The Journey!
I recently got back from my ´trip´ to the campo (countryside). If ever there were an authentic Bolivia its when you take a trip out to The suburbs to visit where (mostly poor) families live. There you get the real feel of what Bolivia is. The struggling grandmother taking home dried foods for her family to eat, that possibly consist of a few grandchildren she is struggling to look after. Unpaved roads, less sanitary environments (feacal matter thrown out everywhere) no bathrooms, no electricity, cheaper bus fare, sharing your seat with a child, large bag or even chicken…well rarely! Sheep, cows, llama, dogs roaming the streets as often as the humans. Children running in the streets barefoot, possibly with no adult in close proximity as they have to go and work to feed said children! In a nutshell its a site to behold and experience and usually a smell or two to endure also! But it puts you right into the struggle of the everyday people of Bolivia!
I confess at times, the thought of the journey alone has made me delay it a few days! But once you arrive, atleast I, never regret it! Even if I am offered a drink in a glass that been rinsed in less sanitary water, right before my eyes! Even if I am offered food that hasnt always been kept or prepared in conditions that I am used to (I have to say my girls are pretty immaculate!) Even if to use the bathroom means to stoop behind a bush, or aim into a hole in the ground, in a dark room! The journey always feels worth it to me! Because this journey leads you to a place mas alla (much further) than you can ´reach´ simply entertaining people in ´fancy´ venues in town. When you take this journey you show your friend, your child, your family that you do care, and that you are willing to meet them where they are at! I dont think you can put a price on that, and for every family, child or person I have ever visited I have always seen such gratitude on their face and been humbled by the hospitality they have shown me. Knowing that even a glass of coca cola they maybe offer me cost them something and that touches me..let alone when its giving a full (huge) plate of food when they barely have to eat for themselves!
So I encourage you, if you are a worker, who has families in poor places, cities, fields- take the journey! Even though it cost you something, it could mean everything to someone else and bring you much closer to the people you are trying to reach, not only geographically, but emotionally and even spiritually!
Well thats my ramblings for today, hope it gives an inside view of (my) life here!
Till next time blogging pals…..
