Wednesday – 8/19

After our amazing sponsorship day, I, at least, thought today might be anti-climactic. I had even had trouble falling asleep last night because I was still on an adrenaline high. But I was wrong!
We head out each morning at 7:30, showered, dressed, and fed. Back out to Colomi. A few words about the drive. The main roads are paved and fairly smooth but always two lane once we are out of the city. Some of the side roads are paved with stones, laid down by hand. And we travel with trucks – lots and lots of heavily loaded trucks. And this is a vertical landscape so when behind a truck, or often a whole line of them, we crawl along at about 5 miles an hour until it is “safe” to pass. Safe is a relative term but no accidents so far. However, the views are spectacular! Occasionally there is a little shrine beside the road.
We arrived at the Colomi office about 9 and got our usual coca tea. The warmth of the drink itself and just holding the mug are quite cozy – remember, nothing is heated here (except the hotels – praise the Lord). We trotted up to the top floor for a orientation about the Channels of Hope for Gender and Economic Development. They are really tied together.
Channels of Hope is this incredible program. In areas where the role of women is very subservient, WV comes in with a Biblical training about gender equality. Usually they begin with a week long training for faith leaders and their spouses, from any faiths in the area. Deeply held beliefs are transformed. The faith leaders then return to their communities and teach their people. It is not an overnight transformation but as women also start to help their families economically, the change begins. We met with two of these associations later in the day.
After our orientation about these programs in this area, we drove out to see the Women’s Weaving Association. Greetings are always over the top – warm and wonderful. A large group of women were gathered around a small building. As we stepped out of the bus, a large handful of white confetti was dumped on our heads and then a knit cap pulled onto our heads. We were delighted. We were welcomed into the building where the walls were covered with pieces of their knitting. This building also housed the two knitting machines which were provided by WV after the women had provided the materials – wool. Each woman gets 2 days a month on a machine so more are obviously still needed. The association leaders shared with us. Initially their husbands were against this and some women were forbidden from attending. Some men thought they were just sitting around talking rather than helping in the fields. But when the women started bringing in money, ideas changed and husbands began to let their wives come. All of this sounds appalling to us but it is slowly changing. For example, one husband said that before his wife started making money, he just saw her as a part of the house, like a wall! Now he values her and wears some of her knitting. Another woman said her husband doesn’t yell at her any more. When asked if her husband takes her money, she responded, “No way, Jose!” George claims he translated correctly! These women are so amazing. They have been put down because of their gender since birth. But they are finding their voices and becoming so strong and becoming leaders. They still work so hard but they now reap the rewards of that work. Then the shopping began! All the items on the walls were available so most of us bought at least one item. Back outside, full plates of food began to appear. Here, one honors people you feeding them, like my bags of potatoes yesterday. The plate held three types of potato, a tomato, onions, and cheese, and a lake trout. Well, this was lovely but we knew we were going to have lunch too! However, the food was very good so we all ate more than we thought we would! The rest we put into bags to take back to the ADP – no waste! Darling children ran around and sweet babies toted on the back. Because they are always packed up, I haven’t had my hands on a baby yet. : (
We hit the road to go to lunch! We drove some distance and the terrain changed dramatically. It was still very steep hills and stony cliffs, but the vegetation was so different – lush and green, ferns and some flowering trees and shrubs, an occasional palm. It reminded me most of the hill country of Maui! We were also on a narrow very windy road – shades of the Road to Hana. However, it wasn’t quite as warm or tropical feeling. After driving a while, we stopped at a restaurant for second lunch! It was a tiny place with a set menu. There was a small tank where fish could be netted to eat and there was a beautiful loud parrot decorating a tree. While waiting, oh so eagerly! for our food a man came around with a bag of coca leaves for us to try. So I grabbed a couple of dry crunchy leaves. They didn’t taste very good so after a few chews, the wad fertilized the plants behind me. No buzz even! A full plate of fish, potatoes, rice, and salad soon appeared! So we valiantly tucked in and ate what we could.
Following lunch, we waddled back onto the bus and continued down the windy road. Then we turned off the stone road and bumped down a dirt road to visit a pepper association. Well, our greeting here took our collective breathe away again! Again we got baptized with confetti and then garlanded with these most amazing huge leis! They were made out of fruit, vegetables – many of them peppers, and flowers – most of them callas! These leis hung past our waists! I felt like the vegetable fair princess! It was hysterical and lovely because they had gone to a great deal of work to welcome us. Around the edges of the covered area we sat under was decorated with garlands of peppers and bunches of callas were tied at the corners. So dear,
And then our third lunch was trotted out! This time it was stuffed fried peppers and other side dishes. We politely picked away but the peppers were very good so we plowed through those! Again, the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit is amazing, I feel like I have never worked as hard as they do every day a single day in my life! They put me to shame but also make me feel humble and grateful. We then heard their stories about raising peppers and wanting to expand to processing.
After this lovely time, we, guess what, headed back onto the bus, leis intact. We went back to the ADP office to bid them a reluctant farewell. It’s hard to imagine how close one can get to people in just a couple of days. Their expressions of gratitude and joy for our visit is always overwhelming and tear inducing. We are the blessed ones and they treat us like royalty. After our farewells were exchanged, they presented each of us with a scarf and pair of gloves made of llama wool!!! So beautiful and such a lovely gift.
After leaving the leis with them to plunder for the food, back to the bus and to Cochabamba for another late dinner, devotions, and thank you note writing.

Writer’s note – please excuse the lack of editing and pictures. All will be done at home as now I am just seizing internet moments and time!

Blessings to all.

Colomi new ADP – about 5 years