Throughout my journey in Brazil, I completed a journal each day to encompass my thoughts, feelings, emotions, and areas of growth. Here are just a few entries, to read more please download the file: Monica Pennewitt Daily Journal-159audk
Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2017 Wilmington/Columbus, OH
Today’s the day, the day I leave my family, friends and everything I know behind and travel across the world to learn more about another culture. I’m super excited about the trip, but I’m relatively nervous. Honestly, the core of my anxiety is from the unknown. I have no idea what to expect, I don’t know how the language barrier will affect me, and I just don’t know what exactly to think. But, most of all, I think that I’m nervous that this trip won’t live up to what all of my friends who have attended in the past have told me. However, I don’t want that fear to hold me back and prevent myself from fully enjoying my time.
As I say my last goodbyes to my boyfriend, pets and home, I have the feeling of excitement mixed with a little anxiety. It almost feels like I was back in High School sports again. Driving to the airport, I was getting less and less nervous. With my internship this previous summer, I did a lot of traveling and flying so this was no longer an issue for me. We got on our first plane, the smallest I’ve ever been on. Just one seat on the right side of the aisle and two on the left. I should really write the airline or the Ohio State Study Abroad office a thank you note for giving me the best seat on the plane; the window seat. I love to look out the window at God’s creation and look at all of the “Fly over states” to truly appreciate the diversity in which our country has that most fail to recognize. Roughly 3 hours later, we arrive in Houston, TX. Of course it’s pitch black with just the lights of the city to see, but leave it to our crazy group to sit there and point out the black gaps in space, questioning if Texas really had that many trees or that much water. Needless to say, we were all kind of confused on our Texas geography, I’ll have to look that up when I get back before I fly to San Antonio.
We are now on the biggest plane I’ve been on, a 767, the type that are gutted and used for cargo transportation within my hometown. I find it ironic that I go from the smallest plane, to the biggest plane in a matter of 2 hours. Not going to lie, I did have some anxiety from this flight. My first time flying for 9.5 hours and I’d never really had airplane food. But, I lucked out yet again and got a window seat! This time was even sweeter knowing that I would get my first glimpse of this spectacular country directly from my seat, and not have to alter my view or anything. The plane trip was rather long, the food not terrible and overall a pretty good experience, although I probably should have stood up and stretched part of the time. I was probably being judged hard core for my American awkwardness as I was gawking out the window for a long period of time at the view of the country. As we arrive at the airport, we are instructed to remain city in order for the paramedics to come aboard and care for a medical patient. During the flight a man had been laying in the aisle, of course I’m not entirely sure what happened considering I wasn’t near it, but I heard rumor of possible heart attack. Either way, my heart goes out to him and his family for his healing and fast recovery.
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 Piracicaba/Iporanga, SP
We got up and went to class for a morning of learning about economics and the history of Brazil. Not going to lie, I followed it better than yesterday, however I still wasn’t 100% on the material. After our classes we made the trek back to the hotel to gather our things before leaving for our weekend trip in Iporanga, SA. Getting on the bus we were told that the trip would be roughly 5 or 6 hours, but Brazilian time got in the way and that 5 hours turned into 8. I knew that they told us that Brazilians never run on time, but I had no idea it was that bad. It’s honestly comical, but very different from what I am used to. I am typically a very punctual person so that was a very big change for me. Then again, it’s just more of the learning process and I seriously can feel myself changing. I haven’t been this happy and full of energy for a long time. The heat is amazing, but unfortunately I’m still pasty white. Next mission, get some sun so I don’t die while at the beach.
Once we arrived at Pousada Casa de Pedro, we looked around briefly before enjoying an amazing home cooked meal. I honestly think it was the best meal I’ve had since I came to Brazil and it was very inexpensive considering the value of it. The rooms were very interesting and the hotel was very cute. We went down to the river and I was so happy that my phone was able to capture the view in the dark.
