Bienvenidos, Un Otra Vez

I am currently sitting in the apartment I share with a fellow volunteer in Cochabmba, Bolivia. Being gone for 2 months was difficult-missing special moments with the Ninos con Valor kids and goodbye parties for a few close friends. But, I am so thankful I was able to return home to support my Mom and Dad through a very difficult time. Being able to attend Chemotherapy sessions with my Mom was something I never dreamed I would have to do, but was glad I was there to keep her company. Along with the tough treatment days and the numerous days full of fatigue and nausea that followed, my parents and I were able to spend quality time together--watching the Giants games, seeing the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Miami heat in the basketball championships, special, memorable trips to Carmel and Tahoe. So, when Tuesday, June 14th came, it was so hard to say goodbye to two of the most important people in my life, my heroes. And, the journey from San Francisco to Cochabamba seemed longer and more lonely than usual. But, I know, love defies distance and surpasses boundaries.

Arriving in La Paz and discovering I had no luggage was disappointing, but the American Airlines representative promised I would receive my backpack and suitcase the next day in Cochabamba. After paying for a flight, I sat in the oxygen bar because I was feeling the affects of the high altitude! As I drank a delicious coffee, I looked out at the Andes mountains illuminated by the rising sun-what an amazing, fabulous sight. Shortly after, I was walking on Cochabamba soil! Kimber, my roommate, and Tyson, the director of Ninos con Valor, met me at the airport. It was nice to have company to ride home with after such a long trek. Kimber and I talked and caught up over freshly-baked bagels and coffee. For lunch, I met Dan Moriarty and some Maryknollers for s delicious lunch at Sole Mio. The rest of the day was meeting up with friends for coffee and dinner. And, after a busy day wit no nap, I was in bed early!

Thursday I got to see the girls, which was definitely one of the highlights of returning. I was greeted with hugs and kisses! I missed the girls so much, and am glad to be back, especially in time for their winter vacation. During the short vacation from school, I am hoping to teach art and aerobics classes with the help of DVDs. The past two days I have been able to spend time with the girls and being with them has helped me transition back much easier. I missed their smiles and hugs, playing with them, and the special conversations. Each girl has something special to share with the world, and I am so happy I can be a part of their lives, even if only for a short amount of time! Also, Thursday I went to the airport to pick up my missing bags, which made the settling back in easier.

Friday was also an amazing day because I worked at Pedacito del Cielo, the baby home! They have all grown so much and I was more than happy that each one remembered me. One of the younger boys was crawling when I left, and he is now walking and has developed this amazing personality. The others have matured and learned more words. It was amazing to spend time with the little ones, who help keep a spirit young and bring joy and happiness, even when times are hard. I missed their craziness and being able to lay on the floor and play, playing outside and helping them discover new things about life and the world around them.

Coming back was a difficult decision, but I am glad to be settled back in and ready to begin working again with the wonderful kids of Ninos con Valor. However, family and friends from home are thought about constantly, and missed more than I could ever describe! As Carolina Malo, the Volunteer Coordinator of Ninos, once said, the life of a volunteer or a missionary is split between two worlds. We miss the life and the people we left behind, but know that the other world feels just as right, just as normal. I am living between two worlds, and definitely missing the one I came from!