St. Brigid Roman Catholic Church
Journal Entry -
January 3, 2008
Hello St. Brigid's community,
Happy New Year!! With the opening of the New Year comes a reflection on the past. I just recently arrived home after a very rigorous, busy and all around full year and a half in Cochabamba and Capinota , Bolivia . I did not think that the second half of the school year could be any more challenging or enriching than the first half, but it was.
After a three week winter break in July, we returned to school just in time for Capinota's theater festival as well as a myriad of national, city and community holidays/fiestas. In Bolivia , holiday or fiesta equals parades, which for schools equals band and dance presentations. With my love for the arts, I collaborated in nearly every performing arts project at the high school. And after all the excitement ended in July and August and after the exuberance of seeing students grow and learn so much from their involvement in the arts, I decided to take on a new challenge—bring new extracurricular/enrichment activities to the school and community. Indeed, education is not complete without the formation of the heart, mind and creative spirit. With your generous help, I was able to organize the following for my students:
- Two youth theater workshops given by the leading youth theater director of Cochabamba , Wiler Vidaurre. It was absolutely amazing to see over 90 students participate in drama games and acting exercises for the first time. None of the students had ever taken a drama or theater class and although incredibly shy at first, at the end of the second day were begging for more.
- Music workshop with a popular local band dedicated to inspiring pride and appreciation of Bolivian folkloric music . Over 100 students participated in this hands-on workshop that included everything from music theory to how a group produces a music video. Inspired and awestruck by these young local musicians, the students enthusiastically played their instruments and asked many, many questions.
- Field trip for the Internado students and staff (94 people in total) to Cochabamba 's Cristo statue, the city's botanical gardens and a local water park. The students who live at the Internado come from very remote areas of Bolivia and spend a majority of non school hours working. There is very little time for play when one must hand wash their clothes, cook over an open flame, walk over an hour to school and watch younger siblings. So, to offer a day off, a day of fun and relaxation brought tears to my eyes. The students explored and played like all children should. When I asked them what was their favorite part of the day, a majority responded, “Riding in the car boats. I have never seen anything like that in my life.” They were referring to the paddle boats in the park. What simple things can bring such joy!
- Youth leadership workshop focused on communication and diversity for 45 adolescents. This day long workshop challenged the students to reflect on their cultural background, take pride in their heritage and practice communicating effectively to create positive social change. This practical, dynamic training strengthened the self esteem of each student and pushed them to think critically about their futures.
- Community based photography project . There is nothing like witnessing youth discover new ways to express themselves and the people in their communities. Through my creative expression class curriculum, the 130 students were put in groups of seven, each sharing a disposable camera. There task: to document “the spirit of their community”. The students traversed the entire community, making sure their photos accurately depicted the joys and sufferings that encompass the everyday lives of the people.
The above activities were more ways that you , through your financial support and prayers, were present in the lives of Bolivian children and teenagers. And this is just a partial list! I was also able to do such things such as donate four hundred small toys to the Buen Retiro community Christmas party. The small matchbox cars, jump ropes, tiny dolls and kick balls will be cherished as the only Christmas gift many of the children received this year. I could go on and on…
There are so many stories and so much to process and continue to learn about life in the developing world. Bolivia still struggles to provide work for its people and many Bolivians are choosing to immigrate to other countries, while leaving behind their children. Many children work on the streets, do not attend school and suffer from malnutrition. AIDS is a new devastating reality. Although the poverty is overwhelming, I still have hope for Bolivia . It's a country rich in natural resources, a country struggling to embrace democracy, a country ready to more forward while valuing the wisdom of their indigenous cultures.
Although my commitment as a short term volunteer with Maryknoll Missionaries has come to an end, I know I will take my experience with me wherever I go and will carry the memories of the Bolivian people in my heart. I definitely plan to maintain my relationship with the schools and with Maryknoll and look forward to visiting or volunteering again in the future. As I took a final walk around Capinota in an effort to bid farewell and wish all a Merry Christmas, I realized through the hugs and tears of my neighbors and friends, how much a part of the community I had become in such a short time.
Once again, thanks for your prayers and support. Have a blessed New Year.
With profound gratitude,
Carrie Fuller
