Understanding.

This past week has been about trying to make sense of and understand things going on around me. More than any other week in Bolivia, last week tested my ideas about cultural acceptance and sensitivity--if something is a cultural norm, does it make it right??

After turning my visa papers into the immigration offices in August, I assumed that I would have my passport and 2 year visa by November. Clearly, I was wrong. The workers keep commenting that I "Just turned the papers in not too long ago." However, to me, 3 months to stamp and write on the visa seems quite adequate. So, I am still waiting, not patiently and very begrudgingly, for my passport and my visa to return from La Paz--after three months.

After receiving this news from the immigration officer, I went to get a bus home and ended up taking a tour of the city. Without announcement, the Police blocked off all major bridges and roads leading up north, towards my house. Everyone on the bus was confused and upset about the blockades, as nothing had been announced. A woman on the bus started crying because she was worried about picking up her daughter from school. The bus driver drove all over the city attempting to cross-over and head north, but everything was blocked. So, I decided to make the long trek from downtown up to my apartment, a 45 minute walk. After getting home, I learned that there was a major bicycle race through the city, but no announcements had been made previously about the road closures.

And, on Friday, I went to the one of the schools the girls attend to see their end of the year performances. I enjoy going to these school, and look forward to them. But, mid-way through the presentations, one of the girls informed me that one of the other girls was crying in the bathroom. So, along with her sister, I went in to the bathroom to figure out what was going on. Eventually through tons of sobs and tears, she told us the director of the school had hit her. I was immediately angry and outraged, and her sister went to talk to another tia who was there. Who could hit a child, especially a kid that has already suffered violence, neglect, and abandonment?
When we got home, I talked with the tia who had also been present at the school. And, as we talked about what happened, I was shocked at her lack of outrage and anger. She seemed to be placing some of the blame on the girl who had been hit. The director claimed that because our girl had been rude and had an attitude, she hit her. I was appalled by this, and shocked the other tia wasn't more upset. She was saying that because I am not Bolivian and of the Bolivian culture, I wouldn't understand. But, despite my culture, hitting a kid is wrong and child abuse. And, just because this may be something that is accepted and approved of within the Bolivian culture, does not make it right.

Last week was very trying, and had me questioning certain factors of the Bolivian culture. And, I realize, the culture of the US, the culture I grew up in, is far from perfect and has many unsolved problems. Unannounced blockades seems inconsiderate and inefficient, but something that will not harm anyone. And, taking extra time to complete and finalize paperwork to make an extra buck seems wrong and erroneous. But, sadly, is something that stems from severe, fierce poverty that has plagued the Bolivian people for hundreds of years. But, hitting a child because of his or her attitude and rudeness is never allowed--it is child abuse. And, just because something is an accepted cultural norm, does not make it right. And, I say the same thing about cultural norms of the US--the envious, greedy, ravenous, self-indulgent nature of many North Americans. Just because this is normal and accepted by many North Americans, does not make it right!

So, I look at these moments as enlightening and illuminating. I invite these instances, and realize that although I may not be able to change everyone's opinions, I can change, help, and improve the lives of the kids I am working with--protecting them from abusive teachers, helping them discover their talents and strengths, and assisting them in creating a better, brighter future for themselves.