiling hot conditions.
We commenced the manual work immediately and today in very hot and dusty conditions we have achieved the following;
Steve and Simon demolished an entire out building and with assitance cleared the site of dangerous rubble and timber.
Keith and Ben have ''cleared' two very unpleasant toilet out houses and made them safe in terms of sanitation.
Steve and Simon demolished an entire out building and with assitance cleared the site of dangerous rubble and timber.
Keith and Ben have ''cleared' two very unpleasant toilet out houses and made them safe in terms of sanitation.
the ''dream team'' enjoyed a typical Brazilian breakfast early morning ready for the hard labour ahead!
We set off with equipment to the community centre at the 'VILA'' - the weather very hot! i.e 30 factor mimimum.
We set off with equipment to the community centre at the 'VILA'' - the weather very hot! i.e 30 factor mimimum.
message from the team to all our supporters
crawled into bed at 1245 am this morning.
the weather is beautiful this morning, and we are just setting off to do a
very full day in the favela, demolishing rottn buildings and clearing our
site today.
love
keith ..... www.quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com
crawled into bed at 1245 am this morning.
the weather is beautiful this morning, and we are just setting off to do a
very full day in the favela, demolishing rottn buildings and clearing our
site today.
love
keith ..... www.quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com
message from curitiba to all our supporters....
Curitiba
November 19th
An historic day- George W Bush flies into London and the Brazil quick hit team fly out just a few minutes later. Steve and Ben spot Air Force 1 tucked away in a refueling bay but alas Mr Bush didn’t hang around to wave us off.
Simon and Mark have an eventful flight sitting next to a acting-out sleepwalker with paranoid tendencies, the rest of us get a pretty good sleep.
The sunrise is magnificent as we approach Sao Paulo and all are amazed at this vast city which seems to spread for miles and miles as far as the eye can see.
The three hour wait for our connection gives us time to aclimatise a bit and for a few of us to enjoy an excellent massage, just what was needed after such cramped flying conditions.
Our arrival at Curitiba is to a modern, efficient airport, beautiful sunshine and Margo and Carlos to meet us.
The next few hours turn out to be busy indeed.
A quick wash and brush- up at Skip and Debbie’s where we will be staying for our time in Brazil.
Next to eat a real meal when the majority of the team get introduced to eating the Brazilian way, meat carved from skewers at the table, salads, fish and unusual veg until we can manage no more.
A visit to the city center follows as we try and exchange money at the bank. The first bank decides not to open to us and the second doesn’t have enough money and has to send out for more. Meanwhile Narender takes the men to get bargain 5* Brazil shirts to wear at the match tonight- great excitement!
Next to visit the building which needs renovation at the favella. Narender is so positive about the possibilities and explains how she would like to make it usable for the children and their mothers. We are dazed and not a little overwhelmed at the enormity of the task ahead. A lot of discussion takes place about possible plans and priorities for the next two weeks and a way forward is proposed. All can’t wait to get started so Narender can begin to extend already begun here.
Finally we pay a visit to the new house to see the carers and children so clearly appreciating their new environment.
The children have grown so much in every way, for me it was the highlight of the day to see them again. To see the difference all the care they are receiving is making to their lives is overwhelming.
The majority of our team is joining the ranks of the Brazil supporters for the football experience of a lifetime as I sit and write the first entry to our diary.
Our love goes to all our family and friends, we really appreciate your support and miss you lots.
Curitiba
November 19th
An historic day- George W Bush flies into London and the Brazil quick hit team fly out just a few minutes later. Steve and Ben spot Air Force 1 tucked away in a refueling bay but alas Mr Bush didn’t hang around to wave us off.
Simon and Mark have an eventful flight sitting next to a acting-out sleepwalker with paranoid tendencies, the rest of us get a pretty good sleep.
The sunrise is magnificent as we approach Sao Paulo and all are amazed at this vast city which seems to spread for miles and miles as far as the eye can see.
The three hour wait for our connection gives us time to aclimatise a bit and for a few of us to enjoy an excellent massage, just what was needed after such cramped flying conditions.
Our arrival at Curitiba is to a modern, efficient airport, beautiful sunshine and Margo and Carlos to meet us.
The next few hours turn out to be busy indeed.
A quick wash and brush- up at Skip and Debbie’s where we will be staying for our time in Brazil.
Next to eat a real meal when the majority of the team get introduced to eating the Brazilian way, meat carved from skewers at the table, salads, fish and unusual veg until we can manage no more.
A visit to the city center follows as we try and exchange money at the bank. The first bank decides not to open to us and the second doesn’t have enough money and has to send out for more. Meanwhile Narender takes the men to get bargain 5* Brazil shirts to wear at the match tonight- great excitement!
