To New Experiences....

After our meeting on Wednesday, Carol, Jenna, and I went to Casa de Campo, a restaurant in the Recoleta that serves very traditional Bolivian food. There were very traditional dishes like cow heart and tongue, but I opted for a chicken dish, which was amazing. It was a chicken breast in a delicious broth with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions. It was very good! It was really nice to spend time with the other volunteers--it gave us time to reflect on our work and talk about our experiences. When I got back to the girls' home after dinner, they were celebrating San Juan. San Juan is highly celebrated here in Bolivia. People have huge barbecues and bonfires where they roast hot dogs, which are not very common dish here. But, people stay up partying and shooting off fireworks all night. The girls had a barbecue and a dance party and dance competition. They dressed up and had so much fun! I love to watch them have fun because I think they have had times that they couldn't have fun and couldn't dance and be kids.

On Thursday, I worked at Pedacito from 9-2. I really enjoy working there because it is an amazing feeling to bring joy and make each of these kids smile. They are all so full of personality and spirit. I got some great pictures of them and have posted just a few on here, although it is hard to chose just a couple. When I was leaving Pedacito to head back to the girls' home, there was this huge parade that had something to do with the police and the military. It was so huge traffic was stopped, and it took me so long to get back home. So, I decided to get an empanada, which are so delicious! I could live on empanadas!

Back at the girls home, I helped some of the younger girls with their homework. I never thought I would help the girls with the multiplication and division homework in Spanish. It was difficult for me to find all the words I needed to explain the multiplication and division process to them, but it ended up working out. We had cena--some type of soup. Soup is a very typical cena item! After cena, I played Uno with some of the girls. Uno has become our nightly game, and I just bought candy as the premio (the prize)! The girls are very excited to play tonight! After a little Uno, I met up with Kimberly and Brianna at the Irish Pub, our regular Thursday night meeting place. I had one of the best White Russians I have ever had at the Irish Pub--I was impressed!

On Friday, I had to work at Pedacito again from 9-2. I got to go on a walk with the younger kids. It was so cute, and I even pushed Mateo, who is about 1, in his stroller. I got to hang out with Victoria a lot when we got back. She is just so great, and now gives me hugs and kisses! I love taking pictures of the babies because they get so excited and they have to see their picture, especially Victoria! Then, she says, "Oh, Victoria! es mi, es Leydi! Muy guapa!" She's just too cute!

When I got back to the girls house, April, another volunteer was there. She will be doing things with the older girls during their vacations. She is really nice, and a lot of the girls said we looked like twins or sisters. There was no homework to do since vacation started today for the girls, so I played red light, green light and volleyball with them.

Yesterday was my first Saturday working at Pedacito. It was more relaxed then during the week because there are less kids and less tias. We got to play more with the kids and I think they had more fun. We had really good lasagna for lunch! The Tia who cooks says she always likes to make good food on Saturdays, so I am glad I will be there for it! When I got back to the girls home, they were preparing for Julia's 12th birthday, which is today. I walked with Camila and Abigail to the nearby Liberia, stationary store, to get wrapping paper for her present. Then, I had to help the younger girls bath, which was quite an experience! It is very chaotic to help 10 girls shower and get dressed!

Last night there was a housewarming party for 2 volunteers. I went to their apartment downtown and had so much fun! Some Bolivians who were there taught us traditional dances and there were traditional drinks and food. It was also nice because I met a lot of the young volunteers who I have not had a chance to met yet. It was a great first Bolivian party!

Today I haven't really done much, but it has been nice. Sorry, this is another long post. I will try and keep them shorter. I am absolutely loving my time here, and have already experienced so much! My Spanish is improving.

Also, I am reading Little Bee, by Chris Cleave. It is a great book so far, and has many parallels to the kids and girls I work with here. It is about a young Nigerian girl who stows away on a container ship to come to England. She is found, and is put in a detention center for 2 years. But, Cleave writes, "A scar does not form on the dying. A scar means, I survived." He also writes, "Sad words are just another beauty. A sad story means the storyteller is alive." Many of the babies and girls have not only physical scars, but also emotional scars. However, they have endured and continue. They still know how to laugh and love, dance and sing. I am amazed by this everyday and am so thankful I get to work with such amazing kids! They have taught me so much!

Quite the Adventure!

I just realized that I have not blogged in a few days, so I will do my best to recount what has happened. Yesterday, Tuesday, was probably the most adventurous day so far!

