Each visit to Amistad and the smiling faces of the children is wholly rejuvenating. Having recently returned from a trip to Bolivia, I wake up many mornings yearning to be in their presence and to start each day singing beside them at the spiritual reflection in the Villa. Whether new or returning, visitors are treated to joyful hugs and taken by the hand to share in the lives of these precious ones. It has always amazed me how the youngest children gravitate without hesitation to visitors who they have met only minutes before. As you see these moments unfold, and the comfort of a child resting his head on the arm of a new visitor, there is a palpable love and sincerity that is moving. We visit the children to embrace them and open our own hearts to them, and they respond with overwhelming gratitude and enthusiasm for our presence. It is a scene I have seen replayed many times while living and working in Bolivia, and a tangible reminder of how important these relationships are to an understanding of our global and spiritual interconnectedness.
Awareness of this bond between U.S. visitors and the community of Amistad in Bolivia particularly struck me on this past visit, as I sat alongside one other U.S. visitor in the Tuesday morning Mamás and Tías Bible reflection. Following the team-building activity led by Douglas, we gathered around the dining table of Casa San Martín and enjoyed tea and fresh-baked pastries. As they often do during these gatherings, jokes bounced around about events from the past week, with the mamas and tías enjoying a brief respite from their demanding responsibilities in the Villa casas.
The mood was light and relaxed until, almost organically, the issue of recent food and fuel cost increases came to the forefront. One mamá recounted the story of a family member who had recently waited in line at a stall in the Cancha (Cochabamba’s huge open-air market) for a bag of sugar. After nearly three hours, she was able to purchase this staple, but at a cost 40% higher than a month before. Mamás and tías nodded in agreement and shared similar stories reflecting a growing trend throughout Bolivia of increased food costs in potatoes, fruits, and chicken, among other goods. Most families in Bolivia spend the bulk of their income on food, and very few are insulated against these rising costs in the “canasta familiar” (family breadbasket) as they try to provide for the basic needs of their loved ones.
Listening to the discussion develop, I was struck by the wholly unique experience unfolding before me. When have you ever been a part of a dialogue in which the exorbitant cost of sugar and chicken caused real concern for the continued sustenance of your family? Consider for a moment what it might feel like to plan an entire morning around acquiring pantry essentials for the coming month. That, indeed, is what many Bolivian families have been doing in recent weeks.
To be certain, these difficulties should be contextualized and not over exaggerated in the midst of many tragedies faced around the world in Japan and the Middle East. Massive natural disasters and sectarian violence are not real threats to Bolivia. That being said, astute followers of Bolivian news will remember the devastating landslides in La Paz last month that destroyed over 500 homes and affected thousands in that city. In the northern regions of the country, Bolivians have struggled with unusual amounts of flooding this rainy season, leading to a destruction of many crops and delays in transportation of goods. Situated in the center of the country and away from the threats of large-scale natural disasters, the city of Cochabamba is quite fortunate in its geographical location. Nevertheless, the confluence of flooding, decreased food supply, and, ironically, increased exportation of some food essentials has circled around to affect costs of goods nationwide. Families in all parts of Bolivia are forced to consider cutting back on their already lean budgets in order to sustain their households.
This framework was the basis for the discussion amongst the mamas and tías and a strong reminder that the sting of increased food prices is very real and present. Thankfully, at Amistad the children have continued to receive all of the nourishment needed to grow and develop. We are blessed to have the loving support of many friends, and that support is being utilized to its fullest. Food is the greatest direct cost of raising a child at Amistad, and our food budget has already increased by 23% this year. Even in a healthy organization like Amistad, such a dramatic increase forces the staff in Bolivia to make responsible cutbacks in some areas, such as recreational outings to the city and favorite foods, and to reuse or conserve in others, like school supplies, clothing, and bedding. We are fortunate that the entire Amistad staff has remained intact and worked together to implement these plans, but the reality remains: increased food costs when supporting over 100 children has a large impact.
During this time and the weeks ahead, we ask that you pray for the country of Bolivia and the many people affected by the rise in food prices. Please pray for the families of our mamas, tías, educators, and staff that they may be able to provide for the needs of their loved ones. Please pray for the community of Amistad in Bolivia that they may continue to grow and adapt to these increases and manage the budget accordingly.
Thinking back to the conversation in the Mamás and Tías Bible study, the resilience and determination of these women should not be overlooked. At the end of the discussion, Mamá María Eugenia, who has been at Amistad for over a decade, reminded the group that many difficulties have been confronted and managed successfully over the years. “Each one is a new challenge, “ she said, “But God fortifies us in spirit.” Nodding in agreement, the mamas and tías finished this discussion and moved on to the upcoming weeks rotation of tías through the houses and designation of days off. Like the wonderful caretakers they are, these women forged ahead with the knowledge that they are the entrusted rock to ensure the continued growth of God’s children at Amistad.
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Below you will find a few pictures of the children from my most recent visit. Hope you will enjoy them.
