Kid's Day

Of all the places that I have been to in the world (including the United States), Brazil has got to be the most kid friendly. Brazilians have a love and respect for children that is really unique. I appreciate so much the way perfect strangers treat Elisa. It is not unusual for us to be in the grocery store or at the post office or any where really and have people kneel down to Elisa's level and speak to her with genuine interest. It is a really sweet thing.

I'm not sure when it began but among many, many Brazilian holidays we celebrate Kid's Day every October. The 2nd Sunday of the month is full of festivities for children to enjoy throughout the city. Going to the mall the Saturday before is exactly like going to the mall on the 24th of December in the U.S. - crazy! Most children receive multiple gifts as if it were Christmas.

This year we celebrated Kid's Day with the Salgado family at their house. We told Keity, Jenny, Lhaumar and Elisa that we love them and appreciate them. Then they all opened presents. I think they enjoyed themselves.

It is pretty neat to have a day for children just like we do for mothers and fathers. It makes them feel special and appreciated. We really should make more effort celebrating the innocence and joy that children bring us. After all, Jesus did say, "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”