Monday was a holiday, or Feriado, here, so all the girls were home from school. I got up and got ready. We ate breakfast, and the girls had a class with three nursing students about the changes they will experience during their adolescnt years. It was an interesting talk, but the younger girls could not relate to many of the topics that were brought up and discussed. It was interesting to me that many of the girls had not heard of bulimia or anorexia. The tias told me that health issues like this are not discussed openly. After the class was over, we played volleyball, which was so fun. It is a tradition that the winning team gets to pick a punishment for the losers. So, when my team lost, we had to run through the other team while they threw the ball at us. Lunch was a platano and ground beef casserole. I do not like platanos that much, but I really enjoyed the casserole. White rice and a vegetable salad accompanied the casserole.

After lunch, the older girls had a class with two other nursing students, which seemed to go more smoothly. The younger girls and I played Red Light, Green Light. They had never played that game, but loved it! After the older girls were done with their class, we headed to the park. The younger ones packed bags with babries and the older girls brought skateboards. We had a lot of fun! I helped push some of the younger girls on the swings.

When we got back to the house, we had dinner and then watched Mulan! They really enjoyed the movie and asked if we had Mulan in the U.S. They think that the U.S. is of a completely different world!

Tuesday was quite an interesting day, to say the least. I was having a bad day, and then it all turned around! I woke up, got ready, and took Nohemi to Pedacito. I just enjoy playing with Victoria so much! She is so sweet and funny! I wish everyone could meet her, but I will try and get some pictures of her this week! I helped Tia Evelin teach the older kids how to recognize and pronounce their names. It is pretty funny because a lot of them cannot even say their names--it is extremely cute! We played outside for a little bit, and then had lunch. It was one of my favorite lunches since I have been here. It was spaghetti that is traditional here. It was so delicious--I have to get the recipe! After lunch, I helped brush the kids´ teeth, put them in their beds, and rub their backs.

I headed back to the girls´ home because I had a meeting with Carolina about my schedule. I stopped at the little tienda (store) by our house for some water, but I did not have enough money on me. I was so mad because I was really thirsty! When I got back to my room, there was an ant infestation! I absolutely hate ants! I didn´t know what to do! I met with Carolina and got my schedule--I have Sundays and Wednesdays off, which is nice because I can skype with people on Sunday, and Wednesdays are a huge market day here. After our meeting, I had to drop all my stuff in my room, and the ants had multiplied! I asked Kimberly, who happened to be there, where I could buy ant spray. She told me what Micro, or bus, to take. I was nervous because I had never taken that micro, and had never been to that part of town. But, I got on the bus, and found my way. I got exactly what I needed, and realized I did not know where to catch the Micro home. So, I decided to get an empanada from Wistipiku, the famous empanada place in Bolivia. While I was waiting, I saw the bus that I needed go by! I knew how to get back! So, while I waited I ate this amazing cheese empanada and drank a coke! I was proud of myself for getting to the store, and getting back to our house safely! Right when I got back, I literally sprayed everywhere I thought the ants could be! So far, I have gotten pretty good at killing spiders, and good at spraying ants--things I would never do at home!

I was reading at one of the dinig room tables, and Sofia and Ana, two of the older girls who I haven´t talked to that much, asked me to play Uno with them. It ended up being one of the best nights I have had here! All we did was laugh! Ana had to go do some sewing for school, and Sofia and I kept playing. I had so much fun with her, and I realized that she has just been shy! We have a lot in common, and I really enjoyed getting to know her. I went to bed so happy with the day--I took a new bus to a completely new part of town, killed ants, and got to know two girls much better!

Today was my first day off, and I took complete advantage of it. Before I left, I wiped all the dead ant bodies off the wall, and sprayed more! I am quite the exterminator! I took the Micro down to the Correo (post office) and walked around the central plaza. I went to the bank, had a amazing coffee and pastry at Cafe Paris, and walked through a small Artesania market. I saw some really cool things, but decided not to buy anything because I have so much time to do that. Then, I walked up to Plaza Colon and along the Prado. It was A LOT of walking, but I feel like I know how to get around much better, especially on foot.

I had to come up to the Maryknoll Center for a meeting with the other volunteers and to try and get my ¨Illegal Alien Card,¨ as Dan calls it. I had no idea how to get up here. I saw that a few of the Micros had Cala Cala, the barrio (neighborhood) where the center is located, on their destination lists, so I decided to get on one and cross my fingers it went near the Maryknoll Center--another adventure. The Micro ended up dropping me off right at the Maryknoll Center! This was yet another proud moment for me!

