With only one month under our belts, I have anxiously been counting down the days. Bolivia has already become an experience to remember, with learning how to adjust to the altitude, days without water, navigating buses, the food, washing and hanging our clothes to dry, the different dialects, and Bolivia's very diverse culture.
Being a Latina woman who is already fluent in Spanish and has experience working with women and children of diverse backgrounds, I was not expecting such a culture shock. I have found myself turning to prayer and my community member, Allie Reynolds, for support and guidance throughout all of this. Allie and I are both learning to go with the flow, laughing through our struggles and learning to always be grateful for what we have and do not have. Some of the communities we have worked with, have no water, gas, or electricity.
With the short amount of time we have been here, I find myself being humbled and becoming comfortable with the uncomfortable. Bolivia has been a reminder to take one day at a time, ask for help when needed, and a reminder that it is okay to not always be in control but to trust in God and allow for the growth that is partaking in our lives each day.
Written by,
Andrea Gaitan
Bolivia Community, ‘17-‘18
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