Ninos con Valor

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2010-01-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

After a beautiful, challenging, full few months in Cochabamba, Bolivia, here I am back in Canada. It's weird to be making my final NCV blog post (at least for a while) sitting here in my parents' living room in Waterloo, Ontario. I'm home. But home for me is also in Cochabamba, so I feel like I belong to two places.

I can't adequately express in words how grateful I am for the girls, the babies and the wonderful friends and extended family I found in Cochabamba. Every day was filled with so much love, both giving and receiving. Saying goodbye on Saturday was so hard, harder than the first time I came. Because the longer I get to know someone, the more our relationship deepens... and my relationship with the girls and my Cochabamba community is definitely stronger and rooted deeper. I don't think I've really let it hit me that I won't be seeing these girls almost every single day for quite a while. And I knew that was going to happen - but it doesn't make it any easier.

My last week in Bolivia was wonderful, with some emotional moments scattered throughout. I went with the girls and all the tias as well as Tyson's family to Oruro, for the girls' vacation which was a blast. My last day at the girls' home was for Moda Loca (Crazy fashion day!) - I'm sure you'll see some amazing pictures in this month's newsletter. The girls, tias and volunteers all dressed up ridiculously, we had a runway competition and a dance party. It was great to be part of such a lively, celebratory event, to dance and laugh with the girls before my departure. Saying goodbye came too quick, and it seemed too abrupt. But I think my feelings proved how much these kids have been part of my life, and will continue to be. Along with the great friendships I've made here.

I remember leaving two and a half years ago - I came home to Canada totally filled with new life from Bolivia, but also bitter about life in North America and going back to school. This time, I am sad... sad to not physically be with the kids every day and to be part of something so incredible. But, I am not bitter. I am ready to live a love-filled life here in Ontario, and to bring some of Bolivia to this cold place, to share stories with people here. It's not as easy, when you're in a life that you're pretty much comfortable with, to live each day like it matters and value each breath. I could do that in Bolivia, and I want to do that here. And I want to encourage people that they can be there for others, and need to be there for others, wherever in the world they happen to, in whatever work they've been called to do.

Life from here is a bit scary... I have to start making 'plans' for my future (school, work) and I am afraid to get too caught up in them. I've never been a good planner. But I'm excited, I have so many people to see and things to do, and a very special community to go back to. Transitioning, reintegrating, I will try to value this part of the experience as tough as it can be.

Thank you to everyone at NCV, to my Bolivian host family, my friends. Gracias. That word is so simple and says so much and it's really what my heart is filled with right now.

Here are some of my favourite photos from the past couple weeks, most from our trip to Oruro. I think I will be looking through my thousands of pictures over and over again over the next while. Paz y amor de Canada,

Jeanette

2010-01-11T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a great week here in Cochabamba. Last week was actually a 'normal' week with the kids, as normal as things can be here... meaning no holidays or crazy campo trips, just spending time with them each day. I'm having more emotional moments as I think about saying bye to the girls, but I realize this is inevitable. And I'm just going to spend these next two weeks being grateful for these beautiful people who are a part of my life, relishing the moments I still have here. I'm excited to share their vacation with them next week, as all the girls and tias are getting ready to spend a few days in the mining city of Oruro.

Tonight, I just feel like sharing some photos from the past week with the girls. They are so full of life and inspire me (and challenge me) in so many ways. I've been so think-y lately and I hope these images speak for themselves rather than me rambling about my thoughts and feelings :-)

Saturday January 9th - Amber's last full day in Bolivia. The girls made here a cake, cards and a banner with their handprints. We'll miss you Amber!

Friday afternoon sundaes on Barb and Kimber's apartment patio. The girls were so excited to visit their place and were even more thrilled by the ice cream treat.

Sofia and I laughing about something at the park last week. It was a fun time :-)

One of Johana's silly, joyful moments at the park. I have some hilarious photos of this girl, she can be quite the comic.

A big smile from the gorgeous Olivia .

Love and blessings from Bolivia,

Jeanette

Amistad

2010-01-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

This has been the first year that I've spent both Christmas and New Years away from my friends and family back home in Waterloo & Hamilton, Ontario. Both evenings and days were spent beautifully, and made me ever-grateful for the communities I have both here and in Canada. I know I write about that often, but I truly mean it and I am constantly reminded again and again.

I've been reading a book called "Skin Boats" by John Terpstra, a book of stories and reflections and hard questions about faith and the Church. I read this little bit yesterday, where Terpstra quotes the Canterbury Tales in relation to the people at his church...

"a company of sundry folk, by adventure having fallen together into fellowship." I feel this way about so many wonderful 'families' I am a part of - my group of friends and my host family here in Bolivia, The Freeway which is my church community at home, all of the girls and tias at CDP. It's like, how did we all find ourselves in the same place, supporting each other and sharing our lives together, amidst the joys and the struggles?

New Years Day for me was a restful one, after having a wonderful pyjama party with the girls at CDP and staying up past midnight watching the city fireworks from the third floor balcony. On New Years Day, I was able to spend a lot of time skyping with some very important people in my life - my closest friends, my family. I found myself missing them a lot. But I was also very sad in a different way. I get reflective (even more than usual) on New Years Day and I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that I will be leaving Bolivia in just a few weeks. I'm the type of person that likes to fully experience a place, I immerse myself and develop tight relationships which makes it way harder to leave. But I wouldn't change that for anything - I think it would be worse to remain detached, to make it 'easier' to reintegrate back into North American society. I am surrounded by so much love here, and I've opened my heart to these kids, to my family, to my friends, and I am going to be a mess when I leave. But I also have much to look forward to back in Hamilton, and when I am able to return to Bolivia :-) Which must happen. These people, this place, have come into my path and I can't just go another direction or walk right by.

