El Alto, Bolivia. The highest metropolitan city in the world and my home for the next month.
My ministry this month holds a dear place in my heart. I am working at rehabilitation center for young women who have been admitted by family members or forced by court order to remain in this facility for six to nine months.
I’ve spent six days working with these young women and I have yet to see a struggling addict. What I’ve seen the past six days are sisters, mothers, friends, students, dreamers, lovers and beautiful women with full hearts and copious joy.
When someone receives the label of an addict many of us immediately have a picture in our heads of who this person must be. They must be selfish, needy, dirty, cruel and only considerate of themselves and their own desires. These assumptions couldn’t be further from the truth. Often people who struggle with addiction are trying to mask pain they’ve suffered in their lives and turn to drugs or alcohol for escape. No, this is not an excuse, but it is a why. Many of these “whys” are abuse, abandonment or sorrow. I encourage everyone to think about the “why” and consider the person behind the addiction before drawing a conclusion.
Two years ago, I lost a dear friend to a drug overdose. When I looked at him I did not see a drug addict, I saw a brother and a lifelong friend. I saw a son, a big personality and a charismatic soul. I saw the person behind the addiction that took his life. I saw the why.
This month, as I love and encourage the young women in the rehabilitation center I will not discount them as addicts. I will look at them as the incredible women they are and help each to see the bright future they could have in store for them. I want to face down every “why” and aid in the recovery process. I cannot wait to braid hair, paint nails, eat meals and drink Bolivian tea with my new friends.
Saying goodbye with a few pictures from the week! I chopped vegetables, hung Christmas decorations and played with babies Monday through Saturday. I know God has my team in El Alto over the holidays for a reason and I’m looking forward to everything this month will hold.
All my love from Bolivia!
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Veggie prep for two months worth of soup
My team prepped veggies, I kissed babies
Falling in love with all the babies in the house!
Making macaroni ornaments with my girl
A glimpse at what my Christmas will look like this year <3
