Hello Sunrise Rotary Club

Hello, Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Sunrise!
 
Most exchange students don't get a second chance at their first month of exchange, but I did. Japan will always be a part of me, and if I had the choice I would stay in Japan for my full year. But that being said, I am so lucky to spend the rest of year in Brazil. There are advantages to going to two countries. I am getting such a contrast of cultures going from such an introverted country like Japan, to a very extroverted country like Brazil. Since I was in Canada for a month, we decided that I'd stay in Brazil a month longer, till August 22.
 
I'm living in a city named Belo Horizonte, which means beautiful horizon. It's the 6th largest city in Brazil, and I live near the center. I love living in a big city so much. There's always something to see and do. It's almost winter now. The Brazilians consider it cold. But it's around 22 degrees every day. In the summer it's usually around 30. Another reason that I'm excited to be here is because my sister went on exchange to Brazil a couple years ago. We'll always have this in common, and I'll have some one to speak Portuguese with when I come back.
 
I have a host sister named Paloma, who's 19. She is one of nicest people I've met here. She's always there for me to talk to or to ask a question. My host brother, Victor, is on exchange in Canada right now, in Kamloops. He's coming back early July. I'm excited to have an older brother. My host mom owns a costume shop and my host dad owns an air conditioning business. We also have a housemaid named Lala. She is really kind. I'm still not quite used to someone cleaning my room and making my food everyday.
 
I'm still getting used to the fact that I'm not in Japan. I keep in contact with my host families and friends there. I will definitely be back sometime in the next couple of years. But my time in Brazil in short and I plan on embracing it. I'm going to try to pick up as much Portuguese as possible and take every opportunity I get. I'm always amazed at how much Rotary has given me and how it connects the people. I'm so thankful for this unique opportunity.
 

Karly J. Hilgers

Rotary Student Exchange 2010 2011

Host Club:  Rotary Club of Koriyama South, Japan & Rotary Club of Belo Horizonte Pampulha, Brazil

Sponsor Club: Rotary Club of Grande Prairie Sunrise, Canada