SMIC GENERAL CHAPTER BRAZIL

By the hand of Mo. Immaculata

2010-06-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

On June 8th, Sr. Johanna and Sr. Magdalena presented this magnificent piece of handiwork of the young professional, Elizabeth Tombrock to the Sisters in Santarem to add to the historical collection. It was in excellent condition. Notice the fine details of the table cloth-- a masterpiece of skilled perfection and grace!

Luz, Camera, Acao!

2010-06-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Bom dia! How I miss saying that now. Here in Hawai'i we say "aloha kakahiaka"!

Just a few last things...
*Here are some videos (amateur, but now I know to move a bit more slowly when filming) that I wanted to copy to your DVD's, but was technologically challenged, so couldn't.

*If you open your photo DVD with Windows Live Photo Gallery (not Windows Media Player), the pictures should show up chronologically with a little introduction screen to each day's events.

*To enjoy these video clips, remember, if you press the CTRL button on your computer along with the + sign, you can enlarge the viewing screen.

I'll begin this sharing, with this song that still plays in my head...Come on, sing along!

Lasst uns miteinander, lasst uns miteinander
singen, loben, danken dem Herrn!
Lasst es uns gemeinsam tun:
Singen, loben, danken dem Herrn...

From the Amazon story-- a beautiful choreography of the forests come alive...

Here's the "boi carinhoso"! *Listen carefully for "SMIC-ey"!

And, the final procession of our Lady with the people!

Other "Action" and songs...

from Brazil- after the elections...

from Namibia- the offering of the Gospels...

from Asia- after communion reflection...

Here is our musical priest, Fr. Amarildo (and Sister Francisca)...

Do you know your river geography? (an original composed and sung by Sr. Magdalena)..

Don't forget to exercise and do the "hokey pokey"!...

or...to swish your skirt!

Caught in a heavy downpour one evening, we couldn't believe it, but were so glad that Sr. Livramento does have friends everywhere! even in Santarem!...

Everyone is probably talking about the Tapajos and Amazon rivers. But, you really need to be here to experience it. Can you recognize the voices? (Sr. Joanne Riggs and Sr. Grace Zhang)

I am shy. But, being with all of you brought the best out of me. So-- courage forth to all of you-- don't be afraid to sing, dance, compose, just be...to learn a different language-- to speak with your hands, smiles, heart... E Haku I Ka Pu'u Wai..."Weave One Heart"...

And, my "favorite"--- sunrise at Alter do Chao. I didn't know the big monkeys on the other island woke up at the crack of dawn until Sr. Janis Jordan explained it to me. So I missed getting their vrrrooooommmmm sound. But, here, sit back and enjoy the early morning sounds and the fish jumping in the Tapajos...Adieu! Peace and blessings always!

Centennial Celebration- Santarem!

2010-06-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words...

As I end my secretarial work, the task is now turned over to you. Yes, I know you shall continue to share the rich stories that I've only touched the tip of in these blogs, newsletters and photo collages. As we all go forth, tell the stories of...Santarem, Alter do Chao, of the little Sister with great creativity who designed the centennial logo. Tell the stories of international guests, and how in this 100th year, the two provinces of Brazil are sending their missionaries to the USA on the GLT team, as well as how Germany and the U.S. continue to be where there are needs to be addressed. Tell the story of the 100 orphans, the penitential washing of the feet, the unique sounds of offertory praise from Namibia, the Gospel read in different languages...the crucifix Mo. Immaculata prayed before. Tell the stories of generosity, faith, hope, commitment, sacrifice, deep joy. Tell the stories...Celebrate your stories!

Peace and prayers! Thank you for this grace-filled opportunity to serve! Tchau! Paz e bem! Aloha!

