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!
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