Hello everyone!! Tudo bem?! I can’t believe it has been a little over a month since we have gotten back from our adventure in the Amazon! I am sure you are all starting the new school year (and some of you college!!) and I hope you all were able to reflect on the impact you had on each other and the program. This summer was so memorable because of all of YOU!
Our forest home was such a beautiful place, and it left even better with the impact you all made. I am so grateful to have seen you all grow and learn throughout our two weeks together. I can say we are all different people after this experience, and that we all have a new perspective. It was so unique to be welcomed into Vanessa and Leo’s home and become part of the family, learn about their lifestyle, and see an amazing example of what following your passion looks like.
From spending time with the family and doing cooking class with Geo and Kinan, to being shown up all the time by Kenna whether it be a game we taught her or climbing a tree, it was so much fun learning from them about their way of life and realizing how much a non-traditional education can really teach you! Also how awesome was exploring the forest with Silvio and learning about the spiritual connection and knowledge he has about the Amazon, and teaching us how to scare away jaguars and make Acai bracelets?! I know we all left with some awesome memories and laughs from camping in a hammock in the middle of jungle, climbing the Princess, Jared always saving us from the Tarantulas and catching geckos, the girls’ room late night talks, playing with the puppies, experiencing the World Cup hype, Avery’s Shakira impression, seeing a boto(!!!), Tobie always getting the perfect picture, and not to mention the last battle with the cockroach in the airport. There were so many moments that made me grateful to experience the Amazon in such a special way, and with all of you!
I was blown away by how great of a group you guys were. Not only was everyone engaged, but gave their all in every activity with no complaints. Our deep dive activities where we shared about personal experience and made deeper connections also were so special because everyone opened up so much and by the end it felt like we were a little family! Nobody else will be able to quite understand how our time and experience was, but I definitely encourage you guys to meet up and keep up with each other and keep in contact, hold each other accountable for your sustainability projects, and share with others about what you have learned. You are all so amazing in your own way and couldn’t have asked for a better little fam!
Wishing you all the best!
Jenny – Brazil Team 2018
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