Q&A

Several of you have left comments or sent emails with questions. I'll answer them here, and keep this entry updated. If you have a question, send it to mhall-at-hutchfirstnaz.org or leave a comment and I will add it to the list!

Q. Has Suzanne eaten black beans yet?
A. I'm not sure - I will ask. But they do serve black beans and rice at every meal here! (6-24)

Q. Is the coke formula different in Brazil?
A. Most of us say no. In the past, it has been reported that the Coca-Cola drink had cinnamon in it. But coming from a connoisseur of Coca-Cola, I think it taste just like the kind in the States. (6-24)

Q. Is there anything to drink that does not have caffeine?
A. Yes! Other choices frequently consumed by our group are orange juice, bottled water, and something called "guarana" (pronounced, "guadana"). Its a soda drink that taste like, um, well, there's really nothing that it taste like in my regular diet. Some has said its made from passion fruit flavoring. I don't like passion fruit, but I do like guadana. (6-24)

Q. How much does a Coca-Cola cost?
A. Just as in the States, it depends on where you are. They cost R$2 for a 1/2 liter bottle in the airport, R$3 for a 12 oz can at tourist attractions, R$1.75 for a can at the church, and R$4 at the churrascaria. I want to say they were about R$3 for 2.75 liter bottles at the grocery store (I will check the next time I go). The bottom line is, it can't cost too much to get a little comfort from home like Coca-Cola! (6-22)

Q. What currency do you use?
A. The currency is based on the Real (pronounced "Heyall", "Heyice" for plural) with an exchange rate of 1.8-1.9 Real to the Dollar. (6-22)

Q. Are there any musical instruments used in the worship services?
A. Yes! The Sunday evening's service had a full band - lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, auxiliary, and saxophone. (6-22)

Q. Who empties the trash can in the bathroom?
A. They do. I'm not too sure who "they" is, but I owe them a great big hug by now. I imagine it is someone from the pastor's family who has been helping with our care while we are here. (6-22)

Q. Are there Llamas in Brazil?
A. Yes - but I haven't seen any, and have no clue where. (6-22)

Q. Can I bring one home to Hannah?
A. Sorry, it won't fit in my cary-on bag. (6-22)

Q. Do you sleep?
A. Yes - while tying rebar. (6-22)

Q. Is it dangerous in Rio?
A. I don't feel any more at risk for myself here than I have while visiting any other major city (i.e., New York, San Franscisco, etc.). There are obvious things you do to reduce the risk, and then you don't worry about it after that. I also trust Pastor Pedro Paulo and Pastor Jim completely! (6-22)

Q. What is the food like?
A. WONDERFUL! I thought I might lose a few pounds while down here working. But I think the opposite has happened. There has not been a single meal where I have looked at the food and not found a meal's worth of food that was not delicious. And my entire bottle of Malox and package of Ammonium AD is still untouched! The street food is also wonderful! And if that wasn't enough, there's always McDonalds! (6-22)