Wrapping Thing Up in Recife

Our time has finally come to leave Recife and start the travelling portion of the trip. it is crazy how fast time flies by and i can't believe that we have been here for 5 weeks already. It has been such an amazing time here in Recife and we have had some awesome experiences learning about the wonderful Brazilian culture and working with the CCJ to help people in the favelas. I am so happy that Cindy talked to me about going on this study abroad. I wondered how it would be and if it would be worth all of the work and saving. It WAS. Completely. Being here for this long and participating in Brasilian life in priceless. I have loved it.

Yesterday we spent the day visiting a museum that represented what we will be seeing soon in the cities we are about to visit. It was a museum depicting the lives of the men and women who live in locations that are mainly African American and those that follow certain beliefs that involve a lot of dancing and spirits possessing them in order for the spirits to be glorified here on earth (something to that extent). They are beliefs brought from Africa that were very looked down upon, and still are in many places in Brasil, but are now being accepted in certain places. It was an interesting place where I learned more about what I'll be seeing soon.

Later today we'll be having a last picnic with Carbonel who was the director at CCJ. It'll be our last goodbye        before we leave. Then Cindy and I will have some packing to do. I can't believe that we're past the half way point.. kinda sucks :/

 Standard clothing worn by people in the Northeast, especially in the Sertao.

 ceremonial clothing for their dancing worship.

When people pray to their spirits and are healed of something they make a wooden representation of themselves or what was healed in thanks for the healing.