Transitions

Transitions are always hard for me.  I hate the pull of the comfortable to the uncomfortable, readjusting, being flexible with myself and others around me.

I always settle in quickly where I am, putting down roots and getting into the rhythm of a new routine, which makes it so much harder to pull up roots when it's time to leave.

I also love traditions, love the rhythm of repeating the same activities each year to celebrate new seasons.


Cochabamba doesn't really have much in the way of changing seasons, it has a whole different set of unfamiliar traditions, holidays and customs.  Leaving fall, gearing up for the holiday season, and coming back to the hot summer weather of Cochabamba was a challenge.

carving pumpkins

a favorite fall tradition

I'm learning how to make my own traditions, to let go of things that once thought were so important. Cochabamba is my home now, and part of making it my home means living in the tensions of missing my home culture, but being content in my new home culture.

Life in Bolivia is beautiful, but it brings with it so many stresses and challenges.  It doesn't feel like Christmas when it's 90 degrees and the palm trees are decorated with Christmas lights!

Since returning over a month ago, I've had lots of opportunities to be reminded of the beauty of where I live and the things Bolivia has to offer that Colorado doesn't.  Despite all the tensions, I wake up every day grateful to be in Bolivia and to be blessed to experience all the vibrancy life here brings:





dancing folkloric worship song

birthday party at The Center

carrying Eliana in a traditional aguayo

celebrating my friend Maria's graduation