Closing Ceremony

2010-06-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Under the beautiful blue sky of Alter do Chao, and to the accompaniment of the musicians of Our Lady of Saude (Health) church, the SMIC's gathered for their last time in this little village for the Closing Ceremony of the 2010 General Chapter.
Our presider for the Mass was the bishop of Santarem, Bishop Esmeraldo Barreto de Farias. In his homily he spoke of how God is the first missionary, having come to visit us. We in turn, are called to "visit" others and to proclaim the good news to them. SMIC has done this magnificently across lands and seas reaching out from Santarem to Germany, USA, Namibia, Angola, Taiwan, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Salvador and Belem! During the mass, Bishop asked for volunteers to share what touched them the most during the Chapter. Sr. Janice Jolin spoke on the unity as an international congregation that the SMIC's share with each other, and for mission. Sr. Livramento spoke of the concerns over ecology and other needs of the world that arose in discussions, and the commitment the congregation has to work for the good of all. Bishop even recorded their responses! :)

Here are a few other views higlighting the different parts of the mass. From the beginning of mass, to the presentation of the decisions of the Chapter from Sr. Veronica to Sr. Livramento (introduced by Sr. Ana Angelica and Sr. Janis Kordan as translator), to the presentations from the provincials to the outgoing and incoming GLT.

After anointing the Chapter delegates, to go forth and continue to share God's blessings, Sr. Livramento invited the Chapter observers to step forward and be anointed as well. *Note, the design on the banner was created by multi-talented

Sr. Wandeleira (Belem Province)!

From Sr. Veronica's closing words (translated by Sr. Janis Jordan: the "Exhortation and Blessing" of St. Francis-

"Let the Sisters be always mindful that they should desire one thing alone, namely, the Spirit of God at work within them. Always obedient to the Church and firmly established in the Catholic faith, let them live according to the poverty, the humility and the holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, which they have solemnly promised to observe."

Presentation of the Gospels by the Namibian Sisters.

Celebracion Sao Jose!

2010-06-06T02:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the celebration of Sao Jose! A wonderful feast and celebration commemorating the history of the SMIC at their 100 years anniversary in Santarem, and of the Amazon people. Everyone was told to dress up-- colorful! Sr. Gizele, principal of Colegio Santa Clara and her staff prepared everything in detail for this amazing celebration-- from the set up of the place, to the program, to...as seen here, even serving us dinner! Here's Sr. Gertrud with a staff member, as well as two girls that performed for us the "Cassava" dance-- telling the history of this root, that has found so many uses in feeding us!

It was an exciting time also to see old and new friends. Recognize them?

It was also a recycle-conscious event! Look at this soda plastic bottle turned into a stalk of corn! After eating the corn puffs placed inside, we used it to collect our trash as well!

And in the finale, our Lady appears! Yes, hope for the people through the faith brought to them through the early missionaries, Dom Amando and Mo. Immaculata. Fireworks were set off galore!

Caranhoso has been performed for over ten years!

It's become an exciting tradition- the folk tale of the ox! *oops! my video won't post. :(

2010 New General Leadership Team

2010-06-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to:

the new General Leadership Team:
Coordinator General: Sr. M. Livramento de Oliveira
Assistant Coordinator: Sr. Janice Jolin
Councilors: Sr. Gertrud Elsen
Sr. M. Petronila de S. Soares

We thank Sr. Veronica Lee and Sr. Maria Jose A. De Lilma for their GLT service of 2004-2010.

Blessings upon all!

Tonight-- rooftop celebration. On Sunday, June 6th we'll take the formal picture of Chapter members. Adieu!

A New Coordinator General!

2010-06-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

With Grateful Hearts....

We thank our former coordinator general, Sr. Veronica Lee, and we give thanks to Sr. M. Livramento de Oliveira for saying "YES" to carrying on the SMIC flame to usher in a new age of God's holy work entrusted. Peace and blessings to all!

Srs. Rosivonete and Sr. Beatrix getting ready for the next round of elections tomorrow!

"Sound" Bits and pieces

2010-06-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

The two videos are a bit out of chronological order as I wasn't able to get them uploaded on various attempts. They may take a while to buffer and open. But, if you wish to hear the different languages singing birthday greetings to Sr. Erika and Sr. Helena...it is well worth the wait. The other video has some local music-- during the opening ceremony procession, that accompany the provinces' procession to the Saire Square.