Next to visit the building which needs renovation at the favella. Narender is so positive about the possibilities and explains how she would like to make it usable for the children and their mothers. We are dazed and not a little overwhelmed at the enormity of the task ahead. A lot of discussion takes place about possible plans and priorities for the next two weeks and a way forward is proposed. All can’t wait to get started so Narender can begin to extend already begun here.
Finally we pay a visit to the new house to see the carers and children so clearly appreciating their new environment.
The children have grown so much in every way, for me it was the highlight of the day to see them again. To see the difference all the care they are receiving is making to their lives is overwhelming.
The majority of our team is joining the ranks of the Brazil supporters for the football experience of a lifetime as I sit and write the first entry to our diary.
Our love goes to all our family and friends, we really appreciate your support and miss you lots.
Ben :-)
sara baker has asked for updates on behalf of the ETC youth group...messages to follow when received.......
the team :-)
congratulations keith and team for going to brazil, thank you for all that you do during this trip for VFC, our children and the work in the favella. have a great time
nigel brookhouse - director of vfc international
sara baker has asked for updates on behalf of the ETC youth group...messages to follow when received.......
the team :-)
congratulations keith and team for going to brazil, thank you for all that you do during this trip for VFC, our children and the work in the favella. have a great time
nigel brookhouse - director of vfc international
Wednesday, November 19, 2003
ben and mark
ben , I've just heard from your school as they are keen to follow your progress, so expect a few postings of encouragement.
mark, ...jenny and family have been added for updates...so hopefully you'll all be waking up and putting on your first update soon.
gill :-)
for all others interested remember to add www.quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com to your favourites to follow the trip... or email me if you want to be notified each time an entry is made.
ben , I've just heard from your school as they are keen to follow your progress, so expect a few postings of encouragement.
mark, ...jenny and family have been added for updates...so hopefully you'll all be waking up and putting on your first update soon.
gill :-)
for all others interested remember to add www.quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com to your favourites to follow the trip... or email me if you want to be notified each time an entry is made.
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
just realised its nearly 10 pm and keith and the team should have boarded the flight to curitiba.
anyone who knows keith will know he's usually late but as you cant stop the plane i'll assume you've all started the journey.
looking forward to your first update.....
gill :-)
anyone who knows keith will know he's usually late but as you cant stop the plane i'll assume you've all started the journey.
looking forward to your first update.....
gill :-)
Monday, November 17, 2003
if friends and family of those going on the trip email me, gill@dovetrust.com the technology will advise you of any updates that have been made to the quick hit diaries.
you will need to check your own emails regularly to be notified of these updates.
alternatively you can add the diary blog to your favorites quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com its your choice.
......hope this makes sense if not contact me with any queries you may have!
you will need to check your own emails regularly to be notified of these updates.
alternatively you can add the diary blog to your favorites quickhitdiaries.blogspot.com its your choice.
......hope this makes sense if not contact me with any queries you may have!
Monday, November 10, 2003
mark hall, steve and ben rayner, margaret green, malcolm wilson, simon pearce and keith and denise colman are all preparing to fly the 8500 km to curitiba, parana, southern brasil, to work in the new community centre bought by voice for change for its social action programme at 'vila unaio', a favela town on the outskirts of the city.
voice for change was set up to help the street children in brazil by providing them with homes.
periodically groups from england and canada visit brazil to do any task required from building and manual work to entertaining the children.
the next quick hit team is all set to go to brazil.
leaving next week on 17 november the team will be keeping you up to date with their latest news.
recently the children living in the houses had to be moved following a frightening armed raid in their home. the uk team of voice for change international sent out keith colman to meet with nigel the director of vfc from canada and the brazilian team to help purchase a new property and regroup after this tragic incident.
in a very short time a new property was purchased and the children have been rehoused to a more secure area.
this trip will be following the progress of the team as they set about renovating the new property.
to follow the diaries... log on here regularly ......
periodically groups from england and canada visit brazil to do any task required from building and manual work to entertaining the children.
the next quick hit team is all set to go to brazil.
leaving next week on 17 november the team will be keeping you up to date with their latest news.
recently the children living in the houses had to be moved following a frightening armed raid in their home. the uk team of voice for change international sent out keith colman to meet with nigel the director of vfc from canada and the brazilian team to help purchase a new property and regroup after this tragic incident.
in a very short time a new property was purchased and the children have been rehoused to a more secure area.
this trip will be following the progress of the team as they set about renovating the new property.
to follow the diaries... log on here regularly ......
