Bolivia - June 2007
Can't tell if it's the high altitude or the children that are
taking my breath away…
La Paz, Bolivia-Project Site 1
The streets of La Paz remind me of the streets of San
Francisco-but instead of being tucked between ocean and sea, these
streets are packed between mountains.
A local church with a heart for children welcomed us. To add
space to a building in La Paz you have to build up--and
that included this church. The cold, concrete block steps led up to
classrooms or sanctuaries!
We met all the teachers and the director, who welcomed us with
honor. We toured packed classrooms filled with sweet, respectful
children--the lucky ones plucked from the streets and from tragic
home situations. We were a curiosity, we twelve-1 from Ecuador, 6
from Colorado, and 5 from California. The latter group were
Koreans, who the children always assumed were Chinese.
We marveled at all the ages here--from 3-year-olds to teenagers.
All dressed nicely, clean, and well-behaved.
We gathered in the sanctuary for a distribution ceremony. We
handed out warm blankets (shock #1: It's very cold here! And none
of the homes even have heat; only hotels have that luxury).
Everyone wears coats and sweaters all the time.
The teenagers performed a drama about an orphan boy who had no
family, no food, and no love until he met someone from the
Compassion project. We prayed and prayed…then cried and cried as
children hugged us.
Their hugs were rich with the love and trust of God. The body of
Christ is so amazing, when it works together!
We finally stepped inside the kitchen, lingering there because it
was warm. It was the only place in the church that was
warm! The chill in the thin air runs deep. Here in La Paz blankets
aren't just cute or decorative--they're a practical necessity! A
real way of bringing the warmth of God's love.
It brought me to tears thinking of the children in North America
praying for each of the blankets we passed out. I was overwhelmed
with the heart of children loving children, grateful we could be a
small part of bringing hope through VBS!
We dined with the leaders in a cold concrete block dining room,
tables covered with cloths. The food-servings of mashed potatoes
and thin slices of steak.
We joined in tearful prayer as the sweet-spirited director shared
that her husband has been diagnosed with a tumor on his spine. We
prayed in earnest for healing…God help her.
La Paz, Bolivia-Project Site 2
We're staying in The Plaza--the dining room upstairs has been
frequented by the likes of Fidel Castro and South American
presidents. The room offers a spectacular panoramic view of the
city-a city plagued with poverty amidst a flourishing city
life.
We met with the director and got an overview of what the
International Bible Society is doing in this area, then a tour of
classrooms. The school is a place of astounding respect, high hopes
and dreams, colorful posters, back-to-back desk tables packed with
students curious to know our names and what life is like in a land
far away that's filled with tall white people!
One of the classes cleared away the desks so students could dance
for us. They'd choreographed peppy tunes (I kept thinking that our
VBS choreography queen Cindy Hansen's counterpart must live here!).
It was precious entertainment.
We were then ushered into the sanctuary, where kids vied for a
seat next to one of us. In fact, some young girls giggled with glee
as they swarmed "Mateo!" Matt-our son-has a fan club!
The women from Gloria's church are also swarmed--all of us cuddled
up next to kids who are starving for love and attention. One young
preteen girl methodically hugged all the men-she must feel the need
for a father intensely. And yet God is so powerful as a
father!
We watched 3 song and dance numbers, then prayed and smiled as we
flooded the sanctuary with the warm glow of orange Fiesta
blankets.
More tears-more intense, intense emotion.
Outside La Paz, Bolivia-Project Site 3
The director rode with us on the creaking bus as we made our way
to a newly stone-paved street across from a playground plaza.
To our amazement, 150 children stood in age-grade lines awaiting
our arrival. We joined them in celebrating their flag ceremony and
pledge. So cute!
All ages shouted out their pledges and Bible verses. Then they
sang for us. But the moment they heard "change direction" spoken by
a school official, the students suddenly turned a smart "about
face" and marched straight to their classes.
We toured the classrooms beginning with the preschoolers. Their
room was beautiful--a loft, slide, and mini living room playhouse
in bright, primary colors. We gave them stuffed reindeer, these
sweet, obedient children…including one girl with a burned cheek.
Older classes taught their subjects for us--then hugged us and gave
us homemade cards.
One class of 5-to-6-year-olds received our prayer bears. I watched
as their teacher gasped, then clamped her hands in grateful prayer.
Children held the bears in folded hands as one child gave thanks to
God for us and prayed for other children. Very moving!
