Day 5 - Best Day Evaaaa!

We went to a High School in Fortaleza in the morning and did a presentation to 40 students. They oohed and ahhed when I said I was from California. I don't know if they were hitting on us - I think I can tell even though it was in Portuguese - asking for our email and facebook addresses. I did give mine to a couple of really nice girls. We had lunch at a Brazilian girl's house. She accompanied us on our visit to the high school and it was very gracious of her to invite us into her home. We then went back to the hospital...Made no no's (I.V. Boards) and I met Eduardo, Rhemoundo and Nico, three little boys awaiting surgery. I fell in love with Eduardo...communicates through smiles...loves to play, laugh, scream...beautiful eyes, curly brown hair, upper cleft lip. I will be following Eduardo through surgery and am so excited! I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I will tell anyone who will listen about the incredible blessing it is to be a part of the life-changing work of Operation Smile. They allow teen volunteers to really get involved in a meaningful way and make a difference!

On the bus back, I learned about tooth extractions from Dr. John, the miracle dentist from Spokane, Washington, who also was on my sister Sam's mission to Hanoi, Vietnam in November last year - what a cool coincidence! Tonight we had another delicious Italian dinner. The day we spent together was perfect - Suzanne Unger, Director of Student Programs for Operation Smile, Sam DeVito, my student volunteer partner from New Jersey, Dr. John and Lisa Downey, a wonderful mission guest from Ireland. Oh, I was finally able to upload some photos that I hope you'll like - Talk to you tomorrow!