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.

Karina Lost Her Tooth!

After weeks and weeks of two very loose front teeth, Karina made the brave decision to pull out her own tooth last Friday. Earlier last week, the other very loose front tooth fell out while she was eating, but its pair held on for the next few days by a very, very strong root. Her new teeth were beginning to grow in, and we were hoping it would fall out naturally. But, this was a very stubborn tooth!

So, last Friday after lunch, Karina sat in the dining room with a group of the tias. She was determined to get the tooth out, but was extremely nervous about the pain and the blood. After about 10 minutes of crying and trying to pry the stubborn tooth out by herself, the tias convinced Karina that a better idea was to use string, and that way she could get it out all by herself. And, after some panicking, Karina was convinced that this was the best, quickest way to get this very stubborn tooth out!

So, after we put ice on the tooth, Karina asked for a countdown and pulled the string. She pulled her tooth out all by herself! Karina was extremely excited and proud of herself, but I think she was most excited about the ice cream she got after!

"Old Friends...Sat on Their Park Bench Like Bookends"

As the quince of one of our teens approaches, plans and details are being worked out. So, that means running errands and escorting her places to ensure everything is planned and in place.

Today, she needed to chat with some of the boys in her quince about their ties and shirts. We had to go to one of the schools where half of the girls have classes in the afternoon. I was a bit nervous to go because I know that it can be embarrassing when a parent figure comes to school.

But, as we arrived, the students were beginning recess. I told her to go and find the boys she needed to talk with because I didn't think she wanted one of her tias following her around. So, I decided to sit on a bench near the entrance to the school and wait for her. As I sat there, Sofia ran up and gave me a big hug. She sat down on the bench with me and we talked. Then, Olivia, who was walking with a friend, came over and sat with us, as did her friend. And, one of the younger girls, Adriana, found us and joined us on the bench. I told the girls that they could enjoy their recess chatting with friends, but they said that sitting with me was what they wanted. This absolutely made my day!

As frustrated as I get with the girls at times, these are the moments that make the small spats, attitudes, and PMS all worth it. I don't think these three girls will ever know how much this meant to me. I know I say this all the time, but I work with the most amazing kids ever.

As the five of us sat on the bench, I thought of Simon and Garfunkel's song "Old Friend:"

"Old Friends, old friends, sat on their park bench like bookends..."

Go with all your Heart...

These words are so true on a day like this...
I have come to Bolivia with all my heart.
I have found a place that will hold my heart forever.
And when I leave, a piece of my heart will stay.
It will stay with the wonderful girls and boys I work with.
It will stay with the people I met and got to know.
It will stay.
Forever.

Fondue Fun!

Saturday night, after saying goodbye to Tia Clare at the airport, Kimber and I had the older girls over for a special treat and some fun times! We arrived, and immediately, the girls wanted a tour of the apartment. They wanted to see the different rooms, and they were in awe of the view from our terrace.

But, not long after arriving, we shared the surprise we put together for the girls--chocolate fondue with bananas and apples, pears and marshmallows. At first, the girls were hesitant to dive into the fondue. But, after a few demonstrations, the girls dug into with their fondue sticks, and kept returning for more! Because they don't get to eat sweets and candy often, they definitely ate much more than we expected! But, that's what we are here for, to have fun nights and eat chocolate with the girls!

After consuming a bunch of fondue and fruit, it was time for games! We played telephone, which took me back to grade school, and the scissor game, where you need to figure out whether to pass the scissors open or closed. The girls really had fun with the telephone sentences, and really got into figuring out the key to the scissor game. After that, some of the girls played cacho, the Bolivian dice game, with us, while others played a car racing game and watched a movie.

Around 11:15 PM, the girls headed home in a taxi. Before taking off, all of them thanked us for everything, but especially the chocolate fondue, obviously their favorite part of the night!

Times like this make me realize not only how lucky I am to work with such amazing, inspirational kids, but also, how sweet, kind, and caring the children of Ninos con Valor are! These are the nights that I truly appreciate. Nights that I get to know the girls a little more and share special moments with them!

Suffering.

A man asked his friend, "Why does God allow so much suffering, pain, and sadness to occur in the world?"

His friend replied, "Why don't you ask Him yourself?"

And, the first man says, "Because I am afraid God might ask me the same question."

I went to church yesterday, which I hate to admit was my first time in a while, and the pastor touched on an issue that I have been struggling with--why God allows so much suffering and heartbreak? Since moving to Bolivia, I have struggled with this idea as I see families living in desperate poverty, a type of poverty I had never seen before.

