Cocha!

For the past several years I have had a deep yearning and desire to volunteer in a county outside my own and Sustainable Bolivia provided me with the experience of a lifetime. l am just out of high school and will now attend University with a vast amount of experience and knowledge which one can only get through travel. My decision to come to Bolivia was solely based on wanting to help others and to give of myself in a way that I could not, at home. I truly believe that God brought me here to Bolivia for a purpose far greater than what I had anticipated.

My 4 month experience has been amazing. I was blessed with 38 beautiful children, who live each day with so much joy and happiness. When I first came here I thought that I was going to change these children’s lives but what I didn’t expect is how much they would change mine. I am going home with a much greater understanding and appreciation for the smallest blessings in life. These little blessings, little pleasures and treasures are so great in the eyes and hearts of the Bolivian children. The owners and staff at the orphanage were so generous and kind; a true example of charity to all. We have much to learn from this culture!

While in Bolivia, I wanted to take Spanish lessons so I could communicate with the kids a bit better and so I started to take lessons with Sustainable Bolivia. I took Spanish lessons with their professors and I can honestly say it was very enjoyable and....very affordable! Sustainable Bolivia has very gifted and patient professors who were willing to help me beyond the classroom. They gave me hands-on experience by taking me out to the markets, fares and site-seeing where I could use the Spanish they taught me in real life situations. They certainly contributed to making my stay in Bolivia even more comfortable than I had hoped.

While staying at the orphanage, I had decided to experience a bit more of the culture by moving out on my own. I moved into one of Sustainable Bolivia’s houses so that I could meet more people and have a greater cultural experience. The homes are very welcoming, very comfortable and again....very affordable, for my small budget. It truly was my home away from home...and the people of Bolivia very quickly became my surrogate family.