We were sitting on a bench outside of our room when a little girl climbs the wall and sits near us. I said “hola” to her, which she said back to me. It was a small victory for me, but a victory none-the-less! She was unable to speak English so Alan had to translate for me. Her name was Victoria and she was five years old. She’s the daughter of the hotel owner and she was so fascinated with our group that she wanted to come sit with us. We took some selfies and then Mandy got her Instant Camera to take a few pictures of all of us so that Victoria could keep a copy for herself. The little girl was so excited, yet she was quite shy. She asked me to go with her to swing in some hammocks and I gladly went with her. When we told her our names she seemed incredibly charmed with me, and I asked Alan if my name was popular here. Turns out that Monica is the name of a famous cartoon comic strip made for children, so I assumed that was the reason for her clinging to me. Nevertheless, she was so sweet and cute that I continued to get pictures with her and spend time with her. It’s night like these that I wish the language barrier didn’t exist, I could see the frustration on her face when she wanted me to go do something but I couldn’t understand what she was saying. It broke my heart not being able to talk back to her, and I was incredibly sad.
But this also allowed me to reflect on the little things in life and know that everything happens for a reason. Unfortunately the bus ride and car sickness combination kind of put me in a bad mood and I began to have a rough day. I had been bored in some of the classes because I truly didn’t understand the material, and I began to think about my friends back home and began to miss all of the loved ones I left behind. It was in that moment of self-pity and sadness that Victoria came along. She was exactly what I needed, proof that this trip was helping me to grow as a person and learn how to better connect with others. Her sweetness proved to me just how much of an impact one person can have on your heart and life, driving me toward a more positive attitude. In that moment I vowed to myself that change was going to start there and that from then on I was only going to be positive about all of the many ideas and experiences I would get to do and see. I was thankful for her, it was as if God sent her because he knew of my heavy heart. In times like these I find that I get down on myself too easily and this trip has taught me to live life to the fullest, and once you think you have failed, you might have actually succeeded in something you weren’t necessarily trying to do.
Friday, January 13, 2017 Sao Paulo, SP
Today was another day of tours and learning outside of the classroom. We started the day by checking out of our hotel and heading for the John Deere Regional Headquarters in Indaiatuba, Sao Paulo. We learned about the business as a whole, the history and the impact of the South American Region. After discussing all of these factors we were able to get group picture with a forage harvester. We then traveled roughly 15minutes to their construction equipment production facility. This facility was a joint 50-50 project between John Deere and Hibatchi. After putting on a large amount of safety gear like hard hats, boots, glasses, and making sure that all jewelry and loose hanging objects had been removed, we were able to venture into the factory to see the process. We began with the fabricating of the boom and the arm, followed by the “spider” base. We saw all 4 of their robot welders working on pieces that had previously been tack welded and then inspected by the workers in the factory. Continuing on the tour we saw how all the inspections take place, the painting booth and then the assembly line. This factory is a much smaller scale than those located in America or Japan, producing only 12 machines per week or 2.4 per day. Overall, it takes 19 days for the machine to be created from the pieces that they order from another Japanese company.
I found it very crazy that their outputs are so low considering what big companies they represent. But, then again the facility is rather new, only being in operation since 2012 (I think- don’t quote me on that). I had previously visited the Melroe Bobcat factory in North Dakota with my family since my dad has been a long time employee with Bobcat for almost 38 years. It was a very different atmosphere, they used their above lifts a lot more to move the equipment easier and more efficiently. I believe the efficiency comes with time and as the facility grows, it should become more productive. Also, in Brazil, it seems that there are not as many options for education in the industrial area, at least not for this area. It was very interesting to be able to compare multiple factories and I believe that the difference comes with experience and time.