And these kids made sure we got a snack, too. So giving!
We all assembled in the sanctuary. Again, with kids surrounding
us, all craving closeness and touch, we prayed together.
Then we joined them for lunch, a well-behaved group of kids at one
table and us at another. We shared a feast of pea soup with
floating French fries, and a plate of potatoes and meat. We left
with much gratitude and hugs.
Project Site 4
In a nearby city we met Enrique, a project director who was once a
child in the program. Such a cool leader--and so proud and
humble.
We stopped in to visit with teenagers who waited for us in a comfy
youth room--music playing softly, sofas, fun! The teenagers were
filled with dreams of becoming professionals in agriculture,
architecture, engineering, teaching, and as soldiers and pastors.
So cool!
We stopped by a few more classrooms, and then were ushered in to
the sanctuary. Pew by pew, the next group of children streamed in,
quiet and subdued. They glanced at us with dark eyes, as if they
were uncertain we were really there.
We soon learned why. They'd never been given anything--nor had
this group of children ever received visitors. The last visit had
been in 1995 when Wes Stafford and a dozen Compassion visitors had
come.
Enrique explained what was about to happen to the children. A
blanket isn't a luxury at this altitude--it's a necessity. Yet many
children had nothing like the Operation Kid-to-Kid blanket to keep
them warm. To receive one-as a gift--was almost beyond their
comprehension.
Dave Thornton, a Group staff member who speaks Spanish, explained
who the Bible Buddies we'd brought were, and read the Scripture on
each Buddy.
And then we handed out our gifts to these quiet, joy-filled,
thankful children. It was almost too much to witness their
gratitude--like overeating at Thanksgiving!
Snug in their blankets, their Buddies and Bible books in hand, the
children sat patiently. Then a little boy came forward. He wanted
to pray for us--which started us crying again!
These children are incredible! All thinking of others (brothers
& sisters) first!
Then came what was, to me, the ultimate experience.
We were asked to line up front for a photo. But, before that, our
translator Miriam told the children they could come up and hug us.
So we each knelt and received hugs and kisses from each child in
turn. Amazing!
The children wore the smell of poverty, but with glistening eyes,
scattered brown teeth, and smiles that would melt any cold away…too
much! Many tears!
The whole experience was so emotionally charged. Here's so, so
much to process.
God is so amazing, such a magnificent "melter" of all
differences--race, economics, life stage… WOW!
La Paz, Bolivia-Project Site 5
We enjoyed a tasty breakfast this morning-cereal made from local
grain, dulce de leche caramel sauce on a cinnamon roll…
Off to a project not even a year old. The director, a college
student, met us. Everything is nearly new. Posters and fresh
portfolios of life plans paper the walls.
We toured the tiny classrooms. The children were hard at work and,
again, a bit stunned by our invasion. We tower over them until we
get down on our knees to interact. Our friends from Gloria's
church--Hana (so smiley), Mira (beautiful mom), Jennifer (potential
children's minister), Christine (shy)--brought mountains of candy,
barrettes, stuffed animals, and bubbles. These are distributed
freely and with joy.
The children in this class each received a tiny, personal bottle
of bubbles. Quiet, shy children came to life as they giggled and
sent bubbles flying from their bubble wands.
One little boy slid up beside me. I helped him open his bottle of
bubble mix and tried to explain gently blowing through the wand. As
time passed, he enjoyed blowing (sometimes bubbles!) in my face. My
reaction amused him and we "bonded."
The next class was full of 5-to-6-year-olds. Because of the
extra-cold weather today, only 7 of the 14 students had risked the
stair-step street journey to the project. A God thing: we had only
7 of the larger stuffed animals to distribute, so we shared them
here. The kids sweetly received whatever stuffed friend was
available. They hugged the creatures as the teacher's eyes filled
with tears at the sight of her precious students receiving such
extravagances.
We met another class and this time passed out candy.
We marveled at the creativity and color on the walls. The kids
took pride in their origami, "people bodies" and water color
painting.
The teachers have done an amazing job with limited resources. I
was surprised to see brand-new towels, and special locations for
cups and toothbrushes. Hygiene and cleanliness is a huge
deal--important to teach.
As we walked through the classrooms we saw cute yellow chicks with
each child's name on a chick. A speck of "seed" was placed by each
chick to mark children's attendance. It sent a message: Just as
chicks need food to live, you need to come here to find life!
Cool!