Tonight, I have the meeting with the other volunteers, and we are going to go out to dinner. I just signed up for the trip to LAKE TITICACA in July! I am so excited about this trip! I just cannot wait! Next week, I am also going to look into traveling to Machu Picchu in Peru to see the ruins! I have always wanted to go, so I figure while I am down here I can make it there! Also, this morning I was eatting my yogurt and talking to Tia Maritza, and I ate the whole cup! I was amazed! I guess I like yogurt now!

Although I have only been here a week, I have done so many things that I never thought I would do, and have learned so much about myself! One really does grow while traveling and being pushed outside of his or her comfort zone!

Sorry this post is so long, I will try and keep them shorter! But, much more to come! I miss everyone, and hope I will be able to skype or ichat with eveyone on Sundays! Sending all my love!

Las ninas del Corazon del Pastor...

Last night, I watched Pulgarcita, a Barbie movie about a fairy princess saving the environment, with the younger girls. They absolutely love Barbie! After the movie it was time for bed, which I was happy about! I was completely exhausted! Before I went to bed, I hung up some pictures to make my room feel more like home. I have also been journaling every night before bed about my daily experiences and activities. Journaling has really helped me to synthesize everything!

I woke up early to shower and get ready. Again, we had yogurt and oatmeal bars. I have to admit that the yogurt is growing on me, and after 6 months of it I will probably like it. The girls did some chores and their laundry. It was fascinating watching them all squat by huge buckets filled with water and scrub their clothes. They were all very good at it, and had a good time doing it. We were listening to music and talking. I decided to take pictures of the girls doing laundry, especially Kattia because she loves to make huge bubbles with the soap! (Below, I have posted some pictures of the girls!) We walked to get the micro to head to mass. However, today is the Andean New Year, and their was a festival downtown, so no micros came. So, we went home and the girls watched a movie and relaxed.

Andean New Year is a long practiced Indigenous tradition. People stay up all night and and have huge bonfires to ensure that the sun will rise. Once the sun begins to come up, people rejoice! It seems like an amazing ritual, but it is not practiced in the city. It occurs mostly in the campos and in the mountains, where majority of Indigenous people live.

My Spanish has already improved, so I am excited to see the results after six months! I love spending time with the girls! Each one of them has something unique to share. And, I feel like I am not sharing and giving them as much as they are sharing and giving to me. I feel like I have learned so much in a week about myself, about the Bolivian culture and history. I know this will be an absolutely amazing experience!

I have to get back to the house in time for cena. Tomorrow I will get my schedule, so I will know when I can skype, or ichat. So, I will let everyone know, and when you can chat let me know and I will be online!

Miss everyone, but I carry you all with me on this journey! Sending all my love and good thoughts!

Uno and El Cristo

Last night was a really fun night with the girls! Kimberly was over at the house for a meeting with the tias and for dinner. After dinner the girls went to takes showers, which is quite a hectic time in the house. After shower time, we played games with the girls. First, I played some marble game with Paty. She is 11, and one of the only actual orphans. Some of the girls get to see their families from time to time. But, Paty and I played this marble game, and she kept adding on new rules, like kids do to ensure that they win the game. But, we played it a few times, and I finally got the hang of it. Then, when more of the girls were showered and ready for bed, we played a huge game of Uno. The girls absolutely love Uno! All the tias played, and we had a great time. All the girls were in bed by 9:30, and since I had to get up early for the tour, I also went to bed at 9:30.