Here is another quote that encouraged me over the weekend: "in a world of fading traditions and disappearing places the practise of personal fidelity (ie friendship) could provide the soil in which the search for truth could flourish." I really like this. I need friends, I need people to share my heart with, to have fun with, to ponder tough questions with. We are all pretty weak, so we need to find strength in each other. I need people, and I need the girls and CDP the kids at PDC as much as they "need" me. Their hugs and kisses are so affirming it's pretty incredible.

So let's see what happens my last 3 weeks in Cochabamba. I'm not going to count down the days or lament or numb myself to leaving. I'm going to be HERE until the moment the plane leaves the ground, and even then my heart will still be here. I have to figure out how to live with my heart in two places, but life is a process and I am looking forward to it.

May you be at peace with each other in 2010.

- J

Gifts and Questions

2009-12-21T14:20:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, we got back from our much anticipated trip to Misque, to visit the communities of Patawasi and Mina Asientos for our annual 'One Child at a Time' Christmas giving. Tyson wrote about our first trip back in October, when we first got to know these two communities and began planning for this event.

We left early Friday morning and what was only a 3 day trip felt much longer. It was very full, and very overhwhelming. I had a lot of fun, there were some hilarious moments and also some challenging moments. Now, back in Cochabamba, I feel tired, grateful, inspired, saddened, confused... I am left with a lot of memories and also a lot of questions.

Hopefully you'll hear various reflections from other volunteers who went on this trip. One thing I really want to share is how proud I am of our girls, seeing them in a new place out of their comfort zone, totally giving of themselves with joy, totally in their element. 10 of our oldest girls from CDP came along and really were the core of our operation when we visited the communities. Organizing the food baskets, handing out gifts to the kids, playing with the kids, staying outside on the back of a truck on a cold morning to give out gifts along the road to those who couldn't make it to the big gatherings. They worked hard, they saw a lot of new things, got a lot of sun and not enough sleep, and really showed their capabilities. I know how much they can give, but I don't think they get this opportunity often enough. People who don't know them see them as poor girls without a family. The truth is, they are a family. Creating a perfect family is impossible - but they have each other and an amazing group of tias and volunteers who love them to bits. And this weekend they were able to share much of the care they receive daily.

This weekend meant a lot more than giving toys and food to a bunch of poor families. Those kids, too, have a lot to offer and so do those communities. Yes, they have needs but they also have a lot of strengths that deserve to be recognized. Being such an isolated community as Patawasi, farming at a high altitude and surviving over generations, is pretty incredible. On the bus ride back to Misque, I kept thinking about how their lives make many material-oriented, individualistic, technology-dependent lives in North America seem pathetic. The community members of Mina Asientos, which is bigger and has a much different feel to it than Patawasi, are very proud of their mine and with reason. It's tough, because we visit these two places, we can see their poverty and struggles within families and within the broader community, but are we valuing their strengths and thanking them for welcoming us, strangers, to their home place?

The kids in both communities look out for each other and are amazing soccer players! We played 'futbol' with the kids at both places and I think that was the best part, beyond the food and toys. Laughing and spending time with them while they are doing something they love, with our girls joining in. We also brought out our parachute and played some incredible parachute games which totally lit up the faces of everyone. We laughed and pumped the parachute to exhaustion.

I think I was also served more food in 3 days then ever in my life, delicious, traditional food prepared with care. As full as I was, I was also amazed at the hospitality everywhere we visited.

I go to bed tonight with beautiful images in my mind, also swamped with questions to which I don't know the answer. I do hope these visits are only the starting point, and that further relationships with these communities can be built with care, where each party gives and receives and learns from the other.

The girls in Mina Asientos following Kelley to the face paints, through the GIANT soccer field.

Mothers and their kids enjoying breakfast in Mina Asientos.

This boy from Patawasi has such a great smile - showing off his gift.

The wonder of the parachute - all the kids and our girls together in Patawasi.

These three boys had a lot of fun ringing the bell before breakfast.

Not quite sure what to make of the camera, but willing to be in a photo nonetheless.

Have a wonderful, peaceful Christmas.

Paz y amor,

Jeanette

Beautiful Moments

2009-12-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that World AIDS Day was almost two weeks ago... since then, we've gone into Christmas and vacation mode - shopping, preparing for our Mizque trip this upcoming weekend, practicing the 'teatro' that the girls will be performing for Christmas at CDP, making thankyou and update videos for the various churches that support us...

Amidst the non-stop preparation, I am so grateful for the days where I just get to spend time with the kids. Last night a bunch of the tias and volunteers from PDC took the little ones out at night to see the Christmas lights in the city. They all had their Santa hats on, and were in awe of all the lights and people. It was way too cute.

We've also had a lot of fun times with the girls. On Friday, we went to 'Tobogan', which is a city park which is really just a GIANT, terrifying slide. It was hilarious seeing the girls' sheer joy going down (and sometimes total terror). I've also started teaching the girls piano, since we got a piano donated a while ago, and it's been great. It's really interesting getting to know the girls' learning styles, and I love being able to spend that one-on-one time with them.

