It is hard to believe that we are nearing debriefing here in La Paz! Our Volunteers are spending their last week in communities trying to enjoy every moment to the fullest. Before leaving, Volunteers will be finishing up CBIs (Community-based Initiatives), painting murals, and host families will be making sure their Volunteers can make perfect tortillas to teach everyone at home.

This past weekend over 600 people attended our second annual youth fair in the central park in La Paz!  Youth and Volunteers from each of our 24 communities presented a dance, song, or skit and most sold delicious snacks or crafts as fundraisers. It was a great day, and we were glad to see how well the Volunteers are collaborating with their communities.

We are so proud of the Volunteers and all of their hard work this summer. Community members have repeatedly told supervisors how lucky they are to share their culture with the Volunteers and we are happy to see them integrated into community life. We hope the Volunteers learned so much from their time here in La Paz, we know we did and will certainly miss them!

- La Paz Staff 2011

Here are some photos we thought you'd enjoy:

Above left: Community members perform a traditional dance at the feria (fair) with a breathtaking view of the mountains and Iglesia de los Dolores in the background. Above right: Volunteer, Sara, performs a traditional baile with community members.

   
Above left: Hannah and Vanessa get ready to dance with their local dance group. Above right: Sophie and Joanna in their community’s rendition of "La Sucia" (a traditional Honduran dance).

    
Above left: Two Volunteers, Leidy and Tess, before they gave speeches at the feria (fair).  Above right: Kara and community members selling food and bracelets to fundraise for their community-based initiatives!