There weren’t mirrors to see what I look like; a week went by and I still hadn’t had a shower. I couldn’t tell if I smelled awful. With changing countries every couple weeks it’s hard to tell what is “normal”. We are sleeping on the floor of a church in the busy bustle of Cochabamba, Bolivia. Right next to some opera house. Every night it sounded like the Rocky Horror Picture Show live in my bedroom. Every Night. I think the best thing was the lack of shower. We had a sink and a toilet! Both were very handy.
As I walk outside, the beggars on the street were nothing like I’ve seen before. Little girls and boys were dressed in the traditional Bolivian dress. But you could tell they were the only clothes they owned. Ragged and covered in dirt. In front of you, some kind of music player with speakers would be placed, and the dancing would start. You could tell someone was making them do this because, they were typically rolling their eyes, dragging their feet, and pouting. After they finished their ten second jingle they would beg for money for as long as you were there. “Please, give me money”, ” I’m hungry”, “I have no parents”, If you don’t give me money, I’ll cry.”
Along with the children on the streets were elderly women. They looked up at you with kindness behind their deep wrinkles and rough skin from the sun. These women couldn’t even speak their own country’s language even though they have spent their whole lives here. They came from the mountains. Probably traveled to the city by foot. Maybe their husband died so they went to look for work. Too old to keep up with the farm themselves?
These aren’t your typical homeless beggars. No drunk and drudged up. Hoping for money to spend on their addiction of cigarets. They just want food. They want a home and they need car for. My heart is broken. How is the world fair? I just happened to be born in the right place. What do you do in situations like these? Pray? That’s all I can do.
Later in the evening, Katrina and I, were invited over to our new Bolivian friend’s house. We thought we were just there to hang out. Right upon our arrival we were handed a towel, soap, and escorted to the shower. Guess we did smell after all…
