Hardened.

"Life on this island has hardened me, or let's say that it has made me more realistic."
--Island Beneath the Sea, Isabel Allende


Life in Bolivia has definitely hardened me, or to say, made me more realistic. Realistic about life. About the world.

Seeing the everyday struggles of people has not numbed me or broken me, but has made me realize the complete and utter inequality and injustice in the world. Not that this is not apparent in the United States, but here in the poorest country in South America, economic struggles, lack of social programs, an extremely high infant mortality rate, an underdeveloped educational system, a high rate of abuse, shacks and squatters, extreme poverty, defeat, and sadness seem to inundate life.

From the windows of buses and trufis (Type of public transportation), the amount of people trying to make a living selling candies and tissues, locks and brooms is alarming. And, even more alarming, is the amount of street kids who have run away from appalling situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and not being wanted. They live under bridges and in canals, washing windows and begging to get money for food and glue, the drug that calms their hunger and numbs their feelings. Everyone looks at them as the scum of society, "the invisibles." There are also the cancha workers (Those who work in the big market) who can sit all day selling clothes and shoes, fruits and vegetables, housewares and decorations, artesian goods and pets, etc. only to make a dollar or two per day. This will not go far when there are kids to feed, rent to pay, and other daily expenses.

In the two homes where I work, the stories are no different--abuse, neglect, abandonment, drug and alcohol abuse, extreme poverty, and the list goes on. Although the children are now in a place where they receive love and attention, affection and proper nutrition, an education and opportunities they would have never had, many of them have struggled, have fought, and are overcoming. Some are still grappling with stigma of being "Hogar Kids." But, many have realized they are truly lucky to have people who care for them, and will give them the love and opportunities they deserve. Despite this, many are still fighting demons and nightmares from the past, but are working towards a stable, healthy future. For this reason, these kids are my heroes. To have seen such violence, hate, discrimination, and sadness, they are so loving and caring--it truly is a beautiful thing.

So, I definitely have been hardened, or have become more realistic about life while in Bolivia. But, I don't see that as such a bad thing...