Archive for October 8th, 2008
Bob’s report: Visit to Bolivia
Mission awareness trip
Aug. 30 – Sept. 7, 2008
Bolivia—rich yet poor
Rich as it is in minerals, natural gas and oil, Bolivia is regarded as one of South America’s poorest countries. Subsistence describes the struggle of many of our sponsored families. They are very much on the low end when it comes to the distribution of resources and opportunity. Yet they are very much on the high side on helping us to grow in awareness and grace. Characteristic of many CFCA projects in Bolivia is a guitar-toting nun and a chorus of highland children, smiles burned into their faces by the mountain wind and sun.
“The economic situation is out of control in our country … many times we are unable to offer the families what we have planned in our yearly work plan. This is the result of the urgent need for food. Our main products now cost too much.” Tamara Quinteros, CFCA Coordinator, Santa Cruz.
Memorable quotes
“My sponsor resides in the U.S. but she lives in my heart.” CFCA Cochabamba Scholar
“At CFCA I met God.” Cirilo, Cochabama
“I have two mothers … the one who wakes me up each morning and sings to me … and my second mother (Mary Jones) who is my sponsor. Even though far away, she loves me and is concerned for me.” Adriana, subproject Barrio Lindo, Santa Cruz
“Yesterday was my sponsor’s birthday, and even though he lives far away, we celebrated his birthday in our home in Barrio Lindo, Santa Cruz, Bolivia.”—Mother of sponsored child
Fruits of sponsorship
At the Comedor Cristo Mensajero, children, scholars and aging receive nutrition, school supplies, shoes and uniforms. We visited mother Genovava who raised eight children on her own after her husband died. Sponsored sons, Ismael, 19, and Alex, 18, both are about to finish college prep. The family has built a nice home with help from CFCA and two grown children working in Spain. (more…)
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