In the morning we went to a day care center for young children ages 2-8 years old. We were able to spend time with several of the children. As we began to learn more about the children we are working with, we learned the hardships that the students endure. It brought to life the vicious cycle that poverty provokes and the ways in which everyone suffers whether through neglect or abuse. This heartbreaking reality brought tears to ours because of the way children are exposed to difficulties that we have never had to endure. It made us reflect a lot on our lives and how fortunate we are to have had the childhood that we did.
Following lunch, we unexpectedly climbed a mountain to a Center of Support for Children and Health owned by sisters of the community. As we climbed the mountain, children began to walk with us towards the top calling us ¨hermanitas¨. They were all very happy to see us! We finally reached the top of the mountain with 60 children at this point! We played games with them including: four corners, futbol, Simon Says, jump rope, to name a few. Today we truly connected with the children of Cochabamba.
-Sara Gonzalez '13, Marykate Karnes '12 and Devon Clifford '12
