SIDNEY — Carrie Blust, of Sidney, a Bluffton University junior, majoring in early childhood education and intervention specialist, studied in Bolivia from May 15 through June 3. The trip satisfied some of her college credits.
“Bluffton requires either two semesters of Spanish courses or a cross-cultural trip. Other locations included China, Trinidad, Kentucky, Chicago and Botswana,” said Blust.
While in Bolivia, the group traveled to Cochabamba, La Paz and Santa Cruz.
Blust participated in a short internship at Samuelito Gauderia daycare. Although she enjoyed it, Blust encountered an unforeseen difficulty.
“My head teacher spoke only Spanish and all of my children spoke primarily Spanish. The main way we communicated was through facial expressions, hand signals and objects. This really makes you realize how important communication and understanding is,” said Blust.
This difficulty followed her as she traveled throughout Bolivia.
“I know a little bit of Spanish — at least enough to get me by, but being in an area where most people do not speak English was quite the adventure. I’m used to being in a place where everyone understands what I am saying. Being in Bolivia, it was hard to communicate what I was wanting and in some situations, I would just get a look of confusion from the person I was trying to communicate with,” said Blust.
Blust was also met with other difficulties associated with traveling in a foreign country. She had to get accustomed to the water and food.
“In Bolivia, food is prepared differently than in the U.S. Foods are not always prepared in a way that our bodies can handle. I was not allowed to eat fruits or vegetables unless they were peeled, cooked or washed in the proper way. This was so hard! We would go to restaurants and receive vegetables, but we had to just set them aside. Another thing was the water. In Bolivia, the water could make us very sick if we drank it. This was quite the challenge. I had to either buy bottled water or look for filtered water stations,” said Blust.
Not all her time was spent trying to communicate. The group also did some sightseeing. Blust was taken aback at the sights she was shown.
“Bolivia is one of the most beautiful places. I had the opportunity to visit some waterfalls near Samaipata. This is the most beautiful area, full of trees, flowers, exotic plants and beautiful waterfalls. I got to see just how beautiful God’s creation is. I was near the Andes Mountains and it was the most breathtaking thing I have ever seen. I was honestly surprised by all the breathtaking nature and God’s wonders located in Bolivia,” said Blust.
In addition to the language barrier and the sightseeing, Blust learned from the culture and the citizens. Despite their differences, the residents of the area taught her about thankfulness and acceptance.
“While in Bolivia, there were some things that I would typically have here in the U.S. but did not in Bolivia. I didn’t always have heat, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, tap water, television or cell phone service, many things that our society finds to be important today. The experience really made me think of what I had and that I need to cherish what I have and be thankful every day. In the time I was there, I saw nothing but hospitality. The people I was with were so willing to open up to others, whether they had the means to do so or not,” said Blust.
When reflecting on the trip, Blust deemed it a success. Despite some difficulties, she was able to learn many things and carry home an appreciation for the culture.
“This trip allowed me to step past my comfort zone and put myself into a place of vulnerability and a place where I had to be completely open to new experiences. I honestly think that to truly understand a different culture, you have to put yourself in the culture and let yourself be open to new things. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world and I look forward to hopefully going back one day,” said Blust.
She is the daughter of Jeffery and Amy Blust, of Sidney. She is a 2014 graduate of Christian Academy.
