Praiano

I solely dedicate this blog to Praiano. I worked at Praiano 5 days a week, every single night on the beach, and I will forever be in their debt. Words can't even describe the impact they had on me. They were my family for 2 amazing months. Luís, the director, looked out for me as if I was his own player. He always talked highly of me and he told me that I was the best volunteer they have had both through skill and as a person. That meant a lot. He always gives the kids a speech before every practice and I finally asked one of the kids what he says. The kid told me that he tells inspirational stories of his own life and positive things that encourage the type of people they are capable of being. The kid, Carlinhos (he looked after me from day one) explained to me that Luís is his "IDOL". One day I hope to hear these stories for myself. Marquinhus, the coach... there is so much I could say. Our interactions were amusing and I did not expect to get as close to him as we did.

The guys and girls that I played soccer with, truly taught me more than I could ever teach them. I grew friendships with them and strong bonds with some of them. I also had a lot of the boys crushing on me and saying they love me all the time, so it was entertaining to see what new tactic of communication they came up with. Oh man do I remember the youngen days... haha. I could go on forever about how much these kids showed me a brighter perspective, but explaining won't do them justice. I will be seeing them all again, and I had not planned on becoming so attached to them. Thursday was my last day with the older guys and the girls. It is a tradition in soccer that when someone finishes their time, they must celebrate the time spent by all running into the water. I had not planned on going into the water at Icarai beach because it is the most polluted water I have ever encountered. It smells like sewage, contains brown waves, and is everything but pleasant. The coach and all the guys had been plotting all practice about how they are going to get me into the water (it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what they were snickering about). I had to play soccer with the girls, so a bunch of them waited until the girls practice was done to get me in the water. The girls joined in on the plot. I realized that I was extremely out numbered and finally said "let's do this". We all ran towards the water and jumped in. Three of the guys wanted me to swim and go under, so we spent about thirty minutes running around the water as they were trying to get me under. I was drenched from head to toe, but they never successfully got me under the water. Splashing water was the best they could do. I smelled like I had gone number 2 in my pants, that is how bad it was. No lie, it is the worst. It was worth the sacrifice and I knew I would do it for them. Afterwards, I got invited to play soccer at a college close by with some of the guys/girls (she was one of the brazilian girls that went to the Michael Jackson favela).

Anyways, friday was my last day with the younger guys and it was another great ending. I did not have to go into the water again, thankfully. I played with everything I had. This is the hardest goodbye I have ever had to do and I had the time of my life. I really, really, really, don't want to leave them. Praiano will be missed very much!!!!!

Luís is the one holding the ball below:

This is Carlinhos below: 

We are doing the thumbs down because.... (I copied his explanation to me) *I thought it was awesome*

• because in the movie, GLADIATOR, the imperor do the thumbs down to the gladiator kill the enemy­ ­
• and, in brazil, we call ATACANTE MATADOR the foward player of do many goals (in english FOWARD PLAYER KILLER)­ ­
• and i am a Foward Player Killer, the Gladiator haha­ ­
• and in every goal of i do, i do the thumbs down­ ­
• and, i take photos with the thumbs down, and my friends (the girls, mainly) do this in the photos­ ­

The picture below is after we all went into the water:

This is Thiago below: One of my favorites, he is an amazing little guy. Dennis gave him a jersey when he left, and he wore it the next day, he loved it. He was always smiling.