I thought I would share some of my favourite photos of the past week - I'm learning that 'showing' is often more powerful than 'telling', if that makes sense. Enjoy the photos, and enjoy the next week and a half in anticipation of Christmas day.

The mix of joy and terror going down the 'tobogan'.

Lucas is very happy and excited about the lights. What a smile :-)

Manolo was in complete awe during that whole outing.

A gorgeous photo of Jhoselin that one of the girls took when I lent them the camera today.

Another beautiful portrait of Jhoselin's twin sister, Diana, taken by one of the girls.

Hanging out after lunch.

Peace and love,

Jeanette

Hey, you've got something in your eye.

2009-12-13T08:57:00.000-08:00

Hi, I'm Nic. So far, I've been the quiet volunteer, not once having blogged. This is because I don't blog. I just don't, for whatever reason, and had anyone bothered to ask me, I would have told them so. Yet no one did, and so here I am, feeling almost compelled, criticised and a disappointment, but only almost compelled to blog.

The question of whether or not to blog being wrapped up, I'm left only with the question of what to blog about. You see, that's where the problem of why I do not blog comes into play. I don't journal, diary, take pictures, scrap book or express my subconscious in abstract art in any way, really. I never have. I've tried, and I've the embarrassing art projects to prove it, but I've never succeeded, or at least with any consistency. So I'm just going to start writing from an approach of writing rather than journaling, and see where that gets me. I'll exercise some restraint, though, so hopefully the result won't be the nonsensical poppycock that I usually get when I start writing. Let's try it out.

Something that has been on my mind recently has been a statement that I heard earlier this week. Spurred on by the study on Paul Farmer that our volunteer group is doing, someone said that, "A preference for the poor is the best mindset for a doctor or aid worker to have." This is a statement that bothered me, and I wasn't sure why. It sounds good, right? What's wrong with it? Why doesn't it sit well with me? Well, it's not just enough for me to say, "I don't like it," and give it no more thought. I have to come up with a better generalised statement for me to be satisfied. Well, here's my problem with it.

It's not just the poor that get sick. Not just the poor who need help. Everyone gets tumors. Everyone gets tuberculosis. Everyone gets orphaned. Everyone has needs. I say this in full knowledge that TB has historically spread more prolifically among the poorer classes of the world. I say this in full knowledge that there's no reason why a member of the upper class should die of TB. I say this in full knowledge that to condemn someone for having chosen to focus on the upper class is offensive and is pure bigotry.

To think in terms of poor and rich is what leads to class wars in the first place. Maybe that's wishful thinking, and I'm sure it goes against the fundamentals of this objectivism of which I am supposedly an advocate, but it is destructive for a doctor or aid worker to think in terms of class. So let's change the statement that lead me to all of this thinking.

"A preference for the needy is the best mindset for a doctor or aid worker to have." I like that quite a bit more. I'm almost satisfied, comfortable and fine with, but only almost satisfied with this new rendition. The problem that this change poses, the difference between these two statements, is a primal issue of mankind. Judgment, and the fact that none of us are fit to pass it on others. Everyone is needy, and everyone is quite a lot, therefore every doctor and aid worker must pick a part of the needy to work with. Some might be more glamourous, some might be harder, some might be more glamourous in different ways. After all, when was the last time a volunteer group in South America did a study on a foot therapist in Beverly Hills?

We all have different needs, we all have different callings, and most importantly, we are all not one of us fit to judge another. So one more adjustment to the statement.

"A preference for each other is the best mindset for anyone to have."

That satisfies me. Travesty has no preference, so neither can we.

Ephesians 5:21 - And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

-Nic

2009-12-12T15:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just two weeks away and Tia Evelin has been getting the PdC kids into the Christmas spirit with afternoon activity time. :)

A visiting parent and Tia Evelin helped the smaller ones with sequins.

Concentrating...

All finished!

Raeka proudly showing me her creation.

Amber

The most wonderful time of the year

2009-12-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

The girls have been on vacation for about a month now, and things are relaxed and fun. They still have study time and only watch movies on the weekend, but the pool is filled and the house is decorated for Christmas. The Tias and I are busy making crafts to finish the decorations and keep the girls busy and creative .
The comedor at CDP decorated for Navidad!

After the whirlwind week of dance that was amazing and really fun, we are trying to focus on the photo project. Jeanette and I want to have an exhibition up by the end of the year, so the girls have been out and about taking pictures of the city. This week I got to take them all out and it was so absolutely fantastic. It is so important for the girls to get out of the home and experience the city. Their reactions to people who live on the street, different stores and cafes, transportation, food, and tourist attractions are all so interesting. I just can't help but feel that's it's good for their world to be expanded a bit beyond the walls of CDP. The little girls love taking photos of the babies at Pedacito and I got to take the older girls to some art galleries this week. We ate lots of ice cream, and took many great photos, their eyes are really opening to the idea of photography. It's been so fun, I can't wait to edit and have the girls see all of their photos next week when we work on the computer and decide which to use. Stay tuned for some great pictures!

Smart Cookies

2009-12-08T18:22:00.001-08:00

We've got plenty of them at CDP, but now we've got the stats to prove it! We're very proud of Lourdes for making the equivalent of Honor Roll here. We were also thrilled to find out that Valeria is the top student in her school! Both of these girls are incredibly hard workers, and are rather humble about what good students they are.