I got to the Maryknoll Center at 8:30 for our tour. We went to the downtown area and Cathy, who is in charge of all trips and outings for people participating in the Maryknoll programs, showed us good restaurants and cafes. We also went to the center of town, the Zocalo. There is a huge Cathedral and a big park with a fountain and statues in the middle. During the weekends, especially, Cochabambinos hang out here with their families. We got coffees at a cafe called Cafe Paris. It was some of the best coffee I have ever had! So delicious! We headed to the Prado and the Recoleta, which are two areas of Cochabamba that have nice restaurants, bars, and clubs! There is also a bowling alley near the Recoleta, which we decided we needed to visit soon! We drove up to the Cristo on the hill above the city. The road was sooooooo narrow and curvy--it was scary! But, we made it up to the top safely. We got to climb inside the Cristo, which was so amazing, but also really scary. The staircases to climb up are so tiny and steep! It was, however, very hard to breath because of the high altitude. But, the view from the Cristo and the hill was amazing--you could see the whole city and the mountains beyond. Then, we headed to Tiquipaya for lunch. A German man who used to work at the Maryknoll Center opened a hotel and retaurant in Tiquipaya, which is a smaller suburb outside of Cochabamba. The land he owns is so beautiful, and he started with a small chunk of land, and now has a huge operation with a pool, and a playground, tons of animals, and trees. It was a buffet lunch with chicken, fish, beef, beets, platanos, tomatoes, rice, potatoes, celery salad, and ice cream! Some of the best food I have had since I have been here! After lunch, we played on the swings and sunbathed in the sun!

I signed up for a trip to Santa Cruz, Bolivia in a few weekends. We are going to see the missions the Jesuits built, and one mission the Bolivians built. Dan told me that it's an amazing trip, and we stay in a very nice hotel that was built in the mission sites. So, I am looking forward to that! And, later in July we will be taking a trip to LAKE TITICACA!!!!!!! I am so excited to see Lake Titicaca! There are lots of indigenous villages built on islands in the lake, and you can go and visit them. I think this will be an amazing experience! I also am going with Tia Celia and the girls to mass tomorrow. It is 2 hours, and all in Spanish, so I am a little nervous. I hope I know when to go up for Communion! But, masses in Spanish are so beautiful! So, exciting things are coming up!

Miss everyone! Sending my Love!

Bolivia!

Oh, Bolivia! I am becoming more acquainted with Cochabamba, and am becoming more adjusted to life here. I don´t think it has hit me that I am here for six months. It feels like I have been here for about a month, but it hasn´t even been a week! I am learning more about the lives of the babies and the girls previous to becoming residents of Corazon del Pastor (girls´ home) and Pedacito del Cielo (Infant home). I am also learning a lot about myself. I am doing things I never thought I would do, including eating yogurt, killing spiders, and checking my bed, shoes, and clothes every morning and night for scorpions and tarantuals.

Yesterday was one of the more difficult days since arriving in Bolivia. I woke up, got ready and took Nohemi to Pedacito. I had to go directly back to the house to help out. Back at the girls home, I helped Sofia (a 13 year-old resident, who has 5 siblings all spread around Bolivia) cut tomatoes and cucumbers for lunch. I enjoyed helping because I got to know her. She is very sweet, but also very shy. She is starting to come out of her shell around me. Sofia also put me to shame in the kitchen! In the amount of time it took me to peel about 3 cucumbers, she had done 12 or 15. My goal is to help out more in the kitchen and become a better cook. Maybe I can cook some Bolivian food for everyone when I return! For lunch we had Mexican Casserole, which is layers of tortillas, a bean mixture and cheese--it was delicious--and the cucumber and tomato salad.

After lunch I helped the girls with their homework. There was a big meeting for all the regualr employees of both homes. So, I had to watch 10 of the girls who have school in the morning and are home in the afternoon. It was very challenging because I had to keep them in their study room for about 3 hours. Many of the girls finished their homeowork, and wanted to play outside, but Tia Maritza told me they could not play outside because it would be too noisy and interrupt the meeting. So, I had to come up with games and projects to keep them occupied. It was also interesting helping them with their homework because their school system is much different than ours in the U.S. Each child only has school in the morning or the afternoon, and each day they have 1 or 2 core classes. And, even how they teach things is very different. And even their homework is structured differently.

After the meeting was over, I went with Kimberly to see how nights are at Pedacito. I helped with cena and getting the kids ready for bed. We brushed their teeth, bathed them, put on their PJs, and tucked them in. I rubbed their backs until they went to sleep. Around 8, Kimberly and I went downtown to an Irish Pub to relax and watch the basketball game, which was not relaxing. Emma, the owner of the pub, is from Ireland. She came to Bolivia 5 years ago to work with street kids here in Cochabamba. She didn´t want to leave, so she stayed and opened an Irish Pub with her Bolivian boyfriend. I met her, and she was extremely nice. She also speaks Spanish with an Irish accent! I met some of Kimberly´s friends, who are also from the U.S., and I got invited to more outtings with them, which is exciting! The night was fun, except for watching the game! What happened in the 4th quarter, Boston?!?!?!?! I was depresssed when I went home!

