Projects That Got a Boost
Volunteer Scholarships: Several volunteers signed up to take a special camp leadership training/retreat. Camp committed to paying a certain amount for each volunteer with hopes that the snack shop would pull in the funds needed to cover the commitment. When this didn't happen, Camp struggled to keep its commitment. Eric discussed this with the camp director. They decided that if Eric could buy his supplies with the base exchange of 7 Bolivianos a dollar and all the construction needs were met, the extra money he received from the inflated exchange rate, could be applied to help the volunteers. (Eric only exchanged a small portion of the money at first). And so, what was beyond his construction costs was funneled into an account to help with scholarships for the volunteers.
On the next round of exchange (another small amount), the dollar exchange rate went up even more, it was now 10 bs for every dollar. This unexpected turn brought us more extra funds which we used to cover salaries for the basketball court and a broken bridge railing that was washed away during the flash flood in February. Thanks to this boost in funds and pleasant surprise, we could also cover a fix-up job at the entrance to our main cabin as well. And with the third batch of exchange near the end of the trip, Eric paid for more sand and salaries. Then Eric, hosted a first aid class, using the extra money to cover food and transportation for 23 of the camp staff and volunteers who attended.
With the team goals met and workers paid, it was a moment of great satisfaction to see that we had not only completed our planned tasks but also achieved more than we had initially imagined. Our jars kept being filled, and our needs were continually being met, making us feel joyful,
accomplished and blessed...