Brian left the CTM (Center for Training Missionaries is how they say it in Brazil) on Tuesday AM and headed for Belem. I have no idea where he is exactly but hopefully next week I can send you all an e-mail from Brian with all news!
Belém is a city on the banks of the Amazon estuary, in the northern part of Brazil. It is the capital of the state of Pará. It is the entrance gate to the Amazon with a busy port, airport and coach station. Belem lies about 60 miles upriver from the Atlantic Ocean. The river is the Pará, part of the greater Amazon River system, separated from the larger part of the Amazon delta by Ilha de Marajó (Marajo Island).
Founded in 1616, Belém was the first European colony on the Amazon but didn't become part of the Brazilian nation until 1775. Its metropolitan area has approximately 2.09 million inhabitants. It is also known as Metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon region or Cidade das Mangueiras (city of mango trees) due to the number of those trees found in the city. The newer part of the city has modern buildings and skyscrapers. The colonial portion retains the charm of tree-filled Squares, churches and traditional blue tiles. Belém is served by the Val de Cães International Airport (BEL) that connects the city to the rest of the country and other cities in South America. Brazilians often refer to the city as Belém do Pará ("Belém of Pará") rather than just Belém so as to differentiate it from Bethlehem in Palestine.
The city is home to the Federal University of Pará. The city has a rich history and architecture from colonial times, a natural rubber boom, World War II, 1960-70s Amazonic rediscovery and, recently, a skyscraper boom.
5 comments:
We will be awaiting an update to hear exactly where he is.
Glad Brian is finally on his way. When we were getting Brian'sXmas gifts, the Elder was a returned Miss. from Belem. He said after Brian gets to mission home, spends one day then he will be assigned some place. Some cities he would take a boat down the Amazan to get to, one city you would fly to, another would be a 12 hour bus ride. Some Elders stay in Belem. Sounds like he is in for quite an experience. We will be excited to see where he lands.
Belem sounds pretty. I read a novel recently that takes place there, and then another city farther down the river - A Company of Swans. It made it sound quite romantic, but then the life of a missionary will be something else, I'm sure. I'm excited to find out how he's adjusting and where he is.
It is just amazing to me to think of Brian living in Belem! The facts that you compiled sound interesting; I will also be looking forward to hearing about his first area.
Sure looks pretty! Like everyone else, I'll be excited to hear from Brian soon. What an awesome experience he will have!
Good to talk to you the other day too. :)
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