Today, I got up and worked the whole morning and part of the afternoon at Pedacito. I am already getting attached to the kids there! Victoria and I spent a lot of time talking and reading books. She is attached to this doll that is almost her size, and she throws the doll over her shoulder and carries it around. She, and her brother Marcos, have an interesting situation. Their parents come to visit them almost everyday. The parents brought Victoria and Marcos to Pedacito because they did not have enough money to properly care for them. Kimberly told me that another boy´s mom had recently died from HIV. When she brought him to Pedacito, she was so sick she couldn´t stand. Situations like this are devestating to children. Even though he is young, he knows something happened. He calls for his mom a lot, and he will never get to know her. His dad left the mom before she even had the baby. Many of the kids in both homes have stories comprable to this. It devestates me, but all I hope is that I can give them all the love, attention, and affection they need.

Well, tomorrow I am taking a city tour with the Maryknoll language students and a few volunteers. I am excited to see more of the city!

I miss everyone so much! I think about you all everyday!
Sending my love!

Micro Numero Nueve

Today was quite the day! I woke up, got ready, and again, ate my yogurt and granola, or at least attempted to. The younger girls headed to school, and we said our routine goodbyes, filled with lots of hugs and kisses. I had to take Nohemi to the other home, and I had to do it all by myself! I was pretty nervous, since I had only completed the journey once with Celia. But, I put my brave face on! Nohemi and I waited for the Micro numero 9 in front of our house. When I saw the Micro, I quickly stepped into the street to make sure it would stop. I put Nohemi in my lap, and off we went. I was nervous because I wasn't sure where to get off (there are no designated stops, you yell, "a la esquina," and the driver pulls over wherever you may be.) I saw we were getting near the stadium and yelled out, "a la esquina!" When we stepped off the bus, I was so proud of myself--I had survived my first bus ride alone! Proud moment number 3 in Bolivia!

I worked the morning and part of the afternoon at the infant and toddler home. I played and reviewed the colors and numbers (in Spanish) with the older kids. Then, we took the kids who can walk well on a hike around the neighborhood, or barrio. They did so well! I was scared though because there are no crosswalks or traffic lights here, so you just have to make a run for it across the street. So, we had to pick the kids up each time we crossed the street. We went to a little park with a fountain, and the kids had a blast running around and putting their hands in the fountain water.

I have fallen in love with Victoria! She is 2 and is a full time resident at the infant and toddler home! She is so sweet and always gives me big hugs when I arrive and before I leave. I played with her a lot today, and I was so excited because she remembered the color yellow, amarillo in Spanish! The organization is trying to find a home for all these kids, and I would absolutely love to adopt victoria, but there is a law that Americans cannot adopt Bolivian children. So, maybe sometime in the future this will change, but for now, sadly, Victoria will not be coming home with me. I will post pictures of all the kids soon so everyone can see how amazing and beautiful they are!

After working at the baby home, Carolina picked me up and brought me to the girls home. I had a meeting with Dan and Jenna about the week at the Maryknoll center, so I caught a taxi there. All the volunteers have a weekly meeting to check in and share our experiences. We talked about our three best moments of the week. After our meeting, Dan gave a talk to all the students of the language school and volunteers about Bolivia's history and culture. It would take me all night to write about what I learned, but Bolivia has a very interesting history, and the people have been through a lot. But, the message was that these people kept on fighting for change--for a better future and for their freedom! They have an undying spirit, which helps them work towards something better!

Well, I have to get back to the house. But, I miss everyone! I am sending my love! Go Boston!

Pedacito: HIV home for infants and toddlers

I really cannot put into words how lucky I am to have the opportunity to live with these young girls. Last night, we played bingo for about 2 hours, and I got to know the girls,especially the older ones, much better. They are all fascinated by life in America. They ask tons of questions about the food, the music, the people, the weather. When it was time for bed, each girl gave me a hug and a kiss. I went to bed feeling like a proud Tia--proud moment two in Bolivia!

This morning I woke up because the girls were playing right outside my window. We had breakfast, granola and yogurt, which as most of you know, I am not a big yogurt fan. But, the girls have to finish their food, so I tried my best and ate most of it. After breakfast, I walked the younger girls to school (kindergarteners-2nd graders). Two of the girls, Karina and Kattia, held my hands the whole way. When we got to their school, I dropped them at the front, and received a hug and a kiss from each girl. I really felt like a mom! I almost cried!

