While celebrating my brother's wedding this past weekend, I had the opportunity to talk with family and friends that expressed appreciation for my blog. I soon realized I hadn't updated my whereabouts since my return. I arrived safely to the Akron, PA on July 18 and after a week of debriefing I flew home to Washington, Iowa on the 24th. I am happy to be home and have enjoyed getting reacquainted with family and friends. A couple of weddings and a road trip to Pennsylvania have helped provide such opportunities.
I miss different aspects of Bolivia such as: the people, food, developing my Spanish speaking skills and the market. However, being home is a wonderful feeling and I am thankful for the opportunity to say "Hello" again to persons I had missed. Thankfully they were just as excited to see me too :)
The month of August is passing rapidly and in about a week and a half--the 28th of August--I will be heading to Goshen College for my junior year. I want to thank all of you that have faithfully read my blog and for those who have supported me throughout this past year. Thank you so much for your prayers and for showing interest in my activities in Bolivia. God Bless.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Trekking
Today I am exhausted, sun burnt, in need of a shave (upon close inspection), coated in kerosene fumes, extremely sore and thankful that the bumpy 16 hour bus ride from La Paz is over. Yes, I just returned from a hiking trip. On June 12 a friend and I headed to La Paz where we spent a couple days exploring the city, relaxing and making preparations for our hiking trip in the Andes Mountains. After visiting the Coca Museum, Witch´s Market, local trekking shops and meeting up with some friends, we anxiously left the city on Tuesday and made the three hour bus ride to Sorata, a remote community nestled in the Andes mountains that, according to the Lonely Planet, serves as a base camp for hikers around the world. In Sorata we enjoyed the sights and restaurants the village had to offer, but also made sure to talk with some of the locals in order to find out more information about the hike and to iron out final details and questions.
Wednesday morning we woke up early, packed our packs, ate breakfast and headed out of town. Our destination for the day was a lake at about 14,000 feet where we would set up camp and spend the next couple of nights. Along the way we met up with a local farmer who was making his daily hour walk to work in his fields that line the mountainside. We chatted with him for about an hour, but soon realized he was also acting as our guide. We heard him bragging to his friends along the way that we had "hired" him, he was pretty excited. When we finally reached his fields, we payed him for his service and continued on our way. About two hours later we ran into a group of hikers, who were being lead by an actual guide, which thought we were following them; using them to find our way(this was a false assumption, we just happened to stumble upon them). After talking with the guide, we compromised and told him that if he helped explain the route on our map and provide some pointers, we would pay him; hoping no further discrepancies would arise. I guess this was to be expected since we didn´t hire a local to go with us, however not being able to figure out the trail for yourself takes away from the fun of exploration.
At around 4:30, exhausted due to not being in shape, we arrived and set up camp close to the lake. The view was spectacular, definitely a haven compared to the dusty and dirty streets of Santa Cruz. The scenery, fresh mountain air and tasty Romen Noodles for supper was well worth the trek. Darkness and the cold quickly moved in and we ended the day by settling into our sleeping bags and our Mountain Tent (we found this small A-frame tent in Santa Cruz, probably something our parents would have used, and decided it would be fun to travel back in time).
The next day we planned to hike to continue on up to find the popular glacier lake, but I ended up going with some other people who were also staying at the lake since my friend was unfortunately dealing with some stomach issues and altitude sickness (I would later suffer from the same). After hiking for about three hours, I decided to break off from the group and explore another area. This turned out to be an exciting adventure, but also left me worn out since I ended up having to climb two bolder fields in order reach the glacier lake. So there I was, feeling sick due to the elevation and too tired to really enjoy the moment. I could only think about returning so I could eat more Romen Noodles and sleep. Looking back, I wish I would have stayed put and enjoyed God´s beautiful creation instead of constantly hiking around and entertaining my love for exploration. Something I will keep in mind the next time, but I know will be difficult since I am constantly on the move.