I ask God why the children I work with have had such heartbreaking, devastating, traumatic pasts that continue to haunt them? I ask why parents leave their babies in trashcans and parks, on the street and in public bathrooms? I continue to ask why families do not have enough food and water, basic rights for all mankind? I ask why 12 year olds have to make extremely life choices that I, as a 24 year old, have never had to even think about? I ask why we all do not live in a world with more justice, more equality, more love, and less jealousy, less hate, and less inequity?

The list goes on and on, but I realized sitting in church that God is not the only on responsible for the suffering that occurs. We are, as human beings, responsible for the happiness, as well as the pain, of others. We have a duty to ensure others are not suffering, which may include distributing wealth more equally or donating extra money we possess, living a more practical lifestyle to ensure others are surviving or helping raise awareness about certain issues.

As Ghandi once said, "Live simply so that others may simply live."



Photos:
1. http://chrisbonoan.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-early-2004-my-father-was-diagnosed.html
2. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3554672929_6f1ce27e65.jpg

Mizque: Chirimolle Pampa

Last Monday morning, we left for Mizque with a team from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue, Washington. We first visited Incallajta, Incan ruins about 4 hours south east of the city of Cochabamba. The ruins were very interesting, but are less frequented than Machu Picchu and less taken care of as well. This area was the easternmost section of the extremely vast Incan Empire. The biggest building was 80m by 25m (263 ft by 82 ft). During the time of the Incas, this huge building had a roof which was supported by huge columns, however, today the roof and columns are no longer standing. Outside of this building, there is a large boulder, which functioned as a platform. And, close by, a rock used for for sacrifices that still functions today. Every June, the members of this community sacrifice a llama in the exact spot the INcas used to make sacrifices to their gods. These ruins have largely been ignored despite the amazing history and information the remnants hold about the Incan Empire. Until recently, treasure hunters would visit the site hoping to unearth amazing riches. So, many of the buildings and structures that were left were destroyed and ruined.

After a very long trip from the ruins to Mizque, we finally arrived and headed straight to lunch. We had sopa de mani (peanut soup), which was delicious! Then, it was back to the hotel for a rest and clean up. Around 8:30 we headed back to the market for dinner--silpancho, one of my favorite Bolivian dishes! After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to play Cacho, a Bolivian dice game and drink Chuflys, a typical Bolivian drink with Singani (Bolivian alcohol made from grapes), lime, and ginger ale! My favorite Bolivian refreshment!

Tuesday, we visited a new community, Chirimolle Pampa, which is about 40 minutes from the town of Mizque. The team from Bellevue donated the money to fix the daycare and kitchen areas. Before we arrived, the community had the walls thatched and cemented, and when we arrived our job was to paint both areas. While about half the group painted, the other half of us took pictures of the kids, got to know them, and played games. They loved the parachute games, especially when we added balls and candy! The kids in this community are so beautiful and were very welcoming. Unlike other communities Ninos con Valor has visited, the children of Chirimolle Pampa did not have an orange-tint to their hair, a sign of malnutrition. We were all very happy about that! I enjoyed taking pictures of them because they got so excited to see their faces on the camera screen! These are the moments that make me incredibly thankful for this amazing experience!

After painting and playing, we gathered in their common area. The dirigente, or chief, explained that because of a serious lack of water and resources, many people have moved north. The community has been growing smaller and smaller. However, much of what he said was lost on us because he was speaking Quechua. But, we understood that he was explaining the harsh situation the community is in, as well as thanking us for all that we have done! We presented the community with plates and silverware, toys and puzzles, pots and pans, art and school supplies, mattresses and shelves donated by Orkney Helping Hands to equip the daycare and kitchen area. The people were extremely grateful! Then, a few of the little kids danced the Saya and another traditional dance. To show their appreciation, the community served us lunch and refrescos. Despite being leery of eating it, I ate as much as I could, not wanting to offend anyone.

After lunch, we hung out with the people of the community. One of the team members was given directions on how to spin wool by hand! It was wonderful to see the women of the community bonding with the team member and showing her their skill! After a bit, we said goodbye. The woman leader of the community thanked us for all the help and asked us to please return. She explained that the closest schools are more than a hour away, and many of the older kids make this trek in order to attend school. But, this is too far for the little ones, so the daycare will help them educate the littler ones. She expressed her concern about the lack of water, something we all wished we could help with. As our truck pulled away, two girls ran behind it waving and waving. That was a lasting image for me!

Trips to Mizque are always a highlight of my time here. I enjoy going to the communities and getting to know the people--seeing the smiles of the children and hearing their laughter puts everything into perspective!

For photos, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.640532151595.2123257.32402725&l=94c39bbd95&type=1