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Bolivia-2007 Carol Hogan, librarian at Discovery Elementary school in Sammamish, joined the Smile Power team in Bolivia this year – the 10-year anniversary of Discovery students and staff sending their friendship and gifts to the orphans. Here are a few of her observations:
What was a high point? Touring one of the orphanages and seeing quilts we made 10 years ago still on many of the beds and cribs. What did you find most challenging? I struggled with the limited services offered and available to orphan girls, and tried, within the limits of my experience, to provide books to facilities that supported both boys and girls. How was the trip emotionally? I went expecting it to be emotional and it was. It’s so difficult to see the extent of the poverty, and wrestle with the knowledge that I was able to leave it to go back to my comfortable hotel with
air-conditioning, a hot meal, plumbing, and clean clothes. There were also times when I felt I couldn’t or wasn’t doing enough. How did you feel coming back home? There is some culture shock. Upon return, I think it is common to look at what we have and acknowledge our excessiveness. Any permanent changes you are making in your life because of your experiences in Bolivia? I know I will do more. I have never done anything like this on my own and feel more confident about future opportunities. What is something you will remember for the rest of your life? The faces on the kids when they get a book in their hands and they know it will be in their classroom forever.
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What experience was most memorable for you? One afternoon, we went to a school in the Barrio. The conditions were shocking and the children very shy. There was next to nothing in the classrooms other than wooden tables and benches. I knew these children had almost no exposure to books and was so thrilled to be able to provide them with just a modest start to their budding library. I felt that here, we really made a difference! 