The next day we were both tired and ready to return home. Instead of staying a third night like we originally planned, we packed up and returned to Sorata. We then found a micro and made the three hour trip back to La Paz. This included waiting out a bloqueo (persons will block off the roads as an act of protest in order to bring awareness to certain issues such as the price of public transportation) and walking 45 minutes since the driver decided he could go no further due to the blocked roads. Thankfully we found a taxi which took us to where we would stay the night in La Paz. The next day we then purchased our bus tickets and headed back to Santa Cruz. I will remain here, except for a quick trip to Concepcion, until July 17 when I will be flying back to Akron, PA. Chao.
Wednesday morning we woke up early, packed our packs, ate breakfast and headed out of town. Our destination for the day was a lake at about 14,000 feet where we would set up camp and spend the next couple of nights. Along the way we met up with a local farmer who was making his daily hour walk to work in his fields that line the mountainside. We chatted with him for about an hour, but soon realized he was also acting as our guide. We heard him bragging to his friends along the way that we had "hired" him, he was pretty excited. When we finally reached his fields, we payed him for his service and continued on our way. About two hours later we ran into a group of hikers, who were being lead by an actual guide, which thought we were following them; using them to find our way(this was a false assumption, we just happened to stumble upon them). After talking with the guide, we compromised and told him that if he helped explain the route on our map and provide some pointers, we would pay him; hoping no further discrepancies would arise. I guess this was to be expected since we didn´t hire a local to go with us, however not being able to figure out the trail for yourself takes away from the fun of exploration.
At around 4:30, exhausted due to not being in shape, we arrived and set up camp close to the lake. The view was spectacular, definitely a haven compared to the dusty and dirty streets of Santa Cruz. The scenery, fresh mountain air and tasty Romen Noodles for supper was well worth the trek. Darkness and the cold quickly moved in and we ended the day by settling into our sleeping bags and our Mountain Tent (we found this small A-frame tent in Santa Cruz, probably something our parents would have used, and decided it would be fun to travel back in time).
The next day we planned to hike to continue on up to find the popular glacier lake, but I ended up going with some other people who were also staying at the lake since my friend was unfortunately dealing with some stomach issues and altitude sickness (I would later suffer from the same). After hiking for about three hours, I decided to break off from the group and explore another area. This turned out to be an exciting adventure, but also left me worn out since I ended up having to climb two bolder fields in order reach the glacier lake. So there I was, feeling sick due to the elevation and too tired to really enjoy the moment. I could only think about returning so I could eat more Romen Noodles and sleep. Looking back, I wish I would have stayed put and enjoyed God´s beautiful creation instead of constantly hiking around and entertaining my love for exploration. Something I will keep in mind the next time, but I know will be difficult since I am constantly on the move.
The next day we were both tired and ready to return home. Instead of staying a third night like we originally planned, we packed up and returned to Sorata. We then found a micro and made the three hour trip back to La Paz. This included waiting out a bloqueo (persons will block off the roads as an act of protest in order to bring awareness to certain issues such as the price of public transportation) and walking 45 minutes since the driver decided he could go no further due to the blocked roads. Thankfully we found a taxi which took us to where we would stay the night in La Paz. The next day we then purchased our bus tickets and headed back to Santa Cruz. I will remain here, except for a quick trip to Concepcion, until July 17 when I will be flying back to Akron, PA. Chao.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Not Much Time
Winter is finally only a couple of weeks away which means cooler weather and restful nights; thankfully. Cold showers before going to bed are no longer necessary and instead of waking up periodically due to oven-like temperatures in my room, I can sleep the whole night through beneath my wool comforters. I have been longing for cooler weather for some time now, yet the change in weather has left me a bit confused. I usually associate cold weather with trees changing the colors of their leaves, snow and Christmas. I periodically have to remind myself I am in June and not November or December.
As I enter the winter months of June, July and August here in Bolivia, this also means my time is drawing to an end. The remaining time should go fast as well due to final reports, activities with the library, numerous final goodbyes, MCCs 50th anniversary celebration, a little bit of traveling and my brother visiting. Before I realize, I will be sitting on a plane and heading back to the United States si Diós quiere. I am both excited and sad about this fact. It is difficult to say goodbye to the people I have met and leave behind cultural habits I have adapted to. For those who do not know, I have roughly a month and a half left before flying home.