Further creativity: we saw a stuffed caterpillar character that
held all the childrens' toothbrushes!
We gathered in the sanctuary and I noticed how all of the churches
were beginning to look alike. A stage with fresh or fake flowers, a
drum set, and sound system. No crosses or religious symbols. Words
on walls to celebrate Scripture.
Again we prayed with the staff, and then the children.
The "stuffed animal seven" wanted to sing for us. So we watched
them set their animals aside and line up. An amusing,
squeaky-voiced, cartoony version of "I'm in the Lord's Army" filled
the air. To our surprise it even had cartoony artillery sounds!
Children sang and did the motions.
We applauded.
Then all the other children wanted to do it. So they sang
and did the military motions.
We applauded.
Then they wanted all of us visitors to do it. We did the motions
and they applauded. Then the school staff--cooks and all--sang and
did the motions!
We all applauded!
What a fun time-silly, celebrating, great!
Enrique and the "minyos"
Enrique then gathered all the "minyos" around him after they'd
recited the "God is love" verse.
The kids gathered in a semi-circle as Enrique explained the
blanket. Dave then introduced the Buddies and described the
books.
The kids were stunned.
We've now learned that these kids never receive gifts-so
they're in shock…overwhelmed. I'll never forget the sight of them
sitting, wrapped in orange blankets, each child holding a
brilliantly colored Bible book and a 5-pack of colorful Bible
Buddies.
Brian, our videographer, had 2 rambunctious (adorable) twins at
his elbows nonstop--matching mint green sweaters, lime green sweat
pants, and matching green bags. They couldn't keep their hands off
the camera!
I landed next to "Bubble Boy" and one of the twins. They loved
playing with the Buddies--matching them to the pictures in their
Fiesta Bible books.
Then the director unleashed the children to "embraccio"-hugs,
hugs, hugs! These sweet, poor children found their way into our
loving arms-we love the hugs and kisses.
"Bubble boy"-three years old, reminded me of Matt's "wild hugs"
when he was little. Then he puckered his lips to give a kiss.
Oh my…what a gift-to be the arms of Jesus for these kids!
After the children left and all was quiet, another group came back
to dance for us! They cranked up some Christian Honduran hip hop
and danced away. In two lines, boys and girls creating motions to
"Vida, Vida!" So cool!
Finally our kid time ended and the staff arranged a special table
and chairs for us to dine at the back of the sanctuary.
We ate a meal not unlike what we ate a couple days ago. A bed of
soft, soupy mashed potatoes, a thin steak in the center with a
tomato slice. Tasty!
Then a warm glass of lemonade. The cooks brought us samples of
"peanut soup," although we couldn't make out the peanut taste.
Rice, meat, veggies--a feast!
On our way to Cochabomba
Soon it was time to head to the airport for Cochabomba.
Our orange tourist bus chugged up and around the streets of La
Paz, a jigsaw puzzle of a city. The brown homemade dirt bricks and
red brick make up miles and miles of buildings--miles and miles up
and down the mountain. It's like a crater totally filled with brick
housing.
If it rained hard, the city could possibly crumble!
La Paz is breathtaking--literally. The 12,000 foot elevation and
arid, cold mountain air left us all short of breath.
We bade farewell to Miriam, our interpreter. She was a
soft-hearted, sweet woman who didn't only translate words--she
translated our hearts.
We boarded the plane and prayed as it took 65 seconds on the
3-mile runway to lift off! Whew! Yikes! Thin air!
Our short flight brought us to another part of Bolivia that looked
like another planet! More upscale…greener…more modern. Even the
weather was warmer, the air more familiar!
We had a few relaxing moments before a wonderful dinner together,
where we laughed ourselves silly recounting the many, many versions
of "Marching in the Lord's Army."
Cochabomba-Project 6
We rode through the "nicer" section of homes to a yellow cement
church where we met with the young project director.
The project was 2 years old and an elder in the church explained
at length all the hurdles they had to clear to bring Compassion in.
But now that the project is up and running, they have big dreams
and vision!
We gave the preschool class small moose puppets--Roofus, our
mascot in the Group Publishing lobby. We enjoyed their singing, and
smiled at the little girl who wore a tree as a head piece and green
leaf "paws."
Then we were off to the next age levels.
We spent time with the preteens as the director called out kids
one by one and told us of their home situations. Even the director
choked up as he described their family situations--abandoned, big
family, health issues, many brothers and sisters…each child had to
overcome tremendous odds. And they made it only with God's
help.
