The end of this path here in Bolivia

Last Saturday night, I attended a Christian conference put on specially for women. The conference was organized by Doris and it was held at Gustavo´s church in El Alto. These are the same amazing individuals who host a church for children (where I spoke and helped make puppets).

The conference was scheduled to start at 7pm but of course with Bolivian time that meant the women did not start showing up until 8:30pm. We started off singing worship songs. The voices of all the women together was really beautiful. Several women went to the front to read a section of scripture and-or say a prayer. Then it was time for me to say my piece.

I approached the front with Rachel, a gal who leads worshop at the church Reyes de Reyes who agreed to translate for me. I spoke a little about my family and then proceeded to tell the story of how I ended up in Bolivia and more specifically how God kept me in La Paz. As much as I wanted to make my plans and have everything go my way on this trip, God changed my plans for the better and for His glory, since the true reason I came to Bolivia was to be beautiful feet. Sometimes I get caught up in thinking this is my life, my path and I am in control of it all. When in reality, I am on the path God created for me and He is in control and honestly, I would not have it any other way. It is when I trust in God´s path for me, that I can worry less about myself and focus more on his mission.

Yes, I planned this trip to Bolivia, but there is no way I could have ever planned the experiences I have had and opportunities I have been given. I didnt even really know how to be a missionary, but after my 3rd week in La Paz, it started to become more clear. I still cant get over how in my mind my time in La Paz was going to be secondary. How one day I walked into a bookstore, spoke my little Spanish, got invited to a church at which I met a Christian missionary family who introduced me to their ministry and the 2 churches in El Alto where I ended up sharing parts of my testimony.

After my message, we sang more and some of the congregation prayed over me. Present at the conference were women from several different churches and each group went infront and did some kind of performance. Some danced and some sang, not only in Spanish but in Aymara (a native language). I went upfront and sang ¨Open the eyes of my heart Lord¨in Spanish and then in English with Rhonda, Rachel and Rhonda´s friend to represent Reyes de Reyes church.

Lots of singing and moving around all in praise to Jesus Christ. It was a wonderful event. I felt very much at peace. What a perfect way to end my time here in Bolivia.

8 weeks later and here I am on my last day. Tomorrow evening I fly from La Paz to Lima, from Lima to Miami, and from Miami to Boston.

Hospital Art Show

My last day at the hospital was one of mixed emotions. For 7 weeks I have visited the children and adults here. There were 8 specifically I was assigned to work with and over the 7 weeks much art was created. Naturally I saw it fit to have an art show, displaying a portion of what was created during our time together.

I went in at 2 to begin taping paintings and drawings to the walls of an empty room. Immediately a few children saw what I was doing and became interested. My volunteer coordinator, Iris, came with the soda and snacks and the room was instantly buzzing with excitement. We knew this would be an unorganized event, and not without some chaos, but a celebration none the less.

One of my children, Oscar, ran around the room smiling pointing to his artwork and counting each one on display. He had by far created the most art and it was so wonderful to see his expressions of true excitement and pride in his work.

I passed out certificates to the 6 artists (2 were elsewhere and sadly could not attend). It is amazing how a single piece of paper with your name on it can create such joy. It was a challenge to have them wait a moment while I shuffled through to the next certificate to read the artist´s name aloud.

Along with being a day of celebration, it was also a day to say goodbye. At one point I felt a tug on my back and I turned around to see Monica in her wheelchair with her arms wide open and a big smile on her face. I was surprised at first, I had never given her a hug. I quickly bent down and her arms embraced me firmly. Iris said that Monica looked like she was going to cry.

After the party settled down, I walked with Oscar and Iris to visit Simon. A child who is restrained to his bed and therefore was unable to attend our gathering. We brought him some snacks and his certificate. He was all smiles as always. It has been such a joy working with these two fellas. During our time together, I have witnessed them become, what I could tell, good pals. I was almost brought to tears when I saw Oscar drawing pictures for Simon to color in. (This was especially helpful because Simon has difficulty drawing but excels in coloring).

