We enjoy a simple lifestyle here in subtropical Bolivia, living in close connection to God’s creation. Our non-climate-controlled homes make for a rustic environment. Although it is an adjustment from first-world conditions, we take the opportunity to live humbly and focus on the physical and emotional necessities. We wash clothes by hand, cook over utilitarian gas stoves, and keep all textiles off the floor where they might tempt the leaf-cutter ants.

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, volunteer missionaries are always needed to serve as auxiliary house parents, substitute teachers, accountants, nurses, farmers, maintenance workers, chaplains, and more.

House parents live with ten or more 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, demonstrating the love, compassion, and patience of Jesus. Be sure to read the journals of current and past missionaries to get an idea of day-to-day life.

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.