Muchas Gracias

Hey all! Well, as most of you probably know. I made it home safely and early! My plane landed 15 minutes early and I ran to baggage claim, beating all the others off the plane by at least 5 minutes. It really is great to be back, to spend time with family and friends, and just relax. I want to send a genuine thank you to EVERYONE who supported me...just by reading my blogs, praying, and even financially to get me there. The experience has changed my life forever in incredible ways. It has left me broken, which is a great place to be to worship and realize my dependence on the Lord, joyful, loving my life and the many new and old family and friends I have to share it with, and thankful for all the many opportunities, possessions, and love I have to give others.

As anyone who read the blog knows, not everything has gone my way throughout my time in Bolivia and I had many unspoken trials throughout my time. Through all of these trials I have recently experienced, I think I am in the best place of my life at this point. I have never been more happy, full of joy, and ready to praise and worship God for the recent blessings he has bestowed upon my life. I want to send another thank you to you, for reading and for walking on this journey faithfully with me...and a HUGE thank you to the Lord that ultimately got me here and has taken me through everything I encountered and will never forsake me. He loves each and every one of you equally and is ALWAYS with you in ANY situation!
Praise God and God Bless!!!

The Incan Trail...and farewell

It has been a crazy week! I have done things I never thought I would and I am continuing to prepare for some of the hardest things I will ever do. We were told we were goin on a 2 day hike on the "Chorro." I never imagined that 2 days literally meant we were going to be walking for 10-11 hours a day downhill/uphill and everything in between. We hiked 70 kilometers in 2 days which I have calculated is 43.75 miles. It was truly INCREDIBLE AND THE HARDEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE! We started out eye level with glaciers and declined almost 10,000 feet to end up in orange groves and coffee plantations! We slept under a little open hut in sleeping bags. Of course, it rained and it was FREEZING, but I got some good sleep in. My joints have never hurt so bad in my life. It really doesn´t matter how in shape you are, it tears you up. On the amazing side of this journey, the views and wildlife and waterfalls were incredible!!!!! There were SOOO many waterfalls we couldn´t have been able to count. We were just in the jungle with green mountains, flowers, and trees, and as the pain lingered in my body, I truly did enjoy all that nature had to offer. There were wild horses, llamas, and pigs in some parts...oh my. The trail is an old Incan trail that the Incas created HUNDREDS of years ago. As I walked through and thought of my heavy pack and wet shoes, I realized, the Incans probably did this barefoot...I need to suck it up! I still can´t believe I made it, but it was an incredible experience that I am thankful for! Andrea and Cara were our fearless and amazing leaders. We ended and took a day retreat to a hotel in Coroico to let our muscles rebuild themselves and discuess the week to come. I can not believe I am on week 16 of 16. Every day comes some conversation of leaving this place that I have grown SO comfortable with. I really feel like I am preparing to leave my family behind. Sipriana, Juan, Rebeca, Sara, and Nancy are a part of me. It will truly be a tough task to say goodbye not knowing when or if our paths of life will cross again here on Earth. I want to give a sincere thank you to all that have walked with me on this journey, for your prayer and support. I do not think I will write again until after I return this Saturday night. I love all of you and can not wait to be able to share life with you again in the States. Remember Bolivia and this incredible family in your prayers.

Dark places, cold places, and happy places...

This past weekend has been a busy and exciting time. Last Thursday, I went to the brothels with Andy, Vicki, and Clark. In one word I would describe it as...dark. In the literal sense, there were VERY few lights. When there were, they were covered with red paper to signify the red light district. In the other sense, it was full of sin, desperation, and shame. I was surprised by how little noise there was in most as the hundreds of men shuffled through inspecting the women. I saw many of my friends, which struck me the most. I now understand so much more of the reality they live in. None of these women ever went there by choice, but in their depseration or from being trafficed from other countries, they were trapped in this situation. I really did feel the presence of God with me as He protected me from situations, and allowed me to talk with many of the women that night. I still haven´t really been able to process the entire thing and don´t know my real reflections on everything I saw and experienced. It just sparked a renewed need for prayer in these places and lives. God´s presence needs to bee seen and felt by these people.

The next day, we left for camping! It was an adventure for sure. We packed down the car and drove 3 hours. We could see Sajama! I recommend you to google this and see a picture of this amazing mountain! It is the highest in Bolivia and INCREDIBLE! We randomly drove off the side of the road and searched for a good camping spot among the many rock formations and amazing views. We found this incredible little valley and set up! We had a great time just hanging out and enjoying each other´s company while eating chicken fajitas (maybe my favorite thing that I have had in Bolivia) and smores (No wait, this is my favorite)! I did keep somewhat warm, although, it got down to 20 degrees. I only woke up once because my toes were freezing, and woke up to a little black puppy that found us to play. I think everyone knows my love for animals, so he was my friend! :) We had quiet time and time to climb and do whatever the entire next morning which was an incredible time of relaxation that I haven´t had in a while. After lunch, we headed to the Chilean border and went swimming in natural hot springs! Just picture relaxing in a natural hot tub (minus the sulfer smell) while gazing at the most amazing mountain ever on one side and amazing volcanoes from Chile on the other! It was incredible!

