A Few Pics for You

Coffee Roaster at Juan's
He roasts the same coffee beans as you've had from Bolivia's Best for sale in Bolivia
Your beans are sent in bulk to the States for roasting
He uses direct fire heat and the whole process looks insanely complicated
He has to stay diligent and pay attention the whole time
I know I'm grateful for my cup of java each morning!

Roberto's 2 sticker projects
He has the best handwriting I've ever seen
And he's pretty good at Uno too!

Me, Jen, and Craig
IOU interns with the orphanages and center
Jen and Craig are hilarious, kind, amazing friends

Living and Loving in Coch

Roberto, Erlan, Samuel, and Elian
Making sticker Projects at Villa Israel

Hola todos mis amigos! I’m here in Coch and already absolutely love it. This first week was a whirlwind of travel. There was a team here from NH and we did so many things including:

1. Sipi Sipi – outskirt village of Coch for a bread run to the kids, see Incan ruins
2. Coffee Roaster – Juan, a friend of the Timmers, has a coffee roaster for local sales, similar to that for the States
3. Chapari – jungle site of a few orphanages in progress, visit and bring mattresses, visit monkey park

I’ve been getting into the intern routine with Jen and Craig. Each week, we visit two orphanages, Frutillar and Villa Israel. We do homework, go to the playground, get afternoon snack, read Bible stories, play games, and color. We also go to the center to help tutor and play with neighborhood kids. God’s work is amazing and I’m blessed to be chosen in this setting, with these people. I absolutely love the kids and have been trying my hardest to savor every moment with each of them. I’m also enjoying simply living here—shopping in the market, going for runs, riding the buses, and cooking with roommates are just a few of the day to day events. I look forward to playing and attending soccer games, hiking a few mountains, and trying out new restaurants. I have a few firsts as well:

1. Riding atop the trufi up the mountain to the Incan ruins
2. Riding a moto (motorcycle) with Patto and Craig

International Cuisine

I'm getting really excited for Bolivian fruits and vegetables and the open air markets. As always, before I start on a new adventure, I ask myself, "What would Steve Brule do?" (Peter, how's that second stomach going for ya?")

In light of my Italian heritage, I wanted to share a sample of some pretty authentic, Italian cuisine I'm sure you've never tried before...and hosted by my favorite infomercial lady.

Lessons from the Moose Lodge

1. Remember what state you’re in. Laws vary.

2. He’s not staring at you. He’s watching the game on TV behind you.

3. Pre-packaged food can absorb unwanted flavors from the environment, no matter how thick the plastic.

4. There’s a reason children aren’t legal in bars, no matter how cute they look sipping 7-Up with Grandma.

5. Music makes the world go round.

6. Never go against the family. Moreover, do everything you can for the family.