While we have many of the amenities of modern civilization (electricity, running water, food, gas stoves and ovens, mosquito nets, etc), the lack of hot water and an overabundance of insects can sometimes be a shock to those who are used to a first-world lifestyle.

Because we are located in rural Bolivia and serve local children, we primarily seek married Bolivian couples who can work as surrogate parents in each casa, educating the kids on Bolivian culture, traditions, and cuisine using local Spanish and native languages. We also bring in Bolivians and foreigners fluent in Spanish to teach classes and provide a consistent presence in our children’s education. Finally, American and Canadian missionaries are frequently accepted to serve as auxiliary house parents, helpers, and teachers in order to take stress off of our permanent staff members and connect one-on-one with children.

While many members of the team are compensated financially for their hard work, many day-to-day tasks are facilitated by volunteers. Salaried positions are humble and reserved for full-time house parents and teachers who are committed to serve long term.

House parents live with eight to ten boys or girls and provide the authority and guidance of a normal parent. Unlike a typical job, this one has no defined work hours as the needs of our children are our top priority. This includes cooking, cleaning, helping with chores, disciplining, educating, facilitating worship, playing, and, most importantly, loving the kids.

Teaching positions are often filled by members of our team with other roles, but teaching itself involves conducting classes during the week in Spanish, grading, classroom management, and lesson planning. Curricula guidelines are provided by the government but teachers have flexibility in how they conduct classes.

Student missionaries fill almost any position on campus. This includes working as full-time or assistant house-parents, teaching, maintenance, fund-raising, construction, and more. The job description of any one student missionary is constantly shifting and requires flexibility and adaptability. Spanish fluency is by no means required but does make connecting with the children much easier.