It’s May and snow still frosts the mountains in the distance and blankets the ground where the tree canopy is still too thick to allow the sun and rain to fully penetrate.
Jonathan Cavalcante is a long way from home.
He’s 17.
“In Brazil? It’s really hot.” His English is halting.
He’s getting use to the climate in the shadow of the Long Range Mountains.
“I love it.”
Been living in Cape Ray for the past few months.
Pretty well the furthest west you can get on the island of Newfoundland.
Attending classes at St. James High School in Port aux Basques.
The life of an exchange student.
His first time travelling outside of Brazil.
In his home country he plays soccer.
Here he’s learned to play ball hockey. Says he likes it.
He’s also tried downhill skiing at Marble Mountain.
“It’s a big difference. It’s different classes. It’s different school.”
And watched some hockey games at the local arena.
He’s been busy.
Joined cadets, went camping, walked out onto some thick sea ice for the first time, and hopes to kayak the Codroy River.
Acclimatizing to the culture, if not the weather.
School has been an adjustment.
“It’s a big difference. It’s different classes. It’s different school.”
His temporary home with Joan Pearce.
“She’s like my grandma.”
Wraps his arm around Pearce for a quick hug, giggles as she kisses his cheek.
He pitches in to help with chores. Shovelled snow, shopped for groceries, wash dishes.
From her he’s also learned how to craft stained glass ornaments and wine glasses.
He’s bring them back home as souvenirs for his family when he goes back home to Belo Jardim-Pernambuco in June.
He’s even learned how to bake bread.
She plans to teach him to waltz too, something she’s doing with all her grandchildren.
Cavalcante enjoys it. He’s game for anything.
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