I wanted to post some photos of these girls, but they are notoriously camera shy, so it was slim pickings when it came to my choices. They are such beautiful girls, but every time they know a camera is near, I get hands in front of the face, turned heads, or ducking behind other girls. So I present to you two candid photos of our lovely girls:)

Olivia and Valeria looking out over the rainforest in the Chapare region of Cochabamba.

Lourdes walking along a riverbed in the Chapare.

I'd also like to recognize Olivia for her achievement too, she missed making honor roll by just a few tenths of a point but because of the stiff competition in her class this year, she wasn't able to qualify, but we're proud of how well has done this year. Congratulations to these girls who have put in so much hard work and dedication this past school year!

Day of Solidarity

2009-12-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

It’s been exactly one week since the big World AIDS Day event in the Plaza Principal. I can’t believe how fast time passes... we didn’t have much time to breathe and reflect on the event, because now that we’ve entered into December we are full speed ahead with Christmas preparation for our kids and the two communities we will be visiting at the end of next week. Crazy!!!

So it feels weird to look back on that special day, when there is so much we’re moving forward with. The day was absolutely wonderful and chaotic as I thought it would be. We started the day by going to a special mass at the beautiful cathedral in honour of World AIDS Day, and it was great to have our girls there. The rest of the morning was preparation for the performance, and then the big show!

It was a beautiful, HOT sunny day. The girls looked beautiful, and their dances were very well-received. It was over so fast, but the girls were happy and we were so proud of them. It takes guts to go infront of a city and do something like that! We have lots of great video captured of the performances which I’m hoping to get up on Youtube some time soon. Also, two of our girls, Angela and Evelyn, were winners of an art contest they took part in a while back as an awareness-raising, solidarity-building event and they got presented with their prizes on the big stage.

Something that meant the most to me through it all was that our girls from CDP got to share this dance experience with some girls from a government-run home. They were totally shy and wouldn’t talk to each other at the first rehearsal, but by performance day they were old friends and now our girls want to visit the other home and stay in touch. It’s important to connect beyond who they usually see and interact with, and seeing those new friendships bud, seeing them break out of their comfort zone, was a huge reward for me.

A HUGE thanks to Amanda for becoming part of these girls’ lives, even for such a short time. We hope you will be able to return J And congratulations to ALL our kids for representing the voices of children – the girls who danced, and those from CDP and PDC who came out to watch and show their support.

Peace and Love,

Jeanette

Pedacito at World AIDS Day event...

2009-12-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, December the 1st, was World AIDS day and in solidarity with the other groups who are working to promote awareness, Niño con Valor played their part. The girls from Corazon del Pastor danced absolutely beautifully, as did Amanda, but i shall leave one of the volunteers from CdP to write about that, while I will just boast in how cute our kids from Pedacito were yesterday as they behaved so well in the blistering heat. My goodness, they were just adorable! The tias did such a wonderful job of getting the kids all dressed up, and I think the kids enjoyed being in their costumes. They also had a great time being out and about, although one or two were a little overwhelmed by the amount of people and heat. I was very proud of how well they behaved. Here are just a few pics of our little cuties.

Raeka as a beautiful fairy princess

Manolo as a gorgeous wee mouse!

Zaquiel and Lucas chilling in the stoller.

The cutest vampire and mouse you'll ever see!

Barbs

A Voice Through Dance

2009-11-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

Today was the girls' last day to practice their dances before the big performance in the central plaza tomorrow for World AIDS day. It has been so much fun and so inspiring to be part of the process with the girls, and I truly admire Amanda's energy, passion, and the commitment she has shown in the short time she's been here.

I have always loved dancing, and sometimes I regret not taking lessons and pursuing dance as a kid. I will dance, however, whenever there is an excuse to do so (although my dancing often looks like flailing more than anything). But I definitely dance with joy and energy, regardless of how I might look to others. It's been so neat to work with the girls see them let down their guard bit by bit, and express themselves in new ways. A substantial part of the dance of the older group was choreographed by the girls themselves, and it was really a stretch for them to jump outside of the box and actually create something of their own. At school, they are so used to following directions and being dictated to, and Amanda wanted to give them a chance to use their creative abilities and have ownership of their performance. Once they got more comfortable with each other and the style of dance, they totally got in the groove and have created something beautiful. Now, we can only encourage them to have confidence and share the joy tomorrow, to dance to their full potential.

We have been practicing in a local theatre called Teatro Hecho a Mano, and the theatre owners have been so gracious in donating the space and accommodating our girls, especially when they are full of energy and are yelling and running around and doing cartwheels all over the place! Today, we also went to a local park to practice outdoors so the girls will be more familiar with the way they will be dancing at the special event! The younger group, as challenging and incredibly energetic as they are, are having a blast and we could all see how happy they were dancing this afternoon. The older ones are a bit more inhibited but regardless of what the dance looks like tomorrow, I am really proud of them for opening up in new ways, and for putting their trust in Amanda and each other.

Amanda and I with the younger group of dancers, just before rehearsal.

The older girls practicing outside at the park.

The girls watching in awe while Amanda gave us a preview of her dance performance.

In one short week we have all worked very hard, we've had a lot of fun and we've felt the exhaustion of long rehearsal days. I know I have been blessed by Amanda's presence here, and by working with the girls in a new setting and meeting some beautiful kids from another home, who are really embracing this experience. Dance really can bring people together. I hope that I can continue working with our girls, doing more creative activities and dance sessions similar to what we've experienced this week. The process in itself has been very valuable, and I am so looking forward to seeing the girls get out there in front our city tomorrow, giving a voice to the kids who are often unseen and unheard in this community.

