I receive a lot of questions from friends, family, and even strangers about how we’re doing and what we’re learning while in Bolivia. I try to thoughtfully answer each inquiry, but I also thought it’d be fun to periodically post a general status update with the current highlights of our adventure. So without further ado, here’s what the last week brought our way…

1. What was the best or most delightful part? Making new friends. We met 4 new families this week and, for me, building community is the key to a successful travel experience. I enjoy hearing everyone’s story (where they’re from, how they ended up here, what they enjoy doing, etc.) and getting recommendations for things to see and do in the area. One great conversation is more valuable for me than reading an entire travel guide, in terms of planning our outings.
2. What was the worst, most disappointing, or most difficult part? I got utterly lost in a desolate area at night with the kids – no phone service, no taxi cabs, no directions. I had to accept a ride from a stranger, and I’m never going to let that happen again.
3. What do I love the most about my adopted home? The people, hands down. They are amazing. I have to ask for help with something at least 10x a day, and that’s not an exaggeration. 10 out of 10 times, there is someone willing to do what they can to help. No one is ever too busy or disinterested to lend a helping hand.
4. What would I change if I could? I would get internet on my phone for a reasonable price so I can use my GPS. I really dislike not being able to pull up an accurate map at any given time. I can get a local SIM card and temporarily have a Bolivian number & internet on my phone, but then my business calls won’t come through.
5. What mistake did I make? I practically brought an OTC pharmacy with me, but I forgot to bring diaper rash cream. I don’t use it at home, so it never even occurred to me. I have literally every type of medication I thought we may even possibly need, to the tune of a couple hundred dollars, and it’s pretty much just all sitting here unused. But now my youngest has a heinous diaper rash. I have to believe it’s something he’s eating here because it’s never happened before. Tomorrow’s assignment: Find diaper rash ointment and put him on a very mild diet.
6. What did I learn? The garbage truck drives around blasting the EXACT same music as the ice cream trucks in the U.S. Imagine the kids’ disappointment when we all ran outside for…the garbage.
7. What do I miss the most about home? Healthy delicious food is the honest answer, but I feel like a broken record on that topic, so I’ll go with my #2. I miss the predictability of our days. I haven’t even opened my calendar in weeks because I never really know what we’ll be doing from day to day. So much depends on who we meet and how we’re feeling.
8. What new word(s) did I learn? sin corteza (crustless, as in bread); la caja (box, as in doggie bag); los juguetes (toys, as in we don’t have enough of them here)
9. What did I learn about myself? Sometimes, I just need to recharge and “be,” and the only opportunity I have for that is when I let the older kids use the iPads while the baby takes an afternoon nap. If we go too many days where he’s napping in the carrier while we’re out of the house I start to feel desperate and overwhelmed. It’s the only time, so far, that I’ve felt that I want to return to the U.S.
10. What did I spend money on? I’ve spent roughly $370 in the last week. $170 on a 2-week creative movement/theater/music class for 3 of my kids, $100 on groceries, $60 on 2 much-needed restaurant visits, $20 on taxi rides, and $20 on entertainment which is ridiculously inexpensive here. The class was a one-time hit, and this is the first week that I’ve had the $60 restaurant tab, so I’ve been averaging about $130-$150 a week in expenses with most of that in the form of groceries.