My how things change

First things first - I think I forgot to mention something the other day. You can't flush toilet paper down the drain. You have to put it in the trash... as we're on the subject - I had my first defecation and it was semi-solid. Yay me! Moving on...

Well I have had two action packed days in a row and I seem to be handling it well. I thought my body would have wanted to shut down by now but I guess mind-over-matter works. I really don't know where to start so I will just write even though it may not be in chronological order...

Let's start with this city. Obviously it's like nothing I have ever experienced before. It's organized chaos... or at least I think it may be me somewhat-organized chaos. People are everywhere. I really don't think there is a US equivalent - maybe NYC but even then I kind of doubt it. People are running here and there and selling things everywhere on the street. I snapped a couple of pics to share, but I can't always take my camera with me when I go out. But this pic doesn't do it justice.

Since I have been out in the city for two days now I actually feel like I'm getting the hang of it. I'm learning where to go to get things and how to get there. Van rides from where I'm staying to the center of the city are 1.5 Bolivianos which is less than US 25cents. So getting around the city is not an expensive thing to do. I imagine the prices have to be this low in order for everyone to be able to afford to take the vans. I have had quite the experience with the transportation system as 3 times I have had to run and try and fit in a bus so I don't get left behind! On one ride I was literally hanging out the doorway for the ride. But you have to make things happen here because they sure aren't going to be handed to you. I should add that I was almost involved in about 3 accidents this evening as people who drive here pretty much do what they want. I don't think I would ever want to drive here... and I like driving.

The Germans and the Scotts arrived today which has definitely made me feel better about things. Things are starting to take shape and it's been great interacting with all the new people today. Pretty much everyone is very friendly - only a couple of shy ones. I'm actually the oldest out of all of the volunteers that have come in. The next oldest is Rose who is a fellow American at 21. But all of the Germans speak good English and most are definitely better than me at Spanish. I am sharing "the flat" with about 8 other people both guys and girls. It's basically a coed living situation. We even share a large bathroom that has stalls for toilets and showers. I guess you would think of it as a woman's bathroom, but it's for everyone! Yea... may need to overcome some initial awkwardness there. Can't say I've ever pooped right next to a girl before... But nonetheless, it'll be great getting to know them all this next year... even if it's not in the way I would prefer...

Having people here that are about to do the same thing as me is definitely comforting and it sort of eases my mind. The task of being away from family and loved ones for a year is definitely not easy but having people who are doing it too helps to bond us quickly. I can't wait to see how God will use me to do things I didn't know I was capable of. I also can't wait to meet up with the church in La Paz and experience something totally new and awesome! I know God will move but this is definitely no HOPE youth Corps.

Here is a shot of the city when we were walking up to the El Alto markets. Enjoy: