I came here with a open mind, an empty wallet, and a heart full of desire to serve, to help, to make a change. I came here with absolutely no clue what to expect. Thank God, that He knows what He's doing in my life...to end up in a freezing country that has over 15 dialects, main one being spanish. But I am here now, and loving it. The nuns are crazy and free spirited, I thought I would change them--
but no, they are teaching me.
but no, they are teaching me. La Merced:
This is where I live with the nuns. They built this home on their own--it is a home and a clinic in one. They offer a dentist, a medical clinic, lunch program, meeting rooms, and a program for the elderly. I will be working here with the adultos mayores (elderly) hanging out, doing activities, making bread, art, and learning how to stitch. I also will be doing some physical therapy with them...yes I know-- I don't know what I am doing. But the jist is, they need to stretch and get some exercise, I think I can handle that. I am working with Javier, a sweet guy who is a Christian--not Catholic (shhhh don't tell the nuns). I am kidding, they know, and they laugh about it. I love it, it is a yellow house with plenty of space. It rest just above the periferico (the main road the follows the rim of the bowl that La Paz makes). So mainly, I have the best view of La Paz, its lights of the town twinkle up and remind me of stars looking up at me. Well this picture is during the day-but imagine the beauty when it all lights up at night. When I met the adultos mayores it was bout 30 of them in a small room, some on the floor, some making bread, and some knitting away. When I introduced myself I recieved an applause...actually anytime I did anything I got an applause. Quite entertaining. They were recieving glasses that day from the clinic. In reality this gathering is a way to get the elderly out of the house and in a social setting. Its great for them...and I get to hear them chatter away in their indiginous languages as they laugh and wink at me. Man I wish I knew what they were saying!
Vente-siete de Mayo:
This would be clinic number 2, and yes they named it after a date, they name lots of things after dates here. This one is more like a daycare. They have one level that teaches children, from 2-7 years old. When I went into the toddlers room I was greated by 23 runny nosed, dirty face, happy waving children. All with their hands open making a five as they all repeat hola in their sweet little voices. I adore children, they are precious. But apparantly these precious little children carry a dangerious hepatisis A. Hence the day of disinfecting of the entire clinic, which of course turned into 3 days since it was such a job, but it got done. The next floor is a medical clinic and a dentist where I will be switching back and forth working with these two doctors. They both are so willing to teach me and allow me to help. The one doctor even let me take a patient, while he sat back and waited for a diagnosis...it was a cold, ha. Lastly this clinic also offers meals for those that sign up for the program, this is to help with the malnutrition in this area.
Casa Esperanza:
This third clinic is the most interesting, but also requires the most patience. It is a home and a rehabilitation center for children with disabilities, autism, downs syndrome, or other mental handicaps. Each child has he's personal teacher, who guides him and pushes him to higher development. Also, there is a project in the making for a lunch program here as well. This program will socialize the children with disabilities and educated others that come without a disability. It's a beautiful thing they are doing there, I hope that I will be able to help it develope.
Now alittle about me...
I have been given so many opportunites for adventures and have only been here one week! Wow, how time passes. I was able to stay in Cochabamba for a weekend, with an interesting woman. She was an activist for human rights who was kicked out of a couple of countries and visited over 110. She has amazing stories and has lived such a full life. I stayed with her as sister Janet traveled around and visited other nuns. This woman, was very hospitable, opening up her beautiful home to me that resided in the country. I was given the loft, which had walls of glass...so it was like sleeping in a tree house- but inside. Cochabamba is warmer, alot warmer than La Paz! I went for a hike up to their Jesus Cristo...kinda like Brazil's. Only this one is the largest, oh Bolivia, added 3 centimiters to this tower so they could say they had the largest!
It rests on a mountian that overlooks Cochabamba and you can even go up into the arms. It's a beautiful overlook of the entire city. George Ann (whose house I was staying at) hooked me up with some people my age. They took me out on the town and even to an outside rock/reggae concert. Oh I moshed...and I danced! It was a great trip.
Tomorrow we are having a parade because it is a holiday for them here. Anitawa convinced me to participate. I will do the site seeing/touristy thing this weekend with one of the doctors I work with. We have two argentinians staying with us here at La Merced...both vegans...its different to cook with them. But I am learning to be open minded ;-).
It is funny how Bolivians are. They live a life different then I ever have seen. They are set in their ways and are proud of it. They live a hard life and don't complain about it. They have never won a war they entered, but still have this stubborn pride that shines through. A good way to explain it is they filler words "No ve?" They'll say something and then add in "don't you see" and continue on. Maybe it is to ensure you are listening or maybe it is because they want you to see life and view the world like they do. They are happy and non-materialistic. They take a two hour lunch in the middle of the day to relax. And they have so many holidays. Why is it that America has so few? During my two month stay I will experience 4 national holidays. Maybe this is why they seem more relaxed, on their own pace, and enjoy life and its beauty. No ve?
It looks like there might be some good rock climbing over on that crazy mountain across the way :)
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