5. Food
The food here in Bolivia is AMAZING! From cuñapes, empanadas, and salteñas to milenesa, trucha, and fried yucca, there are so many dishes that will be difficult to replicate back in the States. Many of the main dishes include chicken or beef. My favorite beef dish is like a pot-roast, marinated in lime juice and salt. It is so tender and flavorful! However, I usually find that the side dishes are the star, especially if it is made with yucca...fried yucca, boiled yucca, sonso, and cuñapes. It is all so good!
I will also miss the varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables that were always available. Walking down to the market and talking with the vendors was always time well spent. The best part was the prices. You can buy 25 mandarin oranges for $1!
I will also miss the varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables that were always available. Walking down to the market and talking with the vendors was always time well spent. The best part was the prices. You can buy 25 mandarin oranges for $1!
4. Public Transportation
I have to admit that when I first arrived in Bolivia, I was not a fan of riding in a taxi (movil) or on a bus (micro). However, the more I was out and about, I was so thankful that I did not have to drive on these crazy and chaotic roads. It could seriously be described as "Live Mario Kart." It was so convenient to walk out to the road and wave my hand to hail a taxi or bus and be taken to my destination without the fear of getting "too" lost or having to find a parking space.
It was difficult putting my trust in another driver, but it helped me to get over some of my fears of being a passenger in a vehicle. (I am looking forward to being in the driver's seat again when I get home!)
It was difficult putting my trust in another driver, but it helped me to get over some of my fears of being a passenger in a vehicle. (I am looking forward to being in the driver's seat again when I get home!)
3. Speaking Spanish
One of my goals I made before starting my experience in Bolivia was to improve in my Spanish. I am sad to say I don't know how much my Spanish has improved, but I have really enjoyed learning new words and phrases from my students, giving directions when in a taxi, picking up fruits and vegetables at the market, and getting to know people at church, as well as my students' parents. I hope to continue to expand my Spanish vocabulary and understanding when I get back to the States.
2. Living in Latin American Culture
I have really come to love living in the Latin American culture. There are many frustrating things like how being on time doesn't seem to be a priority and a dinner invitation really means lunch and staying the rest of the day. However, on the flip side, Latin American culture is focused more on relationships. When you are focused more on the relationship, you can't be too worried about getting to your next appointment. You are focused on people. The people are friendly and loving. When they ask how you are doing, it seems more personal. They really want to know who you are.
Latin American style church is also a different experience. There is so much energy and passion when singing. People aren't looking around at each other to see what others are doing. You will see people dancing in the aisles, clapping their hands, doing hand motions, and showing emotions on their faces. Pastors preach with gusto and intention. You can feel the Holy Spirit move throughout the service.
Living in the Latin American culture has taught me to be more people-focused and not so worried about time. It has also taught me about
Latin American style church is also a different experience. There is so much energy and passion when singing. People aren't looking around at each other to see what others are doing. You will see people dancing in the aisles, clapping their hands, doing hand motions, and showing emotions on their faces. Pastors preach with gusto and intention. You can feel the Holy Spirit move throughout the service.
Living in the Latin American culture has taught me to be more people-focused and not so worried about time. It has also taught me about
1. Teaching at the Learning Center
Teaching at the Learning Center has been a dream. After working in public schools throughout my college years, I had forgotten how joy-filled teaching can be, and it was refreshing to see a school focused on students learning and sharing Jesus with them. There were very few days when I dreaded getting out of bed and going to school. Not having the pressures of testing outcomes and evaluations removed so much pressure. Being in the classroom was fun! We were able to do projects, enjoy short videos that aided what we were learning about, share what was happening in our lives, encourage one another, pray with each other, and play basketball as a class when we accomplished all that we needed to that day. We laughed and cried with each other. We struggled and encouraged. We failed and accomplished. I will miss being called "Miss" and seeing my sixteen students each day. I will miss working with other teachers who are like-minded and focused on more than just academics. God has been so good to me, and I will forever be thankful for my year at the Learning Center.