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We had an amazing and eye opening first day at El Jordan. First we had the opportunity to shop for a real scenario. Typically, after school costs, bus fares, and other essentials, many women are left with only 10-20 Bolivianos (2-4CAD) to buy a meal for their family. Our group experienced purchasing for a single mom, Vanessa, and we could only get a couple cups of rice, 1/2 lb liver, small chunk of squash, and a few greens to feed her family of 7. We were surprised to see that most items were comparable to the prices we would see in our own grocery stores. Despite the fact that an average salary would be approximately 100 CAD/month here. After recognizing how challenging it can be financially, we had the opportunity to visit with several women who left the street life and regularly come to El Jordan. They graciously invited us into their homes to share their stories which were filled with abuse, drug addiction, prostitution and family conflict. With the strength found through their new relationship with God, many of them have turned to making an honest living and staying away from their old life despite the pull from friends, and easier access to cash. Our group visited Katarina and 2 of her beautiful boys (ages 6 and 8). She has had a particularly tough year, with a hospitalization, sister’s medical costs, a severe physical assault from her boyfriend, and ongoing conflict with her family. She asks for prayer to continue fighting the challenge of turning to substances when things are difficult and to achieve her goal of selling food full time to support her family. (She has already saved enough to purchase a small pizza oven!)Here is a verse from Corina at the start of today. “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” Proverbs 14:31