I had for each of the 8 artists a set of crayons and a coloring book. Each picture in the coloring book had a corresponding Bible verse. Although I did not speak the Gospel to them, I was able to be with them and love them for who they are (as corny as that may sound). I like to think that in this way I was Jesus´hands and feet. And maybe these simple little coloring books will speak to them. I also gave Oscar a special gift for doing the most art, a blank sketch book and a set of colored pencils. He put it safely in his cabinet along with all of his other prized posessions.

I have learned so much through this experience and through these amazing individuals. It was difficult to say goodbye but I have faith that I have left them in good spirits and ready for the next volunteer.

God the Creator

August 10 I faced my fears of heights in a big way and mountain biked down the Yugas Road which was recently renamed ¨The World´s Most Dangerous Road.¨ Of course, I had very little idea of what I was actually getting myself into when I signed up with a friend. We signed our life away on a form but were told that the guides were rope rescue trained and we were in good hands. GRAVITY Tours is the way to go- they were the first to start the bike tours and they also have additional safety protocol that the other companies do not have. Although they were a bit more expensive, I figured it was money well spent.

We left La Paz at 7:30am. An about an hour later we arrived to our starting point, La Cumbre which is at 14,500 ft. We started riding down a paved main road with cars traveling in both directions. About 2 hours later we reached the actual Most Dangerous Road. When our guide announced that now we would be riding down the actual road, I realized that the previous 2 hours were just practice. This road is no joke. Barely 1 lane, no guard rails, no safety... just you next to a cliff. We were warned to keep our eyes focused straight ahead because looking otherwise could be deadly. Apparently one man followed a butterfly off one of the cliffs ( he survived). ¨This infamous narrow dirt road is cut precariously into the side of the mountain and descends 2,000m (6,500 feet). With 1,000m+ (3,300 feet) sheer drops off to our left and hulking rock overhangs and cascading waterfalls to our right, we ride through mist, low cloud and dust¨(from http://www.gravitybolivia.com/).

Terrifying but at the same time, absolutely amazing. Just me, my mountain bike and God. My heart beat was pounding at times and yet I felt at peace riding down 41K.

We traveled down the road as a group, making pit stops every so often. I passed many crosses along the way. Finally, 4+hours and 63K later, we reached our destination, La Sende Verde Animal Revuge. We ate some lunch and hung out with the animals for a bit before heading back along the same road on our bus. This part was almost more terrifying because at times, it seems the width of the road is not enough for a bus to travel on. Also our guide decided this would be a good time to tell us about several tragedies which occured no other than on the road we were slowly and cautiously making our way up. At several points a car was traveling down which made for an almost colision. We stopped to take photos at the ¨postcard corner¨and as our guide was taking a photo of me a bus started heading down toward me. I nearly had a heart attack- either the bus would run over me or force me off the edge of the cliff. Thankfully, not to the laughter of the guide and several others, I survived. We arrived back to La Paz 7:30pm.

Isla del Sol

With feeling a bit stuck in routine and bogged down... it made sense to take some time to relax and refocus. On Saturday, Aug. 21, I headed to Lake Titicaca for the 2nd time, this time to hopefully make it to Isla del Sol.

This time, wonderful weather allowed me and a friend to arrive to the island about 3pm. after an hour 1/2 boat ride. We walked (or rather climbed) the Incan steps to our hostel that overlooked the lake. It was so beautiful and peaceful. There are several villages on the island.

The way of life is so very simple but lacking nothing. Often we passed locals climbing the steps behind a group of donkeys carrying goods. In the early morning, men carried gasoline tanks filled with water from the fountain below and women with bags of bread and fruit. At 6pm We climbed a nearby mountain to watch the sunset. Children played hopscotch nearby.

