Monday was the first day of school for thousands of elementary and secondary students all over Bolivia.  I watched as excited students crossed the park in front of my house – all heading to any one of the schools in our neighborhood.  Brand new uniforms, backpacks, shoes, boys with new haircuts, girls in braids.  Expectation, fear, excitement was written all over faces and heard in conversations.

Parents had done their part – some standing for hours in rain and blazing sun to register their children in schools where they will receive the best education.  Finances and status cause parents to sacrifice.  What expectations does this instinctively place on our children?  Some children are privileged and start their year in private schools, some are in morning classes while others in afternoon classes.

The first day at school means the end of vacation and the beginning of nine months of homework.  Responsibility replaces relaxation.  Lining up to sing the National Anthem, being assigned classrooms, new teachers, wondering if a new smarter, more athletic, prettier or more handsome student will change my standing in the class.  Are there new school rules that will restrict freedom?  Are there new computers?  Have the broken windows been repaired?  Are there new desks, chairs and books?

What is Bolivia’s greatest natural resource?  Do we invest in the development of our young people?  I’m not only speaking of the government.  I’m speaking of us as parents too.  Do we set expectations designed to benefit ourselves or is our perspective of investment and infrastructure for the good of our children?  Do we honestly look at our children and do our best to ensure their capabilities are maximized?  Do we give our children hugs when they come home from school each day – regardless where they stand academically, athletically or if they’re gifted in the arts?  Do we encourage each of our children to enjoy life to the best of their abilities?  Bolivia will succeed as a nation when we have happy and honest doctors, homemakers, engineers, teachers, nurses, musicians, store owners, politicians, lawyers, airplane pilots and clerks.  Contentment is not how much money our children will earn or the size of home they will live in.  It takes all of us working and living together to build the puzzle that paints the picture of a successful Bolivia.  Let’s love the children the Lord has blessed us to raise.  Let’s laugh with them, be excited over their small achievements and send them to school knowing they are loved unconditionally at home.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.