The Beginnings of Bolivia

Hello friends and family!

I hope all is well with everyone and I´m pleased to say that we´re having an awesome time in Bolivia! There is so much to take in and the experiences so far have been amazing. I´m very grateful for the opportunity to be here and am learning a lot about the Bolivian culture. In addition, my appreciation for Catholicism has increased dramatically as I see the same practices, prayers, and kindness from Catholics all over the world. The sincerity and generosity of the priests in the seminary we´re staying in is truly moving and insightful.

As for the landscape of the country, it is absolutely beautiful. We´ve been to three cities so far- La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Although we were only in La Paz and Santa Cruz for a short time on our way to the seminary in Cochabamba, it was very interesting to see the differences in the cities in comparison to the United States. Driving is a whole new ballgame and I´m glad I don´t have to navigate our big red van through the crazy traffic of the city. The buildings are very open and many of the restaurants, stores, and houses don´t have doors or completely covered roofs. Due to the warm climate, the atmosphere of the stores and houses is very inviting and open. Although it is considered winter in Bolivia, I was getting pretty hot playing soccer today in 80 degree weather. Winters in Indiana should be more like this.

For the past two days, we have been getting deeper into our missions work at the orphanage called San Martin de Porres. The house holds 90 boys ages eight to eighteen and is a really great place for the boys to grow up. Oftentimes, the children in these cities end up on the streets and resort to crime and drugs to make a living and sustain themselves. However, the orphanage accepts boys off the streets and gives them a place to call home and an opportunity to grow up in a loving community. The staff at the orphanage is amazing and strives to improve the lives of the boys in all aspects including education, morality, religion, work ethic, and emotional stability. Once the boys are 15, they can choose a path they would like to specialize in, such as cooking, mechanical work, or carpentry. They are very dedicated to their work and when they are not at school, they spend time in their specialized areas and play games such as soccer, cards, and baseball.

Tomorrow is our last day at this orphanage and then we will be going to another in a few days. I´ll be sad to say goodbye to the boys but I know they´ll be just fine after we leave. I´ve definitely improved my Spanish and am looking forward to exploring other parts of Bolivia within the next few days. Hope all is well in the United States and can´t wait to see everyone when I get back! There will be lots of pictures don´t worry!

Much love,

Lindsay