Veni Creator Spiritus!

2010-06-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Solemnity of the Corpus Christi. From Fr. John's homily we heard that there is a painting in his friary of the procession of Bishop Dom Amando during his visit to the Cururu people. Upon announcement of his coming, the people of Cururu went home to clean their houses in welcome of this missionary. "On Feb.11, 1924, Bishop Dom Amando said 'I have been recevied many times with much luxury, but never with as much warmth and love as the Cururu people have shared." Fr. John pointed out that the friar accompanying Dom Amando said that it was because of the SMIC Sisters-- the Sisters who were the heart of the mission-- that the friars were able to share life to the mission!
From the Church of Alter do Chao Corpus Christi procession...

The SMIC Procession! ...and adoration, as Chapter delegates continue in personal and collaborative prayer before elections begin.

With angels' voices, let us join our German Sisters in the recessional song from Mass this morning!

Santarem Honors SMIC's

2010-06-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

On Monday morning, May 31st, the Sisters were invited to a celebration honoring the 100 years of SMIC presence and service in Santarem. The mayor of the city, as well as the civil council presented Sr. Petronila and Sr. Maria Jose with the following metal plate and certificate. There were speeches, poetry, and song to celebrate the city's gratitude.

May 27: Cultural Night

2010-05-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

"Bem vindos! Bem vindas! Irmaois e Irmas das comunidades do povo de Deus! Welcome, Welcome! Brothers and Sisters of the communities, people of God!" (from a song)

Tonight, under the fullness of Brother Moon, we celebrated the beauty of our different cultures. After dinner on the terrace, the rooftop became the stage for sharing our stories....

From the U.S.- we had a good work out with the "hockey pockey" and "YMCA"! And from Germany, Sr. Franzeska led the group on a wonderful "hike" to the tune of Wanderleia. Sr. Magdalena impressed everyone with the catchy little song she composed naming the rivers of the world, and her "love of Germany the best!"

From Asia, we were graced with the melody of the fragrant jasmine flower; a folkstory about a couple fighting over an eel that led to a marriage dispute! ("They need counseling," Sr. Agnes added!) We also had a fan dance by Sr. Veronica; tai chi sword demonstration by Sr. Catherine, and tai chi by Sr. Agnes.

From Belem, we had a presentation on caring for the earth, with environmental bags presented to all made by Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Belem to remind us that at the heart of nature is life.

Salvador and Belem later joined together to show us the very lively quadrilha- folk dance!

And, we got a glimpse into life in the different tribes of Namibia through the Sisters sharing their stories!

A visit with Bishop Johannes, ofm

2010-05-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Today we took a 3 hour trip (one-way) to Obidos along the Amazon river to visit with Bishop Bernardo Johannes Bahlmann, OFM. At Santarem pier, our adventures began...

The Amazon is the largest green and fresh water reserve in the world! One of its rivers, the Negro River, has an average depth of 230 feet-- enought to submerge a 20-story building! Here is one of the dwellings of the people living along the Amazon river.

Welcome to Obidos!

Around 250 years old, Obidos was a former Portuguese fort. The area is 182,000 square kilometers- 1/2 the size of Germany! There are 253,000 people living here. In 1950, it had its first Bishop. Bishop Johannes, is the present bishop. He is the first German Franciscan to become bishop.

Meet another of the friars! And the wonderful women who prepared our lunch meal (and afternoon snacks before departure)! Fish lasagna or meat lasagna anyone?... :) Coke or a cool guarana cola?

The Bishop's residence and friary. In their small chapel, they have bricks supporting the cross in front of the area map of Obidos. Bishop Johannes said he has 20 priests from 8 different countries! that he is working with. Truly, a work of the church--"built brick by brick...living stone."

Bye bye Obidos! Tchau!