Looking back on the month of May, it has been one of the fastest months yet due to a number of activities. All the MCC Bolivia workers got together for a two day retreat, we purchased new books and materials for the library (thank you Susan See, those who played in the concert and to those who donated), mother´s day was a large celebration, my host brother was also confirmed this past Sunday and I took a weekend trip to visit a friend a couple weeks ago. Seeing how May flew by, I am rather positive June will be similar, if not faster. Nonetheless, I will continue to have patience, trust in God and rely on your prayers.
As I enter the winter months of June, July and August here in Bolivia, this also means my time is drawing to an end. The remaining time should go fast as well due to final reports, activities with the library, numerous final goodbyes, MCCs 50th anniversary celebration, a little bit of traveling and my brother visiting. Before I realize, I will be sitting on a plane and heading back to the United States si Diós quiere. I am both excited and sad about this fact. It is difficult to say goodbye to the people I have met and leave behind cultural habits I have adapted to. For those who do not know, I have roughly a month and a half left before flying home.
Looking back on the month of May, it has been one of the fastest months yet due to a number of activities. All the MCC Bolivia workers got together for a two day retreat, we purchased new books and materials for the library (thank you Susan See, those who played in the concert and to those who donated), mother´s day was a large celebration, my host brother was also confirmed this past Sunday and I took a weekend trip to visit a friend a couple weeks ago. Seeing how May flew by, I am rather positive June will be similar, if not faster. Nonetheless, I will continue to have patience, trust in God and rely on your prayers.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
It has been a while, whoops.
It has taken longer than I had expected to adjust to life here in the plan 3000. Before arriving I had spent a month in Santa Cruz with a host family and I also spent three months in Concepción. These experiences allowed me to adjust to the idea of being away from family and friends, to a new culture and to touch-up on my Spanish, but moving to the Plan 3000 required adapting to a new host family, living conditions, community and library. Thankfully the adjustment period has passed and that life here in Bolivia feels more normal. Looking back I am at peace about my decision to move, even though I basically had to start over again in a new environment. Yet, it is difficult having three host families who desire frequent visits and I know they would wish to see me more than what is possible. I am doing my best to visit and make phone calls so they know I haven´t forgotten about them, but this isn´t always easy. Hopefully they understand it is important for me to spend my energy and time with the community I am with.
Speaking of time, it is passing rather quickly; shockingly. I never dreamed I would admit that since July has always seamed like a distant reality. The next two and a half months should fly since I am more adjusted to life here in the Plan 3000, this is both exciting and disappointing. Please pray for me in that I can remain focused, especially since there is more for me to attend to in the remaining months. My schedule is getting rather busy, at least for me anyways, while March and April were more tranquillo. Well, except for Easter weekend.
Easter passed in a very different fashion for me this year. Instead of the typical Thursday evening meal at my home church, an Easter service on Sunday morning and a lunch with family and friends, the weekend was more active. Here in Bolivia, Easter is a four day holiday. All the businesses shut down and for the Catholic community, Thursday evening Mass kicked-off a weekend full of reverence and celebration. Friday, in the heat of the afternoon, I attended the via cruz ("way of the cross", we walked around to 14 stations--representing the 14 stations of the cross--while singing and reading scripture. About a two and half hour event) which was then followed by a mass in the evening. Saturday we went about our normal routine until the 9:00 p.m. Mass in the evening; afterwards a vigil until midnight. Sunday morning we then rose bright and early for the Easter Sunday celebration which consisted of joyous singing and praise. Thankfully this time the passion story wasn´t read, unlike the previous three, a fourth time in Spanish would have been a little too much.
