September

Forming rhythms. Building relationships. Learning to serve. The start of my year here could be summarized in those three actions.

Forming Rhythms

Some rhythms have naturally formed while others have been more intentional. On Monday and Friday evenings, my fellow intern and I spend time and eat dinner with the boys. They live in a family-style house across campus, so loving on them takes more intentionality. (We live above the teen girls’ dorm, so just by stepping outside we interact with them.) The boys have a ton of energy, so being silly with them (through songs & games) has built connection.

On Sunday afternoons, my fellow intern, Naomi, and I have started “Family Meals” where we take turns cooking for each other and checking in with each other: emotional, spiritual, physical well-being. Word has gotten out, and now after church, many of the kids and tios joke they are going to crash our party to try our American cooking.

I have also started teaching and tutoring. I teach on Monday and Wednesday afternoons for 30 minute English classes. The short class periods help with some learning challenges the kiddos have as well as keep the class fast paced and engaging. Right now, many of the older students have the attitude that English is “muy dificil” while the younger ones love the songs and novelty. My hope is that with time, these classes can help build up each child: showing them they can do hard things and even laugh during the process.

I tutor on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This one-on-one time with the kiddos has created many break through moments. These are some of my favorite times.

Building Relationships

I am thankful that a lot of my work is directly with the kiddos and aides in their emotional healing: struggling through a math problem or reading comprehension together and coming out victorious has created bonds of teamwork and shown each child I am on their side. I have had to remind myself: the real goal is not the academic achievement but teaching them love.

The transition girls, the ones currently in university, have taught me how to make some of the traditional foods (bolos: a type of popsicle and bolivian bread) that they sell. I am still learning from them.

After night church service recently, one of the teen girls asked if I had any extra rice. “Arroz?” I asked again, just to make sure I had heard correctly (this was not a normal request). I had. She sat on the porch while Naomi and I heated up some leftover soup, rice and bread. We brought out the food and some tea, and we sat together talking for an hour or more. She told us her story, we talked about the birds and myths they carry. I don’t know what brought on the special request, but I am praying that my time here can help bring healing and love even in these smallest of ways.

Aside from the kids, I am building relationships with the workers. They are all kind and full of wisdom. I know I will continue to learn from them throughout this year.

Learning to Serve

Since moving to Bolivia, I have seen the extent I have left to grow. “Whoever wants to be great must become the servant of all.” One of my favorite songs, and prayer of my life says, “Make me a servant, humble and meek. Lord, let me life up those who are weak.” And looking to Jesus, who put aside all glory, to be misunderstood and lowly, who gave up everything, I see how short I fall.

In a recent conversation, Naomi mentioned “giving my life to Jesus”: a phrase I haven’t used or heard for years. But, it struck me. STILL, even after moving to South America, after being a Christian all my life, I FREQUENTLY view my life as my own. I make my own decisions, own my own things, do what I want to do.

I am learning to surrender all things to the LORD.

Prayer Requests

• Teaching. Please pray that the classroom will be a safe environment to learn, have fun and make mistakes

• Time. One of the educators and I are working to create a garden program as a therapy and education for the kiddos. But, in addition to creating lesson plans and teaching, time is an issue. Pray that I will view my time here as a gift and go step-by-step

• Wisdom. In building relationships, knowing what to say (or not say), adapting to the culture, where to invest time. I need wisdom in all things