I wanted to add that picture because I've been so overwhelmed with the warmth and love I've felt from every one of the people involved with these projects. I know when we leave for the airport today, there will be many tears, mine included. Years ago, when I first began coming to Brazil, God put tremendous love in my heart for the people, and after I adopted my 4 Brazilian children, each time I leave, a big chunk of my heart remains in this beautiful country.
This week, while we've been here, there have been protests in many of the large cities, including Sao Paulo and Brasilia, our gateway city. World Cup Soccer is coming next year, and the citizens are protesting the government spending. I cannot blame them--for a long time there was virtually no middle class in Brazil, though it's growing. Our tuba player, Douglas (a pediatrician, and extremely helpful on this trip, as we've had a few minor medical problems--not me, thank the Lord) said though he lives very near to PIB, it took him 2 hours to get here the other night because of the protesters in the streets of Curitiba. Every country has its disgruntled complainers, but getting to know the Brazilian people as I have, what touches me the most is their warm hearts.
Friday, as I wrote before, was the day of the flood, but Saturday was the most beautiful day! We even had to wear sunglasses all day. This was the day of the big Winter Concert, in the Canal da Musica Auditorium. Many different instruments were featured by the classes of kids who play them, but the big celebration was the donated instruments. Think I mentioned before that we brought 2 cellos, 4 violas, 5 violins, several trumpets, french horns, and stacks of books, reeds,valve oil, rosin, strings, and peg oil, you name it, if it's used to maintain or repair an instrument, it was piled on the table.
A few of the donated instruments |
Horn mouthpieces, valve oil, strings, rosin, peg wax, shoulder rests, various other donations from the GMP group. |
Some of the Brazilian music teachers preparing for our Saturday morning concert at Canal da Musica |
Dave, our cellist, spent much time repairing everyone's stringed instrument. |
Saturday afternoon was shopping, after a lunch trip to the food court at Crystal Mall, walking distance from our hotel. These food courts serve great meals! There are buffets and "choose it yourself" pasta bars. My mouth waters at the thought of their risotto dishes.
Andre, our wonderfully helpful bus driver, attended all of our concerts. |
I want these in my garden! |
We went back to the district where we had the great pasta lunch the other day, to do our "souvenir" shopping, in the 1 1/2 hours we had free before the evening concert. While the rest of us bought little remembrances of our time in Curitiba, including many items with the Parana Pine trees on them, Camp, of course, bought DONUTS!
My stand mate, Matheus, from the projects, now also plays with PIB church orchestra. His story will be told in another blog. |
A few of the musicians for the Saturday evening concert at PIB. |
More strings! What a joy to be able to play with these children who LOVE their instruments, and also love Jesus! |