Since then I have resumed my regular routine, but excitingly I now tutor a student every morning. I appreciate having a regular and consistent visitor. Other than that, I also help other students when they come to the library for homework, to work on puzzles or to play chess. Occasionally the nuns will also stop by to chat. Yet, excitingly in a week we should be going to the book store to purchase some new books; well, maybe. Experience has taught me that this could most likely change, a frustration I have learned to accept and adapt to. Plans are always changing and one never knows what to expect.
While living here in Bolivia, I have experienced numerous unanticipated changes, challenges and feelings (wouldn´t have been much fun had I not). I can´t thank enough those who have offered their prayers and support, they have been greatly appreciated and have provided a foothold during difficult times. A supportive community in Bolivia and abroad, as well as God´s grace, have been a needed crutch which I am thankful for. I hope you all have a wonderful May. Blessings.
Speaking of time, it is passing rather quickly; shockingly. I never dreamed I would admit that since July has always seamed like a distant reality. The next two and a half months should fly since I am more adjusted to life here in the Plan 3000, this is both exciting and disappointing. Please pray for me in that I can remain focused, especially since there is more for me to attend to in the remaining months. My schedule is getting rather busy, at least for me anyways, while March and April were more tranquillo. Well, except for Easter weekend.
Easter passed in a very different fashion for me this year. Instead of the typical Thursday evening meal at my home church, an Easter service on Sunday morning and a lunch with family and friends, the weekend was more active. Here in Bolivia, Easter is a four day holiday. All the businesses shut down and for the Catholic community, Thursday evening Mass kicked-off a weekend full of reverence and celebration. Friday, in the heat of the afternoon, I attended the via cruz ("way of the cross", we walked around to 14 stations--representing the 14 stations of the cross--while singing and reading scripture. About a two and half hour event) which was then followed by a mass in the evening. Saturday we went about our normal routine until the 9:00 p.m. Mass in the evening; afterwards a vigil until midnight. Sunday morning we then rose bright and early for the Easter Sunday celebration which consisted of joyous singing and praise. Thankfully this time the passion story wasn´t read, unlike the previous three, a fourth time in Spanish would have been a little too much.
Since then I have resumed my regular routine, but excitingly I now tutor a student every morning. I appreciate having a regular and consistent visitor. Other than that, I also help other students when they come to the library for homework, to work on puzzles or to play chess. Occasionally the nuns will also stop by to chat. Yet, excitingly in a week we should be going to the book store to purchase some new books; well, maybe. Experience has taught me that this could most likely change, a frustration I have learned to accept and adapt to. Plans are always changing and one never knows what to expect.
While living here in Bolivia, I have experienced numerous unanticipated changes, challenges and feelings (wouldn´t have been much fun had I not). I can´t thank enough those who have offered their prayers and support, they have been greatly appreciated and have provided a foothold during difficult times. A supportive community in Bolivia and abroad, as well as God´s grace, have been a needed crutch which I am thankful for. I hope you all have a wonderful May. Blessings.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March...
Lately I have been keeping busy with my tasks in the library: tutoring, helping kids find books, planning upcoming activities and deciding what books to purchase that will best serve the students. At times, 20 kids will swarm into the library in order to practice different subjects, such as Math, or to play different board games. Other days require much waiting. The weather and encouragement from teachers and parents greatly affects library attendance. Hopefully both will continue to offer positive encouragement.
In April we are planning to have activities for the youth of the neighborhood. We are planning different games and crafts for them to participate in. We desire for more students to know about the library and thus have decided to team up with the Catholic Church. Around 100 kids will be preparing for their first communion April 12 and the nuns have asked us to help organize different activities for them in the morning, prior to the mass. We jumped on the idea and decided to use this opportunity to help benefit the library. Since the library occupies a room within the church´s compound, it shouldn´t be too difficult to use the space for various activities. We also hope to have seminars for parents about the importance of reading later on in the month. Students come to use the library to do homework, but very few come solely to read the different novels and stories we have available. Hopefully such seminars will help promote reading at home and library attendance.