One energetic teacher brought out a colorful stocking cap his
mother had made for him. He wanted to give it to the person with
the smallest head--so he picked Matt (who by now is known only as
Mateo!).
As we packed into the sanctuary our interpreter said, "Where's
Mateo? We heard he could play guitar!" So suddenly Matt was up
front with an amplified guitar accompanying us as we sang "Do Lord"
in English-us up front with children clapping!
Then the children sang the same tune in Spanish while we clapped
along! It all reminded me of kids doing "programs" for their
parents. So fun, so family!
We distributed the blankets and Bible books and the kids were
thrilled. Enrique does such a fine job with the children.
Then the fun part…the director unleashed 150 hug-hungry children!
I loved it! The kids smash into all of us. They snuggled, cuddled,
smooched, said "gracias," and squeezed as much love out of us as
they can! It's wild and wonderful!
Amidst the chaos, one 9 or10-year-old girl, Jacqueline, hung back.
She kept hugging me and looking sad. I thought she might be
concerned because there were tears in my eyes.
Mira translated: she wanted another blanket for her sister.
I couldn't resist, so I gave her another one. She lit up, hugged,
cuddled and kissed me some more. Then, we left the church to go
downstairs for lunch. They served us soup, cola, and
hamburgers.
As we sat eating, Jacqueline came by again to hug me once
more--and she brought me a gift: a tiny Pokemon notebook (how did
she know I love journals?). I slipped it into my pocket.
As we dined with the church staff we heard their dreams: to build
on, add to the program, create a medical center, and found a place
for special needs and senior citizens! It's amazing. They'd added
an upstairs to the building for the sanctuary--just a year
ago!
Then, once again, Jacqueline came by for a hug. I had Matt take a
couple wonderful pictures of my new friend. Children are so giving.
One little girl gave me her orange as I left a classroom. The
leaders passed us candy, then water. The world is a better place
when we all give!
The video crew captured amazing testimonies from Gloria, the
director, a mom, and the children.
Okay…I need to buy stock in Kleenex!
Cochabomba-Project Site 7
We arrive at another courtyard, this time in the heat of the
afternoon. This heavy, hot air is so unlike the frigid, thin
atmosphere of La Paz.
We met in the director's office. A former teacher, she has a
degree in psychology and runs the center.
We split up to visit classrooms and meet the teenagers and youth
pastor. We asked what they like and they sounded like typical
American teenagers; dating, music, sports! We stopped by another
class and answered questions. The students were curious about the
United States.
Then we trooped upstairs to what must have been their sanctuary.
There was a concrete floor and stage, and no seats, so all 150 kids
lined up by class and by age.
Unlike the stunned, quiet kids yesterday, this group was
rambunctious. Oh--and they were into autographs, too! We all signed
books, hats, and backpacks.
We listened as the students sang for us, all while standing in
long lines. We then methodically handed out blankets and books. It
was all very organized…until the hugs started.
Then the kids mobbed the Americans!
Before we left this Project we gathered with the teachers and
director and presented a Bible to them.
Thom and I came back to our room emotionally exhausted again…but
it was a good exhaustion.
A moment to regroup…
The days are beginning to blur. Not just because I'm seeing them
through tears, but because it's amazing and humbling to see the
dedication and sincere love of the teachers and directors for these
kids. The need is so great. It can be overwhelming and
daunting.
Yet, there is so much hope. The bond of the love of Christ
surpasses all.
I am so appreciating LaRue's efforts with OK2K! Hundreds of
volunteers open boxes, sort through tons (literally!) of blankets
and books, then re-package boxes for delivery.
Youth groups come to help, too. Wow! They call it "Kid to Kid to
Kid…"
We had a delightful dinner tonight at Buffalo's Rodirio Grill!
Yum!
Outside Cochabomba-Project Site 8
Breakfast…and the high point was peach juice! South Americans know
how to do fresh juice!
Our bus climbed dusty roads…up, up, up. We finally came to a hot
desert-like area and walked into a church with no sanctuary. The
building had been dedicated to the "children."
The director and teachers told us about their need for pure water.
And they explained that many parents leave their children behind
when they went to Spain or Italy, looking for jobs. These children
quickly discover they've been left in the lurch.
We'd arranged to see some homes, so our party split into two
groups.