At 6am we woke up to watch the sunrise. It was completely silent except for the numerous outbursts from the donkeys. Unfortunately there wasnt time to hike to the North end of the island, we needed to catch our boat back to Copacabana and then our bus back to La Paz. I was on the island for 19hours.. although short it was enough for me to rejuvinate for these last 2 weeks in S. America.

Amistad at Last

Roughly 4 months ago I sat in a Seattle cafe on my computer and did a Google search for Christian orphanages in South America. I found Amistad and emailed the contact immediately declaring my interest in visiting. It was the only email I sent that week. I heard back from Amy, the coordinator in the US the next day. We chatted about art therapy and my walk with God. I knew I wanted to visit Amistad so from there I continued adding to my itinerary. This orphanage started this adventure- and Now I am here!

I arrived to Cochabamba on Sunday, Aug. 1st. I was picked up by Ximena, who looks after the visitors ( & translating) along with fundraising for the orphanage. We immediately drove to La Villa to see the childrens performance- a musical accompilation of what they had learned that past week with 3 amazing women volunteers. 2 of the women are teachers for Teach for America and the 3rd woman has been a music teacher for many years. The guest house feels more like a resort. I am ridiculously spolied here. The guest mom cooks for me 3 meals a day. In addition I have access to a sanctuary space, library/movie room and not to mention clean bathrooms with hot showers (yes HOT). The ladies all left Tuesday morning, so I have been solo at the guest house. However, I do have the company of the house mom and her 7 year old daughter who has become my companion.

La Villa is where roughtly 70 children ages 2-15 live. There are 8 casas that house anywhere from 8-10 children and a Mama lives in each casa with the children. There is a gymnasium, music room, playground and library. There are a couple casas located in a different area which house 16-18yr olds. Amistad looks after the children until they graduate college, and yes these children do go onto college. Right now there are 15 children in college. The children here are really taken care of.

I go to La Villa at 9am and come back to the guest house from 12:30-2:30 and then back to La Villa until 5:30ish. Ximena has been helping me recruit the teenagers for art (Incorporating my Masters Project by asking them to paint what they like and what makes them happy). I was a bit intimidated at first... I was not sure how long it would take for the teens to warm up to me, but they have all been wonderful. A couple of them have opted out of participating but generally they seem to all enjoy the process of painting with either watercolors or temperas. It has been fun for me to observe their process with deciding what to paint and then how to go about accomplishing their picture. I have also had fun chatting with them. One boy in particular was very interested in what certain words are in English. The youth have all been gracious with my limited Spanish. Overall they are just typical teenagers; shy and guarded at times and outgoing and loud at other times.

Several of the gals and I created a mural Thursday afternoon. Even with a bit of typical girl drama, we managed to create a beautiful painting of a paradise. Friday I went in the morning to play with some of the children, then it was bye for now. Everyone at the orphanage works very hard to ensure the children are well taken care of. This is a wonderful place to support and visit for mission trips. I am excited to recruit people for upcoming mission trips in the coming years.

For my last day in Cochabamba, Ximena took me to see the world´s largest Christ statue (it beats the one in Brazil by several centimeters). I took a trolley car up to top. The view of Cochabamba from the top of the mountain was also really beautiful. It was a great ending to a wonderful trip.

What Lovely Feet!

Wow.. where to begin.. so I came to La Paz figuring it would be just a pre cursor to my real work in the orphanages in Cochabamba and Peru. BUT God had different plans for my time in La Paz and now I see things so differently. First, I meet Ron, Ronda, and Sam (6 beautiful feet), I decide to stay in Bolivia and everything is coming together... or rather, I am understanding that the plan God had for me was so much greater than I had ever expected.

