If you have never been to a produce market at sunrise, I suggest that you put it on your to do list. This morning we woke up at 5 a.m. to observe the acai fair in action. Boats came from up and down the river to this dock to set up their acai for purchase. Some bartered with other vendors of produce – fish, meat, other fruits – and some sold their acai to manufactures. It was just amazing to see these men displaying and selling their work. The rest of the market was just as interesting, but the smell in the fish section was so pungent I still feel like it’s stuck in my clothes. Ick! 
After the market, we headed off to our first shoe give-a-away. The first site was at a community up the river, where one of the leading acai manufacturers for Mona•Vie retrieves some of his inventory. Children from all over the community met us at the dock as we disembarked for our drop-off. Before we gave away the shoes and other goodies, we were given an acai picking demonstration.
One of the men in the community showed us how he makes a foot lasso to help him climb the tree and then the technique of the climbing and gathering the berries. Once he was back on the ground, we were all able to help pull the berries off of the branches. Then a few adventurous people gave acai tree climbing a try. Neither Mom nor I dared but we have some great pictures that make us look like we did. ☺
Completing our romp in the forest, we proceeded back to the dock to hand out the shoes. These were some of the most beautiful children I have ever seen. They were so polite and sweet. Though we didn’t speak the same language, we all found ways of connecting with each one of them. For ½ an hour, one little girl, Kaia, sat in my lap just to play with my hair. Each of us in the group had similar experiences that will stay with us always. It was amazing to see how much Mona•Vie has changed their lives. 
5 years ago, this community only consumed acai and then cut down the trees for fuel. Now they harvest the berries for both their own consumption and for manufacturing and have learned how to use the seeds of the berries as fuel so that they no longer need to cut down the trees. Those trees can then produce more berries, starting the cycle all over again. They now have the money to build better homes, buy clothing and provide upkeep for their boats (only mode of transportation).
One of the families even showed us how they process the acai for their personal consumption. As you can imagine, the berries in the village aren’t pasteurized and the water is not filtered. However, using a machine, they are able to separate the pulp from the seed and a beautiful purple cream poured from the bottom of a funnel. We dared to taste it! They use this berry cream as an integral ingredient in recipes for all their meals. This fresh paste is not too tart and after adding a little sugar it was delicious, similar to a jelly.
We then left the community and made our way to our second shoe give-a-away at a community in Belen. Joining us was the Mayor of the town and the Senator for the state. They thanked us for being a part of their community and we celebrated a partnership between Brazil and MonaVie. There must have been 1,000 people waiting to receive shoes. It was heartbreaking when we realized that we might not have enough for everyone, however, we were happy to give them all we could. Then, just as we began to give the shoes to the children, it began pouring rain. The volunteers moved the shoes and the crowds to a covered area and we, soaked to the bone, boarded the bus. When the rain did not let up, we left the site to return to the hotel knowing that the shows would make it into the hands of those who needed them.
It’s going to be another early day tomorrow. Our flight to Rio is at 6 a.m. Well worth it to make it to The MORE Project.