Celia and Maritza, two of the tias, are taking English classes at one of the local universities. So, Celia and I made a deal--I help her with her English and she will help me with my Spanish! So, I helped her with her homework this morning, and we chatted in Spanish for a while. I went with Celia to drop Nohemi, a three-year-old living at the girls home, at the infant and toddler home. We took the Micro 9, a small bus that picks you up on your doorstep!

I will be spending part of the week at the infant and toddler home, Pedacito. majority of the kids at Pedacito have HIV or some other medical condition, so their immune systems are very fragile! One of the boys, has had numerous heart surgeries, and he is one of the only people to survive a specific operation he had last year.(This is the spirit that many of the Bolivians have--a fighting, undying spirit. They refuse to let the sadness, heartbreak, and poverty get to them! I respect so many Bolivians I have heard stories about!) I will be playing with them, and helping the older kids with their letters, colors, numbers, days of the week, months, seasons, etc. I will also help with the bathing, brushing teeth, changing, and putting the kids to sleep a few days a week.

The babies at Pedacito are very sweet! They love to be held and picked up! Kimberly, another woman who helps run Niños con Valor, works most of the time at Pedacito. She has been really inviting, and even invited me to the weekly Thrusday night meeting at the Irish Pub! She will be working with me closely to help make my transition as easy as possible. Almost five years ago, Kimberly bought a one way ticket to Bolivia and has been here ever since. She got connected with Niños about 2 years ago, and has permanently moved here to work with Carolina, Tyson, and the organization.

Well, I have to get back to the house. But, I am thinking about everyone! Sending my love!

Tia Megan

Last night I had the hardest time sleeping. I think I was nervous and excited about moving into the girls home, and meeting all the ninas. Until last night, it hadn´t really hit me that I was temporarily living in a foreign country with kids who had suffered trauma and hurt, but wanted to be loved and accepted more than anything. I just hope I can give them the love and attnetion they all need.

This morning, I woke up and got ready for a full day. I met Dan in his office at the Maryknoll Language Institute. He gave me a tour of the language school-the student center, the place to come for wireless internet, the library, where I can take out any book, the quiet reading room, and the place to go to get bus or plane tickets for other trips within Bolivia.

Dan and I put all my luggage in his car, and headed to the girls home, where I will be living for the next six months. When we got to the home, I was greeted by the staff. Maritza, the head of the home, is an older lady, who is extremely warm and friendly. She already told me that she would like me to help her practice her English. There are 5 other women who work as tias also. They are younger, and nice, but I think it will take some time for them to really warm up to me.

Maritza showed me my room. It is a small room with two beds, so if you would like to come down for a visit, there is a bed waiting for you! :) I live in a smaller house in the back. The girls´ study room and art room are in the same building as my room. Carolina, the woman who started Niños con Valor with her husband, Tyson, gave me a tour of the home, and drove me to the baby home. I will be working part of the week at the girls home helping them with homework, cooking, and anything else they need. The rest of the week I will be working at the baby and infant home. Many of these kids are infected with HIV or have other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, etc. I will most likely be working with the infants in the evening giving them baths and putting them to bed.

After the quick tour of the baby´s home, I headed back to the girls home with Carolina. The younger girls were extremely friendly. They greeted me with hugs and kisses, and right away called me Tia Megan. The older girls, however, were more standoffish. Carolina told me that it takes some time to gain the older girls´trust, but soon they will be more warm and open. Some of the younger girls came into my room and asked me tons of questions: where I was from, what the flag of the US looked like, what my mom and dad were like, what colors everything was in the US, what I liked to do.... They are all very sweet, but have painful pasts, which you can tell. Paty and Diana sat by me at lunch and told me all about life at the home and all the things we should do while I am here. It was Karina's birthday today, and we had chocolate cake the older girls made her, and she got a baby doll, which she was so thrilled with. The littlest things make these girls so happy, and that is one thing that amazes me. I will never forget the huge smile on Karina's face as she opened her baby doll!

I am looking forward to my time at the home. I think I will begin to take less things for granted and learn to appreciate what I have and who is in my life. I almost started to cry when Diana, without hesitation, gave me a huge hug and kiss to welcome me. These are the moments that make me realize why I came to Bolivia!