A little about Ron, Ronda and Sam. They moved to La Paz last September from Tennessee because they felt God was calling them to mission work in Bolivia. Here is the website for their ministry- http://www.lovelyfeet.org/
How awesome is it that the name of their ministry is lovely feet? We all had big smiles on our faces after coming to the realization we were drawn to the same Bible passage.
Here is a link to their blog- CHECK IT OUT! This is a seriously amazing ministry and I feel so blessed that God clearly crossed our paths.
http://www.esperanzadebolivia.blogspot.com/

After deciding to join the family on a visit a church in El Alto for poor children (one of the 6 churches they support in La Paz) I met with Ron Friday and went shopping for some art supplies. Specifically, sock puppet supplies. We raided an outdoor market and left with colored childrens socks, buttons (for eyes), red fabric (for tongues) and yarn for hair. The rest of the evening I worked on what to say to the children since I was warned in advance that the Pastor would want me to address them. Ron told me to speak about myself, my work and my walk with God... sounds so simple but I was up late writing notes and re-writing notes.

Saturday we arrived to El Alto and were greeted by Gustavo, the other Pastor of the small childrens church- Remanente De Israel. As we drove down a bumpy dirt road Gustavo asked me how long I would be in La Paz. I told him for the rest of August after I return from Cochabamba. I could see his smile in the rearview mirror- He said that God told him that a woman would be comign from the North and staying for the month of August. Gustavo had been praying for more women to come to La Paz to speak to the women of Bolivia.

We arrived at our destination- a gate infront and behind a small outdoor shed like space. Gustavo and Doris started this church for the poor children of El Alto 15 years ago with the very little money they had. They travel from their home to this space to host a church service 4 days a week. On

average there are 40 children who attend. Doris plays music on a small boom box and hands the children who are present tamborines. The music is also a way for the children to know it is time for service. The children (all girls this day) begin choreographed dances with their tamborines. Sam and I got handed tamborines and we stood in the back and followed along. I was instantly reminded of my lack of coordination.Thanks to Ronda, there is a video :)

After dancing for what felt like an hour (yes I was tired even though I was embaressed to admit so), Doris explained that the children were going to pray for me. I kneeled down and Gustavo, Doris, and the girls surrounded me, putting their hands on me.

While Doris and Gustavo prayed for me, Ronda translated. I felt a wave of emotion and immediately I began sobbing. At one point my nose was dripping and I opened an eye to see a hand holding a tissue infront of me attempting to wipe my nose for me. Icould hear that I was not the only one crying. My heart felt like it was going to explode... there was such strong emotion in such a small space. I raised to my feet and was instructed to pray over the children. I walked to each child and placed my hand on their head, shoulder or palm. After the prayers, the children began sharing their prophesies. During the prayer time, many of them had had visions from God. One child said that she saw the children I work with at the hospital in La Paz. She said not to worry, that they will be healed. I lost it again. So many amazing words were spoken from these young girls who held so much faith and truth in their eyes.

I wiped my tears, reached for some composure and joined Ronda and Sam for our puppet show. We made the puppets dance and sing to 2 songs. Then it was time for my words. I spoke and Sam translated for me. I spoke about the path that brought me to La Paz and how God had prepared the way for me from art therapy to missionary work.Ron and Ronda bought the children all Bibles so now they have their own :)

Finally we busted out the puppet making supplies. Two children asked me to help them with sewing on the button eyes.... maybe it was the pressure of the situation, but I was struggling! (Sorry Mom, I know you taught me a million times). Clearly sewing is NOT my gift! Upon completion of the puppets we replayed the puppet songs, this time with everyone joining in with their newly created sock puppet. It was so wonderful to witness the smiles and laughs.

Soon it was time to say our byes to Gustavo, Doris and the children. I have never experienced anything close to what occurred that day at Remanente de Israel. A small space but so obviously filled with The Spirit of God. I am forever changed from the few hours I spent among a faithfully devoted couple and a group of spirit filled children. What a day... in the life of a missionary.

Glory a Dios- Plans Change

With now 3 weeks behind me, I am now starting to feel settled...

