Intermedio Fun

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I became the weekend supervisor of the Intermedios for 7 weeks.  The boys are split up by age into their dormitories with the Pequenos being the youngest, followed by the Intermedios, the Medianos, the Grandes, and finally the Mayores.  So I had ten 9-11 year olds from Saturday morning until Monday morning.  I am again grateful that God sent me to work at the Eckerd camp before Bolivia.  I broke out a lot of skills I learned there, having the boys huddle up for behavior issues, sending table setters in early, lots of therapeutic group games, chief's log, and even reading a bedtime story.  Being a dorm supervisor is a TON of work, and I don't think it is by any means my full time calling while here.  But as long as I wrote out plans ahead of time, we had LOTS of fun!

Cleaning out the last of the cow poo from the pig farm that will be adapted for guinea pigs (we like our animals).

My boys working hard!

We also burned out some of the brush.

This was actually a failed attempt at punishment.  If they didn't complete their responsibilities in the morning, instead of going to the school soccer field to play, they would have to work in the pig farm.  I think they enjoyed working way more.  At least they ended up tired at the end!!

Forget October

I totally skipped blogging in the month of October.  Mostly because October was 98% horrific.  Really the worst month that I’ve spent in Bolivia in almost every way imaginable.  I can’t express how grateful I am for November.  So far, it has been the exact opposite of October.  I propose next year we do a double November and leave October out.

The good 2% came from the celebration of the BLC’s 8^th anniversary and some new job responsibilities for me.

Jose Armando and Alex acted as clowns for the Intermedios' presentation.  I was really glad they put their costumes on over their regular clothes since Jose Armando's pants fell down part way through...hysterical but unintentional.

The Pequenos did a dance to the song "Jesus is My Superhero" with the Tia's daughter helping out as Barbie.  They did a great job!

Brian gave a presentation about the new Adventure Therapy program with the help of mini-hiker Elvin.  Angel was there to dressed as the climber, but he stayed hidden behind Brian the whole time.

Papa John Hernandez shared the sermon.  The banner says, "Bolivia Life Center Happy Anniversary."

The Grandes made an awesome music video and performed the dance live.  They love their masks and gloves!

The Pequenos made a guest appearance in the Grandes' dance as their biggest fans.  Super cute!

The Mayores had an impressive mime act to share and Jhonny T. spoke about it afterwards.  Alberto, through tears, shared his testimony to close.  I am so proud of him and thankful that God has allowed me to know him for so many years.  I hope that many more of our boys will follow in his brave and loving footsteps.

I also received some new job responsibilities in October.  I am now the supervisor for the overnight and weekend staff.  Honestly it is work that I was already trying to do in the absence of anyone in that role, but without actual authority.  Actually having some weight will allow me to do a lot more than the basic maintenance that I was attempting.  I will also start hanging out more with Jorge, specifically when he makes purchases with the goal of my learning the ropes and taking that over as well.  I'm excited!  I'm also really grateful that God allows me to continue here.  It is a tremendous blessing to me, and I hope that I am able to bless the boys and staff as well.