Dia de la Familia

Bryssa and Karina getting ready to dance the Kullawada, a folk dance from La Paz that depicts the life of weavers and textile workers.


The staff from Pedacito de Cielo (along with Kait and I) right after dancing!


A group of the older girls (Sofia, Luz, and Elena) dancing the Tinku, a dance from Potosi that depicts a ritualistic combat. They did an amazing job!


The kids from Pedacito de Cielo dancing with the help of Tia Evelin and Tia Faella.


Zamora really enjoying herself! She is too cute!

Dia de la Familia (Family Day) is not an actual holiday or celebration in Bolivia. However, because Ninos con Valor emphasizes the importance of family, a day was created to celebrate the bond between staff, volunteers, and children. Many homes or orphanages here in Bolivia are not built on the idea of a tight-knit group, and do not focus on the importance of creating a family dynamic. But, Ninos strives to create a strong family!

The theme of the special evening was "Every family is a world." The tias did an amazing job decorating the dining room of Corazon del Pastor, the girls' home. Tons of pictures of the kids, staff, and volunteers were put up as a reminder that the Ninos con Valor family is from all over the world, and all who are involved play an important role. And, each of the children makes the foundation something special!

We began the night with a talent show! There were traditional Bolivian dances and modern pieces. It was amazing how much energy and dedication everyone put into learning and creating dances. I danced a traditional dance with the tias from Pedacito de Cielo, and the two other volunteers, Kimber and Kait, and I rewrote "Mi Nina Bonita," one of the girls' favorite songs by Chino y Nacho. After our Chino y Nacho rendition, a teacher from Brooklyn, currently volunteering in Cochabamba, paid Kimber, Kait, and I such an amazing compliment. She said that it is always wonderful to see staff and educators get involved, and that she watched the kids during the performance, and they were laughing and smiling the whole time, a testament to how much love and respect they have for us. It was wonderful to hear this praise--I was really touched! It makes me realize that my time here is not in vain, and that I am making a difference! Everyone had a blast watching all the presentations--the little kids did an amazing job and were so cute, and the girls really enjoyed dancing the Bolivian folk dances.

After the talent show and an amazing dinner of barbecued meat, arroz con queso (rice with cheese), yuca (a type of potato), and numerous salads, we had a major dance party! This was definitely the best part of the evening!

Nights like this make me appreciate living and working in Bolivia! I could never trade this experience, and I appreciate every moment of my time here. These are the moments that make the homesickness and cultural and language frustrations worth every minute!

The Cancha Experience!

Yesterday morning I went down to the Cancha, the largest outdoor market in South America, if not the world. I want to make the girls something they can write their prayers on and replace the prayers whenever they want. So, I sketched out an idea and went to the cancha to buy the necessary items--construction paper, glue, markers, colored pencils, etc. Wednesday is a market day, so it was full of people bargaining for fruit and vegetables, clothes and home items.

It is amazing to me how many people work in the Cancha, and many of them do not make enough money to live above the poverty line. You see mothers with their babies selling fruit, and older men and women selling school supplies, kids meeting their parents in the market after school has gotten out.

While wandering around the Cancha, I saw children doing homework and eating lunch with their parents, people selling items to shoppers. I noticed that many of these kids seemed sad and lonely. So, I decided to smile at every kid I cross paths with--on the street, on the bus, in the market. I know this seems like a small, unimportant gesture, but a smile can go a long way! I started yesterday, and I saw so many faces light up and smile back.

This journey to Cochabamba, Bolivia has opened my eyes to so many things, including the power of a smile and the subtle acknowledgement that I notice you, and you are special.

Friends Forever.

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."

Tie-dye, Double Dutch, and Limbo

A six-person team from Freeway Church in Hamilton, Canada arrived last Friday. The girls and little ones love when visitors come because they meet new people and fun activities are planned!

Sunday I worked at Corazon del Pastor (the girls’ home) and the team spent the day with the girls! We began the morning having a dance party on the patio to Justin Beiber and Lady Gaga. After a fair amount of dancing, we split up into two groups and headed to church.

After mass, we shared an amazing lunch! It was a form of silpancho, thin meat with pasta, vegetables, and egg. It was wonderful to have the visitors eating with the girls. And, even though there was no common language, everyone was able to communicate, even if it was through a laugh, a hand movement, or a smile.

After lunch, we had fun tie-dying shirts! The girls love making clothes and they were introduced to tie-dye, which is not as popular here in Bolivia. They had a wonderful time being creative and making something they can cherish. After a few hours of tie-dye, the double dutch began! The girls have never been introduced to jumping with two ropes, but they were determined to get it. We spent at least an hour turning the ropes as the girls tried time after time to jump in and find a rhythm. It was fun to watch and encourage them! Practicing double dutch led to limbo contests! And, the girls really got into limbo! Zamora, the youngest and the shortest, was hilarious as she danced and hopped under the rope, copying everyone’s body movements. As the rope got lower and lower, each of the girls was more and more determined to reach the other side!

