Tragedy in Vinto, Bolivia

The past few days have been some of the most shocking and saddening days I have spent here in Bolivia. It all began on Tuesday night, but I didn't really realize it. I had been in the library talking to friends when I heard the ambulance leave and eventually return. I walked downstairs to return to the guest house when I noticed the E.R was full. That is a bit unusual for a Tuesday evening in Bolivia. I noticed there were several children in the picture. I decided not to bother the doctors and nurses because they were obviously extremely busy. I went back to the house and went about my own business.

The next morning we walked to the hospital to get the doctors who were going with us the the school for the VBS clinic. When we reached the front doors I saw a very unusual scene. There were about 30 adults in front of the hospital who appeared to be crying and very frazzled. I found out there was a TERRIBLE wreck on Tuesday night. Apparently 17 people (mostly children) were in a taxi type car on the way back from a school function. The driver was drunk and lost control and flipped the car down into a "cliff." Eight people were killed in the accident several children, and several parents. The rest of the children were badly injured and brought to the hospital.

The second I heard the story my heart shattered. I watched as the nurses took bags of clothing in red bags to the people standing outside. The parents were unable to go into the hospital because of the amount of trauma that had occurred. The children looked frazzled and scared. I of course was unable to go back and talk to them because of the amount of chaos surround the hospital. I did however have to opportunity to talk to a man by the name of Marti. I noticed him immediately and felt like the Lord was telling me to talk to him. He had tears in his eyes and was trying to hide them. In Bolivia (from my experience) it is very rare to see people cry, especially men. He told me that his daughter, Christina had been in the accident and was in the hospital. He told me how many of the others died and how lucky he was. I of course was unable to talk to him much more than that, he was very determined to talk to the nurses.

I wanted to tell you this story to ask for your prayers. There are many families who are devastated here in Vinto. I am planning on hanging out with these kids next week (if they are here and not transferred). Pray for the families, the children, and the people who are caring for them. Pray for open doors to talk to those who have been devastated by this accident. Pray that many will see Christ through this experience.

Today was also a very eye opening experience. A few of us went this morning to help out at the baby orphanage. The ladies who work there were telling Shelly and I some of the stories of how these children ended up in the orphanage. My heart sank as I listened to what these kids have lived through. I already told you the story of Arminda, whose legs were broken by her mother and skull cracked by her father. Sadly she is not the only one who has lived through tragedy. The 3 or 4 month old little boy that we had been caring for has apparently been raped by a grown man I had terrible complications. One child had been abandoned on the stairs of a church, and another taken from his alcoholic parents who were living on the street. His father is now in prison.

I suppose my point in telling you guys all this is just to remind you how lucky we really are. In America we have laws that prevent 17 people being in one car. They do their best to stop drunk driving. We have a police system that is not corrupt. We are so blessed to live the way we do. There are so many people suffering every day from tragedy I could never even imagine. Perhaps the saddest part to me is realizing that abuse, neglect, and rape do not just happen in the 3rd world, they happen to children even in our own backyards. I guess for me it took seeing tragedy, or holding the precious children who have been victims of things unimaginable to see the corruption in our world.

There is always hope in these situations. We have a God who loves us and sends people to minister to the broken hearted. He has places like hospitals of hope all over the world with men like pastor Nester Hugo to talk to those who are hurting. He sends people from all over the world to pray and care for the broken. He provides peace, comfort, and care through His people to reach those who are lost. Please pray for Bolivia, for the parents and families who have lost those they love. Pray for the children at Casa de Amor and for those who provide constant care for them. Pray for a bright future, with parents who will love them, not abuse them. Finally, pray for those who are using their lives to show love to the lost.

Anna

-ps I am sorry for any error in spelling, grammar, or punctuation. I have very little time to write these blogs. I often times just sit down and type as fast as I can so I don't loose internet connection.