After our tour was over, we got back on the bus and headed toward the city. We stopped for an “American lunch” meaning that it was supposed to be quick. Well, challenge accepted. I hate to always feel impatient, but to me you should only stay so long at a restaurant. My family tends to stay a little while at restaurants, however there is a time and a place for long meals. My family tries to have a sit down meal every night, but sometimes it’s a grab and go sort of sit down. It just really showed me the difference in culture and I realized that at times throughout this trip I have been growing impatient. As someone who is always busy, it is common for me to just quickly grab food and eat it, rather than slow down and enjoy the time spent with others. I’m hoping that after this trip I will be able to appreciate my time with friends and family, and actually take the time to reflect on our days during our meals.
In the afternoon we were able to go to JBS and learn more about their company and their market. I found it interesting that one company can have such a large impact across the world. Also, it was cool to know that one company has the power to purchase and operate so many different brands without the consumer really knowing it. But, I was super surprised to find out that much of their meat is just bought from a producer rather than raised by the company for use and export. My sister recently accepted a position working within the hog business so I kind of knew the market and how the animals are raised and slaughtered. On the other hand, I was a little disappointed with the visit. I was expecting to learn more about the meat, and not just sit in a room talking about the business side of the company.
Today I again had to remind myself that I was here to learn about Brazil and enjoy my time, rather than feeling disappointed and lost. I believe the lack of sleep is catching up to me, I have been thinking a lot into the fact that this trip has almost nothing to do with my future line of work, but more about the business side of things. I was able to reflect on the fact that it seems every time you tour a facility or meet a company, you are always talking to the Human Resources department, and not someone who is actually out in the field working every day. I now understand why Plant Pathology is such a small field, you have to be a very detailed based, independent person. You truly have to be strong in your faith and ideas, and truly realize just want you want out of life and not let anything get you down. I sometimes struggle with this last thought, slipping into the mindset of ‘if no one else cares then why should I?’. Whenever this happens I have to take myself out of the present day and imagine the big picture of what my dreams are and what I want to do in the future. Sitting through all of these meetings makes me want to make a difference in the future and better educate others through similar programs. Although some days I struggle to make a connection, I know that it will only benefit me in the future by making myself more adaptable to others’ interests over my own.
For our evening activity in Sao Paulo, we went to dinner at a mall food court before heading to Samba School. Now, Alan was very concerned about the Samba school since it was in a rather bad area of town. We were instructed to not take anything with us including phones, jewelry or money. It was definitely an experience as we all quickly figured out that we sucked at Samba. The music was fun and the atmosphere of the pavilion like building was very upbeat. We were able to look at the costumes that will be worn during Carnival by that Samba School. Looking around the room, the school seemed very prestigious, as it has placed in the top 5 for several years in a row out of the 27 total schools in Sao Paulo. Overall, I enjoyed attending the school, even if we had no idea how to dance so we started to convert everyone to doing the Macarena and box step.
Friday, January 20, 2017 Piracicaba, SP
This morning, Morgan and I were taken to go the university farm to see the cows, both dairy and beef. Marianna picked us up in the morning to go and see them. It was raining slightly, but the cows seemed unfazed as we walked along their pens and into the bedding area. We made our way through the mud to observe the “parlor”. It was just wide open in the middle of a pavilion like building. Set down in the floor was where the milking equipment was kept, and they stilled used the old method of sterilization with ammonia. It was interesting to see how we are moving away from that technology and toward more robotics, they seem to still be 10 years behind us. It just goes to show that U.S Agriculture is still a global leader, making myself very proud to be a part of the industry.
It was our last day of classes, not going to lie, I was super excited. I am really looking forward to the homestay weekend and to our 2 week trip that is coming up. We ended class a little early to watch the inauguration of our 45th President, Mr. Donald J. Trump. It was an experience to watch American Politics from another country, and I am so happy to have had the opportunity to watch it. Seeing how rural America needs his leadership now more than ever, has helped me to better respect our new president and have high hopes for what he can do in the future to better build my small town which has been struggling for nearly 10 years. I have nothing but trust in faith in our government, I just pray that God sticks with us to help guide our leaders on the path chosen for our great nation.