E Na Lima Hana: By Our Working Hands

2010-05-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

On our first day together, Sr. Joanne Riggs led the Sisters in opening prayer using the Hawaiian song: "E Na Lima Hana." This is a song about "Our Working Hands." *Here we show Sr. Anne, our facilitator enjoying a bit of break with Sr. Bernadette. In the next picture is Sr. Mary, our other facilitator. Wonderful t-shirt!

Today's post is dedicated to those who work in front, and behind the scenes...

Sr. Wanderleria...our fabulous "commuting" technical support (and her brother) to clean computer viruses, give all kinds of support, etc !

Here are some of our typing translators...and, our speaking translators...Sr. Maria, osf (left); Joanne, Maryknoll Lay Missionary (right)

Of course, our paper runners (passers-out) and microphone runner are very important too!

And, our technical department-- sound system and battery changer for the translation equipment and microphone.

From the secretariate, Sr. Beatrice; and our time-keeper...Sr. Klara!

And, over all-- (I keep her busy as well!), Sr. Petronila, distributing our tickets to Obidos!

We praise the Lord, for those who keep our environment nice and clean as well...for all other helping hands! Thank you! Obrigada!

Natureza em Harmonia: Nature in Harmony

2010-05-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

"The indigenous people have a lot teach us...of how to listen to the rocks, flowers, and others...of how to live together, to be sustainable, to heal ourselves...Please be small cornerstones of courage." -Fr. Amarildo, homily May 24th

Praised be the Lord, through sister light, who leads our way...

All creation, praise the Lord!

Alter do Chao is a truly beautiful peninsula! In the morning one wakes to the songs of yellow birds, green little ones, red-topped head ones, black vultures... In the afternoon, after a long discussion, it seems as if the Tapajos river is part SMIC as well, as the boats take on a life of their own, dialoguing with each other over the "clapping of the waves" of the rising tide. Here we share-- natureza em harmonia, nature photos courtesty of Sr. Paulina Tsai.

Come, walk and sing with us!

2010-05-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

*Remember- CTRL and the + key to makes picture images bigger. *When opening videos, "buffering" takes time. Please be patient. The videos do play, and we hope you enjoy hearing and seeing a bit of our life in Santarem.

When Sr. Helena (Belem province) one day said, "This is really slow." referring to the internet, I had to laugh. Now I knew the "practice of patience" was affecting all countries in varying degrees of what "slow" meant! :)

Another quick upload of more videos (10-15 minutes to upload each versus the hour or more, spent waiting before)...Video themes: "Learning Portuguese"; "Opening Ceremony Procession."
Windows of opportunity! *I rely now on Sr. Wanderleria's modem when she comes from Santarem. Come, walk with us and sing along!

SMIC Spirit in Santarem:Video Clips

2010-05-24T04:35:00.000-07:00

Ola! Here are some videos I am able to quickly upload because I borrow Sr. Wanderleia~modem. They are from our Mass celebrating St. Francis, The Boi- cow fish of the Amazon (endangered), singing Tota Pulchra in the Cathedral of Santarem at the burial place of Dom Amando, birthday and feastday songs, etc. Please allow time for buffering to download. Enjoy our SMIC spirit in Santarem! More, next time she comes from the Colegio (to borrow her computer. :)

Free Day! Exploring and Enjoying God's Blessings!

2010-05-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a free day to enjoy God's blessings in the beauty of Alter de Chao, nicknamed by the people "The Amazon Carribean." With Sr. Helena serving as the guide for this group, Some Sisters chose to take the public bus to Santarem to visit the cemetary, diocesan museum and the Colegio Santa Clara, etc.

Others, took a boat ride to the next island. Where Sr. Paulina found this creation of bamboo. The one on the right is a symbol of the mythological caipora, hobglobin that lives in the Amazon. Another myth is of the mula-sem-cabeca, a mythical priest's mistress who becomes a headless mule on Fridays and runs about frightening people. Perhaps we can all relate to one or the myths from our own cultures!

Some, strolled around the peninsula town, taking in a bit more of the history and the people.

