This month in Bolivia, we are in a huge town called El Alto. We are on the upper end of the side closest to La Paz, and from where we sit, it feels quaint. There are more dogs than people during the day, and a cold drizzle exists most of the time. We have gotten to know the sweet couple who own the “Cheap and Beautiful Store” down the block from our house, and the beautiful woman who offers our daily bread and eggs.
We are working with an organization that houses and rehabilitates young men and women with drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders, and who struggle with depression and self-harm. The organization treats the teenagers holistically, and seeks to heal them from the inside out. The young people help run the house, each having their own responsibilities, and they attend bible studies, therapy sessions, and church on Sunday.
Our job as volunteers is to make relationships with the young people and show them an example of a life lived for Christ. During our last week here, we hope to share our testimonies and the Gospel with these young people.
I’ve had the privilege to work in the girls’ house this month. The following are actual conversations (in broken Spanish) that me and my squadmates have had with some of the girls.
(*Names changed for privacy)
Brittany is eighteen years old.
Brittany: Sister Ashley, how do you say “I wish my dad loved me” in English?
Me: “I wish my dad loved me.” Brittany, why do you think your dad doesn’t love you?
Brittany: Because he used to beat me when I lived at home. He beats my sisters a lot. He never told me that he loved me.
Alisha is fourteen years old. [After witnessing one of my teammates praying for another girl experiencing withdrawal symptoms]
Alisha: Why is Sister Lindsey closing her eyes?
Me: She’s praying for Angela’s hands.
Alisha: Why?
Me: Because her hands hurt.
Alisha: Does that work?
Me: Yes! Sister Lindsey is praying because we know God loves us and listens when we pray. He doesn’t want us to be in pain.
Alisha: (quiet)
Me: Do you know God?
Alisha: Yes. (gave an awkward, silent vibe afterward so I dropped that line of conversation)
(later)
Alisha (noticing the tattoo on my wrist): What does that say?
Me: Abide
Alisha: What does that mean?
Me: It means that I want to follow God for my whole life. I want to devote my life to Him, love him more than anything, and do the things he wants me to do.
Alisha: You don’t want to devote your life to your future husband and love him more than anything?
Me: I want to be devoted to him too. But my husband should devote his whole life to God too and love Him more than anything too.
Alisha: Is that why you’re traveling and doing good things?
Me: Yes! I love God more than anything and he wanted me to do this trip.
Alisha: I want to do that when I grow up too.
Me: Really?
Alisha: Yes! I want to go to college and become a doctor. Then I want to travel around the world and do good things for people in other countries, just like you.
Daniella is eighteen and has a two year old little girl.
Me: What are your hopes for the future?
Daniella: I want to get a good job selling merchandise. I want to be able to make enough money to buy a small house for my daughter, my mother, and myself.
Me: Those are beautiful dreams.
Daniella: I want a better life than I’ve had so far.
Anita is thirteen and started abusing alcohol when she was 9 years old.
Anita: Can we listen to “Oceans”?
Lindsey: ABsolutely!
Anita (after listening to a few worship songs): Have you given your life to Christ?
Lindsey: Yes, I have! Have you?
Anita: Yes
Lindsey: How long have you known Jesus?
Anita: For five months. Do you read your bible?
Lindsey: Yeah, every day. Do you read yours every day?
Anita: No, sometimes but not every day.
Lindsey: Why not every day?
Anita: Because I talk to God every day and it’s gold.
Stacy is eighteen.
Gabbie: Do you have brothers or sisters?
Stacy: I used to have five but now I only have three.
Gabbie: Oh? What happened?
Stacy: Three were shot in gang violence.
Gabbie: I’m so sorry to hear that.
Stacy: I’m still very sad. I miss them a lot.
These are just a few of the conversations we have had this month. These young men and women have experienced more than they ever should have had to. They have been abused. They have turned to destructive, scary alternatives to their lives because of the hopelessness they feel in their souls. They desperately need the saving, redeeming, transforming love of Jesus.
These kids are why I came on the World Race. These kids are the reason we need missionaries and kind, Jesus-loving people to go into the world and make it a better place. These kids are why I will never stop proclaiming the name of Jesus to everyone I meet.
Please join me and my squadmates in praying for the young men and women at this center. Pray for their rehabilitation. Pray for them to come to know Jesus. Pray for them to have the kind of life transformation that will change the course of their lives for the better.
Momma, Dad, Sue, LB, Aussie, Skouty- I love you more than words can say. I’m so thankful to have you in my life. Thank you for being the best family in the world. You’re my favorite.
