Favela

 Tuesday March 24.

Today we have things to do. First the walk then to work. But at work we got our next four weeks schedule. We have to visit projects every week. Some will require flying. But after planning a bit the next step is going out today. We traveled to a favela. Favelas are ramshackle buildings all joined together going up steep hills where no one else has built. They just add on more walls to the ones already there and build a lower level. The roads are so steep cars struggle or can’t go up them. Looking at them from across they appear like stairs only the stairs are the roofs. They mostly appear unfinished or under construction. The power lines are wild. The people just hook into the power lines and the water lines and the sewer lines.

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They have no address no insurance no taxes no power or water or sewer bills. The wiring is like everyone hooks another extension cord and then it gets split and then split again over and over. But it seems to work great. They are surviving and actually do amazingly well. But it is a cycle hard to break. Sort of reminds me of a reservation at first. Not a lot of cars many motos. Everyone walks. They have stores and cafes and bars and I saw one used clothing store. There was a huge used motorcycle sales and repair. Hundreds of motos. The people walk real slow up those steep paths. Close to 45 degrees. When we pulled in to park changing directions one wheel was off the road. The place we visited had 6 levels. Each level about 30 by 40 feet and depending on the size needed landings on the steep stairs. The steps were different heights sometimes stepping up 10 inches or so. The one we visited is a school/child care, and also provided a few jobs. They recycle clothes. Making lots out of denim and wedding dresses. The church donated a stove, refrigerator, mixer, washer dryer and pans.

Our visit was to check to see if they were still there and being used. I just kept looking at everything. It was well maintained and painted. The kids range from 4 to 14. Many are brought by their grandmother. Most girls have babies at 12 or 13. This is like an independent country. The people live by their own laws and have organized like tribes. But in ways they do better than us. I didn’t see any fat people, but no old ones either. Grandma and I would not make it a day. We would fall or injure ourselves. The uber or taxi drop you off at the bottom or the top if both are accessible. We had a member driver who drove us in. The people look good just more laid back. I don’t want to go on and on so enough. Lots of pictures. We traveled back and soon headed home.  Tonight Hunter and JJ called. Good to hear from them. Love to all.

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