At lunch Alan told me that I would be getting a new host family because my “sister”, Heloisa, had been in the hospital. I was super nervous and a little disappointed. I felt that I had really hit it off with the family and I was excited to be spending more time with them over the weekend. But, everything happens for a reason, and instead of spending time with that family, I was able to make someone else’s day by being their host student instead. I was nervous to meet my new family, but Daniel came and was super kind when picking me up. He seemed super excited to have me stay with him and his wife for the weekend. Going back to his house, I knew it would be a good weekend. That night once his wife, Carla, got off work we had a type of fried stuffed food called Pastels while eating sausages and eggs. It was a nice dinner and I enjoyed the casualness of the evening. I really felt that I could open up to them and be able to show them pictures of my family and my life. They were a little rough with English at first, but I found that communications were not very hard with them. I had a great first evening and I was excited to see what tomorrow would bring.
Saturday, January 21, 2017 Piracicaba, SP
This morning we got up early to go meet Ellyse and her host family for breakfast and a trip to one of the many fruit markets in the city. We then went to a padaria or bakery to get cheesy bread balls and suco de abacaxi or pineapple juice. We then went back home to hang out for a while before heading to an old sugar mill on the banks of the Piracicaba River. We walked through the mill while I snapped a bunch of pictures of the old architecture, crossing over the now flooded river and then meandered along the side walk next to the river for a while. It was a great time walking with ‘dad’ and just talking about life back home and the differences in culture. Especially the crazy driving. I explained that in the U.S. we didn’t really use our horns that often, didn’t have as many round-a-bouts and definitely didn’t run every stop sign in the city. I laughed about these differences, but I realized that they said a lot about the culture in which I have grown up. We have a longer perspective of life, therefore it seems we are more careful while driving and seem to take things a little lighter, rather than be in the heat of the moment. I find that its reflection on how people in societies is rather interesting to study and observe.
We went back to the house for an afternoon of relaxing and watching American TV. Turns out that they love The Big Theory, Two and a Half Men, The Simpsons, and many other popular shows. We spent all afternoon watching them in English, while having Portuguese subtitles to help my parents better understand. I found it interesting that even though they don’t speak English except for once a year, they are able to follow what is happening on TV. Also, I find it interesting that people all across the world loves American TV and movies. I don’t always realize how good it is to be an American until I am halfway across the world. It reminds me to take the time to absorb the area around me and to stop taking everything for granted, life goes by so quick, I wouldn’t want to blink and miss it.
That evening, they took me out to a Brazilian country bar where they had Brazilian style barbecue on skewers. There was live music, I had no idea what he was singing, but it was good nevertheless. We went through like 6 liters of beer, well to be honest I lost track. We had a great evening of relaxing and hanging out, just enjoying each other’s company and reminiscing about the past and my home. When we were leaving the bar, the cashier asked if I was an American. We told them yes, and Carla explained to me that many people had never seen an American before, and they found it to be a real treat. I was honored, but also incredibly worried since I was the only American they had ever seen, clearly I’m not the best looking in the world, so I hope I didn’t give them a bad impression of what Americans look like.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 Piracicaba, SP
Today we were able to participate in a service learning project alongside an organization called Munca, similar to Habitat for Humanity, they provide the materials needed to allow people to build and restore homes for their families. Kelse and I traveled to one house by ourselves and primed all of the exterior walls before painting the house a dark forest green color. They mixed water with the paint to make the paint go further and cover more wall. Since this was so thin, the paint splatter was awful. Both me and KB were completely covered in paint. We were able to get almost the entire house done before leaving to go to the other house to bring the larger group lunch and assist them in finishing their house. When we arrived, there were 3 police officers giving homeowners a complete pat-down next door. The house they were working on was very large and they were responsible for painting both the interior and the exterior. However, the quality of paint, tools, and walls worked together to make a bad combination and we all felt the job wasn’t its best. I was disappointed that it didn’t look better, however we were applying second coats within minutes instead of hours. It was definitely a different method, but overall it was pretty fun. At the end of the day I felt accomplished and it helped me to understand that even though we may speak a different language we all understand the concept of helping one another.
