Nov 30, 20193 min read

See you soon Bolivia!

My name is Monica and this summer, a bit last and a bit rushed, as often happens in my life, I decided to leave for a volunteer experience with the intention of living as little as possible time available that I had.

This is why I immersed myself in Bolivian life without precluding myself: I ate, drank and tasted everything that came to hand, like a child discovering flavors and aromas for the first time. I spent moments in silence (also because initially I did not know the language) contemplating rivers, and I crossed rivers on foot, by motorbike, by car, as everyone did with tranquility, as if it were the most common thing in the world.

I spent whole days dancing in the streets and in the houses, as I happened to be during a big party for the Virgin of Urkupiña, and I saw the traditional costumes and dances, also learning a few steps.

I saw poverty and it wasn't easy, especially when I found myself in front of children whose only home was a cardboard box. But then I saw smiles, happy eyes of children who just need someone to spend time with them.

During my days first at the Clara Luz kindergarten and then at the Rincon de Luz center I played, played and played, taught some gymnastics and played again. I worked with the teachers, doing what was needed most at the time: from helping with homework, feeding the children, peeling vegetables, and in this helping each other I created true friendships.

One of the most important things I bring home are the people I met, from children to teachers to families, who opened their home for me and who slowly began to consider me part of them.

One of the best moments was when Itania, one of the kindergarten teachers, sent me a photo of us with the words "Gracias Monica, fuiste y seras una gran amiga". I cried in greeting each of them, because I felt loved at all times.

In this month in Bolivia I have learned a lot, from how to make chocolate to take a trufi (Bolivian "bus") without getting lost in Cochabamba, but above all I have received more than you can imagine. Even in the most difficult moments (I spent two days practically closed in the house due to the cold with the shower spraying only frozen water) I felt the warmth given to me by the people who were next to me, playing cards with me or drinking a mate together in the evening.