Camping in the Andes

Camping in the Andes is nothing like camping in the Rockies. Yes, the mountains are higher but there is no snow and it was not impossibly cold even though it is the equivalent of May here. Nonetheless, it was fun! Bolivian camping consists of Ramen noodles, Coca-Cola and spicy ketchup. It is a far cry from the backpacking that most of us were used to. The photos below are from the camping trip. Our friends from the Adventist University were our wonderful hosts!

Eating our hot dogs with spicy ketchup

 

Saving Lives Around the World

Its been a while and a lot has happened here but there is something else I need to share with everyone today.

It is called Plumpy’nut. This peanut butter like substance is packed with nutrients. In the land where food is king and obesity is as common as brushing one’s teeth, it is a wonder why this substance would be of any use. In places such as Somalia and Bolivia where children are dying as a direct result or complication of malnutrition and starvation, this substance will save lives. Packed not only with necessary nutrients but also vitamins to help support a healthy immune system, this substance, a food really, can bring a child back to life from the very hands of death.

Right now, World Vision, an organization who has been working in the developing world for several years and has several missions throughout the globe is offering anyone willing to donate a chance to save thousands of lives. With a donation of whatever you can afford ($5 - $5,000) World Vision has made arrangements to have this amount multiplied by 6 to purchase and provide Plumpy’nut to those most severely in need.  

If you are concerned about giving to an organization you are unfamiliar with, let me attest that my family has given to World Vision and associated humanitarian organizations throughout the last four years. However, should you still have concerns, feel free to take a look at the Better Business Bureau report for World Vision at http://www.bbb.org/charity-reviews/national/child-sponsorship/world-vision-in-federal-way-wa-12791

Even if it were a scam, wouldn’t it be worth $20 to try and save a life?

Use the link below to visit World Vision's Plumpy'nut donation page!

http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?ppi=99028333&funnel=dn&et_cid=28890466&item=2162581&go=item&section=10366&et_rid=99028333&xxwvCampaign=2150865

 

La Cancha

Today I taught at a wonderful orphanage called Arce de Noe and we went to La Cancha.

Arce de Noe is a wonderful little orphanage that has about 30 boys ranging from 5 to 18. The teaching was a success, thank the LORD as this is what I needed after two challenging days. If I hadn't heard horror stories about the adoption process in Bolivia and my husband was here as well . . . I probably would have tried to take one of them home with me.

La Cancha is the largest open air market in South America. It is also the only place any HOH volunteers have ever been robbed. Never fear, no one got any of my stuff! I tried to haggle but the lady running the stall seemed annoyed that two gringas were trying to haggle with her so I pretty much let it go. This market has everything you could ever dream of - including some things you might rather not know exist such as dried llama fetuses. Apparently, if you burry one of these under new construction it brings good luck. However, I will never be able to get that smell out of my memory. It was awful! They also have some pretty normal stuff - pirated DVDs 3 for 10Bs ($1.15). They are a bit risky - we think we bought the movie where the Rock is a nanny but the description was for Avatar. I guess we will find out! I bought a few items but since I didn't need tiny packets of shampoo or really crazy underwear and can't eat the food (although the fried parasites do smell good) I didn't do too much spending.

Hopefully we will be going camping with our AUB friends but only time will tell!

Chao!

Fotos!

Providing food, clothes and medical review to some of those desperately in need. This was a collaboration with students from the Adventist University who set up the event. Information on oral and general hygiene (why soap is important) was reviewed here.

A baby shower was held at our house for two of the women from the hospital. One game was to dress a balloon up as  a baby. Doesn't ours look great?

Drinking water (from bags) on the way home from the park. These two girls were part of a ministry in the city which we will take part in at least once a week. Later this week, I will be teaching there.

El Fin de Semana 1

I am approaching the end of my first week here and I have been so busy!

Things were hard for a while but they have taken a turn recently. There is a language barrier, even more than I had anticipated as the Spanish that I do know is Mexican Spanish and not South American Castellano.  But the challenge is becoming smaller even after one week. Hopefully by the end of my time here, I will be able to at least carry a basic conversation. 

