The Prodigious Patty

Through CBM, we get the chance to work with some pretty incredible people. People like our colleague Patty Nacho. Patty, a Bolivian, has been working as the Short-Term Missions (STM) Coordinator for CBM in Bolivia since 2015. Her role involves supporting STM teams and individuals as they prepare for their trip, arranging activities and logistics within Bolivia, and serving as a cultural guide and mentor for Canadians throughout their STM experience. Patty brings an impressive level of organizational and professional competency and pairs it with a genuine enthusiasm for her work. We love Patty.

Below is a short Q & A we recently had with Patty, which we hope gives you a glimpse into who she is and the amazing work she is doing to promote cross-cultural partnership.

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• What do you enjoy most about your position as
  the STM coordinator for CBM in Bolivia?

I love interacting with different people—both Bolivians and Canadians. I am heartened and encouraged to see how God is working in the lives of people; I see his faithfulness and mercy on His children. Also I enjoy always learning more about my own culture as well as Canadian culture.

• What are some of the things you can expect to do
  if you come on an STM with CBM to Bolivia?

All Bolivia trips involve working alongside local churches, CBM staff, and Bolivians from different communities. This might mean spending time with pastors, seminary students, project managers, project beneficiaries, and/or various church members. We also spend time with local churches and invest in their activities and local ministry. 
 
We also intentionally expose teams to different projects and work to match the teams’ skills with their activities. By participating in different projects, our volunteers have a broader understanding of our ministry in Bolivia.

• What is something about Bolivia that you are
  always excited to share with visitors?

One of the things I like to teach to volunteers is about how we (Bolivians) greet each other (specific handshakes and kissing cheeks). Mostly I enjoy it because I know that it is so different from the way of greeting in Canada. Often it is something that makes volunteers nervous as they are exposed to something very different from what they are used to. However, it can also generate some awkwardness with the Bolivians as they are unaware of these cultural differences. It’s always fun to watch people be pushed out of their comfort zones.

• What is something you’ve learned about Canadians while working
  in your position?
  

One of the things I've learned from Canadians is punctuality. Punctuality is an important part of the Canadian culture, but unfortunately for Bolivians punctuality is not a critical aspect. I have also learned a lot about the care Canadians have when they speak; they show respect, patience and tolerance.

• Have you learned anything new about Bolivians through your work?

I was born in the city of La Paz which belongs to the highlands of Bolivia. By working in the valleys of Bolivia, I can appreciate a cultural difference. The city of Cochabamba is calmer and I have a good time tasting food, because this city is known for its delicious cuisine. I like the tranquility of this city, as the stress level is lower.

• What is your favourite Bolivian food that you wish everyone could try?

My favorite food is “Sajta de Pollo”. I like it when the juice of chicken is mixed with potato, chuño or tunta** and with delicious onion and tomato. This dish is typical of my hometown (La Paz) and is difficult for volunteers to taste as we often don’t get up to this city, but also because the process of preparing chuño and tunta may make your appetite disappear according to some Canadians (cough cough, Kallie).

**(chuño and tunta are freeze dried potatoes. They are left to freeze outside overnight and then the moisture is squeezed out the following day by squishing them with your bare feet. Kallie and Patty have a running joke where Patty tries to get Kallie to eat large amounts of it!).

• What do enjoy doing in
  your free time?

I really like having a relaxing massage. I use this time to think and unwind. I like watching movies with good friends. I also enjoy sports, specifically volleyball, and I play in a local rec. league as part of a team that my church put together.