"Preserve Your Memories"

Simon and Garfunkel once sang, "Time it was, and what a time it was, it was a time of innocence and a time of confidences. Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they're all that's left."

Over the nine months I have spent in Bolivia, I have acquired thousands of pictures that will be treasured forever.

I could write a long, detailed report of how things have been the past weeks. However, I think photos say it all! Nothing can explain a situation, a memory, a celebration, or an activity like a photo can.

So.....here are a few pictures from the past weeks!

Struggle.

Life is a struggle. We struggle with school when we are young. We struggle with work when we are older. We struggle with relationships. We struggle with love and hate. We struggle with time. And, as I sit here in my bed, I struggle with distance. Lately, it has been difficult to be thousands of miles from the ones I love. Especially since people are sick and things are wrong. In between waiting for biopsy results about my mom, my dad ends up in the emergency room last night.

I couldn't be happier with my life in Bolivia--working with some of the most amazing people and kids I have ever met, finding myself, and changing my outlook on life. But, news like this only makes me wish I was 2 hours away, and could catch a flight or get in my car. Life works in mysterious ways. As we struggle to help a girl in need within the organization, my heart is being pulled in two directions. I know it is important to stay in Bolivia and do the work I was called to do, but being with my family during this time feels just as right.

Confusion and uncertainty rattles around in my brain as I attempt to sleep. My dad always tells me to compartmentalize, like President Bill Clinton. But, in this case, compartmentalizing is not an option. My mom's results and my dad's health weigh heavy on me, as does my work with Ninos con Valor and the future of a girl that is searching for missing pieces.

So, I guess each day is a struggle. We power through 24 hours with 450 things on our minds. I only hope that love and thoughts, wishes and hopes can cross boundaries and fly to those who are far. Although I cannot hug and kiss you, I can hold you in my heart. Always.

Time

I find that time has been flying by. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. I seem to forget that to children time is not as important as it is to us adults. And I hate that I, now in my twenties, dwell and obsess over time. Thinking about how much time is left and how much time has passed has become an everyday event. But, having the opportunity to spend my days with children who possess the ability to appreciate every moment and live in every moment has improved me as a person and enriched my time here in Cochabamba.


Last Friday was a fun-filled day of adventures at Pedactio del Cielo. We had a jam session in the morning! Playing tambourines and drums, triangles and bells, we created a sound that cannot be described. But, was absolutely amazing, and the kids were so proud of the music they were making! As I sat and watched each of the children focused intently on his or her instrument, I realized that time may be passing, but each child was so involved and so wrapped up in the moment--hitting the drum and banging the tambourine to create a unified sound, which brought big smiles and tons of giggles to each face. After the instruments were put away, we began a walking adventure, which I think could have lasted all day, and the kids still would have found enjoyment in pointing out the dogs wandering the streets, the bread in the stores, and the cars driving by. I appreciate, and at times am jealous, that kids can find true, genuine joy in everyday things we ignore and tune out.


Today, while working at Corazon del Pastor, I helped one of the younger girls with her homework. While in college, I came to think of homework as a daunting chore...something that was not always enjoyed. But, she was so excited to complete her homework, and so proud after it was all done. She focused and took time to complete her assignment, something that I think was compromised at times during my college career.


The volunteers of Ninos con Valor venture south to help the foundation in any way possible, but I think that we receive more than we can ever give back to the children we work with. The girls from Corazon del Pastor and the younger kids from Pedacito del Cielo have taught me valuable life lessons that could never be learned in a school. But, as I struggle now with the idea of time--how long to stay in Bolivia, when to head back to the States--I realize that time is not as important as the moments that make us laugh or the moments that bring tears to our eyes. These are what we must count and hold onto, not the hours that pass or the days that slip by.

Mizque

One of the best experiences of my life. A trip that puts everything into perspective. Families with a lack of food and resources, but full of love, generosity, and life. Roads of dirt and rocks, but beautiful scenery. Clear blue skies full of surreal clouds.

We set off from Cochabamba on Monday morning for the province of Mizque. Driving through the mountains was absolutely incredible--views of the small communities above and below, waterfalls and beautiful green valleys. We arrived and had a delicious lunch--Pique--a traditional Bolivian dish of meat and potatoes, tomatoes and onions, topped off with ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Then, we spent the rest of the afternoon planning and organizing everything for the next day. After moving and packing boxes full of toys and bags full of food, we headed to the river to relax and put our feet in the cool, calming waters. The river was absolutely beautiful! After a dinner of Sopa de Mani, another traditional Bolivian meal, we helped Tia Evelin get ready for her presentation and played a game of cacho, a Bolivian dice game (That I need to teach everyone when I get home!).

Tuesday was a busy day: breakfast, serving snack and lunch to the local teachers who attended a medical workshop done by Marcelo, the doctor working with Ninos con Valor. Dr. Marcelo discussed the importance of washing hands and how to promote and maintain a healthy, positive environment, especially for kids. After lunch, Evelin began her workshop (taller in Spanish) about teaching tactics and positive care for students. She emphasized the importance of love and respect when working with kids. As Evelin explained, students should respect professors, however, at the same time, professors need to have love and patience, respect and sensitivity when working with kids. Many children do not receive love from parents and siblings, and school should be a place in which any student can find support, love, and understanding people. I helped Evelin with her taller--passed out papers and supplies, as well as performed in the puppet show. After a long day, dinner, a walk to the river, and a few games of cacho were a perfect ending.

Wednesday was our last day, and personally my favorite! After breakfast, we headed to Calera, a small community outside the town of Mizque on top of a mountain. When we arrived, the students in the school danced for us. After their performance, we began painting the faces of the kids and Marcelo saw people from the community who needed medical assistance. The children of Calera were very shy, but warmed up as time passed. Evelin shared a few Quechua phrases with me because it was obvious that may of the children were more comfortable speaking and hearing Quechua. After face painting and candy, we did activities with a parachute, which the kids had a great time as we ducked under, ran under, and put balls on the parachute. Before we left, we passed out toys to the girls, boys and babies, and bags of food to the families and to the school. It was an incredible experience!

I will never forget the excitement the children had during the parachute activities and in line to receive a toy. I will never forget how thankful many of the men and women were for the food and toys for the community. I will never forget the school teacher who is trying to educate the children of the community and helped organize everything--what an inspirational woman. I will never forget the appreciation and kindness we received. I will never forget the beautiful faces of the children.