Tis the season for celebrations

The cake passed the taste test!

Alandra turns 8! Although the older girls were away for the day on a retreat to a tía’s house in the country, the “pequeños” celebrated Alandra’s special day with gusto. 

This time of year is filled with activities, gift-giving, and gift-receiving. El Banco Credito visited Corazón del Pastor to meet and give presents to the kids as well as provide the homes with generous donations of food, pots, and other essentials. It is very exciting for the kids, and we are thankful for the help making the holiday a special time. 

Diego and his new truck

Because the kids are on summer vacation, we have also had more time to branch out in our exercise routine. Sunday the girls piled into the van to hike up to the quintessential landmark—El Christo de Concordia. As the tallest point in Cochabamba (and the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the world), el Christo can be seen from nearly everywhere in the city and is an important reference point for many newcomers. After two thousand steps to the top the girls felt accomplished—and also ready for a “refresco” at the snack cart.

Another day we walked to the stadium to run around the track and do exercises barefoot on the grass infield. For most of the girls, this was their first time in the stadium. Having been in a lot of stadiums, I have to admit that Cochabamba’s is quite impressive, with the surrounding mountain peaks protruding above the stadium walls. Because we are in the rainy season, the peaks are speckled with snow in the mornings.

The girls love basketball. After an hour of six-on-six we were all panting, sweating, and nobody wanted to go home! This was the hardest I have seen any of them work out yet. We also enjoyed our share of aiming mishaps, getting the ball stuck between the basket and backboard.

Sofia saves the day!

The kids each donated a couple of their toys to bring to the pueblo Mizque that we will visit in January. It is beautiful to share the process of gift-receiving and gift-giving with the kids.

Tía Magdalena and Tía Bicelia decorate the tree in Pedacito de Cielo

Sofia and Ana adorn Corazón del Pastor