What have I been up to? On Wednesday I went to a volleyball game with some of the long term volunteers. It is so interesting to see that people are the same no matter where you go or what language you speak. You have the people who are a bit too competitive and then those who just want to have fun.

Yesterday I participated in some really great ministries. First, an organization called Jireh which provides food and some school assistance to “street kids”. Street kids are children who work as shoe shiners or other similar jobs on the street. Not surprisingly, some of the girls as young as 14 have children and use Jireh as a source of a solid meal during the week. 

Next, I went to Kid Washing. It is just like it sounds. Children and adults who are unable to obtain routine baths can come and get a bath in La Plaza Principal. The older children and women mostly get their hair washed but the children get full baths in a tent that is set up. I spent time combing and styling the hair (a pony tail is all I can do) of some of the girls. 

Today we were invited to participate in a project of some of the students from the Universidad Adventista de Bolivia (Adventist University). This was my first presentation. It was a bumpy ride but we managed. Hopefully later this week, the presentations will be better and I will be able to speak some of the information myself! Also, the people who were present were seen by a doctor who volunteered his time and were provided with food and much needed clothing. It was great to see people who are fortunate (but only average by American standards) helping those who are truly in need. 

It is pouring outside and my internet connection is not reliable. I will post pictures tomorrow of the last few days!  If you are a person who prays, please pray that I will have success in overcoming the frustrating language barrier here and that I get approval tomorrow for all of the work I have done so far and permission to continue on the same track! Thanks! Chau!

Day 3

Hola! Today has been research day. Unfortunately, most of what I have uncovered leaves little hope for those in poor nations such as Bolivia. H1N1 is back in South America with multiple high profile cases being reported in Venezuela (even Hugo Chavez himself) although they are not confirmed due to political restrictions. In Bolivia, it was confirmed just a few weeks ago that at least 3 people have recently died from H1N1 or complications resulting from the illness. The only confirmed solution: vaccination. In a country where $.50 is a lot of money ($.50 = Bs3.5 and is the cost of a trufi ride to a nearby town and back) and corruption is rampant (INTERPOL has many warnings posted in the local office aimed at stopping such corruption) even an inexpensive vaccination to an American is out of reach for many of the people living in rural Cochabamba. What is even worse is that some are stating that a new sub-strain of the virus has developed in South America leaving even those rich enough to afford the vaccine at risk. The World Health Organization does not yet recognize this sub-strain as fact but if it is, is there any hope? 

The good news is that although this virus can be deadly, especially in those already suffering from a variety of other illnesses (diseases such as diarrhea and malaria are common here and nearby) there is possibility of prevention. Hand-washing is something that many in the developed world take for granted; many people skip the sink without a second thought. But here, in Bolivia and developing nations, hand washing can literally save lives. It is not common here as many do not feel that hygiene is a priority. Many elect to purchase phone cards or alcohol instead of soap. Hand-washing will be the focus of my time here. Hopefully, at least one person will consider the message and make hand washing a part of everyday life for their family.  If this is the case, their family is more likely to live happy and healthy lives for many years to come.

Hola! This morning I met with Dr. Sanchez, essentially, my boss while I am here. He speaks about three words of English. I also met my translator for whom I am VERY grateful. Her name is Adriana; we already have a coffee date!

I was then invited to a “community health” talk on Sunday. I figured I have nothing else planned so why not. Turns out, I am now leading the talk. That’s kind of how things go here. No unnecessary waiting period or going through ten people to get the permission of one. I think this is a concept which is missing from the US, making things move much slower!

In the afternoon I went with R and S (two long-term volunteers) to Cochabamba (the hospital is located about 30 minutes from the city) to complete their Visa paperwork. We went to INTERPOL which is not exciting like a James Bond movie (disappointed) and their paperwork was not yet complete L However, I did get to walk around La Plaza Principal (pictured below) on our way. This is a very nice park in the middle of the city. 

I also assisted with English Class. Strangely, there was more Spanish spoken than English which helped me immensely. I think a small bit of the Spanish (Castellano in Bolivia) I learned while sleeping through la clase de Srta. Price might be returning. Yay! Hearing Spanish all day makes my head hurt so for now, I say Chau!