Last Friday, I was just wandering around the city not too far from Plaza de San Pedro and I found a Christian book store. I was looking at the children´s books and attempting to speak with the sales people. With the little Spanish I know, I was able to communicate my purpose for traveling Bolivia and Peru, and I was very excited to discover they could understand me. I also met a pastor of a nearby church who invited me to visit on Sunday.

Sunday I visted the church, Iglesia Evangelica Rey De Reyes. The Pastor approached the front with some announcements which is when I recognized my name. He introduced me as Ariel from Boston and asked me to stand and say something. I stood up, turned around and saw 20 or so faces starring at me. I could feel my face turning red as I started to speak. I said that I speak only a little Spanish, that I am happy to be here, and concluded with Glory a Dios (which got a group response).

A projector displayed the words to the songs that played on a stereo. Although I could only make out some of the words, by the 3rd song, I was struggling to hold back tears. My teary eyes and I were not alone in this small space.

As a band set up, a man came over to sit beside me. He introduced himself as Ron (in English). It turns out that Ron and his wife, Ronda are missionaries who moved to La Paz 10 months ago with their son after visiting in 2008. After meeting the pastor during their visit, they kept in touch and the church was started on the first day of Ron and his family´s arrival back to La Paz in September of 2009. It also turns out that when Ron and his family first came to La Paz in 2008, they stayed with the same family that I am currently staying with. Now if that is not the providence of God then I dont know what is!

The band was amazing. A group of 6 talented guys singing folk music with a Christian twist. They had a CD for sale, and yes I did purchase it for a whole 10 Bolivianos ($1.50). After the music, one of the head Pastors approached the front to give a message. I attemped to follow along with my English Bible, but I would be lying if I said I understood everything he was saying. Thankfully, Ron leaned over a few times to clue me in. There is a great lack of education around the Bible in Bolivia. The best Seminary is in Ecuador which is much too far for the vas majority of Bolivians to travel to.

3 hours later, the church service ended. I am looking forward to meeting with Ron and his family later in the week.

FORK IN THE ROAD

It has become crystal clear to me how I am part of something so much larger and that my plans may not align with what God has planned for me.

All this time I was planning on leaving Bolivia and heading for Peru August 8th, after visiting Amistad Orphanage in Cochabamba. Well... after re-assessing my budget and purpose for this trip... I have decided to return to La Paz on the 8th and stay.

I had always been questioning my intinerary to Peru, mostly because I never actually had one... Yeah, it turns out I was a lot less planned and scheduled for coming to a foreign country for the first time then I am duing my daily life in Seattle- Go figure! Then after meeting Don and the amazing people who make up the small but mighty church I stumbled upon, more questions started swarming in my head. This morning, I emailed the orphanage in Trujillo, Peru briefly stating my uncertainty about traveling there.

An hour ago, I checked my email not before briefing myself first... I said to my roommate next to me, ¨I dont even know what I am hoping to see in my email... a message from God, Ariel do this...¨ I proceeded to enter my password and enter my email page to see a response from the orphanage. The email read that my cancelation may have worked out for the best because the onsite volunteer coordinator has to return to the US in August, but to keep in touch and they would love to have me another time.

So that is it! I am sticking around here in Bolivia and I believe it is for the best. I am excited to speak more with Ron and find out how I can help be a part of some of the projects he is doing.

Unpredictable Titicaca

The story begins on a chilly Saturday morning. I had to meet Iris, my coordinator, and the 5 other volunteers down the street at Plaza Avaroa at 7am. We jumped in taxis and headed to El Alto (the highest town in La Paz to catch our bus. 2 hours and lots of shivers later we arrive to the lake but we need to cross over to the other side in order to reach our destination.

