Once every two or three weeks the cook goes to the market to buy fresh vegetables for the next few weeks. First thing in the morning when she returns all of the girls are responsible for prepping them. The younger girls peal the beans and the older girls dice the green beans and carrots. It is an all day event, but it my favorite because I have a task and the girls just hang out and talk. Although I don't always know what they are saying they love to tell me their stories and I love to listen.
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Here in Bolivia, Halloween isn't exactly celebrated here like it in the US. However, on November 2, All Souls Day, we celebrate all those who we have lost. Many people from all around gather in the local cemetery to celebrate. The celebrations begin with a reading of all the names that have been lost (I was able to add my loved ones who I have lost, special remembrance to my grandparents, Margie, Milton, Martha, and Francis), followed by mass. After mass all those with loved ones set up decorations, their finest foods and beverages on the graves of their lost loved ones. The families hang out for the day and celebrate the lives of their lost ones while children run around and stop at each grave to pray that the souls of those lost will make it to heaven. In return for their prays the families give out bread. This is a day of celebration of the lives that have been lost and full of prayer that their souls will rise into heaven. I had a great time spending the holiday with the girls and experiencing this holiday in another culture. In the movie, Ferris Buller's Day Off, Ferris teaches us that everyone deserves a day to play hooky. So just as he taught us, today the younger girls got to skip school and go to a park. There is a bank in the city called Banco Fie that sponsors the girls. Once a month they throw a birthday party for all of the girls celebrating birthdays that month and provide them with a number of activities throughout the year, this trip being one of them. The girls had a great time playing in the water and watching the fountain show. Playing in the water with the girls takes me back to how the simple things in life can provide so much fun, especially when with people that matter.
Due do a few minor technical details this video can be viewed through Facebook. Click here to be taken right there! https://www.facebook.com/erin.brennan.104/media_set?set=vb.728351850&type=2 Today two of the girls, Jhorline and Micaela received their first communion. After the beautiful mass we celebrated together here at the Hogar. I have to say sitting down with all of the girls and the Sisters eating at the same time together really felt like family. It reminded me of the very large family I am so grateful to be apart of back home. So shout out to all of my wonderful family and for all of the great family dinners (special shout out to cousins Alex, Joey, Jaclyn, Elizabeth and my brother Ian as the little kids table in the middle reminded me of our days at the kids table.) It was a very special day for the both of them and I am blessed to have been apart of it. Upon Sister's request she wanted plenty of pictures and videos so I hope she and every one else enjoys this video. It only took me two weeks to learn all of their names, but now it is time for you to meet the wonderful women that I get the blessing to serve every day. Already learning so much from these women and having plenty of fun. I can't wait to see what they have in store for me next. (P.S. to watch the video in a higher quality you can change the quality setting on the settings icon in the lower right corner of the video.)As many know, times are changing in my life and the idea of where home is has been a reoccurring reflection. With the transition from Spring Hill College and home at 10 Cornelia to here in Cochabamba, I have struggled with the thought of where is home. Home is where the heart is and for now my heart is here. So I would like to show you my new home. Come check it out! Today a new chapter in my life and an adventure I have been looking forward to finally begins. It has been a day full of all emotions. There have been a number of transitions in my life in the past few months, but I am excited to start the life that lies ahead. As I sit in the airport I am confident that I am doing what God has called me to do and I am very excited to see what he is in store for me on this journey. It also comes to mind how grateful I am for this opportunity and how great the support of my family and friends have been. I wouldn't be doing this without them.
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Erin Brennan
For the next year I am volunteering as a Salesian Lay Missioner in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I am living in an orphanage of 45 girls and amongst the religious community of the Daughters of the Divine Savior from El Salvador. Archives
November 2016
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