beautiful, diverse, Bolivia

Every morning, I get greeted with a hug. Every afternoon, when it's time to go home, small little arms wrap themselves around me, telling me they love me. When I get frustrated with my class for not listening or following directions, little Andres runs over to give me a hug, telling me that it's ok, wanting me to feel happy. Is it an understatement to say that I love second grade?!

What I don't love, though, is continued visa problems. I have a week left on my temporary visa to start the process again, and it sounds like it's not going to happen in time. I'm told that my contract, along with the rest of the teachers' contracts, need to be re-written. My visa process can't be started until that is taken care of... Guess I've still got a lot more to learn about patience! I'm trying to take it all in stride, as God has been SO faithful thus far, but gosh, I just want that dang visa!!! Keep praying, please:)

walking w/ 15,000 other people

On a lighter note, a few weeks ago, I stayed up all night to walk 18km with my friends on a pilgrimage to Quillacollo, the next city over. We were joined by about 15,000 other people who were walking to celebrate Urkupiña, a syncretistic celebration of both the Virgin Mary and Pachamama (indigenous earth goddess).

Rosalia, Andreina, & me

It was a fascinating taste of what so many Bolivians practice as their faith beliefs. I'm glad I went, to gain a deeper understanding of these people I live among, and how they live. I was able to deepen relationships with the two girls who went with me, as well as practice my Quechua at 3am with my friend Filemon, as we walked along the paved highway, kilometers 9-12.

When we arrived in the wee hours, we watched campesinos flock in the thousands to the Catholic cathedral, where they made offerings and burned candles in honor of family members. Directly above the cathedral, the same campesinos would then ch'allar, which is an indigenous offering to the indigenous God, Pachamama, with colored paper, spilled beer, and small fireworks. Vendors filled the area in front of the cathedral, where you could buy caged birds for good luck, candles for your loved ones, and other superstitious items. It felt like a real live "Jesus in the Synagogue" experience. Wow.

a traditional breakfast of api and buñuelo
a warm corn drink and pastry

all my friends who went:
Filemon, Reynaldo, Rosalia & Andreina

Thanks, as always, for reading, and for your continued prayers and support.

My mailing address is the same as last year. You can write me at:

Cochabamba Cooperative School
Atte: Katie Stewart
P.O. Box 1395
Cochabamba, Bolivia

Check out this short video from the caminata.