The other really interesting thing that the painting brought up was how the living conditions in the favelas are. I was intrigued to meet the individuals who live there and to see their homes. At the first house, the hill was cluttered with debris and it was obvious that when it rains the dirt and debris flows down the hill right through the middle of their home area and down a long slope of stairs and dirt. All around the house was more debris from falling buildings nearby and other trash. Personally, I would think that it wouldn’t take very long to clean up around the building to make a better home, but their work ethic just doesn’t want to follow that method.
Monday, January 30, 2017 Blumenau, SC/ Sao Joaquim, SC
Starting the day out with some exercise, we walked around the downtown area of the city to look at the difference in architecture. Since Blumenau was settled by German immigrants the buildings have a German touch and even the roofs are different, much steeper than others in Brazil. It may seem like a very small and slight difference, but it truly represents the culture that settled the area and it provides a sense of diversity throughout the country. In the U.S. we have a few areas of cultural diversity, but you don’t see such a difference in structures like you do here.
We then went to Herring clothing company to see their museum, learn a little about their business and then learn about the operations of the factory. I really liked this visit because the company is still very oriented around the original structure that the owners put in place. The morals and values of the company still exist to this day and I find that to be very important when operating a business. For me personally, I like the idea of family operated businesses rather than large corporate companies. To know that this large company is still operated as it was several years ago, with more of a focus toward their customers and their lives makes me hopeful for the future. Hopefully we will see that more companies do that in the future and revert to the “old fashioned” tactics.
After the Herring clothing company we had a quick lunch before attending Personal Touch Tobacco Processing Plant owned by Santa Cruz which is also a part of British America Tobacco company. We were able to learn about the industry and market, as well as those who produced Tobacco for a living. I thoroughly enjoyed the visit even though in today’s society we are told that tobacco is the worst thing coming and going. However, many people still choose to consume tobacco products, making it necessary to have farmers and families produce the leaves. The system was cool to see and to be able to look at each of the leaves that show the ratings was very interesting. I found it crazy to believe that we have such an issue with Tobacco Mosaic Virus in the U.S. yet it’s not a common issue here because of their resistant varieties. From a disease perspective I was pleasantly surprised that disease was so minimal and rare within their production.
To finish the day of tours we went to Eisenbahm brewery and learned about the production as well taste test the different brews. I am not big into craft beers, typically I drink whatever cheap and free alcohol I can find, or is given to me. This tasting experience was new and interesting to me. I had previously tried India Pale Ale on this trip with Morgan’s experience and suggestion, buy some of the other types were new to me. I had previously had a type of Pilsen beer, but the Weizenbier and Dunkel was my first time. I liked all of them, and I had a hard time determining which was my favorite. But the experience was good for me, I typically don’t drink too much but it helped me to learn more and put myself outside of my comfort zone on some flavors.
The bus ride to Sao Joaquim was quite interesting. A few people were sick and in attempt to find a bathroom, we happened to drive a little while out of our way. We found a military police station, and they let us use their facilities. It was 11:30pm in the middle of no-where when some of the guys tried to tell ghost stories and say, “Well they may eventually find our bodies”, neither of which were comforting. To make things better, there was a shrine memorial for a girl who we assume had been killed in a car accident. Typically in America, we would place a cross, but here they had a small building like structure with her picture and other pieces scattered around on the bench. I was not about to go check it out, but I found the cultural difference to be interesting. They found it necessary to memorialize the girl in a different way than we find common. It was another experience that helped to broaden my horizons about the many cultures of the world.