During the month of March our group of SALTers visited Cochabamba for three days. We traveled the 12 hour bus ride on a Friday night and arrived Saturday morning. We then spent the next two days in meetings and seminars about the new constitution, Indigenous Cosmology and beliefs, law 1008 (established to help reduce drug trafficking and production, but instead has resulted in thousands of unjust arrests.) and about an organization called the Democracy Center which helps to lobby for citizen rights in Cochabamba and Bolivia as a whole. We also spent time sightseeing, but we were all very thankful for such an informative experience.
As for me, I am enjoying my time here in Bolivia. Every week presents different challenges, but I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from them. My host family is very hospitable and I appreciate the relationships I have established within the community. I feel more adjusted to the culture and language which helps as well. Time is moving quicker now and I realize July is rapidly approaching. Please continue to remember me in your prayers during my last three and a half months abroad. Chao.
In April we are planning to have activities for the youth of the neighborhood. We are planning different games and crafts for them to participate in. We desire for more students to know about the library and thus have decided to team up with the Catholic Church. Around 100 kids will be preparing for their first communion April 12 and the nuns have asked us to help organize different activities for them in the morning, prior to the mass. We jumped on the idea and decided to use this opportunity to help benefit the library. Since the library occupies a room within the church´s compound, it shouldn´t be too difficult to use the space for various activities. We also hope to have seminars for parents about the importance of reading later on in the month. Students come to use the library to do homework, but very few come solely to read the different novels and stories we have available. Hopefully such seminars will help promote reading at home and library attendance.
During the month of March our group of SALTers visited Cochabamba for three days. We traveled the 12 hour bus ride on a Friday night and arrived Saturday morning. We then spent the next two days in meetings and seminars about the new constitution, Indigenous Cosmology and beliefs, law 1008 (established to help reduce drug trafficking and production, but instead has resulted in thousands of unjust arrests.) and about an organization called the Democracy Center which helps to lobby for citizen rights in Cochabamba and Bolivia as a whole. We also spent time sightseeing, but we were all very thankful for such an informative experience.
As for me, I am enjoying my time here in Bolivia. Every week presents different challenges, but I am thankful for the lessons I have learned from them. My host family is very hospitable and I appreciate the relationships I have established within the community. I feel more adjusted to the culture and language which helps as well. Time is moving quicker now and I realize July is rapidly approaching. Please continue to remember me in your prayers during my last three and a half months abroad. Chao.
Friday, February 27, 2009
February...
Time is passing rather quickly right now as it is already the end of February, but of course having my parents and others from church visit has helped pass the time. At first it was an adjustment having them here since they are foreign to my Bolivian reality, but I easily adjusted to their presence. I enjoyed working with them at the day care--part of the reason for coming was to help with a work project--, showing them around and introducing them to the people I have been living with for the past six months. Their time here passed quicker than I had anticipated or wanted, but I have adjusted to my normal routine since their departure. As normal as it can be during Carnival anyways.
I had learned about Carnival in the Spanish class my final semester at Hesston College and I was anxious to experience it first hand. Hearing my host brothers talk non-stop about the festival and listening to all the propaganda also fueled my anticipation. Therefore Sunday afternoon my host brother and I dressed in our oldest clothes and headed downtown to participate in a massive water balloon and paint fight. After about four hours we then returned home soaked and covered in paint from head to toe. Definitely a worthwhile experience we both decided to repeat the following day. However after two days of having people smear paint on your face, having party foam sprayed at your eyes and mouth, and getting soaked by water balloons, we decided to call it quits.
Tuesday we relaxed at home and participated in the custom of giving thanks to the Pacha Mama (mother earth). This included presenting a burnt offering of different foods and of course fire works for some added noise. We then threw confetti and watched the smoke from the offering fill the house which is supposed to bring good luck and a good harvest. I realize this may strike some readers as odd or unnecessary, but it was definitely a unique cultural experience to witness. Afterwards we shared a celebration lunch of Spicy chicken, chunyo (dehydrated potatoes covered in a peanut sauce), yucca (same family as the potato), rice and soup. It was a well needed day of rest after a busy month of visitors and the biggest celebration of the year.
