OMG!!

So I just got finished reading Beth's Blog and I cannot wait. I can totally admit that I had goosebumps and tears all at the same time. I am a seasoned traveler, but not like this. This is going to be amazing. The one thing that I cannot seem to do is pack. I leave in 6 days and all I have is 200 books. HAHAHAHA! That may be all I need; heck, it is the reason I want to go. To see their faces light up as we hand them the books is what I cannot wait to see!! As it gets closer I am more and more anxious about what I will learn about my new profession, about the people of Cochabamba and myself. This journey will be great and I am excited about spending it with 11 wonderful people! :)

Theresa

One week

Well, in one week my group and I will be on a plane heading for Bolivia. It's both scary and exciting at the same time. I am very proud of my school for raising over $300 on Hat Day for the library. As I have learned, the library is in desperate need of money. I have around 25 Spanish picture books and novels I will be presenting to the library to use. Well..still a lot to pack and finish before Monday, I better go get to it!

Laura C.

Building Momentum

I am getting super excited about our impending trip to Cochabamba and Biblioteca Th'uruchapitas. My excitement is proving contagious as I have been able to get my school excited about this project as well. Like Shea, I have set up a tree in my media center, the "giving tree" has been rather popular. Each heart has a request for a Spanish language book to be donated to the Biblioteca. I'm very excited that tree is starting to lose many of its hearts and cannot wait to receive these books. I was also able to speak at a faculty meeting to explain the importance of my trip. I was slightly nervous at first to present this opportunity as I live in a county that has faced much economic hardship. How can I go in front of people and ask for money when money is hard to come by for them? Not to let me down, everyone has been happy to help out. Each classroom is equipped with a Books for Bolivia bottle where students and staff can drop change to provide books and materials for the Biblioteca. Last week I had a kindergarten teacher walk into my room with several Spanish books and ask if I'd like to take them on my trip. I'm very thankful for everyone who has been so willing to help out. I cannot wait until we arrive in Cochabamba and get to see the people we are helping out!

Starting Up!!

So, I have already set up my book tree in the media center. It is decorated with ornaments requesting children's books in Spanish for ages 7-12. I also displayed some of our library books about the country of Bolivia around the tree for people to see excatly where I will be going. I have a change jar set up on the circulation desk asking for donations as well. It is where students can easily see it when they come to check in or out books. I will begin selling candy February 1st after school in the hallways. I am going to Sam's to get the candy and will be selling it for one dollar everyday after school. I am also selling those Alpaca wool scarves and so far they are a hit. I have already sold 10 scarves to teachers at my school. I am selling them for 10 dollars and asking them to write down at least 2 colors for me to look for in Bolivia. I have already received 5 spanish books and a 50.00 donation check from teachers. Everyone is already asking and showing their support for this project. I know when I begin selling candy students will become more interested as well. My principle will begin adding it to the morning announcements in Feb. reminding everyone to bring in books. I think that will make a big impact as well as she will remind everyone daily. I have gained some very positive feedback from everyone and that makes this project even more exciting. It's amazaing how people want to help for a cause taking place so far away. I never thought that I could raise money and make a difference. So far it has been so easy by just getting the word out!! Well that's all for now. Hope things keep going great! I expect they will and can't wait to see what donations will come soon!