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!