As the Mudslides and Rain Continue...

The Brazilian government is talking about relocating the people in the slums...but where and how will they house them? The slums perched atop precarious hillsides around Rio are out of necessity,,,people trying to carve out a space to call their own. Is the government going to help provide affordable housing or are they just going to clear out the favelas and continue to let the poor fend for themselves?

Here is a quote from the Washington Post about the slums slammed by mudslides that were built on top of a dump that Jake and I found particularly powerful:

"Yes, it was a dump. But people are desperate to have a home anywhere," she said. "What else were they going to do? Where else were they supposed to go? This is our reality. They knew the risks, but when you have no money, you have no choice," she said.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/08/AR2010040800860_2.html?wprss=rss_world/wires

In many places in the U.S. the poor are out of sight and mind. We can skip the exit off of the highway to the "bad" neighborhood. Most of us have the wealth and power, and education to move, to relocate, to advocate for ourselves. The poor are a visual part of Rio...their houses climb the rainforest hillsides throughout the city. People daring to live where others refuse... risking safety and convenience for a spot to call their own. Don't we all desire as much?

I encourage you, to look around wherever you live. Ask questions. Think about where the poor are. What are their options? Most are working hard, trying to care for their families, put food on the table. Are we really so different?

Flooding in Rio

"Hey Jake, could you move the toaster oven onto the dining room table?"

"Sure hon, just a sec."

This little snippet of a conversation from last night amuses me still. The things that have become normal for us... our kitchen counter can only handle a dish drain and a cutting board. So normally the toaster oven lives on the stove unless we are cooking. If we are cooking we put it on the floor (don't worry our apartment is super clean). However, whenever it rains heavily, our laundry room floods because it has a large latticed brick section with no glass or way to block the rain. This in turn floods the kitchen. We're pretty used to it.

Last night I was grateful for the rain because it resulted in four good things. Our Portuguese tutor canceled, we love working with her but two hours of Portuguese on a Monday night is tiring and requires at least one coke. The rain was pouring down so we didn't have to walk the dogs since we are lucky enough to have dogs that hate the rain, though they will both willingly take showers. Go figure. Since we normally have Portuguese, we never bring home work on Mondays so there were hours of guilt free t.v. The best best best part of last night was that it was a cool 70f, I made homemade apple crisp and we topped it with vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect fall dessert.

This morning I was just getting ready for work when the call came. We have no school, our first "rain day" in our teaching careers. Throughout the last fourteen hours, more than three inches of rain have fallen. Streets have turned into rushing riverbeds. Roads are flooded, the beach is covered in water.

The streets and sidewalks are not constructed with the same regularity as in the U.S. One curb might be three inches high, another 6 inches high. Sidewalks are uneven and have random holes. The most treacherous spots are where the water pressure from below has popped a man hole cover. You can walk along and fall into one.

A part of me wants to go and explore. I have always been interested in weather and there is something about school being closed that brings out the kid in me, like wanting to go play in the snow. However, my enthusiasm is dampened and empathy awakened as I watch the news.

Last night, I slept in a safe air conditioned apartment. I was comfortable and dry. Sure, our apartment had flooded a little, but this is pretty standard for us by now. Unfortunate citizens of Rio were stranded in the cars over night. The only consoling thought I can think of for the residents of the favelas (slums) surrounding Rio is that they are on the hills, so hopefully most of the water will run off. I was shocked to learn that eight people have died because of the flooding in the last fourteen hours.

Weather has always been interesting to me, but my emotions conflict. I have the resources to provide for m family so this won't really affect me. There are many who are not in such a fortunate position. This link is for the BBC News account on the flooding in Rio: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8605386.stm

Ups and Downs- Life in Another Country or Just Life

My brother cautioned me about the emotional roller coaster of living internationally. He said there are ups and downs and though they smooth out over time, they are always there. A lot of times I feel like I am chugging my way up to an up, but before I can actually get there I slide back down.

Tonight I miss my family and friends. A good shoulder to lean on or talk to about anything. I miss going out with the girls for happy hour at Unos, board games with friends or family dinner up at my parent's house. I have finally been able to admit to myself that it takes me a long time to make friends. I can be social and friendly with people, but the good friends, the ones who are really worth it are hard to come by.

Can I blame my down on living in another country tonight? Or are the ups and downs just part of everyone's life? If we are really honest with ourselves what is the daily mundane life like? I wish I was one of those people that could eat a pint of ice cream and feel better...