Oh, another funny moment last night was watching the Laker-Boston game with Maryknoll priests and other volunteers! It was so great, something I have never experienced and cannot put into words. It was funny because everyone in that room is here for a reason, and all of us have people and places we miss at home. But, that is why we can come together and enjoy little moments, like watching a basketball game.

Missing everyone tons, and sending good vibes up North! I love you!

P.S.- Hoping Boston wins tomorrow!

Cochabamba!

I finally made it to Cochabamba safely! Dan, the director of the program, and Jenna, another volunteer, met me at the airport. They decided to take me out to dinner for my first meal in Cochabamba. We went to Sole Mio, an Italian restaurant owned by a family who came to Bolivia to adopt a child. The process took so long that they ened up opening a restaurant that is now very famous throughout Cochabamba and neighboring towns and cities. It was very good, and I tried Jugo de Tumbo (Tumbo juice), which is a member of the passion fruit family, but it has no name in English apparently. The juice was probably my favorite part of the meal!

After dinner, Dan, Jenna, and I drove around the city a little. I got to see the big Cristo on the hill, which is very similar to the Cristo in Rio de Janiero, but the one here is a little bigger, and less famous! I also saw where I will be working and the neighborhood around the orphange.

After our city exploration, Dan took me to the Maryknoll house, where I satyed last night and where I will be staying tonight. I have my own room with a bathroom and a desk. It´s very nice at the Maryknoll center! I was very proud of myself because, as many of you know, I am very afraid of spiders, and there was one by my bed last night, and I killed it all by myself. I know it´s bad to kill spiders, but I would not have been able to sleep if I had let it life. So, proud moment number 1 in Bolivia!

This morning I was awoken by loud music on the street. Apparently, there was some sort of celebration near the Maryknoll Center. I got ready, and had lunch with 4 Maryknoll priests. Lunch was delicious--soup that was sooooooooooo good, barbecued chicken, rice, some kind of salas with cabbage, tomoatoes, onions, and dressing. Dessert was Mocha ice cream with chocolate sauce, so I have been eatting very well!

After lunch, I went for a walk to see the city and get acquainted with the area. I walked for quite a while, and found a supermarket where lots of American and European products are sold. Now, here I am, in an internet place, updating everything. Tonight I am going to a street festival downtown with Jenna. It should be fun, and I will tke pictures! Tomorrow I am moving to the orphanage, so I will get to meet the kids! I hope to post pictures soon!

Miss everyone so much, hope all is well! I feel like I have been gone for so long already, but it has only been a few days!

Sending all my love!

Santa Cruz!

Yesterday, I left the San Francisco Airport at 1:30 and headed to Miami for a connecting flight to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Our flight was a little late leaving, so I had to run through the Miami airport to ensure that I would not miss my flight to Santa Cruz!

During the flight, I sat next to eight-year-old Sabrina, who was going to visit her Grandpa in La Paz. She talked to me pretty much the whole way, told me I was one of her best friends, and fell asleep on my shoulder. My other neighbor was a 25 year old girl traveling to Santa Cruz with her church group to work with girls in a transitional home. She was nice, and even shared her snacks with me!

We stopped in La Paz, which is the highest capital city in the world! Many people on the plane got altitude sickness! A lady fainted in the aisle, a little boy was throwing up and needed oxygen, and a man in the front was very sick so we had to return to the gate so he could receive medical attention. So, our flight was delayed due to medical issues. The little bit I saw of La Paz, I would love to visit! The city is surrounded by huge snow-covered mountains! I think I need to get used to being in higher altitude, and then I will make the trip one of Bolivia's capital cities (the other is Sucre).

People have been extremely nice so far! Also, I have started speaking Spanish, which was intimidating because the accent and some of the words are different than the Spanish I learned in Mexico. But, I'm doing my best to keep up!

I miss everyone so much already, but now that I am in Bolivia, I am really looking forward to this adventure! I don't think it will be easy, but I think it will be an amazing learning experience! I can't wait to meet the kids I will be working with next week!

Sending all my love,
Megan

Less than 24 hours!

In less than 24 hours, I will be leaving for Bolivia! I'm so excited, but nervous, and sad to leave everyone. But, we are each shaped by our experiences, and I am looking forward to not only helping the children of the orphanage, but also growing, learning, and progressing as a global citizen.

I will be posting on this blog during my time in Bolivia. I will post pictures of the kids, and write about the many adventures that will arise along the way!

I will miss my family and friends, but I will return in six month. This time will just fly by!

Love you all, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you!