Sito Santa Monica
One of the benefits of my job at EA is traveling. Although at times it doesn't feel like a benefit leaving Joe and Sierra for nearly a week at a time, it actually is. I have been able to visit some places in Brazil that I wouldn't otherwise have gone. This past week, 12 middle school teachers took 43 middle school students to a sito (ranch) outside of Rio for the Middle School Leadership Conference. The teachers arrived Tuesday evening, settled into our cabins, and held a philisophical round table discussion over wine and cheese and Greek salad. I continue to be impressed by my colleagues. The thinking that goes into what they do in the classroom and with kids is beyond impressive. It is so refreshing to be able to acquire new perspective and insight.

Wednesday we teachers participated in several experiential education activities. Team building, communication building, and active learning was the key to our success, and we spent many hours talking about the importance of experience in learning. The day was followed by a second night of wine and cheese and discussion. Jason, shown here "thinking" on the rock, is our resident philosopher. This man is in continual inquiry. The kids feel his challenge and embrace it as do the faculty. He accepts nearly nothing without question and never approaches it in a threatening manner. He has an inviting method to questioning theory of knowledge. The students arrived on Thursday morning, excited and ready for their adventures. The days involved more experiential education activities led by teachers and always followed with thoughtful processing with the kids and lots of fun and games. We took a hike through the woods, walked a river, tossed baloons representing our leadership goals, helping each other keep their goals in the air, relied on one another while blindfolded, danced, and laughed.

The weather was perfect. Warm and sunny during the day (thankfully no rain since all of the activities were outdoors) and cool at night for comfortable sleeping. This bamboo was next to the river outside the faculty cabin. The morning light was so pretty hitting a section of the bamboo. When the wind blew, the stalks knocked against eachother in such a musical way. It is refreshing to exit the city at times and enjoy the peaceful quiet of nature. And the foliage in this country is unbelievable. I have never in my life enjoyed plants as much as I do here. Every time I turn around there is another bush, flower, tree that impresses me.