And, some went swimming! Sr. Petronila then ordered a most delicious lunch of fresh catch from the Tapajos River for her group.

We also welcome Sr. Mary Persico who arrived as our second facilitator!

In the afternoon, an adventurous group under the coordination of Sr. Livramento, went river dolphin searching. Sr. Beatrix was lucky to see the elusive pink dophin. For the rest of us, a fin, or a bit of head or back off the grey dolphins surfaced above the water to tease us. Yes, there are different types of dolphins in the different parts of the vast river.

What was most amazing, was sitting in the middle of the huge river, with the motor of the boat turned off and listening in stillness to the absolute calmness of the expansive river we were on and sky above, for the "snorts" of the dolphins-- their breathing. All eyes would turn to the direction of the sound hoping to see a jump of the dolphin. But, they seemed to be on their "free day" just playing among themselves in two's or threes underwater for the most part.

Truly, today was a "heaven on earth" day. And with the experience of attentively listening for the "breath" of the dolphins, we look forward to celebrating Pentecost tomorrow and the beginning of looking at Chapter proposals. "Come Holy Spirit!" Breathe within us; blow through us, that Your Reign and love may be felt and known throughout all mission corners of the earth!

A Morning at Alter do Chao

2010-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Note: To increase the viewing size of the pictures on this page, hold the CTRL button on your computer, along with the + (plus sign).

Bom dia!

I'm glad for this little bit of faster internet connection to give you a little glimpse outside of the Chapter room. So, let's begin our little tour of the Chapter members life at Alter do Chao...

By 7AM we have Mass in the morning. Sometimes it is held at the Church of Our Lady of Health; one time we celebrated Mass on the terrace of the hotel.

After Mass, is breakfast- usually about 7:50AM. And then, Chapter sessions begin with morning prayer at 9AM.

After supper, the Chapter room takes on a different life of its own as Sisters come in to prepare documents for the next day, check internet, or get things printed, etc. Sr. Franziska gets the award for the most perseverance with the internet service!

"Once a Missionary, Forever a Missionary"

2010-05-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Once a Missionary, Forever a Missionary"

-Namibia province report

Today's provincial report from Namibia included the above statement. It is so descriptive of the SMIC spirit evidenced in all of the provincial reports.

Yesterday, due to a power outage in the hotel and
vicinity, as well as the day before's lightning that knocked out the communication tower in Santarem and Belem, the blog took a rest. As well as gave the Sisters a "forced" rest-- away from the internet!

Today we will finish the reports of Salvador and the United States. (Yesterday we heard from Asia, Belem and Germany.)

Sr. Ana Angelica, Salvador province, said in her report: "Whether we are praying, teaching in schools, doing parish ministry, in healthcare, being inserted among the people, or other works...the reign of God is very wide and the gifts we bring are various, and needed."

Excitante! Exciting! :)

Uma so sera a mesa- There will be but one table...

2010-05-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

Liturgia de Abertura do XIV Capitulo Geral 2010/Opening Liturgy of the 14th General Chapter 2010

Sunday, the feast of the Ascension...what a wonderful day to celebrate the Opening Liturgy of the 14th General Chapter! In Fr. John Schwieters homily, he mentioned that "we are here to witness-- to witness to this sacred land of the Amazon; to the Gospel; to the sacred stories of the SMIC founded and clothed with the Spirit, right here."

The offertory song clearly expresses some of our sentiments here...

Uma so sera a mesa

Terra-mae sera o altar

O sustento, a natureza

em milagres, vai nos dar

There will be but one table

Mother-Earth the altar

Nature will sustain us

miraculously she gives to us!

Toa, o Pai, o amor perfeito

pelo rio, a mata, a flor...

Que o indio traz no peito

E louvor ao Criador

Receive, oh Father, perfect love

for the river, the forests, the flower...

that the Indian holds in his heart

It is praise of the Creator

Bem Vindo! Hotel Mirante da Ilha

2010-05-15T17:26:00.001-07:00

Welcome everyone to Hotel Mirante da Ilha-- our venue for Chapter. On the way here, we stopped by the Cathedral of Santarem to see where Dom Amando was buried.

