And so the training begins. It was a rough start because of my afternoon maté y Acaì for yesterdayi… I can’t drink maté after 11am! It kept me up all night into the early hours of the morning. Then I was waiting at the YMCA of São Paulo for my colleagues and their transportation from the airport was delayed… I was getting worried that they wouldn’t show and I would be left all by myself for the whole day. But they finally arrived and I was relieved that there were people I could freely speak English with! The YMCA of São Paulo has a great facility for the community. I am excited to try out their gym tomorrow morning. The layout up works for the space they have, and the programs they offer really work for their community. The programs they have for the children are wonderful - English, dance, music, and lots of futbol. It was also fun to share my experiences with the others. It is time to get a good night’s sleep. I am very grateful to be around the energy of this training. So many perspectives and such kindness from the people of the São Paulo YMCA.














