Hermana Miranda Madsen: It's raining, it's pouring, we are never boring!

{I made the kids think of some new words to that song, because The Old Man is another way of referring to your dad, and it's such a derogatory, stupid song... but we never got very far, so all they would sing is, "It's raining, it's pouring, we are never boring."}

It continues to rain basically all day everyday. At the beginning of the week, the rain affected Cochabamba in a devastating way. About 10 minutes north of my house, a river became so full and strong that it created a landslide. The muddy earth took out many houses of the people in the town of Tikipaya.

The amazing thing about Bolivia is as soon as this happened, there were people wanting to help. The people of Cochabamba have gotten together and worked to clear the mud and make a pathway for the river. They work all day in the pouring rain, with their own hands. The Church has been a big part of the help. Sending their group of "Mormon Helping Hands," that constantly get caught on television.

I got the opportunity with my companion to go and help them too. We went with the YSA members of our Stake to bring hot chocolate and bread to all the workers and all the people who are in shelters who have lost their homes.

I have never seen anything like this in my life. The streets are completely full of mud. There are 2 meter high piles of it on the sides of the road where they have already cleared a path. The houses are completely destroyed, and the river is still moving very rapidly. There are hundreds of people that we saw without homes, without food; they are suffering, but they are always so grateful when people bring provisions. That is one of the most incredible things I have seen.

The people of Cochabamba have already given so much for those who don't have anything. They have beds, blankets, water, food, shelter, clothes etc. in the shelters. Even in one of the poorest countries in the world, they give all they possibly can.

I am so grateful for this experience I had. It was an adventure that humbled me. As missionaries, we serve. The service I lended this week was very unique compared to what I have done the rest of my mission. But I know that I don't have to be giving out food to the needy to consider myself in the service of my fellow man. I will continue serving and helping people in EVERY way I can.

Fun Facts:

- The school bell next to my house sounds like a bombing alert

- CARNAVALES: a time in Bolivia and other South American countries when the people celebrate by throwing water and silly string and foam. They also drink over the course of these 3 days all day long. So we gotta stay inside our house all day tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes!