These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

As hard as it is to be away from home during this difficult time, spending time with the kids has reminded me of some of the special moments that occur on a daily basis here. It really is true--it's the small things that matter most!

-Soccer and volleyball games in Lincoln Park with the girls. These do tend to get intense and competitive, but I love playing with them, even if it means getting my foot kicked and face hit with a ball.
- Manolo and Lucas' amazing laughs, especially when being tickled!!
-Lunch time conversations with the Corazon girls and the Pedacito little ones. Sometimes we sing, sometimes we talk about school and friends, and other times we discuss serious issues, such as our favorite colors, foods, and animals.
-Ana painting my nails and showing me here amazing art work.
-Playing kitchen with Victoria! She really does have such a vivid imagination.
-Trufi (a public transportation van) and bus rides around town-best way to get to know the city.
-Coffee and breakfast at Cafe Paris.
-Lunch dates at Brasil Beruit. Some of the most amazing food ever with some of the most amazing people!
-Reading stories with Marcos.
-Crazy shenanigans with Sofia--karate, dance classes, listening to music, marker fights, art projects, and the list continues.
-The twins' (Jhoselin and Johana) amazing hugs, and their willingness to always help!
-Making cards with the girls for birthday parties. The youngest, Zamora, always wants to put the alphabet and the numbers on the cards!
-Playing ball with Guillermo-he is just learning to catch, but has an amazing arm!
-Walking to and from school with Raeka and Miguel-this is always quite the adventure, especially when dogs are running around.
-Raeka's craziness and special greetings and goodbyes.
-Lily's newly found smile and laughter (she used to be intensely serious).
-Hanging out with Alarico and Mateo! They are two of the youngest at Pedacito, but have the most amazing sense of humors and they are learning English. Mateo can say ball, up, book, and food!
-The Cancha and the Artesian Alley by the Post Office...I can find the most amazing things there!
-The view from our apartment of the Cristo and downtown.
-Silpancho, chuno, and other traditional Bolivian foods.
-Amazing times spent at Casablanca and Na Cunna, Pinche Taco and Sole Mio
-Moda Loca 2011: The girls wanted to have a huge modeling/fashion show, but the tias and the staff decided to have a crazzzzyyyyy fashion show to show the girls that you can still have fun and dress up crazy!
-Outings with the older girls. It is wonderful to be able to spend time and get to know the girls on a more personal level.

I could spend a whole day recounting my memories and describing moments that will stay in my heart forever, but I just don't have that time.

I have always envied those people with photographic memories. They can so easily recount small details about an event, a person, a place. I wish, even if only for my time in South America, that I could remember every moment, every day, every special memory.

Poverty: a harsh reality

As I sat with a friend at Brazilian Coffee, a high-end cafe on one of the nicest streets in Cochabamba, she was recounting a visit to a Bolivian friends house. She explained that his family's house took up most of a block and was comparable to mansions and huge houses in the States--a huge kitchen with very new, modern gadgets, an enormous living room with amazing furniture, a pool and hot tub, and tennis courts! As we discussed this lifestyle, which is odd and less than unheard of here, I realized this was also foreign to me in the States.

While walking around Cochabamba and other Bolivian cities I have had the opportunity to visit, poverty and the affects of it ae so apparent. Poverty is a daily reality for millions in Bolivia, the poorest country in South America. I have been looking into facts and statistics about Bolivia's distribution of wealth and poverty, and many I found are older, but I believe, not much has changed. According to the World Development Indicators in 2000, those of the lower class owned less than ten percent of the country's wealth, while those in the elite, upperclass possessed close to fifty percent. And, in 2007, the income share held by the lowest twenty percent was under three percent. What a difference! While the guy my friend and I were discussing goes home to a mansion and cars and pools, others live on the streets, begging for money and food, struggling to survive.

The lack of money leads to other devastating characteristics of a society. For example, in 2009, Bolivia's infant mortality rate of children under the age of five was over fifty deaths per 1,000 live births. This may not seem like a big deal, but this small South American country has the highest infant mortality rate in the Americas. Even more deaths than Haiti and the Dominican Republic! Also, Bolivians have much shorter life expectancy rates due to poverty and stress, unhealthy water and third-world medical care.

According to UNICEF, in 2002, 59% of the 8,274, 325 lived in conditions of poverty--no running water or electricity, no plumbing and little food-- and 24.4% lived in extreme poverty--no home, malnourished families. Those who are affected by poverty are the Indigenous and those living in rural areas, and within these two groups, women, children, and adolescents are the most vulnerable. I feel honored to be working with two of these groups, and many of the Ninos con Valor children are of Indigenous descent, grew up on the streets and very rural communities, lived through violence and abuse caused by poverty and its affects-stress, drug and alcohol abuse, a lack of education...

I could write and write about the facts and statistics that I came upon that presented the startling reality of poverty within Bolivia. While I read and think about this, I am blessed to understand that, in the world, there is something bigger than me--the girls and little ones I work with who dream of a better life than they were dealt, those who struggle daily to put food on the table and provide a better life for their families, those who have no access to water and plumbing, those who stand up in the name of justice and equality, those who have suffered and still continue to push forward, and those who have lost their lives to poverty and injustice. I will forever remember that I am struggling and working alongside those in Bolivia who hope for a much better future, and that there is something bigger than me!

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!

"Preserve Your Memories"

Simon and Garfunkel once sang, "Time it was, and what a time it was, it was a time of innocence and a time of confidences. Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph. Preserve your memories, they're all that's left."

Over the nine months I have spent in Bolivia, I have acquired thousands of pictures that will be treasured forever.

I could write a long, detailed report of how things have been the past weeks. However, I think photos say it all! Nothing can explain a situation, a memory, a celebration, or an activity like a photo can.

So.....here are a few pictures from the past weeks!

Struggle.

Life is a struggle. We struggle with school when we are young. We struggle with work when we are older. We struggle with relationships. We struggle with love and hate. We struggle with time. And, as I sit here in my bed, I struggle with distance. Lately, it has been difficult to be thousands of miles from the ones I love. Especially since people are sick and things are wrong. In between waiting for biopsy results about my mom, my dad ends up in the emergency room last night.

I couldn't be happier with my life in Bolivia--working with some of the most amazing people and kids I have ever met, finding myself, and changing my outlook on life. But, news like this only makes me wish I was 2 hours away, and could catch a flight or get in my car. Life works in mysterious ways. As we struggle to help a girl in need within the organization, my heart is being pulled in two directions. I know it is important to stay in Bolivia and do the work I was called to do, but being with my family during this time feels just as right.

Confusion and uncertainty rattles around in my brain as I attempt to sleep. My dad always tells me to compartmentalize, like President Bill Clinton. But, in this case, compartmentalizing is not an option. My mom's results and my dad's health weigh heavy on me, as does my work with Ninos con Valor and the future of a girl that is searching for missing pieces.

So, I guess each day is a struggle. We power through 24 hours with 450 things on our minds. I only hope that love and thoughts, wishes and hopes can cross boundaries and fly to those who are far. Although I cannot hug and kiss you, I can hold you in my heart. Always.

Time

I find that time has been flying by. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. I seem to forget that to children time is not as important as it is to us adults. And I hate that I, now in my twenties, dwell and obsess over time. Thinking about how much time is left and how much time has passed has become an everyday event. But, having the opportunity to spend my days with children who possess the ability to appreciate every moment and live in every moment has improved me as a person and enriched my time here in Cochabamba.


