An Unforgettable Summer

Along with our other activities this summer, Shannon and I helped one group of seven boys to make a movie—about anything they wanted. They chose to tell the story of a group of street kids who become soccer pros, win the money to pay for a friend’s operation, and finally decide to leave the streets and live in a home together.

Making this movie wasn’t easy for the boys. Working as a team and concentrating on a long-term project were challenges in themselves. Writing a script about street children brought back unpleasant memories and strong emotions. Some of the boys had to overcome their initial fears in order to act in front of the camera, or even to participate in the project at all. In our sessions together, they worked hard, took risks, and invested an incredible amount of themselves in this movie. At our good-bye dinner last week, we had a “film festival” to show the final result (a few photos from it are below). It was great to see how excited and proud the boys were—a couple of them even cried during the screening. (I have to admit, so did I.)

The movie ends with a short message: “We can all change our lives.” What I’ve found most amazing about working with the Bolivian Street Children Project this summer is that I see proof of this statement everywhere I look. Every one of the boys we met in the homes has changed his life for the better, against staggering odds. I have such high hopes for these kids. Considering what they’ve already achieved, I know they’re capable of reaching any goal they set for themselves.

Thank you so much for following our blog during the past months! Your interest and support have meant a lot to all of us.