Exciting Developments...

I apologize for the delay with this post. I have been occupied with many other things and have not had a chance to write an update. All is well in Cochabamba at the moment. The last two weeks, I have been working on several projects that i mentioned in the last entry. The micro enterprise continues to develop and go very well. We surpassed the 2000 Boliviano mark in sales this week. I was very excited about that. That is a lot of bread that we have sold. Thus far, our principle prodects have been empanadas, cakes, cookies, and bread. We added a new type of bread this week called “pan integral” or “ch’millo” in Quechuan. It’s a darker type of wheat bread that is healthier, and I prefer it more as well. This week we are planning to experiment with some new products such as brownies and bagels. Our production and delivery processes have been streamlined in the last two weeks and my direct involvement with the selling of the bread at the language institute has decreased. This is a very positive step, because ultimately, the goal is to have the bakery function completely independently without me or Chris. I am very encouragement by the progress of the micro enterprise and the leadership at the Villa has been very open and enthusiastic about the idea.

Yesterday, I went with the the Peace Corps volunteer (Corey) who is working with us on the project around the city and did some market research. We went to seven bakeries and some open air markets to try and gauge some potential markets. We learned a lot and will be trying to branch out our clientele in the next few weeks. The next important step is to acquire another oven and to further involve the kids in the production and administrative processes.

Also, today we had the second consecutive mass at the Villa, said by one of the fathers studying here at the Language Institute with me. The kids have really enjoyed having the opportunity to participate in a worship service in the Villa. We have priests signed up for the next few weeks as well and I hope that this can become a permanent fixture at the Villa. It is a great service to the kids as well as to the priests who get an opportunity to practice their Spanish.

My language learning continues to go well. I have become very comfortable in conversations that last few weeks. This development has been very encouraging. I have also began some new classes. After finishing my textbook, I had the opportunity to select my own classes. I enjoyed my classes more this last week than any previous week. I am taking a grammar class, a class on the Bible, a class on legal terms and the Bolivian court system, and a class on current events and history in Bolivia. It is very nice to just have conversation classes. I will likely continue with the schedule for the remaining three weeks.

The pictures at the top are of two celebrations we have had recently. One is of the Father's day celebration we had this past Monday. The children of the Montessori program (3-6 year olds) at the Villa treated us to a very nice breakfast, complete with cards and song. The other is of a Saint Patrick's Day celebration that the Irish priests hosted for all of the students and teachers. I am pictured with two of my classmates (Martin from Korea and Michael from Ireland in a truly international Karaoke experience).

As I enter into the last month of my time here, I can’t believe everything has gone so quickly. This experience in South America has certainly been everything I could have hoped for and much more. I eagerly await what the next month has in store. I am confident that this will be my most productive time of all here as my improvements in language are allowing me to do more everyday. I appreciate all of your prayers and thoughts. I look forward to sharing and catching up with everyone in the next month.

Thanks for reading,

Gray