Behind the Cathedral is also the original wall of the little house the Sisters occupied when they first arrived in Santarem. The building is now used for pastoral work.

Sr. Petronila greeted us to this land sacred to the Amazons, and rich in history to the Congregation. The Sisters were given a free day to rest up, explore and settle in. In the evening a general meeting for housekeeping tidbits was held. Tomorrow we look forward to celebrating the opening Mass in the plaza with the people of this little town who are so happy to be able to celebrate Mass with us. Peace and blessings!

*Just a note-- the internet is very slow. Will try to put up more pictures later. :)

Viva Sao Jose!

2010-05-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Viva Sao Jose!

*To begin with, a technical note-- if you wish to view the screen bigger, press the "FN" key on the left of the keyboard and the "+" key on the right. (Tip from Sr. Grace :) thank you!)

Sao Jose began as a farm to provide for the needs of the sisters in Colegio Santa Clara, as well as for educating rural children in 1919. Following the "Room for One More" principle, the six children and three founding nuns under the "house covered with straw," quickly grew to hold 100! The tree pictured above gives witness to the ninety-one years of fertile growth of Sao Jose from the beginning.

It was enriching to meet the Sisters and to visit the school which is "Committed to Life" and the "Transformation of Society" as evidenced through their special care of the earth in their active study of indigenous plants and their biohabitats, while planting the seedlings on the farmland for a continued future!

Treasures of Santarem- Up and Down; In and Out

2010-05-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

Colegio Santa Clara: Casa Mae

This morning Sr. Gizele, principal, gave us a tour of the historic Colegia Santa Clara. The colegia provides a wholistic education for its students which helps them discover their talents which they are then in turn encouraged to contribute to society. This is a part of their "transmitting the message of life" through music, dance, poetry and the other arts. Above we meet, Sr. Mara with her students, and Sr. Liege, in her school psychology office. As well as, one of the very talented 2nd graders.

Porao: The Basement

The miracle of the disappearance of the termites that have plagued the colegio's foundations, happened when the porao, basement was excavated. All of a sudden-- no more termite problem! The historical wealth uncovered here below is too much to be captured in this small space. Come and experience-- see the original trunks Mo. Immaculata brought from Germany, as well as other equipment the orphans used for printing the magazine that helped sustain them. Come hear the stories from the wonderful staff and students of Colegio Santa Clara for yourself!

ZooFit: Zoological Center for Saving and Rehabilitating Abandoned Animals from the Amazon

In the afternoon we were treated to walk a part of the Amazon and experience a zoological center that saves and cares for abandoned Amazon animals. It is truly a work of heart-- compassion and service-- like St. Francis! We thank our hosts most graciously! Muito Obrigado!

"People without memory are people without history." - Bishop Pedro Casaldaliga

Life-Giving Waters

2010-05-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

From the fruit of God's bounty, we have been tasting the deliciously prepared juices, fruits and marmalades from the fertile waters of the Amazon presented by the Sisters here at the Colegio Santa Clara.

Here we are after evening prayers on our way to the dining hall where Sr. Maria deJesus taught us how to peel thepupunha (a starchy fruit from a palm-like tree, which tasted a little like a potato!).

After dinner, we took a stroll down to the Tapajos River. Here our German Sisters paused before the Cathedral under the beautiful, clear dark blue sky. But, in this land of abundant life-giving water, who would have ever thought of bringing an umbrella?! The roads quickly flooded, carrying paper bags down the rivelets like little boats sailing down the streets.

Do you like our new hairstyles from the sudden downpour? A most refreshing and memorable evening!

Across Many Waters- "RD": Santarem!

2010-05-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Wonder of wonders! Across many waters, the Sisters have gradually been trickling in to the source of SMIC life-- Santarem!

At 8:20PM, after two days of travel, I finally reached Santarem via a gate labelled not by number, but by "RD." "RD"? "Remote Destination." Ah, a little bit of paradise accessible via small prop plane-- a "remote paradise"!

