This week I officially have 2 months or 8 weeks left here in Cochabamba--bitter sweet! I am excited to head home and see family and friends, and of course, indulge in the foods I have been craving--Thai and Indian, Italian and Mexican, Barney's and Genova's. But, I am sad to leave the amazing kids I work with. Each day has been a learning experience--learning a new word or a piece of Bolivian culture. I am so grateful for this amazing experience and opportunity! I have not changed, but I am a different person than when I left on June 11th. Because of the stories I have heard and because of the people I have encountered and gotten to know, because of the hours spent with the younger kids and the girls of Ninos con valor and the cultural experiences in South America, I will never be the same.
I came down to Bolivia, the poorest country in South America, to try and make an impact in the live of children who have been abandoned and neglected, abused and mistreated. However, they have impacted me more than I could ever have imagined. I treasure each moment spent with the girls and the young ones. I think of them as the little sisters and brotehrs I never had.
Each girl possesses a heart-breaking past full of trauma and sadness, but each girl smiles and laughs, loves and shows affection. These girls have learned that one cannot be broken by his or her past, but must learn from it, grow stronger, and move forward. These girls are my heroes! They have seen and experienced things young kids should never live through. In the words of Ms. Joss Stone, they are "bruised, but not broken."
The residents of Pedacito del Cielo have similar pasts of abandonment and abuse, but many of them probably, and hopefully, do not remember these experiences. However, the tias and staff of Ninos con Valor provide such love and support to each child to make a positive impact. Despite the painful pasts, I believe these young ones will grow up to know only love and respect because of the positive influence of the organization and staff.
Well, here's to two more absolutely amazing, absolutely beautiful, absolutely marvelous months in Cochabamba, Bolivia!
So well said Megan...we always get more when we give of ourselves and you sure have received so much. You are the same beautiful Megan but I do believe that you will never be the same...your heart has opened and your mind has grown wide with your experiences and love you have shared. Those girls will live in your heart forever...I can't wait to see you in December...I love you soooooo, A. Nance
ReplyDeleteHi Megs--
ReplyDeleteYou are truly my hero. You have made an incredible impact on the lives of so many children. They are so lucky to have you present in their lives.You have certainly lived out Gibran's exhortation: "It is when you give of yourself that you truly give..." Go Giants! Go Cal! Love, Dad