Pedacito: HIV home for infants and toddlers

I really cannot put into words how lucky I am to have the opportunity to live with these young girls. Last night, we played bingo for about 2 hours, and I got to know the girls,especially the older ones, much better. They are all fascinated by life in America. They ask tons of questions about the food, the music, the people, the weather. When it was time for bed, each girl gave me a hug and a kiss. I went to bed feeling like a proud Tia--proud moment two in Bolivia!

This morning I woke up because the girls were playing right outside my window. We had breakfast, granola and yogurt, which as most of you know, I am not a big yogurt fan. But, the girls have to finish their food, so I tried my best and ate most of it. After breakfast, I walked the younger girls to school (kindergarteners-2nd graders). Two of the girls, Karina and Kattia, held my hands the whole way. When we got to their school, I dropped them at the front, and received a hug and a kiss from each girl. I really felt like a mom! I almost cried!

Celia and Maritza, two of the tias, are taking English classes at one of the local universities. So, Celia and I made a deal--I help her with her English and she will help me with my Spanish! So, I helped her with her homework this morning, and we chatted in Spanish for a while. I went with Celia to drop Nohemi, a three-year-old living at the girls home, at the infant and toddler home. We took the Micro 9, a small bus that picks you up on your doorstep!

I will be spending part of the week at the infant and toddler home, Pedacito. majority of the kids at Pedacito have HIV or some other medical condition, so their immune systems are very fragile! One of the boys, has had numerous heart surgeries, and he is one of the only people to survive a specific operation he had last year.(This is the spirit that many of the Bolivians have--a fighting, undying spirit. They refuse to let the sadness, heartbreak, and poverty get to them! I respect so many Bolivians I have heard stories about!) I will be playing with them, and helping the older kids with their letters, colors, numbers, days of the week, months, seasons, etc. I will also help with the bathing, brushing teeth, changing, and putting the kids to sleep a few days a week.

The babies at Pedacito are very sweet! They love to be held and picked up! Kimberly, another woman who helps run Niños con Valor, works most of the time at Pedacito. She has been really inviting, and even invited me to the weekly Thrusday night meeting at the Irish Pub! She will be working with me closely to help make my transition as easy as possible. Almost five years ago, Kimberly bought a one way ticket to Bolivia and has been here ever since. She got connected with Niños about 2 years ago, and has permanently moved here to work with Carolina, Tyson, and the organization.

Well, I have to get back to the house. But, I am thinking about everyone! Sending my love!