While walking through the slums of Manaus, I can´t help but think of the different stratospheres in which we live. Our differences of needs, wants, and dreams. As I have not had a chance to speak in depth with anyone from , I can't help but wonder what they dream of. A condo in Los Angeles? Job stability? A new car? XBox 360? A coach purse? A loaf of bread?
For many of the people in Manaus, luxuries are a dream, a fantasy. With us, they are a want or even in many cases, a need. When we first arrived, we were told that people from the United States were seen here as celebrities, movie stars...you get the idea. Does that mean we are a fantasy; something fictional and unobtainable? While walking through sewage drenched neighborhoods, I feel this way.
I'm not pointing fingers at anyone; the situation we are born into is not our choosing. But the differences I see are colossal. The world, physically, is huge. But our outlook on life, of every individual on this planet are much larger and make things much more complicated. I'm confused, but I also feel happy and sobered that I can witness the world as it truly is and not through a computer screen.
On a positive note, my experience thus far as been fantastic. Charming people, tasty food, new experiences. Manaus is a city I could live in for long periods of time. I feel safe, welcome, and wanted. We are accomplishing so much already. The kindness being passed through our work site is unbelievable --both of the team members and Brazilians.
Michael and I have forged relationships with the Brazilian youth. They are Christian kids who laugh at (slightly) dirty jokes, lament over lost family members, reach out for help when financial burdens are controlling their lives. In these basic tenants of life, we are the same. As human beings we share a foundation. I'm having a great time.
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