About Me

Friday, October 9, 2009

IMG_8798 smallMy name's Laura and I'm a native Minnesotan living in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I love God, photography, family, and reading. I use my little corner of the internet to post my photography and sometimes my thoughts. I don't spend as much time here as I used to, but I hope to eventually have more time for both photography and blogging.

I was born and raised in Minnesota but moved to Bolivia after graduating from the University of Minnesota in May of 2009. Starting at age 13 I went on a number of mission trips to a Christian school and community development project in Trinidad, Bolivia. I fell in love with the Bolivian culture, language, and people.

Fast forward a number of years, I'm living in Bolivia and engaged to one of the graduates of the school I used to volunteer at. Mauricio and I are getting married at some point in 2012! I work remotely from my little apartment in Santa Cruz and can be found reading, taking photos, or with family & friends in my spare time.

18 comment(s):

Sister Theresa Marie Elitz said...

Laura,
I love your story. I have worked with Hispanics most of my life, first in nursing, and now in counseling. I also do a blog with my team on a special parenting program. It is for parents with children with special needs, such as the ADHD child, the autistic child. It is mostly in Spanish, although some of it is in English. Check it out at www.corazonalimentado.blogspot.com As you do, I love the Hispanic people. I have lived in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Guatamala, and Nicaragua and each one has been a special experience.

MBC Scrapbooking said...

What a neat story! Your blog has beautiful pictures and I love your posts.

Momof3inVA said...

You have beautiful pictures and a great story...just curious, did you ever study abroad in college? I work for a study abroad organization, and U Minn, TC (not sure which campus you went to) is a member of our organization.

Hope you enjoy your time in Trinidad!

Happy New Year!

Tim said...

Hi Laura,

I am so glad that I found you. Not only am I interested in your ministry, but I'm also interested in Bolivia and Santa Cruz. We have a Compassion International child from Santa Cruz, and the updates that you give about what is going on in there help us to know how to pray for Marcelo (our Compassion child). We will also pray for you and your ministry.

Tim

Miller Family said...

So when is your big day?!?!

Unknown said...

well, some things are meant to be right? and again congrats on your own URL!

Freelancer said...

I love the pictures and your true story. Keep blogging and warm greeting from Indonesia.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laura! Yes I can understand why you moved to Bolivia. I miss it alot, having been there twice. Sometimes I think it would be nice to write a book about Bolivian society and how people interact with each other much more frequently and intimately as a way of life - I think America (much as I love my country) has an aspect of loneliness built into the fabric of our society. Because we are so independent financially, we tend to keep to ourselves and our immediate family. I am glad you are enjoying your time down there - I hope I can visit again soon. Take care and best regards. Mark Rusnak

Nena said...

Hi Laura! Your mom sent me a link to your blog. You are a marvelous blogger! I have enjoyed reading about your year in Bolivia and getting a glimpse of your life through the lens of your camera. It is all beautifully done! I am thinking of starting a blog myself. I will be following your blog - I look forward to reading what you post next :) ~Nena Harvath

Mom2Isabel said...

Hola Laura,
Que interesante es tu blog.
Bienvenidos a Miercoles Negro y Blanco.
Me fascina leer tu blog y aprender mas de Bolivia.

Ciao,
Laureen

http://abebedorespgondufo.blogs.sapo.pt/ said...

Gostei muito do blog.

Unknown said...

My husband & his family aer from Bolivia!!! I'm so happy I found your blog!!! I'm so excited to read more!

Magdalena Viktoria said...

This is such a nice story of your life.
I like the photos on your blog a lot!

Shanda said...

Found your photo hop and began reading. Love your blog. I lived in Central American for 14 years and was living in Africa when I met my husband so I love to travel too!. Just though I would introduce myself while I wait for your hop to open! Am looking for a way to follow your blog.

Janet said...

Visited Bolivia in the 90s. We went Santa Cruz as part of our visit. Beautiful place even when I was short of breath!

Zombiemommy said...

Some nurses from our church just went to work in La Paz at a hospital there.

Zombiemommy said...

PS I might as well as just told you they went to mars because according to google maps La Paz is 18 hours from Santa Cruz.

Anonymous said...

so lovely to read this and see your photos! I lived in Sta Cruz for one year as an exchange student 1973-1974! An experience I will never forget. Ruthie