Youth Exchange Trip
to Brazil 2009
26 July – 01 August 2009
7 Days and 6 Nights
Take a trip that is both meaningful and fun that will touch many lives as well as our own! Take a trip to Brazil! Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country and is home to more than 180 million inhabitants. Being the largest and most populous country in South America, Brazil is also the leading economic power in South America. Despite all this, difficult circumstances that have hurt the country’s growth and its battle with poverty. Today, approximately 73% percent of Brazilians consider themselves Roman-Catholic, 15% are Protestant, and the remainder consist of various other religions, most African based.
Our youth exchanges and community service projects are in partnership with Evangemed, School of Missions, and the Church in Brazil, and are based in Rio de Janeiro. Created for young men and women between the ages of 17 and 30, our mutual vision is to provide empowerment and healing to those less fortunate than ourselves and to provide them with the tools to make their lives healthier and more productive. Between our active members in the USA and in Brazil, we touch thousands of lives. Our youth exchange program is a way for the youth in both countries to share common experiences, learn from each other and build lasting relationships that promote fellowship and a bit of fun!
Your itinerary:
Saturday 25 July: Depart your home city for your overnight flight to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!
Sunday 26 July: Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!
Rio de Janeiro is the most famous city maybe in South America and is known for its beauty, energy, and excitement. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local host at the airport and transferred to your hotel!
Today, after a welcoming brief, you will be free to explore some of the city’s most vibrant beaches and enchanting seaside board-walks. Shops, Restaurants, Boutiques, and Jewelers all combining for a fun day in the city that never sleeps.
Evening: In Rio de Janeiro at your choice of hotels.
Monday 27 July: Tour of Rio de Janeiro!
After a wonderful tropical breakfast, we will embark on a ½ day Tour of the Corcovado and Christ Statue, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, with views of the entire city, its beaches and exotic mountain ranges! For lunch, we will be treated to a Brazilian BBQ all you can eat restaurant. The tastes and variety of food will amaze you.
The rest of the afternoon free!
Evening: In Rio de Janeiro at your choice of hotels.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 28, 29, and 30 July: Youth Mission Exchange! After a hearty breakfast we go to Terespolis in the beautiful mountains a short distance from Rio to enjoy 3 days and 2 nights at our main event, the Youth Exchange 2009!
The Youth Exchange will bring up to 600 people from the USA, Brazil and other nations to rejoice in fellowship! All lodging, meals, and activities are included for this portion of the trip.
OBJECTIVES of our stay and Mission Exchange at Teresopolis:
• To celebrate Jesus Christ our Lord.
• To experience the Christian Faith and Christian community
in the context of a world community.
• To respond to the call to Christian discipleship in today’s
world.
• To provide an opportunity for cross-cultural experiences
in various group settings (Bible study, family groups, prayer,
recreation, and learning options).
• To experience dynamic praise and worship in a multi-
cultural setting.
• To develop friendships with new global dimensions.
• To become witnesses of Jesus Christ locally and globally.
Overnights 28 and 29 July in Teresopolis and 30 July back in Rio de Janeiro at your choice of hotels.
Friday 31 July: Tropical Island Cruise
After breakfast, we will head South of Rio de Janeiro to meet up with schooner boats that will take our group on a tropical island cruise around the Bays of Angra and Paraty! Imagine yourself floating on turquoise water, surrounded by exotic and enchanting islands, each and every one crowned by lush tropical vegetation! You will get several chances to swim, take pictures, and explore one or more of these uninhabited tropical jewels! Buffet lunch will be served on one of the islands.
Overnight in Rio de Janeiro at your choice of hotels.
Saturday 01, August: Last day in Rio de Janeiro
After your final breakfast in Rio de Janeiro, enjoy some more free-time in this exciting city! You may visit today the historical church of Catete (the oldest Methodist Church in Brazil), the Sugar Loaf Mountains, or enjoy the beaches, or maybe even visit the historical center of the city. Your specialized assistants for the trip will be available to give some tips on what to do.
Late afternoon: Transfer from Hotel to the international airport for the return trip to the USA.
Sunday, 02 August: Home sweet home…
Morning: Arrive home back in the USA with many memories and friends!