Stay tuned for the results of World AIDS Day!

Peace and love,

Jeanette

2009-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Today Corazon del Pastor celebrated two birthdays! The girls prepared a beautiful cake for Kattia (now 8) and Tia Maritza. Kattia, who has a very soft-spoken, shy nature, was thrilled to open her present- a new doll! Tia Maritza has been with Corazon for a long time, and we are so thankful so have her back after her month of recuperation. The older girls stayed up late last night creating two large surprise birthday cards. There was glitter everywhere!

Preparing to blow out the candles.

Helping lead the PdC kids on a walk.

Until next week,

Amber :)

Dancing for good

2009-11-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

This week we have Amanda Gavan, a dancer from New York here. She is teaching two classes a day to our girls and some children from another home. The classes are two and half hours and are held at a theater that has allowed us to use their space. We have 10 girls that are 11-15 in the morning and 12 kids that are 6-10 in the afternoon. Though it has been quite hot here, the children are practicing very hard and getting better every day. We only have one more practice after today because World AIDS Day, December 1st is Tuesday. They will be presenting in the main plaza in Cochabamba as part of the Feria for the celebration of the day.

Ninos con Valor is one of the leading groups working on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS in Bolivia and the only group representing children with the disease. All of our kids will be attending the event, whether dancing or not as we try to spread the message that this is not just an adult issue. We are sharing the knowledge that children are affected by the disease and have the opportunity to live long and healthy lives with the medications available today. Though the prevalence rate in Bolivia is very low compared to Africa and Southeast Asian countries, the problem is growing. In the past three years the number of people living with HIV/AIDS has doubled every year and is still a condition with a strong stigma. We are trying to get the word out that people should be accepted and integrated and are able to live full lives. And we are doing so for children especially, because no one else is doing it.

These dances are a great opportunity for our children to learn a new form of expression. The modern routines they will be performing are quite different than their tradition Bolivian dances that they usually do, so it has been a great experience. Also, working with children from other homes has been great for the girls as well. Making new friends, learning new movements, and working together is proving to be a growing experience. Seeing their change throughout the week has been so fun, and we thank Amanda for this incredible opportunity. Her energy and creativity has inspired the girls to work very hard. She has been so wonderful with the girls and her patience and ability to adapt and make this work has truly been a blessing. Thank you Amanda!

We'll let you all know how the performance goes Tuesday, keep us in your thoughts!
Thank you,
Kelley

Sunsets

2009-11-24T09:54:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I got to celebrate American Thanksgiving with my wonderful group of friends/'alternate family' here in Cochabamba. The lovely Barb and Kimber hosted and cooked a delicious turkey and the rest of us brought a dish to share. Potlucks are a very wonderful, important part of my life back in Hamilton, Ontario so it was very exciting to participate in one again. After working at the girls' home Saturday morning, I went right to Pedacito de Cielo to use the kitchen and cook with Kelley and our friend Breanna. I haven't cooked fully on my own since I got here, which is quite strange, since there are always meals at PDC and CDP and my host family cooks for me as well. So it felt good to get back into cooking/experimenting mode, and I had fun baking a broccoli/bean/carrot casserole with LOADS of cheese.

It was an incredible meal with wonderful company, and I'm very grateful that Kelley suggested we do the cheesy go-around "this is what I'm thankful for" activity later that evening. I know that I am very grateful to be here, especially for the second time. Coming here two years ago made me involve myself very differently in my city when I returned to Canada... I realized my need for community, to be part of something much bigger than myself, much bigger than any university degree or 'profession'. I realized that I cannot go it alone. I realized that I need to immerse myself wherever I am, and because of this I've developed absolutely wonderful relationships here in Bolivia with my diverse group of friends, my host family, the kids and the tias. I've also been learning more about life here in Bolivia, about the harsh realities and also the beautiful ones. I find myself very attached to this community, which is going to make it very hard to leave in January, probably even harder than last time. It's weird, being in love with two places in very different parts of the world, geographically and culturally. I'm trying to figure out how this might look in my life, in years to come.

But I wouldn't trade this experience for anything, or distance myself to make it 'easier' to leave. I am grateful for the strong sense of community I feel here and in Canada. Being in Bolivia two years ago also helped me learn to be o.k with uncertainty, with 'not-knowing' about a lot of things: the mystery of God, the absence of justice in the world, how to truly love your neighbourand your enemy, how to figure out where to go next in life. I am constantly seeking and learning and as frustrating/confusing as it can be I think it's the best way to live.

Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday meant a lot to me. It also meant a lot to feel so loved and celebrated by friends and family in many parts of the world last week, when I celebrated my 22nd birthday. Life never ceases to catch me off guard, and while I'm at a bit of an awkward place in it right now, I still feel content and very grateful.

The sunsets here every evening are always amazing, so I guess I will end by sharing a photo of the incredible sky Saturday evening. I am always in awe of the sky, and the sunsets are just one of infinite ways that we can experience God, or that 'something bigger than ourselves', which gives us faith amidst uncertainty.

