(side note: SLM's means Salesian Lay Missioners)
I have finally arrived to Bolivia!
I didn't know that saying goodbye was going to be hard, it was very.....heartbreaking. And certain things happen that you can not explain, but they might just be for the best. But like I always say, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and if you love something (someone) so much, you let it (them) go and if it (they) come(s) back it's meant to be. Everything has been happening so fast it's been difficult to process but I know with the help of my Lord, I will be alright. I felt lonely getting on that plane so, yes, there were many tears shed but I prayed along the way and that helped me so much.
While waiting in Miami for my flight to Bolivia, I met a very nice woman who is from Cochabamba. She was very sweet and very motherly towards me, I didn't feel so lonely after meeting her. She made me feel really calm. She went as far as to giving me her number so that I can visit her in Cochabamba. She was so kind. It's nice to know that God really puts angels in our midst.
Going through immigration in Bolivia was really easy for me. I had no problem what so ever and I was also really lucky with my bags, they all arrived sound and safe =). Stephanie, Katie, Judy and Sor Nora were all there to welcome me, so I felt sooooo much better once I got to see them. They are all very nice.
From the airport we headed to a school that is run by the Salesian Sisters, they were all so kind and gave us some cookies and Coke to drink. I opted for water. One of the sisters needed a ride to the plaza in Montero, but the truck only fits five including the driver so Steph and I decided to ride on the back of the truck, I love riding on the backs of trucks, maybe of course NOT when it rains, but it wasn't, so it was quite enjoyable. Once we arrived to the plaza, we walked around because they were having a Catholic Fair put on by the parish that is there, I don't remember the name. We bought lunch, which took a while to get, like about an hour or so. We took it to go, and ate it along the way to Okinawa.
Before actually arriving to Oki, we stopped by a home. Sor Nora wanted to visit the family that lives there. The rest of the SLM's and I waited in the truck. This family is very poor, and they have 10 children. One of the boys, who seemed like about 12ish, older than the others, was outside cleaning a chair, you could tell he wasn't healthy, he had trouble walking. Some of his brothers and sister were outside playing as well. They ended up bringing us some cold Coca Cola in a cup, one for each of us, which I thought was very sweet since it's probably the only bottle they have. I don't drink soda, but I just couldn't reject it. It was so kind of them. Apparently in Bolivia, they love to drink Coca Cola a lot, it's a social thing, especially on a hot day, and believe me, it's hot and humid here, so that Coke tasted really good.
Once Sor Nora was done, we were starting up the truck to head to Okinawa, but the truck wouldn't start. Apparently the battery is old, but luckily it's stick shift, so we all got off to push the truck, while Sor Nora put it on neutral to start it. Talk about an initiation =). But I didn't mind at all. =) Finally we arrived to Okinawa, and I got to see where I live. It's a really nice, small and humble home with the normal necessities. I share a room with Judy and I sleep on the top bunk =). The bunk bed is surrounded by a mosquito net, which is reeeeealllly helpful. (side note: I did get initiated by two mosquitos already =) yaaaaaaay)
It was Sunday, so after getting a bit settled in we headed to the church, and part of the SLMs work is to help out with Confirmation. Katie said I didn't have to go but I decided I would, just so that I can see how it goes. Right away I was put in a classroom with one of the sisters. The young ppl here, are very interesting, you can tell they are the typical teen not interested in Confirmation, idk if any of them are even ready. But ppl try their best and I saw right away how different their culture is from mine but I'm not here to judge, I'm here to help, and if I can bring that Salesian Spirit and love of Christ that I have to these young ppl somehow, then I've done my job. They may look at me weird, and probably are already, but that's ok, because I am who I am. They made a comment about my spanish, they said I sounded like if I was an Espanola, lol someone from Spain, interesting. I told them I wasn't, but I spoke differently because my family is Mexican.
Confirmation here, starts at 4 and ends at 8, which in my opinion and in other SLM's opinion is too long for the teens, but who are we to judge, we are just here to help and make it as much more enjoyable as possible.
After Mass, we headed back to our home and had a small dinner. I took a shower, which felt soooooo refreshing after the long trip though I had some trouble getting warm water, so I took a cold shower, not the best feeling, but luckily because it was so hot and humid, it felt like heaven. I need to make sure I get it right for when we have cold weather. Cold showers then, wouldn't be fun at all.
So this is all I have for now. I'm not going to lie that it's a bit overwhelming, but I hope to get the hang of everything soon! All the sisters are sweet, and I can't wait to meet the little ones. Keep praying for me, and I will pray for you all back home.
If want to email me it's: lorena.zamora21@gmail.com (we can also do google hangout with this email if you have google plus, but schedule a date with me first)
Contact me through google voice: 323-609-DIOS <----not kidding (I'll get a cell soon enough)
Skype me: lorena.zamora21 (we will schedule)
Send me letters or packages ( I WILL ABSOLUTELY APPRECIATE THESE) to:
Hogar Sagrado Corazon
Casilla 4
Montero, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
or Facebook me...
Just to let you know, I won't be having a lot of time to contact all of you, because I won't be on the internet all the time. We are always busy. So just keep a look out for when I'm online and don't feel bad if I don't respond quickly to your messages, but please don't hesitate to send me an email or two, it really does help me continue my mission because I do miss home, and contact me to schedule dates.
I miss you all!
Lorena <3
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