Bolivia - 2005 and 2006

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America; three-quarters of Bolivia’s 8 million people are poor. Bolivia may be economically poor, but very rich and diverse in its culture and traditions. Thousands of children (from abandonment or runaways) continue to live in the streets


In 2005 and 2006 I traveled across the globe to make a difference. I joined a group of students from universities in the Diocese of Joliet and traveled to Sucre, Bolivia to work with children. While in Sucre, I minister in several orphanages, day-care centers and homes for delinquent and abandoned boys. In addition to helping with day-to-day care of the children, we brought much-needed school and medical supplies, clothing and food to the impoverished locations. At the orphanages, they simply needed people to spend time with the children and assist with daily tasks. An extra set of hands goes far assisting the minimal staff with so many children and orphans.

I admit my first trip to Bolivia was emotionally exhausting, especially at the orphanage. I was completely out of my element and comfort zone being immersed in a culture so foreign and made more difficult not knowing the language. Overall it was an eye opening and moving experience.

Lessons Learned in Bolivia from the Group

I hope to take back to my country the joy that I feel—the same joy that the children have though they have nothing.

I have learned that ignorance is NOT bliss…it is much better to learn and LOVE the unnoticed and needy in this world. 

Material things aren’t what make people happy. People make people happy. We should be more kind, loving, and giving to our fellow humans to spread happiness.

I have learned appreciation, for my family and life. I think I will return trying to be more respectful and grateful for the gifts the Lord has blessed me with. Bringing the spirit of life home is my goal to share with everyone. I have learned that I have been blessed in many ways and I should acknowledge the blessings.

The people that work with these children have taught me the true meaning of dedication and care for one another. It is so great that these people stick with these kids day after day without losing hope of giving them a better future. I will take that dedication and hope back with me to the U.S. and apply it there wherever I can…. “For it is in giving that we receive.” To give myself to the youth of the world is my plan.

I will take back the lesson of being happy no matter what situation I’m in, because God is still in control of all things. And to keep smiling.

  

Always have an open mind, heart, and respect everyone you encounter.

Never assume that we have it better than anyone else because we have more possessions. We may have more in our country that money can buy, but we lack so much in culture, human decency, and basic human kindness. So the lesson that I’ve learned from the people of Bolivia is that money isn’t everything and it definitely can’t buy the things that I think God really wants us to have. They have that, and I really don’t think most of us in the U.S. do.

There is so much good in so many people—everyone is here out of the kindness and charity of their hearts and seeing the love pouring out of everyone has been very moving. Don’t take all our gifts for granted.

Walking up to a perfect stranger and simply trying to reach out your hand can change their day and outlook. Letting someone struggle with a barrier is sometimes as important as a helping hand.

A slower paced life leads one to have more time to enjoy its gifts.

I learned how to laugh with people and also that there is no need to be afraid of being yourself because everyone has insecurities and that doesn’t stop them from being their best self.

I learned to cherish family more because what I take for granted (loving parents, healthy siblings, and a secure roof over my head) others are desperate for. Money and possessions do not define who people are. All you need is love, da da da da da.

Life goes by so fast. When we slow down we really realize how important the little things are. How something so small can mean the world to a poor child. And how a smile, a hug, or a child holding your hand can make your world brighter, even for the briefest of moments. Material possessions mean nothing to a person that has support and family. As the days pass we have become a small family in a sense.

  

Where there is sadness, joy. Life lesson: Enjoy a new pair of shoes. Never forget that people walk without them. I will never forget how happy the children were when they received new shoes. One girl was wiping the dirt off her new shoes every couple minutes because she didn’t want to get them dirty. The joy in her face I will never forget.

The kids don’t need to know about where we come from or what we have. Us being there, to be with them, is enough. To be with them is enough! No matter what they’ve been through, they welcome us to be part of their lives. We focus too specifically on a micro-level. These kids will always be here living their lives. After we go home to our comforts, these kids will still be fighting to be kids.

One of the biggest lessons that I will bring back is selflessness. I’ve been so touched by the generous spirit of the Bolivian people. Even the children are willing to take less cake at a party so that they can share it with others—what a beautiful lesson. For it is in giving that we receive.

Where there is despair, hope. So many have so little, yet have so much….A lifetime of history is seen in their faces. A world of happiness is shared amongst them.

From the volunteers I learned: Honesty and understanding, being true to yourself and finding the good in others. From the Bolivian people I learned: Joy through simplicity; appreciating meaning over monetary value; living in the moment.

You do not need stuff or money to give and receive the gift of love.

We need to accept everyone, as the children and people of Sucre have accepted us—not for what we have, but who we are.

From the people on this trip: I’ve learned that there are many different kinds of people on this trip. People that I normally wouldn’t hang out with. However, when given an opportunity to be around them, I have learned they are fun people. Overall, I’m trying to say be open to all individuals and do not make judgments based upon appearances, beliefs, actions, etc. From the people of Bolivia: They are thankful for all the help we bring them. Even if it’s something as simple as the hokey pokey.

People here are full of happiness and joy even when they don’t have material things. People are surviving with next to nothing. So when things get bad at home I will know that I still do have it good, and can make it thru with help of family and friends.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” I will take home the generosity and gratitude that I have learned to possess here.

It is in the giving of ourselves that we receive. A soft padded toilet seat is not a necessity when you don’t even have running water.

I’ve learned…Patience…I’m going to take back patience; the patience of the people and kids when interacting with us. I’m going to also take back hope and joy…because the joy seen in every child’s face is priceless, if they can be this happy with so little, then we can be happy with what we have…

Something I learned: Sharing hugs. Sharing jobs. Working well with others. Sharing life experiences. Learning so much about another culture. Watching people grow. Sometimes God places us in situations where we feel uncomfortable~~~Find peace.