The new editions...

Meet Elian and Franz, two Quechua brothers who arrived at Villa Israel about three weeks ago. They came from a mountainous region near Cochabamba, speaking only Quechua. When they first arrived, they were shy, sick, and hurting, having just lost their mother a few days before. Now, they are beginning to come out of their shells, and the other kids at Villa Israel have begun to treat them like part of the family.

Elian is a delightful six-year-old with a sweet, shy smile. He´s constantly chattering away in Quechua, and has a deep thirst for learning. He takes pride in learning his letters, and is content to draw or read for hours. He´s also got a mischevious streak, and can climb a tree like a little monkey. When you hear him laugh, it sounds like God´s joy is actually bubbling out of him!

Franz is a long-lashes two-year-old who still carries the weight of his mother´s death on his face. He likes to sing, and will also chatter away in a mixture of Spanish and Quechua as you hold him. When he first arrived, he couldn´t bear to be put down, and would scream and scream to be held. He´s slowly adjusting, and has learned how to cope without constant human touch. He loves to draw, and often waddles around the orphanage, checking out what the other kids are up to.

We are so grateful to have these two new kiddos in our lives, and we´re excited to see how God will grow them in their new home. Pray that they will continue to heal in healthy ways from their mother´s death, and that they will sink their roots down deep in the peace and joy of God. Pray that Franz will stay healthy, and that Elian will learn quickly so he can enter into school soon.

Thanks for reading,

Katie Stewart

New intern: Katie Stewart

Imaynalla!

My name is Katie Stewart, and I have joined the rest of the interns here until the beginning of December. It´s silly, really, that I haven´t introduced myself yet because I´ve been here nearly a month. This is my second time in Cochabamba, as my heart grew roots here when I spent the summer in Coch 2 years ago. I developed deep and lasting relationships with the kiddos at the Muyurina orphanage, as well as rich friendships with some of the Bolivians here that we worked/work with. It has been a powerful experience to be back here and to pick up right where I left off.

As for a little more about me... I´m a born and raised Colorado girl, coming from a small mountain town called Carbondale (near Aspen, CO). I graduated a year ago from Whitworth College (in Spokane, WA) with a degree in education, and spent most of my year out of college, working as a teacher. I LOVE backpacking and being in the outdoors with a passion (good thing I was born in Colorado!), and my family and I spend a good deal of our summers (and winters and falls and springs...) in the outdoors when I´m home. Music is also a passion of mine, and I hope to share it here through my pennywhistle I brought:)


When I return from Bolivia in December, I´m unsure where my path will lead me, but my hope and heart´s tugging is that I return to Coch. I have found so much purpose working with Latin Americans, and particularly Bolivians. I´ve found a growing passion for Quechua, and I´ve also been able to use my gifts as a teacher in so many ways with the niños here.


Bueno, I think that´s all for now. I´m including a picture of me and sweet Ana (from Villa Israel) at the end of this.


Tinkuna cama,
Katie

Interns + Kiddos= FUN!

(minus the two newest little guys...)