just living.

Blogging is super hard on this trip because I have very limited access to internet so when I finally go to blog, it's so overwhelming. I will try to give the highlights though.

My homestay family is pretty awesome. I have a mom and a little brother and they're really starting to feel like family. The other day my mom did my laundry so I could play soccer with my brother because he's missed me while we were on a trip.

The trip was three days in Sao Francisco do Para learning about forests and farming near the forest (Chop-and-drop instead of slash-and-burn). Basically, it's better for the soil, the forests, and the crops and these farmers are learning how to do it better and better with the help of an organization. It was pretty cool.

I've been learning a lot of Portuguese in class and at home.

Saturday I went to the market and the mall and bought a hammock!!! (or rede in portuguese) It's pretty sweet!

I've walked and taken buses around the city which is a little scary but pretty awesome. 

I'm learning so much here. I do miss people at home which is kind of hard sometimes, but all in all it's good. 

This next three weeks should be REALLY awesome! I'm going to Manaus and Santarem and will be on a boat for like 10 days and at a rural homestay for 3 or 4 days. 

On another note, my friend Stacey is in Chile this semester and she wrote a blog post that echos a lot of what I'm feeling here and she actually took the time to eloquently write it out. So if you want to check it out, go for it! http://staceywillis.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/a-life-not-wasted/

I guess that is all for now. I am currently uploading photos to a flickr but it is taking a LONG time but when they finally are up they will be here. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahguinn/

Boa tarde!!!