Well technically we left Brazil behind us last night... and once again we are surrounded by waves and clouds as far as the eye can see :)
Salvador was filled with everything from a huge elevator that connects the upper and lower cities and women wandering around in traditional Candomble dress who will either try to sell you something, bless you or curse you... There were people sleeping on doorsteps, others selling necklaces, water, coconuts, anything you would want to buy and more. While I was there I got to play with kids at a kindergarten where they are trying to get the children off the streets and I also got to drink pure guarana (which is one of the ingredients in red bull...) I saw huge beautiful churches, took a ferry to explore an island and watched Capoeira dance mock fighting. There was music everywhere. Art covered the streets, whether it was paintings being sold or the graffiti on the walls. It was exciting place to be, though my friends here and I were glad to be able to say that we made it through without getting either sick from eating food bought off the streets or robbed by the people around us...
Today as we leave it all behind it seems like it was all just a dream, but it was a good one... Now we have exactly a week before we arrive in Africa. There is a lot to do before then! I am excited about a bible study that may be starting up tomorrow night- that would be very good. Other than that I will just be hanging out with some girls on my hall and getting some homework done... I've been mostly staying out of trouble- probably the craziest thing I've done (so far) is buzz my hair off for Neptune day. I'm still getting used to it, occasionally my head gets a little cold, but it's really a lot of fun and I like it *grin*
Soooooo that's about it at the moment! What about you? I want to hear all your stories too- so send me an email sometime (brwakeman@semesteratsea.net ) and let me know what you've been up to!!! I would love to hear from you :-D
I hope that you are all finding reasons to smile today... May God be blessing you in everything you do.
With smiles and hugs,
-Bethany
"Give honor to the LORD for the glory of His name,
Worship the LORD for the splendor of His holiness.
The voice of the LORD echoes above the seas,
The God of glory thunders.
The LORD thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty."
-Psalm 29:2-4
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