This is the scary part, we packed on this boat until the weight of the passengers lowers the boat to the maximum with out the waves splashing over. It is a short distance, we can see the other side but about 3/4th of the way over, Iris decides to announce how there is no coast guard or lifeguards so if boats tip, usually the passengers all die (the lake is freezing). For a total of 8min. yes, I was a bit worried but I sang songs to ease the anxiety for us all ¨Jesus loves the little children¨- my personal favorite. On the other side we wait for our bus to cross the lake on a barge (sp?). Our bus makes it across safely and we proceed on to our destination. For about 20 minutes the bus is driving along side the edge of cliffs that overlook the lake... quite amazing and a little terrifying.

Woohoo we arrive on the other side of the pennisula- Hola Copacabana! (this is not the Copacabana which is sung about.. that is in Brazil). Interesting tourist town that holds a lot of tradition and culture. There is a beautiful church which is the center of the town. Not only do tourists come country to come be blessed here. They drive their brand new cars to the town, decorate them with all sorts of adornments and wait as a Priest blesses their car with safety and no problems. Beer is shaken up and poured all over and sometimes fireworks are lit in celebration of the blessing.


There is also a sacred walk up stone steps that eventually lead up a mountain which overlooks the lake. The walk is suppose to be one of reflection and traditionally you are to carry a large stone representing your sin which you then discard when you reach the top. Along the trail are crosses and at the top are several large crosses with places to burn candleto see the famous site, but Bolivians travel from all over the s. Children sit at the top for the entire day selling candles which are different colors representing different things such as health, wealth...

We were planning on crossing the lake to visit the Isle de Sol, but the wind and wavy waters led to cancelation of all boat crossing. It is 1 1/2 hours across and on the same small, shaky boat as before so I was not terribly disapointed although I hear there are some interesting things on the island including Incan steps. We also found out that we were the last bus to be let across the lake due to the dangerous conditions. So no visiting the island this time around.

After an unevenful evening in our freezing, no water running hostel.. we ventured over to the market to an indoor hotspot where all the traditional breakfast goodies were cooking. It was very crowded, but we managed to snag a table for the 7 of us. We drank Api (a traditional purple corn drink) and enjoyed a plate of fried dough topped with honey as well as a large puff like pastry that includes a tiny morsal of cheese in the center.

After breakfast we found out that no boats were being allowed to cross the lake therefore we could not cross back over... hmm only one way out of this pennisula- PERU! So the plan emerged that we would cross over the Peruvian border only to cross right back into Bolivia and then proceed onto La Paz that way. However, 2 of the volunteers did not have their passports present so 4 of us ventured home, while Iris and the 2 gals stayed another night in Copacabana.

We begun our journey home at noon. We took a mini bus to the Bolivian border, filled out paper work at the immigration office had our passport stamped, walked across entered into another office filled out more paperwork and had our passport stamped again. We then took another mini bus to the Peru border where we filled out more paper work, had our passport stamped and walked across. We entered into the immigration office on the other side filled out our 4th and final paperwork and waited to have our passport stamped. BUT after looking at our passports, the police claimed they could not let us enter. Apparently one cannot leave and re-enter a country on the same day. The police wanted us to go back to Peru and spend a night there, but we had already had our departure stamp from Peru. So after my counterparts argued in Spanish and gave the ¨we have to be back so we can volunteer at the orphanage in the morning¨the police decided to stamp our passports and send us on our way.

After negotiating with a taxi driver, we were on our way back to La Paz! I was home sweet home in Sopocachi 5 hours later.

Dear Peru, I will see you again in 3 weeks, until then thank you for the short visit. (View of Lake Titicaca- The Pennisula on Bolivia´s border and Peru in the distance).

Breaking language boundaries

Like I may have mentioned previously, I am staying at a house in Sopocachi, La Paz with a Bolivian family who host foreigners. The house is very nice and quite large. We all have our own rooms and there is a terace that has a great view (Also great for drying clothes). Amy is a speech therapist from Philadelphia who came to Bolivia to study Spanish and volunteer. Sharon is a recently retired Spanish teacher who came to Bolivia to improve her Spanish and have the travel experience. I am the only one who is volunteering through Reach Bolivia although, after describing my volunteer work, Amy has joined in with helping at the hospital. She is going to try to improve some of the children´s speech because so many of them struggle to communicate verbally. Sharon is interested in visiting the hospital and hopefully the 3 of us can paint the 3rd floor which is in serious need of color.