Peace and love,

Jeanette

New, Shared Experiences

2009-11-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Today Kelley and I officially started our Photovoice project with the girls. I'm really excited for it - it's something I got involved in back in Hamilton, Ontario over a year ago with some inner-city youth and then some seniors this past summer. Now, to start a photo project with the girls here in Bolivia is awesome. Photovoice is literally sharing voices through photos - so often, certain people don't get a chance to share their experiences, and when they can show us through their eyes, what they capture on the camera, it can be a really special experience for the photographer and those who see and listen to what the photographer shares can also be influenced. Often, it is used as a tool for social change, to give marginalized populations "the opportunity to record, reflect and critique personal and community issues in creative ways." (www.photovoice.ca) I am not expecting huge waves of change to come from this project, but I am excited for the process itself, of spending time with the girls in new ways and seeing them produce something that is theirs and that they can share with the world.

What matters most to me with the girls is not the outcome of their photos, but the experience of holding a camera and having ownership over this project. I am excited for them to get out and see things in new ways and work with each other. We hope to print some of the favourite photos and put them up in the house, and also have a public exhibit somewhere in Cochabamba and hopefully I can organize an exhibit back home in Hamilton as well.

Today I went out with two of our girls and two cameras. We wandered through the Plaza Central downtown, up and down some side streets and courtyards. The girls had a lot of fun taking photos of the scenery and of each other, and they were excited to take some video as well. I also took them to a little cafe and artisan shop called Manos con Libertad (Free Hands), which is a project for women who were in prison, to re-create their lives and work and create for a living. These women cook some amazing food (especially the lemon cake) and weave some gorgeous blankets and purses. The girls loved the place, and were in awe of the products the women created. We even got a little tour of the grounds and the workshop where everything is made.

I know the girls enjoyed themselves, and I did too, every part of it, even the tired bus ride home. We also had some fun interviewing each other with my video camera! Here are some of my personal favourites from our outing, taken by two incredible photographers. Who knows how the girls will react and reflect on their photos when they see them.

A beautiful church window.

Splash of the fountain at a courtyard downtown.

Pigeons in the Plaza.

Vacation is beginning, Christmas is coming fast, and there is lots on the go but I am all about new beginnings and looking forward to the unexpected experiences of these next couple months.

Paz y Amor

Jeanette

Thank the Lord for Tias

2009-11-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

As Jeanette mentioned it has been a bit crazy at the girls home. Not bad crazy, but dealing with 22 girls each in a different stage of life with a different mood can be a challenge. And it's hard to stay completely positive and not lose it. But I am trying and I love those girls so much that every day I do leave with a smile on my face having stayed an extra half and hour just to hang out.

Our tia who has been out with the hip surgery will not be coming back for another week, but we have hired two new ones. Our day tia, Tania who specializes in educational support is awesome. She sticks to the rules and is very patient with the girls. Still learning their names and personalities, she is gaining their respect with her activities and just the way she gets things done daily. Cynthia, the night tia is also great. She is so sweet and seems really good with the girls. I don't know her as well since I don't work nights. But they are both total Godsends, so it seems. They have both learned the ropes very quickly and the routine and schedule does not seem to overwhelm them. I mean, I'm sure they are having their troubles, but really I am impressed. It takes an incredible amount of dedication to do what they do. Their days are long and trying, and of course they are not swimming in salary, so I just really am so thankful for these women. And I am very excited for CdP and what this means for its growth for the girls.

Since so many of them are at ages where they are changing in so many ways, it is really great to have good staff and great volunteers. I must say that Kimber is amazing with the girls home. Since she has been spending time there, the girls are taking responsibility for their actions, which is not easy for anyone, let alone a seven year old who has been neglected her whole life. But all I'm trying to say is that I am really excited about the next few months. The girls are all finishing up their exams and will be on summer vacation. I know the volunteers have lots of stuff we want to do with them, so with the support of the tias, this vacation should be a great one. I am just so happy I decided to come here and have decided to continue my work for some time with Ninos con Valor because it really is something special.

-Kelley

Sharing and Obedience

2009-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

I Timothy 6:17-19

"God gives, but he doesn't share"

Haitian proverb

Ouch. There's no confusion here, not much room for interpretation either. Using "command" instead of "suggest" or "preferably" conveys Paul's stance on this matter. We're supposed to share what we've got with others. We're supposed to do good with what we've got. We're supposed to be focused on gaining that which lasts for eternity rather than that which we leave behind when we pass from this life.

Putting these verses together with the Haitian proverb, which came via reading Mountains Beyond Mountains, the current NCV volunteer book of choice, which recounts the story of Paul Farmer and his organization, Partners in Health , we're forced to face the ugly truth that some of us are better at sharing than others.

It might be very easy for me to try and use this Bible passage on others, not looking at myself as one of those 'rich' people. Although I live well below the poverty line by American standards, the reality is that I live well above what most people live on here in Bolivia. I definitely have enough to be able to share with others. Am I sharing enough? What am I keeping to myself that was meant for someone else?

In a recent sermon on unanswered prayer, I had to deal with this unpleasant reality- sometimes the answers to our prayers are dependent on the obedience of others. Honestly, my first reaction was accusatory, wondering if the disobedience of others was the cause of some of my seemingly unanswered prayers. Then I had that nasty sinking burning feeling in my gut. I had to look within and wonder how many times my selfishness, my apathy, my inaction, my flat out disobedience was the cause of someone else not receiving the answer to their prayer. Ugh. Not an enjoyable experience, but a necessary one.

Choosing generosity isn't always easy or fun, although sometimes it is. Usually it's inconvenient, I am provided with the 'opportunity' to give to others when I've got seemingly better things to do. But when I stop and take the time to not be in my own world, I am rewarded in a way that cannot be compensated monetarily. How can I forget so easily how beautiful the act of sharing is? If it is done genuinely, this moment of obedience transcends the financial amount being given, and the satisfaction, the reward if you will, becomes a treasure indeed.