Friday, February 3, 2017 Foz Do Iguacu, PR
Last night was a long night on the bus, I was awake pretty often, but I would still feel comfortable stating that I got roughly 5 hours of sleep. After cleaning up at breakfast I felt much better about the day. I was super excited to see the World’s largest hydroelectric power plant, Idaitu. It was very interesting how the two countries came together to solve an issue about the world energy crisis and to find a way to create their own sustainable source. The two countries cut the amount of energy in half and split it roughly 50-50. However, Paraguay doesn’t use nearly as much energy as they are given, they only use roughly 15% so Brazil buys the rest. The dam powers 80% of Paraguay and 20% of Brazil, these are both very striking numbers!
I honestly am curious as to why we don’t use more dams in the U.S. to create more sustainable energy. After discussing with Mary, we were curious why the U.S. seems to talk a big game about creating sustainable energy, but it seems we are much further behind than Brazil in the sustainability department. We usually brag about being the top of the world and the one that other countries should strive to be like, yet we really have nothing compared to others. Hopefully in the future this will change and we will find a way to utilize more clean energy so that we can once again be a country that others look up to for guidance and suggestions.
While on the tour, we passed into Paraguay, so I made the joke that I got to jump the border into Paraguay without the use of my passport. Of course everyone on the trip knew the real reason, but hey it makes a good story for the parents. Overall, I thought the whole concept was neat and the view was absolutely breathtaking. I’ll leave that stuff to the engineers while I just chill outside in the field with my plants.
After leaving the park we went to see the point at which all three countries, Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil, meet. The park was closed, but we could still see the Parana River and look across at Paraguay. The Iguacu River was more hidden so it was difficult to see Argentina. Overall, it was a great morning. Going to the hotel, my afternoon was filled with journaling, but I was also able to do laundry, take a shower and nap a little. We had dinner and cake for King Jeff’s birthday and then Mary and I worked more on our project. It was a day well spent, looking forward to tomorrow.
Friday, February 10, 2017 Piracicaba/Sao Paulo, SP
To put a cap on our trip, we spent the morning packing up our belongings and then headed to the University to buy some last minute gifts. We also went to the grocery store, post office and university cachaça research center to buy gifts and other keepsakes. This was also sad because it was truthfully our last time on campus and our last chance to see many places in the city before we departed for our farewell lunch. The farewell lunch was down by the Piracicaba River at one of the restaurants along the sidewalk where my host dad had taken me. The fish was good, but I was again saddened by the thought that we were headed home. At the start it seems that 6 weeks was going to last forever, but in all actuality it went by way too quickly. Driving to the airport was rough yet again because I knew that this could possibly be the last time I ever see the landscape or the last time I would be in this country for maybe the rest of my life or just for now.
Things were confusing at the airport, but we made it through just fine and said our goodbyes to Alan, Mariana and Shirota. If we are honest, I never expected to be sad to see Shirota go, but I guess seeing him leave truly meant that our time in this country was now over and that it was time to use our new found knowledge and refreshed self to go home and make a difference in the world in which we live.
Saturday, February 11, 2017 Chicago, IL/Columbus & Willard, OH
After a long plane ride, it was nice to finally get back into the United States. I was super nervous about customs and if I would be able to make through easily, but all of the worrying was for nothing. With my personality, being friendly with the security personnel was not difficult and I was able to explain to them all of the necessary information so that they could plan better. Once we landed in Columbus, it really hit me as to the differences within our group. Many students had their parents and family waiting for them at the gate or at baggage claim, while mine were sitting in a parking lot waiting for me to come outside. To me, it really showed the differences between both our personalities and how we were raised. Personally, I was raised to be very independent and to rely upon myself and my work ethic to get me places in life. Also, once I got back to Ohio and my parents picked me up from the airport we went directly to my grandmother’s house to assist with our family’s maple syrup operation. Walking around the woods reminded me of how much I missed Ohio and the United States and I know that it will always be home because that is where everyone who loves and supports me is.