The compassionate life could be described as a life patiently lived with others
-Henri Nouwen
Dear Friends,
Patience is required for life in Bolivia. I have to practice patience in soliciting a 1 year visa, in waiting for transportation on a daily basis, at the hospital, in cooking in the altitude, in being present with the suffering—almost all areas of life.
I sat in the hospital waiting with a friend this this afternoon thinking about how I would summarize my last month in Bolivia in a newsletter to you my dear friends. I remember when I was here in 2006 I sat in a waiting room with a friend from Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa home for the physically and mentally disabled). My friend was going for an annual check-up and the sisters decided to send the oh so willing servant team member with one of the ladies to the doctor. I sat in the waiting room for a few hours and remembered having just read the chapter in Henri Nouwen’s book “Compasssion” on being patient. Sitting in the waiting room in Bolivia requires patience and just being. In being patient I think I can love those around me better.
So, I have been here in Bolivia for about a month. It has been a full month in so many ways. I will try to summarize a few of the highlights of my time here.
I received an amazing welcome at the airport by a few of the staff and my family that I lived with last time I was here. I could not have asked for a better welcome. My Bolivian family immedietly wanted me to go home with them. I was able to rest a bit and spend some precious time catching up with them later on. I also received a beautiful surprise welcome at the Casa de Esperanza with the staff. I feel a part of the community here and am so grateful for the relationships that I have here.
I got to be a part of an exciting meeting my first week here. I met with the rest of the Suti Sana staff (4 other staff members) to dream and plan what the aftercare program for women coming out of prostitution will look like. It was a long 8-9 hour meeting, but I loved every minute of it. We’re hoping to start up Suti Sana in March/April of 2010. I will be a part of the mental health part of the program. The program will offer a sustainable job for the ladies who want to come out of prostitution through making purses, educational classes and discipleship. It is such a big endevour and there are so many details to consider. I consider it an honor to be a part of such an amazing effort.
There has been change since I was last here. Some of the change brings saddness. There are friends who have died since I was here last time. They all have names. I was able to visit Missionaries of Charity and see some of my friends and as I asked about some of the precious friends that I made there, my friends said “they have died”. It was hard to realize the reality of death among my friends here in Bolivia since I was here last time.
There are also many things to celebrate here. Two girls escaped prostitution and are living at a shelter in safety today. It’s amazing to see their gratitude and their celebration of the freedom they have. They have things to mourn, but celebrate as they look forward to the things that lie ahead for them. I hope to help them celebrate the freedom they have as they come to realize how they have been redeemed by One who knows every step they have taken.
I have new friendships to celebrate as I’m getting to know the new staff at Casa de Esperanza. I also have a great roommate and a community that is incrediblly welcoming. I love what I’m a part of here and am so grateful for your support through your prayers, love, letters and your your concern for me. I have attached a couple of pictures of a couple of my favorite things here in El Alto—the amazing staff that I get to work with and the view of the mountains that is a daily reminder of how good God is.
Thank you for your generous financial gifts and your continual prayers.
Much love from El Alto,
Alicia