On Friday June 24th, the casa celebrated Medium Joao's Birthday.  After the long lines through the current and some wonderful healing experiences were done, we all reconvened in the parking lot across the street from the casa, along with thousands of Abadiania residents who joined the festivities.

The parking lot was transformed into a large party hall with a full stage for speeches and musical performances.   A full stage lighting setup as well as makeshift street lighting helped create the mood.  There were food tents sponsored by the Pousada owners to feed the guests.  In the back of the parking lot,  a large tent housed a few dozens of Medium Joao's closest friends and the casa staff and volunteers.  In this area was also the four large birthday cakes that would be shred with all the guests. All the cakes put together were over 16 feet long (4.8 meters.) 

After the speeches by various officials and the casa manager, Medium Joao said a few words followed by cheers and applause.   A spectacular fireworks display followed  lighting the Abadiania sky for twenty minutes or more.  The last fireworks rocket was actually tied to a wire and traveled sideways to light the top of the 20 ft bonfire that was set up by the Taxi Drivers.  It was quite dramatic.  The Fire burned for hours after the official celebration was over.

Medium Joao made his way to the back tent waling through the crowd and seemed to enjoy himself talking to friends hugging and laughing a lot.   Government officials, local authorities, friends and family alike enjoyed a wonderful evening celebrating the life of this most amazing man who from his humble beginnings has managed to make a difference in the lives of so many people.

Goiaba also known as Guayaba in Spanish or Guava in English speaking countries are plants in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) genus Psidium (meaning pomegranate in Latin.).  They are native to Mexico, central America and northern South America.  Their pungent flavor and aroma have made them a favorite of children and adults alike.  Their popularity is increasing all over the world.  Goiabas are consumed as a raw fruit, but more often they are used for juices, sauces, preserves, ice creams and sweets.

Goiabas or Guavas are considered a superfruit.  They are rich in Vitamins A and C.  The seeds are rich in Omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and dietary fiber.   A single guava fruit contains more than four times the amount of vitamin C as a single orange as well as significant quantities of potassium and magnesium.  Although the nutrient contents vary according to the particular variety of guava you encounter.  These values are representative of  the most commonly available varieties.

Medical Uses.
Guavas, particularly the leaves have been the subject of research for pharmacological properties and history of use in folk medicine.    From preliminary medical research in laboratory models, extracts from guava leaves or bark are implicated in mechanisms against cancer, bacteria, infections, inflammation and pain.  Essential oils from the guava leaves display anti cancer activity in vitro.   Guava leaves are used in folk medicine as a remedy for diarrhea.  Leaves and the bark are used for their antimicrobial and astringent properties.

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