And it all comes Together

Wow- it is 1:30 am and I am having trouble falling asleep... so much to think about. So excited about what is to come- So happy- What a day!

Tuesday I stumbled upon an organization that does Spanish classes with a home stay option (ReachBolivia.com). While investigating the website, I saw a section on volunteering. There were some basic volunteer positions and then further down the page - the kicker... wait for it.. there was 1 position listed for.... ART THERAPY PROGRAM with disabled children! My jaw literally dropped. I began emailing back and forth with the coordinator and this morning it all came together! My July is now filled with studying Spanish, staying in a Bolivian home with other foreigners and assisting another volunteer with facilitating an art therapy program for disabled children.

So while continuing to email back and forth about details for the program, I start searching for my flight tickets. I ended up getting an awesome flight deal from Boston to Bolivia and then from Peru to Boston. (still haven't figured out how I'm getting from Bolivia to Peru..).

So the plan that stands- leaving Seattle for Boston June 29th- leaving Boston for Bolivia July 4th and then leaving Peru for Boston Aug. 31st.

I also had an amazing celebration tonight. Friends from all parts of my life coming together to celebrate my 25th birthday- so much fun. I could not stop smiling. I am getting to do what I have wanted to do for some time now-> I am truly blessed with opportunities and amazing support systems. It is so humbling.. how good God is even when I am doubtful- He does not give up on his plan for me.

Itinerary Breakdown #1

I feel so blessed to have such amazing family and friends who are so supportive. Thank you for all your prayers and financial gifts.

The dates are a bit flexible but this is the breakdown thus far. Amistad Orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia from Aug 1st- 8th and then Hogar de Esperanza Orphanage in Trujillo, Peru from Aug. 10-30th. THEN to Massachusetts beginning of September and back to Seattle end of Sept.

Check out the websites for these orphanages- They are quite amazing and God is truly present in these places. You can rest assured mom and dad that I'll be safe there.

http://www.amistadmission.org/

http://www.perukids.com/

Still praying about July. Volunteer slots for orphanages are filling up. Contacted a few more places today which let me know they'd get back to me early next week. Thinking I may just check into a home-stay program where I can study the culture and language if all else fails.

Today, I finished my Master's Project proposal. Now I await approval from our University board which determines if my project is ethically sound and I get the go ahead to use human participants.

Title: "Art making as expression in a faith based Bolivian orphanage"

Planning on purchasing my tickets Monday/Tues and the prices are rising- Yeep!

Starting to get excited-> 1 week of classes left until the end of the quarter!

More details to come!