Sunday was an amazing day–fun art projects, learning new things, laughing until my stomach hurt, and getting to know new people! However, the most shocking thing was how both the team and the girls found ways to communicate without speaking! Kindness–a smile, a laugh, a hug, a pat on the back–crosses language boundaries!

Bring on the Wonder.

I have this recent fascination, or I would go as far as to say, an addiction to Bones, the TV show. Since being sick, I have spent a few days home, laying on the couch with a blanket and pillow, and watching numerous episodes. Yesterday, I watched one that made me cry, and "Bring on the Wonder" by Susan Enan was featured at the end. I have no idea why, but I feel in love with the song, and felt that it carried a message that many of us have experienced or are currently experiencing. For me, I wish I could climb the hills to see stars, venture to the beach, and catch up with those that I love. Since being sick physically, homesickness has set in, and more than anything, I would love to be side by side with those I love. But, songs like this, and of course, Bones will have to keep me occupied for now.

To those at home, know that I think of you often.

I can't see the stars anymore living here
Let's go to the hills where the outlines are clear

Bring on the wonder
Bring on the song
I pushed you down deep in my soul for too long

I fell through the cracks at the end of our street
Let's go to the beach, get the sand through our feet

Bring on the wonder
Bring on the song
I pushed you down deep in my soul for too long

Bring on the wonder
We got it all wrong
We pushed you down deep in our souls for too long

I don't have the time for a drink from the cup
Let's rest for a while 'til our souls catch us up

Bring on the wonder
Bring on the song
I pushed you down deep in my soul for too long

Bring on the wonder
We got it all wrong
We pushed you down deep in our souls, so hang on

Bring on the wonder
Bring on the song
I pushed you down deep in my soul for too long.

Photo: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/beautiful-minds/200912/conversations-creativity-daniel-tammet-part-iii-nature-and-nurture

The Children

These are the faces I get to see smile and laugh everyday. These are the kids I give good morning kisses and goodbye hugs to. These are the young ones who make me laugh and allow me to stay forever young. These are the children I play games with and read stories to. The are the children of Bolivia who I will carry in my heart forever...

Although they live thousands of miles away in a very foreign country, they are just like us. I see myself in little Victoria--her curiosity and her hesitation, her beautiful laugh and her amazing smile, her unlimited independence and her adventurous spirit. I see my friends and family in each of these kids--their sarcasm, their smiles, their kindness, and their love.

These are the kids I work with, and these are the kids who have lighted a flame within me.

Gratitude

I am more then grateful for everything I have been able to experience, but especially for those who have impacted my and helped me grow. In the words of Albert Schweitzer:

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Thank you to all those who have lighted the flame within me.

Update!

Living without internet for about a week really is frustrating--no chats with family and friends, no updates on Facebook, and no blogging. But, there are those, around the world, who live without internet everyday. Having it available and at my fingertips has made me used to always having internet. So, the last seven days of no skype dates and no updates from Facebook has been difficult, especially with everything that is going on at home. But, moments like this always puts everything into perspective--things like the internet are a luxury, and millions worldwide live without it. So, for 7 days I can handle it!

Last Thursday night was the Chino y Nacho concert with the older girls, and we had such an amazing time! The girls, in groups of two, waited in line starting at 8 in the morning! We didn't enter the stadium until 10 PM, so it was a very long day by that point. After another hour of standing and waiting, Chino y Nacho, the Venezuelan reggaeton duo, came on and the screaming began! This was the girls' first concert, and they were more than excited! We were in a packed crowd, so I didn't get many pictures of the girls, but, with much pressure from the girls, I got a lot of pictures of Chino y Nacho! They are really a very cute duo! And, they are both around my age! Next stop, Venezuela!

Saturday, we had our Christmas in July party, which was quite the success. I found an amazing santa and reindeer sweater in the cancha. After work at the girls' home, I headed to Amy's house, which was fully decorated with a Christmas tree, garland, and lights! We exchanged our white elephant gifts, and Kimber and I ended up with a tea pot, an apron supporting Native American youth (another cancha find), and chocolate.

Monday was a pretty bad day--woke up with a sick stomach, and ended up staying home throwing up for the rest of the day. The next day, after trying to stick out my shift at work, I went to the lab and found out I have a pretty bad parasite! Yet again! So, I am on Noxom and must go back to the lab in a few days for an E.Coli test if I am not better. So, with the weird eye infection and the bacterial finger infection, it has been a really healthy month.