Kimber

2009-11-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

It has been a whirlwind of a week. Last Monday feels like ages ago, but at the same time the days are flying by. Time is weird that way. Most days this past week I've come home from CDP absolutely exhausted and slightly frustrated. With our younger girls misbehaving, I feel like I've been yelling a lot and losing my patience, and yelling definitely is not something I enjoy. And then I feel bad... for having a negative attitude, for being hard on the girls, for not valuing every moment I have here.

On Friday, I made a commitment to joy - to be joyful in the way I act and relate to the girls, even when they are driving me crazy. It is not easy, and there have been frustrating moments, but my own change of mindset has helped a lot. It seems like the girls are behaving better, and there have been some really special 1-on-1 moments that I'm grateful for. It is awesome to do activities like English class and art and aerobics, but it is just as awesome to simply be with the girls. On Sunday morning, after sleeping over Saturday night, I sat with three of the little ones and we read this incredible science book about everything for an hour. At night, I sang them "Hush little baby don't say a word... mama's going to buy you a mocking bird" because a few of the girls asked me to sing them a bedtime song my mom used to sing me. And we told stories and said prayers together, after the chaos and stress of getting them all showered, teeth brushed, in their pyjamas and in bed.

This afternoon I was the lucky one who got the girls to myself 2 hours while the tias had a meeting in the dining room. It is hard to occupy 14 girls of all different ages in a confined space for that long, with crying and crises and the whole bit, but it was all right! We had a great English class where we learned the colours and how do say "How old are you?" "I am __ years old." And an incredible way to pass the time was by playing 'Graveyard', where everyone has to play dead and the gravekeeper or whatever wanders around trying to catch them move/make them laugh, but without touching them. The girls absolutely loved this game! And it was pretty hilarious seem them make each other laugh and to hear the ridiculous things they had to say.

It was great to have fun with the girls today. The past week I think I've been taking the fun out of my time with the girls, and much of it is my own fault. It feels good to be back :-) Whenever I feel frustrated, impatient, disenchanted, Henri Nouwen's call for gratitude nags at me and I will share one of his thoughts with you to end:

"Gratitude ... goes beyond the 'mine' and 'thine' and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy."

So, with joy and gratitude, I am excited to live the fullness of this week. Gracias!

- J

Surrounded by greatness

2009-11-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I usually don't work at the girls home. But I have Weds mornings off and they had asked me to come over at night and of course I did. To be honest I was really kind of upset that I wasn't going to get to see them, so I was actually excited. When I got there it was the usual post-dinner fun of 22 girls. I was greeted with giant hugs and "Feliz Cumpleanos" from smiling girls. I couldn't have been happier. Tia Lucias birthday was Saturday and that was her time off, so we both celebrated together last night. The girls were busily finishing the decoration of the cake and making giant posters for Lucia and me.

I must say I was a little nervous for the whole taking a bite of the cake thing because I thought they would push my head in it. But Lucia and I made our wishes and took our bites, faces clean. Kimber and Zulma taking photos said they both missed the photo, so we did it again, surely this time our faces covered in chocolate cream. This was one of the best (I think probably THE BEST) birthday cake I have ever had just because I knew what went into it. And it was absolutely delicious because Kimber ran the baking endeavor.

It was a night filled of hugs and laughs and then I got to continue with our Wednesday night volunteer meeting, which is always a much looked forward time in my week. It was a great day. I got to talk to my mom in the morning and the rest of my family and some friends during the weekend, so I wasn't feeling sad and far away. But despite the distance I was still surrounded by so much love and amazing family. That's the thing about being here in Cochabomba with Ninos con Valor, I really have gotten to become a part of an amazing community. And for this I am blessed every day that I am here. Our girls and volunteers and staff are really quite special. Thank you everyone.

Kelley

Princesa de la Semana

2009-11-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

Every week at our girls' home, I post on our "Princess of the Week" board a new girl's photo with a little info sheet she fills out about herself and there's a sheet of blank paper with "You are a princess because..." written at the top where the other girls can write positive and encouraging things about that child.

I realized that I needed to do some additional explaining at first because the girls, and the staff, were thinking that this was somehow connected to the new star chart we implemented to help with behaviors. It was actually the exact opposite of the star chart. They were thinking that they needed to somehow earn being princess of the week. That the girl with the most stars got to be the next princess. The whole point of this was that they couldn't earn it. They all deserve it, because it's based on a truth that lies outside of behavior in the home.

My thought behind re-establishing this concept is based on the concept of being children of God. Many of our girls have no parents or have parents that have not exactly been exemplary, and so, if done sensitively, teaching our girls that they have a heavenly Father that will never leave them, that will never let them down, abuse them, abandon them, humiliate them, choose another over them, and loves them unconditionally, can be a powerful experience. They are wholly loved. They are co-heirs with Christ. They are the apple of His eye. They are daughter's of the King, therefore they are princesses in the eyes of their Father.

This week put my concept to the test. The girl that came up this week to be princess has been having a very hard time with her behavior and her attitude, both in school and at home. She's been very negative with the staff and has had a hard time being a good friend to the other girls. And yet, it was her turn, so I put up her picture and her interview sheet. Honestly I had my doubts that many of the girls would have anything nice to write about her since she had made quite a few enemies this week. But when I returned on Tuesday morning, the sheet was already full and I needed to put up a new one. I am encouraged to see that our girls are willing to put aside differences and see the positive aspects in a sometimes very difficult situation.

