bolivia: life at 13,000 feet

i landed in bolivia on thursday afternoon and went straight to the drop in center that is the heart of word made flesh bolivia. i had not slept for at least 24 hours and was introduced to a number of women that all welcomed me with a kiss on the cheek. the drop in center (casa de esperanza) is used as a safe place for women who work in the red light district of el alto. they have a day care so they can bring their kids while they sit and have tea or talk to a councelor on staff or participate in a cooking class. the center offers so many different ways for the women to be themselves for a few hours. one way they create awareness for the "casa" as its called is by visiting the brothels and letting women know there is place where they can come to take part in community. i went along with the team for visits on thursday night and was reminded of my time in kolkata. it was very different than the red light districts in kolkata or bangkok but the stories are often the same. so many questions came to mind as we walked through the brothels talking with ladies who were awaiting their next client. there is so much brokeness but the casa is restores beauty in this dark place.

the staff here have welcomed me with open arms and invited me into what life would be like as an american serving in el alto. i have asked some really hard questions and they have answered honestly. i have spent time with the staff members in their homes or going on adventures or simply just sitting and talking over a meal. i can see myself here. the ministry has componets that would be life giving such as a business helping to give women a means of earning money outside of the trade and mentoring/teaching kids as a way of prevention. i will be heading to lima on wednesday to explore life with word made flesh peru. i am hopeful that God will clearly show me where i need to be in the long run. i appreciate your prayers and words of encouragement as i continue on this vision trip.