Despite the weird infections and parasites, I am enjoying my time here! Each day spent with the kids is such a treasure. I was thinking this morning how easily things are lost, and I never want to lose or forget the memories from Bolivia.

Hope all is well, and I think of you all everyday! Sending lots of love, hugs, and kisses!

Luis Espinal: Bolivian Martyr

Luis Espinal, a Spanish Jesuit, was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by Bolivian paramilitaries. Espinal committed his life to working with and for the poor and for social justice. He participated in strikes and protests against violent, brutal Bolivian dictators and worked to improve the conditions of the miners in Bolivia. He helped bring down Hugo Banzer, one of Bolivia's worst dictators. Espinal was murdered during the military coup of Luis Garcia Meza. The Jesuit truly struggled with the poor and oppressed, and fought to defend and protect basic human rights for all. Three days after Espinal's unjust assassination, Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador was executed during mass.

Although both men worked for the oppressed people of their countries, Espinal's death was overshadowed by Romero's well-known murder. Oscar Romero is one of my heroes because he spoke out for what he believed in and gave a voice to those who had none. Romero will forever be a martyr, a hero to all. However, I had never heard of Luis Espinal until coming to Bolivia. He, like Oscar Romero, wanted to bring equality to his country and fought intensely against unjust governments. Therefore, like Romero, Espinal is seen as a martyr and a hero to the people of Bolivia. Schools, churches, and parks are named to honor this fallen hero.

Below is an excerpt by Luis Espinal:

There is a imperceptible line between prudence and cowardice.
We call on prudence for the sake of safety and laziness,
We call on prudence in order not to compromise ourselves,
in order not to risk anything personal.

We think that with age prudence grows,
without realising that conformism grows at the same time.

We all talk of prudence, Lord
But not a prudence that is yours,
which in vain we search for in your gospels.

Jesus Christ, we give you thanks
because you were not prudent
or diplomatic
You did not stay silent in order to escape the cross.

You challenged the powerful,
knowing that you risked your life.
Those that killed you, they were prudent.

Do not let us be so prudent that we become content with everything.
Your word wounds, like a sword with two sides.


Luis Espinal: Bolivian Martyr. Presente.

Photo: http://casa-del-duderino.blogspot.com/2010/03/luis-espinal-life-well-fought.html

"Ruined for Life"

At our volunteer meeting today we discussed the heartbreak and suffering, despair and hurt we see everyday in Bolivia. This includes extreme poverty, abuse, neglect, inefficient systems and organizations, hunger, and injustice. Images and stories full of sadness and grief are seen and experienced more than we would ever hope. But, a large part of this time spent abroad is how to process and take back the lessons we learned and heartache we experienced.

I cannot physically bring home some of the children from Ninos con Valor, although I wish I could. But, I will always carry their stories and smiles, personalities and memories with me. I will always remember the pain and suffering, the injustices I have seen, in hopes of one day bringing equality to as many children as I can. Hearing the rough pasts of many of our kids and seeing what wonderful young people they are becoming is so paradoxical. These children, who lived through neglect and abuse, abandonment and lack of love, are growing into loving, caring, funny, energetic young people. The kids who live on the street are treated terribly, but only want to be a part of society. They are seen as the scum of society, animals, and not worth anything. But, these kids are people too! They struggle and survive just like us, and deserve respect just like us. These are the kids that wash windows at stop lights and beg on the streets, these are the kids that have such intense hurt in their eyes, and many of them have given up any hope they once held onto. The children, like Joseth, who sell candy and cigarettes, tissues and gum to provide a very simple living for their families. These are the kids who have seen too much for their age and realize how difficult life is very young. The mothers who bring their children from the campo to beg and sing and dance. A child who is three should not have to dance to earn his/her food. Those who have lived under the hand of injustice and strive to better their country.

These are only a few examples of the pain, suffering, and grief that are seen and experienced, but instead of dwelling on this sadness, we must use it to help others, create justice, and bring equality. These are the experiences that have made me "ruined for life." But, I would rather live my life ruined.

Extra! Extra!

Since I haven't written an update in a while, I thought I probably should. Since being back, things have been busy, but good! There is a lot going on at work--weekly prayer mail to write; monthly newsletters; photos to take for grants, the newsletter, and for sponsors; arts and crafts to organize; getting ready and organized to move the baby home; and of course, spending time with the kids (my favorite part!).

