Part 3- Santa Cruz

Friends and family,

Hope all is well in the states, we´ll be back tomorrow! The past few days we have been working at an orphanage for children with special needs called Santa Theresa de Los Andes. It has been a moving experience and I´m so amazed by the people that work at the orphanage. There are 147 children and adults with special needs there and they are one of three centers in Bolivia that accepts children with special needs. The children here are completely dependent on the care of others and the majority can not preform basic tasks that we take for granted. Over the past few days, we have been taking them on walks, bathing them, dressing them, and feeding them, all of which have been both rewarding and fun. Once I got to know a few of them personally, it became easier to relate and spend time with them. One of the girls, Felicidad (literally translated into English is happiness), smiled at every opportunity for human interaction. I was so touched by her light hearted spirit and she reminded me of the importance of simply being there for other people and helping them when they need it. I know I learned a great lesson in dependency and am better able to realize the love and support that is constantly present.

Speaking of love, I became friends with the altar server children at the church that played in the evenings. They were very fun and we played a lot of soccer and basketball. They loved the fact that we were from America and we seemed to be the gateway to a million and one questions about America. I love those kids and I think everyone should get at least one opportunity in their lives to feel as popular as Justin Beber, as I have felt the past few nights.

So after our last group reflection, I wanted to leave with a few ending thoughts. I´m so grateful for this experience and for all of the people that have supported me along the way. One of the lessons that will remain with me is how lucky I really am. I have a loving family, an awesome group of friends, and opportunities to impact my community on a daily basis. I don´t want to forget these opportunities to live in the light of God and serve his people to the best of my abilities. Also, I´m healthy and fully able to serve others around me. I hope to channel my opportunities and efforts to help some of the main problems in Bolivia and around the world, such as sanitation, political stability, poverty, and injustice. These issues require massive support groups to make change and I plan on extending an encouraging influence to those who need it. I know I won´t ever forget Bolivia. I am so content with this trip and the amazing experiences we have had as a group. Thanks to everyone who helped and prayed for us and God bless.

Much love,
Lindsay