When I first applied to be apart of LPF I hadn't a clue what I was getting myself into. Honestly, when I originally signed up I was not even too sure about details to the program at all, however, I knew it was centralized around women's soccer, adolescent girls, and the fight against gender inequality, all of which I wanted to be involved in. Throughout all of my preparation and fund raising, this trip became one of those things that I thought would never come. It is scary to think that now it has come and gone! As contradicting as it sounds, this has been the longest-quickest-most productive three weeks of my life.
Although, I feel selfish. I am afraid that I may have learned more from these girls than they have from me. While working with these girls I have discovered the power of relationships. Regardless of the language you speak, just taking an interest in someone, taking the time to care about another's thoughts, feelings, or dreams, can truly make a difference in how they may see themselves and others.
From these local Bolivian girls I have learned about real, genuine generosity. Majority of these girls have very little and not much is expected from them outside of the home. Yet, each day they offer candy and small gifts to us. Lizeth even brought us bags full of empanadas that she had spent the previous day making herself! It is hard to imagine that outside of the fast paced world we live in, with children that automatically expect so much, that this selflessness does exist. It's more than refreshing, it is a diminishing beauty in humanity.
From these local Bolivian girls I have learned about real, genuine generosity. Majority of these girls have very little and not much is expected from them outside of the home. Yet, each day they offer candy and small gifts to us. Lizeth even brought us bags full of empanadas that she had spent the previous day making herself! It is hard to imagine that outside of the fast paced world we live in, with children that automatically expect so much, that this selflessness does exist. It's more than refreshing, it is a diminishing beauty in humanity.