For the last few weeks, it has been winter vacation, so all the girls have been home and a few of the kids at Pedacito who attend school have had time off. There have been lots of trips to the park to play soccer, vacation classes, watching movies, and cleaning. Last Saturday while working at CdP (the girls' home), we made bracelets, rings, and necklaces, which the girls really enjoyed and are hoping to do again soon! Last week, we took a trip to a local park that has two huge slides and I have never seen the girls move so fast. Before we had time to put everything down, they were all running up the stairs to fly down the slides! It was so fun watching them relax and enjoy themselves! The older girls were helping the younger girls slide down without being afraid, which was wonderful to see the bonds then girls have created, even though they are not blood sisters. And, this Thursday, along with another tia, I am going to the Chino y Nacho concert with six of the older girls. (Chino y Nacho are a Venezuelan reggaeton duo and they are super popular in Latin America.) In order to attend the concert, the girls had to make 50 bolivianos doing chores at home and at Pedacito de Cielo (the baby home). This is the girls' first concert, and they are so excited--counting down the days and listening to the duo's music. So, winter break has been packed with activities and fun outings.

Pedacito has been relatively normal--art projects and practicing the alphabet, the numbers, the colors, and the names of animals. And, since the weather has warmed up a little during the day, we have had plenty of fun time outside in the yard and at the park. In less than three weeks, the three girls who live at Pedacito will move to Corazon and the new location of Pedacito will function as an all boys' home. So, the transition of the three girls to Corazon has been happening slowly with visits to Corazon during the week.

As for myself, it has been great being back and spending time with the other volunteers. We went to a beer festival last weekend, which was fun, but very different than a beer fest at home. There was beer made from quinoa, wheat, and amaranth. And, my favorite beers were the Chala and Nesta (with the accent over the n, Quechua for Queen) by Ted's Cerveceria located in Sucre, Bolivia! The Chala had a very orangey flavor and the Nesta had 8.5% alcohol and was amazingly delicious! I have taken a few trips to the Cancha for pillows, sheets, and a festive Christmas sweater for a Holiday Party this coming weekend! (It is Winter here and has been pretty cold, hence the Christmas/Holiday theme party!) During the past couple of weeks, I have had a bacterial eye infection and a weird finger infection. I saw a great opthamologist who prescribed a gel to rid me of my eyw infection, and a pediatrician who said my finger infection was serious and prescribed 2 oral antibiotics and a topical cream! And, I'm also fighting a cold, which I picked-up from the kids, who are struggling to overcome colds and coughs. So, I haven't been so healthy, but I (knock on wood) have not contracted parasites or amoebas, which is a big deal for me!

I miss everyone so much! I think of you all often!

Sending tons of love from Cochabamba!

I Wish You Were Here!

"Oh, that I could shrink the surface of the world, so that suddenly I might find you standing at my side...
"

These words are more than true. I only wish I had the power to shrink the surface of the world so I could find myself in the company of family, friends, and loved ones.

Joseth: A child street seller

I met Joseth the beginning of this year making her rounds. She, like many other children in Cochabamba, sell gum and cigarettes, candy and mints to bar-dwellers at night. This is a dangerous job, as kids can be attacked, mugged, and even raped. But, tons of kids walk the streets until 4 or 5 in the morning selling to put food on the table and help their families.

Joseth is a very smart, intelligent girl, who has been forced into this business by a series of unfortunate events. Her mom died when she was three, and her family is very poor. So, at the age of four, Joseth, along with her father, began selling in order to survive.

Saturday night, a group of us took her out to dinner and dessert because on Sunday she turned 13! During our meal, I got to know her story, and it absolutely broke my heart! Not only did her mom die very young, which has obviously affected Joesth, her older sister died shortly after being born. When she was very young, Joseth lost sight of her dad in the Cancha--something that can very easily happen due to the small aisles and large amounts of people. Someone found her, and took her to Madre de Dios, a home for abandoned and orphaned girls near the bus terminal. She said the two months she spent in the home were horrible--she cried constantly because she missed her dad and younger sister so much. Eventually, after searching the streets and orphanages in Cochabamba, her dad found her and brought her home.

She told me that because her dad does not make enough money to support both she and her younger sister, she has been spending more time at her uncle's house. She was telling us that her dad had to attend a neighborhood meeting the next morning because there is a gang that roams the neighborhood at night, and they can be violent. They have stolen from many of the residents, and even raped a girl recently.

Although there is so much that has gone wrong in her life, Joseth is happy and caring, very bright, loves school, and has dreams she hopes to accomplish. Her dad does what he can with what little he has, and you can tell, he loves her very much.

Sadly, Joseth is not the only child in Bolivia with a traumatic, heartbreaking past. I see in her hope and a fight to create a better future for herself. However, at the same time, in her eyes there is too much hurt and pain, disappointment and heartache for such a young girl. Stories like this break my heart, and I wish there was something more I could do, other than buy candy and gum from she and her dad.

But, this is why I have come to Bolivia, and I will continue to work for equality, justice, and a better future for kids because of children like Joseth, those I see on the streets sniffing glue to suppress feelings of loneliness, cold, and hunger, and for the wonderful, amazing children of Ninos con Valor who have taught me so much about what is truly important in life!