Currently I have resumed my regular routine of working in the library. I have been living in Santa Cruz now for two and a half months and it is a wonderful feeling to be adjusted to my new work and new host family. Again thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Chao.
I had learned about Carnival in the Spanish class my final semester at Hesston College and I was anxious to experience it first hand. Hearing my host brothers talk non-stop about the festival and listening to all the propaganda also fueled my anticipation. Therefore Sunday afternoon my host brother and I dressed in our oldest clothes and headed downtown to participate in a massive water balloon and paint fight. After about four hours we then returned home soaked and covered in paint from head to toe. Definitely a worthwhile experience we both decided to repeat the following day. However after two days of having people smear paint on your face, having party foam sprayed at your eyes and mouth, and getting soaked by water balloons, we decided to call it quits.
Tuesday we relaxed at home and participated in the custom of giving thanks to the Pacha Mama (mother earth). This included presenting a burnt offering of different foods and of course fire works for some added noise. We then threw confetti and watched the smoke from the offering fill the house which is supposed to bring good luck and a good harvest. I realize this may strike some readers as odd or unnecessary, but it was definitely a unique cultural experience to witness. Afterwards we shared a celebration lunch of Spicy chicken, chunyo (dehydrated potatoes covered in a peanut sauce), yucca (same family as the potato), rice and soup. It was a well needed day of rest after a busy month of visitors and the biggest celebration of the year.
Currently I have resumed my regular routine of working in the library. I have been living in Santa Cruz now for two and a half months and it is a wonderful feeling to be adjusted to my new work and new host family. Again thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Chao.
Friday, February 6, 2009
First Week in the Library
Here is a brief update of my activities this past week. I have successfully completed my first week of work in the Plan 3000, working in the library San Silvestre and at the Parish. It was a slow week since very few students attended the library due to the lack of homework assigned this week. The first week is usually spent sitting through "entertaining" and "interesting" syllabi's right? I am not sure how enthusiastic the youth were about resuming their studies either. Some of the schools nearby also didn´t begin classes because some of the classrooms were being painted. However more students should attend this coming week as they get settled into the routine of the new school year. If not I will resume cataloging books, reading and waiting patiently, a routine I have grown accustomed to. Probably the hardest part of this week was waiting in anticipation for my family and friends to arrive.
Saturday my Dad, Mom, Jason Widmer and two persons from my church will be landing here in Bolivia. I have been looking forward to this day for sometime now. I am anxious to show them where I have been living for the past 6 months and to introduce them to my friends and family here in Bolivia. They will be working on a daycare laying bricks for the first week and then they will get a chance to see where I have been working the following week. Hopefully we have desirable weather and everyone stays healthy.
The begininning of February also marked the half-way point for my time here in Bolivia. When looking back it is tempting to say time has passed quickly, but in reality October and November were long and arduous. I faced new and unexpected circumstances daily which challenged me in positive, yet annoying ways. However time is picking up steam and the months are passing quicker as I have grown accustomed, to some degree, to life in Bolivia. The second half will most likely pass quicker than the first, so I am told anyways. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers and God bless. Chao.
Saturday my Dad, Mom, Jason Widmer and two persons from my church will be landing here in Bolivia. I have been looking forward to this day for sometime now. I am anxious to show them where I have been living for the past 6 months and to introduce them to my friends and family here in Bolivia. They will be working on a daycare laying bricks for the first week and then they will get a chance to see where I have been working the following week. Hopefully we have desirable weather and everyone stays healthy.
The begininning of February also marked the half-way point for my time here in Bolivia. When looking back it is tempting to say time has passed quickly, but in reality October and November were long and arduous. I faced new and unexpected circumstances daily which challenged me in positive, yet annoying ways. However time is picking up steam and the months are passing quicker as I have grown accustomed, to some degree, to life in Bolivia. The second half will most likely pass quicker than the first, so I am told anyways. Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers and God bless. Chao.
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