Impressions from Bolivia

Hi everyone! I hope you all are doing well. I am having a wonderful time here in Bolivia with the children from the San Martin de Porres orphanage and with the Dominican brothers. I am very grateful for this opportunity to visit this orphanage and to get to talk, play and laugh with these children. This orphanage is part of a program develop for orphans, and children off the streets with the purpose to give them a family and a place to call home.

When we first arrive to the orphanage I was very pleased with the amicability and the openness of the kids, especially the youngest ones. They were always eagerly to learn, play and ask questions. Honestly, this have become unique learning experience for me, the children truly are a source of inspiration and perseverance. I am very impressed with their good behavior and their responsibilities towards chores and homework. Furthermore, for their self-esteem and determination to keep moving in life as every normal kid would do.

Essentially, we have been engaging with them in conversations or helping them with their shores (e.g. homework, workshops). I have had the opportunity to participate with them in carpentry and bakery workshops (i.e. we make delicious empanadas with cheese or jam). Moreover, we have had the opportunity to engage with them playing football, frisbee and basketball.

I consider that my most heart-touching moment was when we were leaving the orphanage and this kid (called Jose Antonio) approaches me with a sad expression and ask me if we are leaving. Then, he hug me and later others kid did with me, as well as they hug Fr. Mike and the other missionaries. Definitively, it was a sweet and sour moment. While, I felt glad to make such a bond with them, I was sad because we would just stay with them until Friday the 20th at noon. When we arrive on Thursday for our second day in the orphanage I was joyful when the children were receiving me and calling me by name. I believe that I can´t describe with words how happy and impressed I was with the bond we have created with them.

I am amazed with the Bolivian culture and the warmth of its people. I have been feeling here like home despite of being so far for it. The Dominican brothers have been very welcoming and attentive to us. I am very grateful for the attention that they have given us, and for the opportunity to participate in their morning and evening prayers.

Sadly, tomorrow Friday we would be leaving Cochabamba to travel to Concepcion. Nonetheless, we just have spent 2 days with the children, I have gotten very attach to them, to their smiles and their optimism. I promise that I would be updating some pictures as soon as possible. Thanks for your prayers and blessings for me and the missionaries. Please continue keeping us in your prayers as we continue our mission in Catoca.

Best regards,
John