Every day is different at the hospital. When I arrive, I walk up to the 2nd floor and wait to be let in (there is a locked gate and there is one individual with a key, usually a child that was put in charge for the day). I am greeted by several children. There is one girl who follows me trying to tickle me, a boy who grabs my arm and escorts me and lots of hugs and sometimes kisses on the cheek. There is a set list of patients I am suppose to be working with daily, however, it is not so easy tracking them down. They could be wandering the 2nd floor, outside (although this seems rare) or not at the hospital at all (visiting with family etc.). Because of my limited Spanish, if I ask where a child is and receive an answer that includes something other than a finger pointing to a room, I nod and start looking for the next child. I wonder what the nurses think of me sometimes... the blond girl with the bag of art supplies and the same 3 Spanish phrases...

Yesterday, I was happy to enter Monica´s room. She is a 35 year old woman with cerebral paralysis who has been living at the hospital for the last 25 years. Every time I knock and open her door, she is there- in her wheel chair, infront of the tv watching a soap opera. I greet her and take out some paper, finger paint and crayons. She turns down the volumn of the tv and rolls over to the card table where I am. Initially she would wait for me to start coloring and then she would follow mimicking my symbols. Now she dips her finger in the paint and begins pressing the color onto the paper. She looks over at me after each mark she makes. I start to make a flower and ask for her help. She adds some petals and smiles. Next I take a new piece of paper and lay out crayons. Monica begins to draw a face and I see real intent behind her eyes as she makes each mark delibrately. I point and ask who. She pulls out an album of photos, one with two men. Monica is not very verbal, instead she uses gestures to communicate. She points to one of the men in the photo and makes a sound. Then she takes out a letter and hands it to me. It is a letter made to her from her brother, they have the same last name. I gather that the two men in the photo are her brothers. I ask who the woman in the photo is and she points to her ring finger and then to my ring, his wife I assume. I smile and thank her for showing me and she continues with drawing herself next. I hand her the pink crayon and pint to my lips and then her. She smiles and adds a pink mouth. She writes her name and her brother´s. Then continues drawing her 2nd brother and adding his name. When she is finished I pick up the paper and move it to the wall asking ¨aqui? (here)¨ She shakes her head, makes a noise and points to a different place. I move the drawing, ¨aqui?¨ I say and look for her approval. She smiles and nods. I tape it to the wall. I know this picture is important to her. The others she has created she wanted me to keep.

I know my time here is meaninful. Witnessing the circumstances at the hospital can lead me to feeling hopeless at times but I know that I am a small part of something much larger.

Art Therapy in the works at a Children´s Hospital in Bolivia

So, I volunteer at an impoverished children´s hospital daily. This week, being my first, has been one of observation, evaluation, and introduction. I was placed here to do art with the children, but there are a lot of children there as you can imagine. Initially I was helping with the infants, interacting with them since the only stimulation they get is from staring at the tv that remains on at all times. They have very few toys and they all have some mental disability and or physical disability. I also help feed them lunch.

Because the children are so young and for the most part unable to participate in art activities, I have been seeking out the older children. The doctor and I decided on 8 patients ages 13 to 20 and one 35yr old, that I will plan to work with individually as I see fit. Wednesday I began my ¨evaluations¨of them where I basically asked them to complete several tasks to get an idea of what their art making capabilities are. This means I need to communicate these tasks in Spanish... draw a circle, rectangle, triangle... do your name, paint, look (I take out watercolors and demonstrate the process of wetting the brush and aquiring the paint). Then we move onto finger paints where I demontrate again and finally modeling clay.