Last Friday was a fun-filled day of adventures at Pedactio del Cielo. We had a jam session in the morning! Playing tambourines and drums, triangles and bells, we created a sound that cannot be described. But, was absolutely amazing, and the kids were so proud of the music they were making! As I sat and watched each of the children focused intently on his or her instrument, I realized that time may be passing, but each child was so involved and so wrapped up in the moment--hitting the drum and banging the tambourine to create a unified sound, which brought big smiles and tons of giggles to each face. After the instruments were put away, we began a walking adventure, which I think could have lasted all day, and the kids still would have found enjoyment in pointing out the dogs wandering the streets, the bread in the stores, and the cars driving by. I appreciate, and at times am jealous, that kids can find true, genuine joy in everyday things we ignore and tune out.


Today, while working at Corazon del Pastor, I helped one of the younger girls with her homework. While in college, I came to think of homework as a daunting chore...something that was not always enjoyed. But, she was so excited to complete her homework, and so proud after it was all done. She focused and took time to complete her assignment, something that I think was compromised at times during my college career.


The volunteers of Ninos con Valor venture south to help the foundation in any way possible, but I think that we receive more than we can ever give back to the children we work with. The girls from Corazon del Pastor and the younger kids from Pedacito del Cielo have taught me valuable life lessons that could never be learned in a school. But, as I struggle now with the idea of time--how long to stay in Bolivia, when to head back to the States--I realize that time is not as important as the moments that make us laugh or the moments that bring tears to our eyes. These are what we must count and hold onto, not the hours that pass or the days that slip by.

Mizque

One of the best experiences of my life. A trip that puts everything into perspective. Families with a lack of food and resources, but full of love, generosity, and life. Roads of dirt and rocks, but beautiful scenery. Clear blue skies full of surreal clouds.

We set off from Cochabamba on Monday morning for the province of Mizque. Driving through the mountains was absolutely incredible--views of the small communities above and below, waterfalls and beautiful green valleys. We arrived and had a delicious lunch--Pique--a traditional Bolivian dish of meat and potatoes, tomatoes and onions, topped off with ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Then, we spent the rest of the afternoon planning and organizing everything for the next day. After moving and packing boxes full of toys and bags full of food, we headed to the river to relax and put our feet in the cool, calming waters. The river was absolutely beautiful! After a dinner of Sopa de Mani, another traditional Bolivian meal, we helped Tia Evelin get ready for her presentation and played a game of cacho, a Bolivian dice game (That I need to teach everyone when I get home!).

Tuesday was a busy day: breakfast, serving snack and lunch to the local teachers who attended a medical workshop done by Marcelo, the doctor working with Ninos con Valor. Dr. Marcelo discussed the importance of washing hands and how to promote and maintain a healthy, positive environment, especially for kids. After lunch, Evelin began her workshop (taller in Spanish) about teaching tactics and positive care for students. She emphasized the importance of love and respect when working with kids. As Evelin explained, students should respect professors, however, at the same time, professors need to have love and patience, respect and sensitivity when working with kids. Many children do not receive love from parents and siblings, and school should be a place in which any student can find support, love, and understanding people. I helped Evelin with her taller--passed out papers and supplies, as well as performed in the puppet show. After a long day, dinner, a walk to the river, and a few games of cacho were a perfect ending.

Wednesday was our last day, and personally my favorite! After breakfast, we headed to Calera, a small community outside the town of Mizque on top of a mountain. When we arrived, the students in the school danced for us. After their performance, we began painting the faces of the kids and Marcelo saw people from the community who needed medical assistance. The children of Calera were very shy, but warmed up as time passed. Evelin shared a few Quechua phrases with me because it was obvious that may of the children were more comfortable speaking and hearing Quechua. After face painting and candy, we did activities with a parachute, which the kids had a great time as we ducked under, ran under, and put balls on the parachute. Before we left, we passed out toys to the girls, boys and babies, and bags of food to the families and to the school. It was an incredible experience!

I will never forget the excitement the children had during the parachute activities and in line to receive a toy. I will never forget how thankful many of the men and women were for the food and toys for the community. I will never forget the school teacher who is trying to educate the children of the community and helped organize everything--what an inspirational woman. I will never forget the appreciation and kindness we received. I will never forget the beautiful faces of the children.