With a crutch in one hand and her child in the other, on an uneven path, Josefa walks down the hill toward a Child Survival Program (CSP) meeting.

A 30-year-old mother abandoned by her husband, Josefa lives with her three children, Alexander (8), Dorian (3), and Roberto Carlos (18 months) on the high part of a hill in the south part of Cochabamba. They live in a small, brick home with two beds, some piled-up clothes and blankets, a small cooker and a propane tank. The house has electricity but no water.

The Limitations of Poverty

Because she lacked money, Josefa had her second child, Dorian, at home by herself. "I had my baby at home, but I couldn't eliminate the placenta, so I went to a clinic."

Josefa received assistance there, but was told that she needed an injection. Sadly, the "injection" was really a procedure to remove synovial fluid from one of her legs. The synovial fluid is found in the joints, acting as a cushion and lubricant, and is allegedly removed from unsuspecting patients to sell. Afterward, Josefa was told there was no room for her in the hospital and was forced to leave.

Back at home, she suffered extreme pain and was not able to get out of bed. When she sought help, she was told that she needed a $5,000 (U.S.) operation.

In dire poverty and with no options, Josefa could only sit and watch her foot start to deform. One doctor told her that each painful step she took could result in a break in her foot.

Josefa made tullmas, a Quechua word for accessories used in the braids of indigenous women, but earned only $7 or $8 (U.S.) a month. Meals for her family were becoming scarce.

An Opportunity to Survive

Three months ago, however, Josefa became part of Compassion's Child Survival Program. "My life is changing. Before, I was very worried. Now I don't worry too much. They help us with food, medicines, and many things. Now I have food to feed my children. They also teach us about cleaning, how to keep our babies tidy."

The Child Survival Program is looking for other ways to help this family. "We are finding out with some doctors what we can do for this mom so she could walk normally again," says the local CSP coordinator.

With the newfound strength she has found through Compassion, Josefa is also looking for ways to improve her own life. She is anxious to learn how to knit so she can contribute more to the life of her family.

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