Love is the Universal Language

21 April 2010

Written by Maria

Message for the Day: Love is the Universal Language

Today began with my usual walk to school with Ann entertaining me along the way. We were at school for 4.5 hours and one highlight of our day occurred when 2 of our students played a little concert on their recorders for us. The 2nd highlight was at the end of our last class when the students hugged and kissed us goodbye. Ann claims she hadn’t kissed that much since her courting days but I suspect she is just being modest. Unfortunately for Ann there would be no ice cream since the little shop in the school was closed!

After class, the majority of us went to Vidiguera where we visited a Vasco da Gama school museum, an olive oil factory and a winery. Our day concluded with an incredible feast at our local hotspot Luis da Rocha which we enjoyed in the company of Barbara and Hugo our gracious hosts.

So, what have I learned on this trip to Beja? Well:

- Kathleen pretends to be sweet and demure but she is really a cougar with an extensive knowledge of many things. She is so smart
- Rocky is a human garbage can with an incredible, intelligent curiosity about the world
- Leon is a lover of foursomes…in golf, with a kind and gentle spirit and who has great compassion and takes extra time with troubled children
- Ann is greedy when it comes to ice cream and chocolate but has been my biggest cheerleader and constantly makes all of us laugh by entertaining us with her crazy antics
- Reita is a friendly librarian who likes to “do the Dewey” but underneath it all is incredibly strong, brave and courageous woman. And,
- Joe is unflappable both as a leader and, he has turned out to be a very thoughtful and funny team leader who works very hard to ensure that we have a wonderful experience here in Beja.

As for me, I’ve discovered that:
- I am braver and stronger than I ever imagined
- Heartbreak and disappointment are best gotten over by giving of yourself to others
- There is still, despite much negativity in this world, many kind, thoughtful and generous people.