Let The Children Come to Me

Boa Noite!

Here we are in the middle of the week--I can't believe how quickly our visit is passing.  I've been feeling under the weather for most of the week and today I felt particularly wiped out (no need to be alarmed, I'm doing fine tonight). The last thing I felt like doing this morning was sitting in the house doing nothing, so I accompanied Sue and Ann to the creche to sing with the littlest kids.  We visited one classroom of Pre-K aged kids and there was this rambunctious little girl who stole the show. She knew everyone's name and ordered people to sing and dance with her. Adorable.  The kids loved singing with us and their smiles could make even the most depressed person smile.

While working with the orchestra yesterday, we determined they don't read modern music notation, that is to say, they learn by ear and on solfegge syllables (Think Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music).  As I was trying to be accommodating, I wrote the syllables to 'Soon and Very Soon' into the music for them to learn.  Only when I got to rehearsal this morning did it occur to me they may not use; moveable Do'.  Sure enough, in Brazil, Do is supposed to reference the same pitch, no matter what the key. Therefore, it is fixed Do. Ugh! (Yes, I go to NotreDame...) Fortunately, the music teacher here understood what I attemtped to do and taught the children as they are used to learning. In fact, the band is rehearsing now (It's 8:30PM here) and they sound good!

I was feeling really tired by 1:30, despite a very nice nap.  I teach three classes, back to back, in the afternoon and I just knew it was going to be hard to push through.  To my delight, the 2:00 kids were active, attentive, and energized.  As a teacher, I can tell you first hand its REALLY tough to teach when the people you're standing in front of want to be somewhere else.  To try and give 100% of yourself  (or whatever amount of energy you have in a day), only to be met with blank stares can take all the wind out of your sails. It was such a blessing to have these young kids give back the same amount of energy I was giving them.  I am so proud of their work ethic and their talent.   It gave me enough energy to keep working until 5:00.  My voice was more tired than my mind, but I was able to make it!!  To see a child light up when they perform gives me all the energy in the world.  That's why teachers do what they do, right?

After class, we attended Mass and watched our friend (Sue's godchild) Eugenio dance Capoiera.  I never knew singing and instruments were a part of Capoiera too!  It was really cool to watch Eugenio and other boys from our classes practice their craft.  I am so proud of them!

More work is to be done tomorrow- it's our last full day of classes until dress rehearsal on Friday!  Time sure does fly.  Please continue to keep the kids in your prayers.  They are working really hard and I think they're going to be fabulous Friday night!

Love, 
 Jamie

More cute creche kids.  Our startlet is closest to me. 

2:00 superstars!! (No, I'm not biased just because
Edna is in the group!)