Shining for one year by Dana

We had extra special treats for Sparkle's one year anniversary

It's hard for me to believe, but Sparkle has now been serving moms and young kids in Cochabamba for one year. This weekly children's ministry is the brainchild of my friend Paola Llosa Rowden. Over a year ago, Paola told me she'd like to offer families of very young children, a music and movement class. There's much to be gained in gross and fine motor skills, preliteracy and numeracy all from sung nursery rhymes, folkloric music and fun activities in Spanish and English. Because of my background at Intermountain in Helena, I knew just what she meant from the many trainings I attended about child and brain development.

While a children's music class, such as "Mommy and Me" is a common occurrence in the States and other countries, here the idea is pretty novel. We try to make the families feel comfortable to sing out loud, sit on the floor, and even dance a bit to some new songs. I make the merienda (picnic like snack) each week, and cut up fruit, make coffee and tea, and try and make people feel welcomed and loved. We have several dads attending as well, who stand off to the side, so I try and rope them in with a cookie and cup of coffee. Astoria considers herself on the leadership team as well, and recently lobbied for an official name tag, like the other Sparkle leaders...and of course Paola made her one. In reality, Astoria has been a big helper from the beginning, often preferring to have Paola (not mommy) to be her partner and helper to pass out needed supplies. Plus she cheerfully models the moves and happily sings along.

Why is Sparkle more than music? While the weekly 90 minute classes blesses many kids and families, it also serves a greater purpose. Participants are invited to church that meets at the same location on Sundays and we have a new class as well. Starting this month, Sparkle will begin a second meeting time for a Bible Study, called Christianity Explored, developed by All Souls Church, Langham Place, London. One mom from Sparkle is bringing a girlfriend to the Bible study who doesn't attend Sparkle, as an opportunity to share God's love with a friend. Please pray for this Friday morning moms meeting, that each will grow in faith and knowledge of God's love and wisdom.

Santiago singing "Feliz Cumpleanos" to Sparkle

Happy Birthday Sparkle: Birthdays and anniversaries are an important reason to celebrate in Bolivia. There's frequently a mention of a school or church's anniversary and it's always a cause for a bit more food and time to be together. Sparkle leaders prepared special dishes for our anniversary, but what surprised me most was how many families also brought extra chocolates, balloons, breads and flowers. It was a neat way to see how much the weekly time together means to the participants.
Costumes: Always a hit here in Cochabamba...costumes. Paola and I set up a changing area for kids to try on wacky glasses, wigs, sparkly shoes and superhero capes. The two teen Sparkle volunteers took photos of each child and made sure they looked "just right" for the camera.