For the most part, all of the patients did excellently. They express joy when using the materials. I did make a note that severl of the patients did not take direction from me well. I would ask them something and they would not do it. Upon speaking with Amy about my directions, it turns out that I was not totally clear seeing as I was pronoucing some things totally wrong. Amy replied ¨those poor children!¨Where I thought they were not taking direction well.. in actuality I was not giving direction well! Well.. thats what happens when you ask a minimal spanish speaking girl to evaluate.

Today Iris came to the hospital to help me look through the medical records of the 8 patients and translate for me so I could have a better understanding of their challenges. I was not too surprised but even so, hearing that a child was abandoned and has been living at the hospital for the last 14 years is heartbreaking. My oldest patient has been living at the hospital since 1985 (the year I was born!). Several of the patients have Cerebral Palsy where they are unable to use the bottom half of their body. One is restrained to a bed, another to a wheel chair. One has an ¨organic personality disorder¨as result of having a concussion at an early age. One girl has ¨organic psychosis¨due to epilepsy. For example, she believes God is punishing her and she hears the devil tell her she is going to have a seizure before it happens. While hearing this record being read to me, I just kept thinking of God´s grace and how I hope I can be a vehicle for it. It did not come as surprise to me that one of the boys has behavior problems, but I learned today that he has an ¨organic mental disorder¨caused by a brain lesion. A previous evaluation in his record stated that he ¨thinks in images.¨ HELLO ART THERAPY! In more than one record, a note was made of art (music, dance, visual) that the client has engaged in.

So more than making the diagnoses, the doctors who created these records gave me a deeper inside to these individuals. And, for the most part, they noted how ART THERAPY could be beneficial to them. So this is where I come in. I am motivated, eager, and of course a little nervous about my 3 weeks doing art with these 8 amazing individuals. I know they will have a lot to teach me as God is already teaching me so much through this experience.

Day 3- Transportation

Today I had my first huge accomplishment (besides surviving the whole getting to Bolivia thing) I traveled by myself to the children´s hospital (my work). This was huge! I walk down a street which is cobblestone and steep down down to a main road where I stand on a corner and wait for the public transportation. The public transportation is comprised of mini bus and Trofi (car). They have signs on the windshield which say where the vehicles are going. I look for Oborajes (sp?) to take me to the hospital. As they approach me, a person, usually a child, holds open the door and yells out the names of the destinations. I nod or wave my arm and hop in the car quickly as it leaves. I pay the designated amount when we head down the hill, $2 bolivianos (7 Bolivianos = $1). When we reach my destination I yell ¨Abajo!¨ which means ¨down¨and the car pulls over and I hop out. There are no bus stops so yes it is quite chaotic! So after being very impressed with myself for making it to my work solo I had some difficulty getting back.

One of my housemates, Amy, was suppose to be meeting me at work.. however after an hour of waiting I got impatient and decided I would just go home. After standing on the street for 10min. waiting for a trophy or mini bus and not seeing ¨Oborajes¨I realized that of course I would not see that because I was currently in Oborajes and what I needed was to get home... of course, I forgot the name of the area in which I live. I decided to call my coordinator who I had to convince her I did not need her assistance. As I tried to call my coordinator using my new Bolivian number, instead of hearing a ring tone, I was greeted with some woman speaking spanish... ahuh sooo I must be out of minutes. So I wandered around, found a kiosk that sells minute cards and managed enough spanish to purchase a card. OH but then there was the getting the minute credit from the card to my phone! soooooo as I paced back and forth staring at this card in one hand and my phone in the other hand, I looked up and saw Amy walking toward me on the opposite side of the street. THANK YOU GOD! Glory a Dios! Together we figured it out and continued for an adventurous day.

The first photo is the view from across the street from where I live. The 2nd is the mini bus and the 3rd is me with the traffic zebra which is Bolivia´s solution to the traffic problem in La Paz.