Day 6: The Painting Is Done!

Today, Friday, our focus was on finishing all of the painting projects we've been working on throughout the week. And, with a great deal of elbow grease and a lot of singing, we did in fact finish painting the exterior of the dormitory, the main building with the refectory and auditorium, and the interior walls of two other buildings we just started this morning, which are pictured left! The psychologist on staff, Kleber, shared with us at lunch that green is the color of hope in Brazil, which is why they specifically chose this color. Plus, several members of the team finished staining the interior of the window shutters and two exterior benches. Teca and the staff were truly surprised by what 12 Virginians (and a handful of Idahoans) could accomplish in the space of five days. Gordon, Teca's husband, shared that he thought our work was extraordinary -- which is always nice to hear. And in due Brazilian time, the wood for the new roof arrived at 4 pm this afternoon. They had placed the order to arrive Wednesday, then were told Tuesday that it would be here by Thursday, and hey... by day's end on Friday it was! Teca has promised to send pictures when the roof is finished over the course of the next few weeks.

Tomorrow, we will be hosting a special day of fun for about 100 of the children connected to the program here and in Liberdade as well as from the church we worshipped at on our first night in Belo Horizonte. Every one is really looking forward to spending time with the children -- they have been the highlight of the week. It will be hard to say goodbye to our new friends. I am pictured left with Diana from our team and Victor Gabriel. He is quite spirited and very loving.

Now, we're off for an evening of celbration as we head to a restaurant in the downtown area that serves Brazilian BBQ. As an aside, the food here has been truly amazing and I can't wait to make the pao de quejo (that's cheese bread -- and it is out of this world!) once I'm home. It is served every morning with a piping hot cup of cafe con leche. Much love from The Shade & Fresh Water Project!