This Sunday is Orphan Sunday. Please take the time to pray for our girls this Sunday. While many of them are unavailable for adoption for various reasons, pray for them in the larger concept of adoption. Romans 8:15 says, "For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption by which we cry, Abba, Father!" Pray that our girls would not live in fear, that they would be set free from the hurts in their pasts and would eagerly and genuinely come to understand God as their father, their daddy who fully accepts them and loves them, adopts them fully as his daughters, his princesses, not just for a week, but for eternity.

Some of our previous "Princess of the Week" girls

Shalom,

Kimber

we are all human...

2009-11-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

So I'm writing a day early, because I will be staying overnight at the girls' home tomorrow and likely won't get a chance on the internet.

This is more of a reflection than anything... here in Cochabamba, we are confronted with injustice everyday. We are confronted with injustice wherever we are in the world. But one of the most tangible pieces of injustice that I've been thinking about all week is the situation of the kids here who live on the streets. After listening to the stories of Barbara and other friends who have dedicated themselves to being with and caring for these kids, I am totally overwhelmed and angry about what is happening. The majority of the public believes these are bad kids, that they are not worth caring for or fighting for. The police don't respond to urgent calls, and guards beat them up for no apparent reason. And these kids lose their zest for life. Thank God there are people who are loving them and showing them that they matter. But it all leaves me feeling sad, and a bit helpless.

Today, Sunday, was my day off and I decided to wander downtown and do some writing in my journal in the Plaza Colon. Two boys came up to me and asked me for money, just after this gypsy woman had lured me into giving her 10Bs. I couldn't pay them, but I did talk to them. I learned a bit about their lives, they are ages 11 and 12 and live on the street and hang out around that plaza. They were asking me lots of questions, so I told them a bit about me and where I'm from. They kept asking me about "lucha libre" and I had no idea what they were talking about and later found out it means wrestling. Who is my favourite wrestler? I have no clue. They asked if I had parents, and wanted me to take them to my house. Argh... I wish I could. They are pretty funny kids, they made me laugh and also made fun of me for my various mishaps in Spanish... I hope I see them again.

After these kind of encounters, I wonder, could I have responded differently? Should I have given them money? Bought them some food? Should I take them out for a snack if I see them again? The same gypsy lady came back while I was chatting with them and said, "Be careful, they're bad! Guard your purse!" I wonder how I would feel if most people looked at me with fear, or with disgust and superiority, rather than as a fellow human being with my own strengths and my own brokenness. I wonder what the world would look like if we saw everyone through the eyes of Jesus - I guess justice would finally be here.

I have no answers, but I do enjoy quotes when I lack my own words. I will end by sharing one from my favourite writer, John Caputo. It fits well with my state of non-knowing:

"The very highest passion is driven by non-knowing. Its tensions are heightened and the stakes are raised when we lack assurance about what is going on, or how things will turn out, when all we can do is push on, have faith, keep going, love and trust the process about which we lack any final assurance. Passion falls back on faith and faith is a kind of passion. Passion is guided by faith and faith is driven by passion, and this passionate faith is what gives life savor and salt."

I am grateful, amidst the confusion, to be surrounded by passionate, faithful people.

Peace and love,

Jeanette

Pics of kiddies to make you smile!

2009-10-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an incredibly tough day for me as I found out that yet another young street boy that I knew had died in the early hours of the day. I was glad though to be at Pedacito as you cant be too sad when you are working with these beautiful children. Today I just want to put up a bunch of adorable pictures which shouldn't fail to make you smile.

Victoria wiping out in the ball pit.

Manolo have a blast with his tamborine.

Our little diva Nohemi.

Post park carnage. A lot of sleepy kids!

Lily being her adorable self.

Marcos and his beautiful new smile.

That's right, we do have the most gorgeous kids ever! Raeka looking ever so cute.

Nohemi and Marcos hugging it up

I hope you enjoyed these pics as much as I did!
Barbara

Fun art projects

2009-10-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Here in Cochabamba we are already starting to do some Christmas activities. I have spent the past few afternoons with the girls at Corazon del Pastor doing art projects to send to the states. A church in Danvers, Massachusetts is going to be doing a Christmas fundraiser featuring our organization. And we couldn't be more excited about it because we need all the support we can get. We have also have alternative holiday gift options this year that you can give. Helping Ninos con Valor and helping someone learn about Bolivia is a great way to spread the joy this Holiday season.

On other art project notes, Barbara and I took eight of the girls to an art contest on Saturday. It was put on by Vivo Positivo, a Bolivian organization for people living with HIV/AIDS. It is a Bolivian wide contest for children ages 6-11 to draw and write a message of solidarity for HIV positive people in Bolivia. It was a great learning experience for our girls and the ones that participated did really well. Taking the bus, going to one of main plazas, and getting snacks all made the outing more fun. Video cameras were there and the winner will be featured on postcards and presented on World AIDS Day, which is December 1st. We are looking forward to seeing if our girls make it because they came up with some awesome ideas that were really well executed. I am so impressed by these girls artistic ability. Every day I do projects with them is so fun because their ideas and perspectives are so fresh, and some of them are very talented! Needless to say, it will be a day that I remember fondly and was a learning adventure for all of us.