WYD Missionaries tell their story

Roberto:

What a wild ride it's been for us! World youth is now over, but the message still remains in our hearts. We're now living up to words of our theme,"Go be missionaries". After world youth day, we got to experience probably the most beautiful natural wonder of the world, iguazu falls; which was totally worth the 20 hour bus ride! On our way to Salvador, the missionaries were curious for what to expect from the favelas so we all asked for the "Dos and Donts". The people here in Salvador, which are called "Bahianos" are very different from the ones in Rio. They're very humble and welcoming. The beach we went to is very beautiful and relaxing; we even got to pray a rosary there. We had to move all our stuff back though because the tide kept on coming up. It's been a really nice experience so far and I can't for what's to come in these next 2 weeks! God bless!

Laura:

As we come to our final day, we realize everything we are taking back with us. Sure, a couple souvenirs and some Havainas, but most importantly, everything we have learned. We went through some crazy new experiences, however, it was how we over came it that helped us grow stronger. It started with WYD, and we did as the theme song said, "go be missionaries...." And that's exactly what we did.

When we first arrived all of us were freighted by the Dos and Donts of Salvador. However, this place quickly became our home as we met some beautiful and helpful people, like the Brothers of St. John, the workers, and the people that lived in the favela.

We are blessed to say we got a lot done in the chapel, it will be exciting to hopefully come back one day, and see the community enjoying it.
It is a bittersweet feeling between leaving Salvador, and going home. We are not sure if we will ever come back, but one thing is for sure Salvador and its people will forever remain in our hearts. 

Cesar:

Fala Portuguese!? This is probably the best way to start a conversation with any Brazilian, or at least I thought so. Once I got to Salvador and went to Alto (the favela) things were a bit different.

Salvador oh sweet Salvador, such a wonderful place where I learned the true meaning of seeing the good in others. I was a bit nervous at first when i went to the favela; however, it amazed my how much respect they have for the Brothers.

I remember Leo telling me that the purpose of painting the chapel was not so much about us doing the work. It was about showing out presence to the community.

It was amazing to see how close the youth community started to grow once they saw us working as a community. We had to adjust some thing to their likings so that they can see that the church and being a catholic is fun!