The Goodbyes :(

I can't believe are final few days at the base have come to an end and the goodbyes have already started. It is amazing how much of a family we have become with all of the people in the community and especially the ones we have been working with at the YWAM base. I am really sad to see another amazing global trip come to an end.

When we arrived home from Santos we decided that taking Marcello and his wife Vera, as well as Thiago and his wife Ellen to go see their favorite Sao Paulo soccer team play live. Matt, my intern and I, began the day with Thiago spending two hours on the bumpiest bus ride of our lives into downtown Sao Paulo. The trains were on strike that day so we doubled our trip by having to take the bus. We had to stand in line amongst many crazy soccer fans and battle through trying to buy 12 tickets to the game. I am glad that we bought tickets ahead of time because when we made it to the game, the line up was about a km long. We made the trek back to the base, just in time to pick everyone up and do it all over again, at least the second time the train was back in action.
I have never seen a group of more excited fans, than those of Brazil. The streets were packed, and people were selling food and yelling Portuguese at as as we walked by. Venders were throwing jerseys and flags in our faces, and police stood with huge shot guns everywhere. Definitely a different scene then what you would see in Canada. The game itself was insane. The European games that you see on TV that are crazy, are nothing compared to this league. The fans were chanting, dancing and singing the whole time, and when our team scored (twice) the entire place went wild. The look on Marcello and Thaigo's faces the entire time were priceless. They were so excited to be there and so grateful that we were able to do that for them!

Thursday we continued working on the soccer field that we laid down, and even did some rain dances to pray for rain. The grass that we laid is dying for rain, but luckily it rained that night and is starting to look better.
Last night we hosted a goodbye party for the people at the base and some of the local kids that we have gotten to know pretty well. It was a huge hit. We made hot dogs, and had watermelon, pineapple, chips, cookies and popcorn. Everyone was really excited and we had a great time. We ended the night playing Xbox Kinect, dance central which is this crazy game where two people battle dance routines. It was so so fun! It was a great way to end our time here.

Today was the final day of the soccer tournament that we have been helping out with. The kids have improved so much and it was really exciting to watch them all battle for gold. All of the medals that were donated now have homes in many of the hard working kids that we have been working with. Handing out medals to such deserving kids was amazing. After we were invited into one of the homes of the kids we met, and were surprised with another huge going away party. Their were homemade posters, and a huge cake. There were also strobe lights and music. Another great party!

Saying goodbye has been awful so far. I just cant believe how many amazing people we have met, and how generous everyone has been to us. Even when they do not have a lot to give us, they come up with something amazing. We are so lucky to have met so many wonderful people.

As for us, we are heading to UbaTuba tomorrow for our 3 day debrief and then we are heading home on Thursday. I have learned so much from the people and the Brazilian culture and I cant wait to share my pictures and stories with everyone at home.

Thank you so much for your beautiful comments and for all of the support. It definitly helps hearing your kind works and encouragement during the hard days! I really appreciate it.

Mrs. Brown, Derek showed me your email and thank you so much! I am glad that you have been able to follow our adventures through my blog!

Love you all xoxo

Tory