Caring for Toddlers and Elderly in Brazil

in
Jerry Wu Cross Cultural Brazil VTO
Desktop Support Specialist, Jerry Wu, used his VTO to bring out the smiles of kids and the elderly at the Mother Teresa day care center in Salvador, Brazil

Salvador, Brazil Jerry Wu’s story of volunteering abroad in Salvador, Brazil with Cross Cultural:

Desktop Support Specialist, Jerry Wu, used his VTO to bring out the smiles of kids and the elderly at the Mother Teresa day care center in Salvador, Brazil . In addition to serving the community of Salvador , Jerry got to experience the culturally rich city, making it twice as rewarding to volunteer. Jerry Wu's Cross Cultural BrazilArts and CraftsAs part of Cross Cultural Solutions’ Insight Abroad program, he went to Salvador for one week to care for the elderly and kids who stayed or were dropped off at the Mother Teresa day care center. He entertained the 20 kids by doing arts and crafts, coloring and around the playground. He also spent time with the elderly who lived at the center. While serving meals to them and spending time with them, he felt rewarded when he realized that they were happy to see people wanting to work with them and care for them. Jerry’s memories of Brazil are not solely of working with the elderly and watching the children, but also of the culture and people of Salvador .

 

group shot brazilA lot of Brazil’s diversity and history is centered in Salvador, which is one of the oldest cities in the New World . Known as “The Land of Happiness,” Salvador incorporates all that defines Brazil - from its rich Afro-Brazilian culture to its cuisine, music, and architecture. In the weeks leading up to his trip, Jerry found it helpful to receive the emails and notices CCS sent regarding the trip, which included facts and tips about Salvador . These notices gave him a boost of excitement and anticipation. He had a basic understanding of Spanish, and learning a weeks worth of Portuguese during the language lessons CCS had helped him communicate with others. In addition to absorbing all that the city had to offer, he went with other volunteers to a soccer game where he was in awe of the intensity and the spirit of the fans. Jerry really enjoyed experiencing the people, history and culture of Salvador.  Best of all, he was able to share all of this experience with his girlfriend, Linda, who met up with him in Salvador and saw firsthand how much he was giving back to the community making the trip that much more rewarding. 

 

When Jerry signed up to volunteer abroad in Brazil, he did not realize that his life would be impacted by caring for kids and the elderly and getting an eye opening experience in Salvador. He’s already looking into other programs Cross Cultural Solutions offers in different countries in which he’s excited to volunteer.