Greetings from Brazil!

Our cheerful travelers have reported that they are well and happy and enjoying their first days in Brazil. Some highlights on Monday were visiting a cacao farm, touring the city (including the spot where the famous Brazilian writer, Jorge Amado, used to sit in the local cafe) and seeing the cathedral. In the chapel of the school (picture above) the students also enjoyed a lesson about the history of the Ursulines in Brazil. Later in the day, there was time for a visit to the local chocolate factory and the craft market. As you can see, it's quite hot but the group tells us that there has also been a gentle breeze. It looks like they are all delighting in "the thrill of Brazil!"

UA's Brazil Delegation Departs from DFW!

After much anticipation, our 15 member Brazil Delegation departed from DFW airport last night. They could not have been more enthusiastic! And their enthusiasm was not dampened by the fact that they left almost 3 hours late due to a problem with the airplane thermostat. The group did indeed miss their connection in Sao Paulo but they were quickly rerouted through Salvador and finally arrived safely and happily (and, we hear, a little "sweaty" from the extreme humidity) in Ilhéus, Bahia this afernoon. We know that they were met by the faculty, parents and teachers from Nossa Senhora da Piedade, our sister-school, and that all are being welcomed and celebrated this evening. We can't wait to hear more news and to see a few photos - stay tuned!

DADYO Meeting

Tonight we participated in the November DADYO meeting at Jesuit. DADYO stands for "Dallas area Diversity Youth Organization" and the members are students from local private schools including UA, Jesuit, ESD, Parish Episcopal, Hockaday, St. Marks and Greenhill. It's a fantastic organization and it's always fun to make new friends. Tonight the topic was "The American Dream"and students discussed the impact of circumstances that one is born into as well as the impact of the choices we make. After a casual pizza dinner and a little socializing (of course!), the students gathered in small groups and discussed the topic as well as what it feels like to be part of the "mainstream" vs. "the fringe." The discussions were intense and emotional but never without humor and voices of support. It was great to see so many Ursuline girls at the meeting and we remind all UA students that everyone is welcome at DADYO. We will actually host the next meeting of DADYO on January 12 at UA from 6-8 pm- mark your calendars!

UA's Brazil Delegation 2010 prepares for departure

This Thursday, 3 UA faculty members and 12 students will depart for our sister school in Bahia, Brazil. The group has spent weeks preparing for the journey, learning about Brazil and about Brazilian culture. In these last hours before departure, the students are busy packing summer wardrobes (yes, it will be hot as it is the end of Spring in Brazil) and working ahead in classes. While in Brazil, their responsibilities include a major presentation on themselves, Ursuline Dallas and life in the USA. The students are most eager to meet their host families, learn about student life at our sister school and to see the gorgeous beaches of Bahia. We know that they can expect the experience of a lifetime and we'll be sure to report on their adventures in the coming days.

Boa viagem!!

Farewell to our Brazilian Guests!

Saturday was a sad day as we had to say goodbye to our friends from Brazil. We hated to see them go but we are grateful for our good times and happy memories of the last two weeks. Saturday was also a day of severe weather here in Dallas so, regretfully, the group left a few hours late which caused them to miss their connection in Miami. So, our friends ended up with a surprise excursion to Miami where they finally left last night - 24 hours later than expected. As always, international travel is full of surprises!

We at Ursuline are profoundly grateful to our five host families who helped to make this exchange such a success! Thank You for your kindness, generosity and flexibility!

Last School Day with our Brazilian guests

Thursday was the last day for our Brazilian guests to be with us at school. It was also the Feast of St. Ursula and the day when we celebrated the life of our beloved Father Deeves. As you can imagine, the day was filled with activity and emotion. First, we had a beautiful school Mass where our Brazilian guests participated by taking up the gifts during the offertory. After the Mass, the whole school processed out to the Statue of the Sacred Heart where we all left flowers in honor of Father Deeves. It made us very happy that the students from Piedade could be with us on such a special day in the history of our school and of the Ursulines as Thursday also marked the 475th year of the Ursuline order.

We also had a special surprise for the students in the afternoon. They were invited to Mr. Thompson's Printmaking class where they printed T-shirts in honor of the 475th year of the Ursulines. They each received a T-Shirt as a farewell gift from Ursuline Academy of Dallas!

Visit to the Dallas Arboretum

Since our friends from Brazil are studying biodiversity, we thought that it would be a great idea to take them to the Dallas Arboretum where they could see native Texas plants and flowers in all of the beauty of the Fall season. So, we spent Wednesday afternoon at the Arboretum walking among all of the pumpkins which line all of the paths of the Arboretum this time of year. It was an unusually warm afternoon and many children were there on field trips and being photographed for Halloween. We had a wonderful time and we thank Mr. Smith and Ms. Hamilton for accompanying us!