It was a marvelous feeling stepping off the plane and taking a deep breath of the fresh night air-- yes, this holy ground of Santarem! Sr. Marie Jose and Sr. Ieda greeted me at the airport. In the morning (past 4AM), the Namibian Sisters along with Sr. Veronica and Sr. Livramento arrived at the Colegio Santa Clara. Welcome to all! Queijo cheese, anyone?

Brazil - The Tour

2010-05-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Você fala Português? Do you speak Potuguese?

2010-05-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Boa tarde! Good afternoon!

In a few more hours I'll be headed for the airport to begin the great adventure. It is exciting that SMIC from all over the world are coming over to Brazil for the General Chapter.

For those trying to look at the map-- Sao Paulo is down on the right hand (southeast) side of Brazil. Our travels will take us up north to Belem, with a final airplane ride in a little southwest of Belem to Santarem. Hours-wise? For myself, from Hawai'i to Los Angeles- 5 hours and 15 mins.; from Miami to Sao Paulo- 8 hours. and 20 mins.; Sao Paulo to Belem- 3 hours and 30 mins.; and from Belem to Santarem- 2 hours and 10 mins. Brazil is really an enormous country! :)

The video above shares a bit of picturesque Brazil. Enjoy! See you on the other side!

Here's some phrases reflecting our diversity:

Good morning! Brazilian: Bom dia German: Guten Morgen Chinese: zao an

Please Brazilian: Por favor German: Bitte Chinese: qing

Thank you! Brazilian: Obrigado German: Danke Chinese: xie xie

Painting the SMIC Journey to Brazil

2010-05-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Olá, tudo bem? Hello, how are you?

Welcome to our new SMIC General Chapter in Brazil blogspot! I am very happy to join you all again as secretary of your chapter. In this informal space I want to bring your Sisters at the General Chapter in Brazil, to you. Here, you'll hopefully be able to gain an insight into the life and spirit of those gathered, as well as of the magnificent culture and land of Brazil, through pictures, reflections, video clips-- who knows what else?! Let the Spirit move! :)

Stay tuned. I'll do another post before I leave on May 9th. And, then, please check back around May12-13 after I'm "on the ground." Pax et bonum!

The following is the translation of the delightful song: "Aquarela Toquinho" - "Watercolor." Please enjoy the music. *Note: You may click on the following link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1ZU56tsdo or click on the arrow in the box below (in the left hand corner)

A piece of paper
I draw a yellow sun
And with five or six lines

It's easy to make a castle ...
I run the pencil around
Hand and give myself a glove

And if I make it rain
With two risk
I have an umbrella ...

If a drop of ink
Falls into a bit
Blue Paper

In a moment imagine
A beautiful gull
The fly in the sky ...

Goes flying
Skirting the immense
North & South Bend

I go with her
Traveling Hawaii
Beijing and Istanbul

Pinto a sailboat
White sailing
It is both sky and sea

A blue kiss ...
Among the clouds
Has emerged a beautiful

Plane pink and garnet
All around coloring
With its lights flashing ...

Just imagine and it is
Leaving, serene and beautiful
If we want
He'll land ...

A piece of paper
I paint a ship
Match
With some good friends

Drinking well with life ...
From one to another America
I can pass a second

Turning a simple compass
And I make a circle the world ...

A boy walks
And walking comes the wall
And there right in front

The wait for us
The future is ...
And the future is a spaceship

We try to fly
No time, no mercy
Nor has time to reach

Without permission
Changes our life
And then invites
To laugh or cry ...

On this road we must not
Know or see what's coming
The end of it nobody knows
Well for sure where it ends

Let us all
A beautiful walkway
A watercolor

That one day short
Discoverr ...
A piece of paper

Me drawing a yellow sun
(What discover!)
And with five or six lines

It's easy to make a castle
(What discover!)
Turning a simple compass

I make a circle the world
(What discover !)...