Our group began walking to our destination, and then realized it
was much further away than we'd thought. So we hopped onto a bus,
which wound through smoggy air and dusty gravel streets. The homes
we passed were boxy dwellings made of red brick.
The pretty Bolivian women walked along, and I was struck by how
differently they dressed than the women in La Paz.
La Paz women wear long petticoat-like puffy skirts and derbies
precariously perched on their heads. If a derby is worn straight,
it signals the woman is married. If the derby is cocked, the woman
is single.
These women wore white bonnets and knee-length skirts. La Paz
women looked like round bells! Here they remind me of little girls.
Leggings, bonnets, pig tails down their backs…
The peanut story I'll never live down.
At last we reached the home we wanted to visit. The brown,
wrinkled, weathered grandma seemed overwhelmed by our visit. She
immediately started to cry and kiss me.
Of course, we were quite a crew. Video, boom, two big cameras--a
tad overwhelming. Nonetheless, we were welcomed warmly.
The house was a square, concrete dwelling with one light bulb
dangling from the ceiling. Cardboard box "ceiling tiles" and dirt
floor. A large bed filled most of the room.
Scattered around were dirty, well-worn toys. A bag of wool hung on
the wall, and on the floor was a heap of cleaned peanuts, which we
later learned would bring 20 Bolivian dollars for 2 weeks of work
($2.50 U.S.).
The woman's husband is ill but walks the streets looking to shine
shoes.
Three-year-old Milton snuggled with his mom Marcela (age 23) and
Grandma Manvelo. As Marcela and I conversed through our interpreter
Janetta, Marcela told us about her situation. She showed us how to
weave with a blob of wool and a spindle. Janetta gave it a try, but
giggled and gave up.
I came to sit on the tiny stool (the size of a brick!) and oops! I
fell splat into the peanut pile! We had a good laugh and Marcela
exchanged a larger stool for me to sit on. I explained how the
children made a blanket for her. She seemed truly touched. I love
how expressive this culture is! She hugged and kissed me with many
thanks. Then we gave her a new Bible! Overwhelmed!
Meanwhile, Dave was playing with Milton, giving him Buddies and a
Roofus.
We then shot a video introduction for Group's Hands-On Missions.
The entire family and neighbors stood with us.
We then shot a video of Milton heading to the Project. This
three-year-old walked by himself for six blocks up the hill! We
enjoyed cheering him on as Brian got great footage.
We then went class by class through the Project, handing out
blankets, books, and Buddies. Dave did an excellent job explaining
the Buddies' names, and every time he introduced "Spike" he got a
laugh. Dave's nickname may become "Spike" after this!
The children are so amazing--so sweet and active. One girl wanted
to pray for the children who made the blankets…wonderful! By now,
I've adjusted and don't totally blubber as kids hug and say
"gracias."
We think we've seen about 1,400 kids! That's a lot of
blankets, hugs, and love! Ahhh…this could become
habit-forming!
We've started to run short of all our give-aways, so it's gotten
harder.
We had soup in a cozy office. They supplied a heap of broccoli,
carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and a bowl of meat. We can see why
children need this food. The little cooking stoves on dirt floors
in homes can cook only thin peanut or rice soup.
Thom had a little boy hug his leg and told others to stay
away--"This was HIS sponsor!" We're learning how "key" good
sponsors are to kids' self-worth.
We prayed together and headed to…
Outside Cochabomba-Project Site 9
We drove back "down" where green trees and flowering bushes lined
the streets--a much different feel.
We met the Project director on a shaded, concrete basketball
court. Since we were running very late we split up and visited a
few classrooms. I introduced myself as Juanita-but it didn't fly!
Ha!
We asked teenagers what it's like to be a Christian. One girl said
it's hard because others tease her and call her "Alleluia."
All the kids gathered outside and lined the basketball court. Thom
explained our OK2K project, and then we passed out the blankets and
books.
We lingered. We talked. And, as always, we hugged.
And I feel exhausted.
Back at the hotel, Thom, Matt, and I downloaded the day.
Gradually, our whole gang gathered. We enjoyed dinner and laughed
ourselves silly, which felt really good in light of our
heart-wrenching week.
What a great group!
This has been a life-transforming week--one that will shape our
view of the world, of God, of children, and of poverty.
I loved the experience and our team: LaRue, Gloria, Mira, Hana,
Jennifer, Christine, Dave, Brian, Thom, and Matt!
Joani Schultz
2007