"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.