Sad Goodbyes

Yesterday I realized that you never know how much you mean to someone, and how much other people mean to you. I know I have come to care and love the kids I work with and the people I have met in Bolivia but, having to say goodbye really puts things into perspective.

Yesterday, after a busy morning in the Cancha with a team visiting from Canada, the Ninos con Valor family had to say goodbye to Camila, a resident of more than four years. Camila just celebrated her quinceanera, which was quite a blast. I got to know her well over the past months, and will miss her terribly! Camila's departure came as a huge surprise, and the foundation was only given a few hours warning. After a morning trip to the market, we ate lunch, made cards, and threw a despedida (goodbye party) for Camila. It was so hard to say goodbye, as most of the staff, volunteers, and girls were crying. I think that lack of warning and shock of her departure affected everyone deeply. Camila will be missed, and Corazon del Pastor will not be the same without her beautiful, smiling face.

This morning, after a large lunch of chicken and chuno (my favorite type of potato in Bolivia), salad and choclo (corn), I had to say goodbye to my family. It was a tough goodbye because only my sister, Bana, was there. My mom woke me up early this morning to say goodbye, which did not really register in my sleepy, groggy state. After eating together, Bana and I moved all my bags to the porch. As we embraced and said goodbye, Bana began to cry, which made me tear up. As the taxi pulled away, she stood and watched. We both were left crying.

Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things to do. Saying goodbye to Camila was like saying goodbye to a little sister, and knowing I will probably never see her again made it worse. But, even saying goodbye to my host family, who live 10 minutes from me, was like saying goodbye to my real family. As Bana began to cry, I realized that I had no idea how much she cared for me, and I felt so glad to be a part of her life.

I will cherish the moments spent both with Camila and my family. Watching "Caso Cerrado," a show similar to Judge Judy and our Singani night, our dinner table conversations and playing with the dogs will remain some of my favorite memories with the Mamani-Siles family. Playing Uno and soccer, getting ready for celebrations and chatting, doing division and setting the tables for lunch and dinner were frequent activities with Camila.

I will miss both Camila and my host family so much! My heart aches when I think about Camila, but I hope for a positive future with love and caring for her. She will never know how much she, as well as the other children, have changed my life! I will definitely visit my host family from time to time, and have more Singani nights with Bana.

A Sad Reality

The harsh poverty and huge disparity between classes in Bolivia has affected me more than normal lately. As I travel by bus and taxi-trufi, I see young mothers sitting on corners with the saddest, most lonely expressions; I see kids begging in the streets, while their parents stand at a distance; I see young kids between the ages of 6 and 20 huffing glue to numb their feelings of deep hunger and cold; I see old women bent over from carrying vegetables and fruit, babies and beauty products in theiraguayos to sell for a few Bolivians at the major markets; I see people with looks of desperation and fear, defeat and hurt, loneliness and heartbreak painted on their faces.

I had a very interesting discussion with my favorite revolutionary teacher today. I explained, to the best of my Spanish ability, that I was raised Catholic and believe in Catholic Social Teachings and Liberation Theology, but have had and continue to have problems with some of the norms and beliefs of the Church. She commented that she has problems with not only the Catholic religion, but religion in general. She believes that, especially in Latin America, people attribute their strength and accomplishments to God and his power. However, the people throughout these countries have fought tooth and nail, aggressively, passionately for liberation and equality. Many attribute their victories to God, but in reality, the passion of their need for a better tomorrow was the culprit. My teacher explained that just living here is a struggle, and many Bolivians pray tomake it through, but only they can fight for change.

I feel that each day in Cochabamba, Bolivia is full of surprises and learning, and of course fun adventures. In a bit Megan, Samantha, and I are on a hunt for cake, ice cream, and delicious coffee. The cravings never seem to end, but the experience is what I am after.

I am currently reading Paulo Coelho´s The Alchemist in Spanish. Coelho writes that the journey is just as important as the goal you are trying to reach.

Just Call Me Typhoid Megan!

So, the verdict is in! I officially have the ´phoid! But, have no fear...it is not a bad case. On the typhoid scale, I am in the lower section. The doctor that works for Ninos con Valor read my results and prescribed a few pills to rid me of the disease.

Oddly, I have very few of the symptoms associated with typhoid. No vomiting. No diarrhea. Just a fever, a few sporadic nose bleeds, and a few red spots.

Other than this recent development, I am doing well. I am really enjoying my four teachers I have for these two weeks! One has amazing stories about coming from two very distinct, very different worlds--a Criollo mother and a very Indigenus father. I love talking with her about her life and her experiences, and she really does inspire me to work for what I beleive in! Another is very into the history of Latin America and we spend the whole class talking about the explotation of the ingigenus by the Spanish, the unnecessary US intervention within Latin America, and the current political changes within the countries of Latin America. She gives me tons of book and movie recommendations, which I will one day get to, I hope! The other two focus more on grammar and pronunciation, but still know how to make me laugh and get me talking.

That is pretty much all for now...continuing to enjoy my experiences, even typhoid! But, missing everyone in the states! Sending love!