Felicidades Maryknoll

Well, I feel like the weeks are flying by...we have already finished 2 weeks of classes, and by the end of this week I will be half way done with my time at the Maryknoll Language Institute. I absolutely love my classes and my professors, and to be honest, am loving studying and homeowrk again! I really feel like my Spanish is improving! My homework for my classes is a lot, and sometimes overwhelming, but is helping me! I have begun my first novel in Spanish--it has been a struggle, but I am trying. At least it is a novel by Isabel Allende, one of my favorite authors!

I have made quite a few friends here at the Institute--we do hang out as much as possible. We have ventured out into the city, and a small group of us headed to Sacaba, a small town outside of the city of Cochabamba last Saturday. We were told Sacaba has cute restaurants and shops, however, we did not find any restaurants or shops. We ventured into a beautiful church in the main plaza of the small town, but had to leave quickly because a funeral was taking place. After about 20 minutes, we headed back to Cochabamba to have saltenas and walk around. I also had the opportunity to hit the town with my host siblings, which was a blast! Before leaving home, we palyed a few Bolivian dice games while drinking a traditional Bolivian drink--singani! After a few rounds and a few glasses, we headed to the centro to dance. I absolutely love my sister Bana! She and I are very alike, and we had so much fun dancing and singing.

We had a Maryknoll family gathering this past Saturday as well, and it made me realize how lucky and fortunate I am to be a part of a wonderful organization that is dedicated to service and justice, education and adventure. The Catholic organization is celebrating its 100th year, and here in Bolivia we celebrated the past years of service within the country. Some of the Fathers and Sisters who arrived in the 60s and 70s shared stories and recollections of a less developed, more rural Cochabamba. I am so proud to be serving with Maryknoll, the first religious organization that came to Bolivia to serve and struggle with the Bolivian people. Other religious organizations dediced not to come to the poorest country of South America because there was too much poverty and little was known about the inhabitants. One sister shared that a campesino shared with her his gratitude and thanks for Maryknoll´s work in Bolivia--something that has stayed with her for years. The campesion said that unlike the Franciscans who brought Saint Francis, and the Jesuits who brought Saint Ignatius, and the Salesians who brought Don Bosco, the missioners and congregation of Maryknoll brought Christ, and for this, he proclaimed he was forever grateful! To 100 more successful years for the Maryknoll family. So grateful to be part of such an amazing religious organization!

Although I am enjoying classes, spending time with other students and my host family, I do miss working daily at the homes. I went to visit Pedacito on Friday, and the hugs and kisses made my day! I miss hanging out with the young ones and the girls!

Still missing everyone from home, but definitely loving every moment here in Cochabamba!

Back in Cochabamba!

Well, it has been quite the first few days here in the lovely valley town. I arrived on Saturday and met my hos family. Saturday night, we went to a family party and I met brothers and sisters, parents and grandparents, nieces and nephews. It was a fun party, but ended not too well. This incident led to a change of host families yesterday. I am now living closer to school in an area that I know. Also, I am with an amazing family--a wondeful mom and dad, and sweet brothers and sisters. I feel much more comfotable and safe in my new home!

Also, we had orientation and our first classes yesterday. I have four classes that are 45 minutes each with one teacher and I. It is difficult, but I think will challenge me and help improve my Spanish. I am really looking forward to these 6 weeks of classes. I have already started meeting other students, which is also a plus!

Visiting both the girls and the younger ones really helped me feel batter! Seeing them again made me feel so much better! I watched a few episodes of Drake and Joush an played Candyland with the girls, and played outside with the little ones! I really did miss them!

This weekend will be a good, but busy one! Friday I am going dancing with the tias and Saurday I will be attending the annual Moda Loca at the girls´ home, which is a crazy, insane, wacky modeling show!

After a rough start, I am feeling much more settled and at home. But, atill missing everyone!

Sending all my love and more to come!

Less Than a Week...

It would take me more than a month to type my feelings about my time here at home. I have such mixed sentiments about everything--leaving family and friends again, heading back to Bolivia to embark on a new journey of language classes and volunteer work, adjusting to the North American culture, missing the Ninos kids more than I can describe, and the list continues.

Although there have been more than a few overwhelming moments (shopping in a very busy H&M and hearing people discussing the purchase of expensive material items when I know the poverty that exists in third world countries like Bolivia), home has been great! It has been so amazing to spend time with my family and friends. I have posted a few pictures from my time at home! (Erica, I wish you were in these!!!!) It has been the little moments-smiles and laughs, hugs and kisses, conversations and jokes that have made the long trek back to the States so worth it! I was also able to watch a great weekend of FOOTBALL with my dad, which brought back numerous memories from my childhood! As my dad and I watched nervously, the Packers narrowly defeated the Eagles, and Marshawn Lynch, an Oakland native and Cal star, had an amazing game as the Seahawks beat the Saints. The food I have had while being home has been more than amazing! I think I have been eating non-stop, which I guess is okay.

This week I have lots of appointments and packing to do, but I am looking forward to beginning classes at the Maryknoll Language Institute. But, more than anything, I am looking forward to giving and receiving huge hugs from the kids I work with! I have missed seeing them almost everyday! I was talking with a family friend who commented that I am influencing and changing the lives of these kids through my volunteer work. But, as I told her, I think I am receiving more than I ever can give back! These kids and their stories have changed my life forever, and I am so honored and lucky to be able to spend eight more months with them!

As Friday, January 14th, quickly approaches, I am filled with bitter sweet feelings. Although I have found a niche and a wonderful volunteer opportunity in Bolivia, there will never be any place like home.