An unusual gift

January 28, 2013

I believe it is Einstein who claimed “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Recently received a number of messages from friends who wonder why on earth I choose to remain here facing venomous snakes, a horrendous incapable healthcare system, often lack of fresh drinking water and other extreme circumstances. This was my more recent reply:

Yes, I am very happy to be in Brasil. I think, with all of the "good deeds" people can offer throughout their lives, it is difficult to really give benevolently if one has not experienced a culture outside of our mostly privileged one. It is clearly a much more challenging life in Brasil. One that my friends and clients face day-to-day. It is no wonder we are deemed as rich (and Ugly!) Americans. Although I have experienced long-term unemployment, lack a home (not homelessness, hm, how is it different I struggle to explain to my Brasilian friends?) and have not acquired a college degree I am rich(!), I am privileged, I am a citizen of the Number One country in the world.

Life in Brasil is similar to the majority of the world and all that entails. Without these experiences I would not be who I am today. Have to dig deep to escape my perception of how things "should be" and accept, be patient, grow, learn, shift my idea of why we, and I specifically, are here on the planet. I believe everything happens for a reason and it is up to me to choose how to react and respond to it. Sometimes the screaming meemie comes out! This South American country and its people are rich beyond my imagination. I am learning to appreciate my Self in respect to being a part of a passionate and daily challenged life here.

As before, it has been one of the best and absolutely worst experiences in my life. Thru that, I find, comes the most growth and humility. And I wouldn’t trade it.

So in this case, I am not sure I agree with Einstein’s theory above. Knowledge and awareness of life in various neighborhoods, numerous cities and states in Brasil is powerful and far exceeds most people’s wildest imaginations. I am thrilled to share it with all of you through my Blog.

There are very few cockroaches in the vicinity…it used to be, ten years ago, anytime we opened a cupboard, cabinet, silverware drawer…hundreds of cockroaches flew every which way to escape the flip flop descending down upon them. Hm. Kinda miss the thrill of the hunt!