Yesterday, I got to visit Noelia again. I made it all the way to her house on my own with very few directions and spent SO much time just hanging out in their home and talking with her family. She opened up so much more this time, and I want to reemphasize that I HIGHLY recommend anyone who has the resources to bless a child through Compassion. I feel such a connection with this family and I can not wait to watch Noelia grow up in this program. She is taught from an early age about God´s love and how to pray and how to love others. I met so many older kids that had only amazing things to say about Compassion. I am so sad to leave and not know when I may see Noelia again, but I know she is in good hands!

¡Praises and Prayers!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for Sipriana and possibly for work! She has just found a little stand to rent that she will be making hot dogs, hamburgers, egg sandwiches and french fries in every night from 4-1 AM. The ironic thing is she has never made a hamburger or hot dog at the house, but I hear she is fabulous. Her and her husband used to have one way back in the day, and now she has gotten the courage to try again by herself! Pray for her as she may be opening this Saturday in our local market place! Pray that customers come to her and that she doesnt have fear but continues to put her faith in God that he will provide (and I do mean continue...she has so much faith that God is greater and He is the great provider!)

Please continue to pray for my first time going to the streets and into the brothels tonight. If I am honest, I must say I am completely nervous and anxious, but trying to keep remember that He will be with me! We are also going camping tomorrow with Andy Baker, little Eli, Heather and Wes for Friday night out in the mountains. More than safety, more than health, I am requesting prayer to stay warm as we are going to sleep outside in the VERY high and VERY cold altitude! I am pretty cold in my bed with sleeping bag and blankets every night, but they have confidence we will be alright!

I also get to visit Noelia again next Monday at Compassion! I am truly excited and blessed to have this opporunity again!

Prayers

I am writing to ask for prayer in advance for this Thursday. As a part of their ministry, the staff sends two people to visit the streets each week. As the servant team, we haven´t had this opportunity to go until now which I believe I am thankful for. I have established relationships with many of the woman, but now, I will have to see them in the place they work. We will enter the brothels and visit with the women. I don´t believe I will have to even talk, but be a silent observer and offer hot chocolate. I will not only have the horrible image of these women standing up for inspection to be sold to their clients anymore that has been created in my mind over these last months here. I ask for prayer for myself and those I am going with as we enter this dark place filled with sin and shame, and I also ask for prayer for these men and women participating in these acts. I am going with Andy, Clark, and Vicki. Thanks for everything!

Long awaited Pictures!!!

This is from the wedding. It is Cara, me, Heather, and Wes. They are all part of the AMAZING staff that is Word Made Flesh Bolivia.

Most of you know this good lookin´guy...Andy Baker!

This is how we crossed the river. It was pretty much an incredble experience!

The view from the porch of our little hut!

Me and the bear! I pet him. It is sad...He is not totally with it.

One of the incredible waterfalls on our hike! I got to play in it, and let me tell you...those things can knock you OUT!

My team. In front: Autumn, Me and Cara. In Back: Clark, Laura, and Bryan.

And here we are all being a little silly as usual.

This one is for you, Kelly Lawson! I tried it, not my favorite, but pretty decent!

This is after we went to church yesterday with the wonderful Eliana!


Hope you enjoy the pictures! Miss yall!

Desperation

Yesterday, we had Saturday off from activities and duties, and it was a beautiful day! Autumn and I hung out and after lunch, we went down to the city (La Paz) to look around and hang out. I was going to give her an early birthday present and we were going to go to Burger King! You can imagine how excited we were, but unfortunately, we didn´t have enough money between the two of us...and it is only about $4 US, but thats quite a bit here! So, we were walking through the market on our way home in El Alto to run by an ATM to be able to have our BK! I felt myself get hit in the back of the head with something...and I thought quickly and remembered how they do things around here. When someone wants to rob you, they spit on you, so you´ll turn and they can grab your things...Therefore, I grabbed my things real tight, but immediately I was crowded by about 4 people and unable to walk. A woman standing next to me was staring me in the face, and I finally pushed through. About 15 steps later, I turn to tell Autumn that I thought someone was trying to rob me, and then realized the woman is still RIGHT next to me and the next thing I know she is gone and things are falling out of my bag...She got my glasses, my glasses case, and fingernail polish. I cried. I tried to find her. As I was trying to find her, another person spit on me, so I decided it was time to split from this market. We ended up going home without dinner and buying some oeros from a little vendor for dinner and eating popcorn later. I was so furious and violated during this, but soon on the bus ride home I remembered the verse from Matthew 5: 38-42. Specifically the part, "And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well." This is of course a tough lesson to learn especially because I know those people cannot use my glasses with my prescription, but I know God has a bigger plan and the glasses can be replaced. I can sew the hole in my bag bag together, and I can wash the spit out of my hair.
I know this woman was driven not be green, but by desperation, so she, too deserves forgiveness. Please pray for her and the others in El Alto that have been driven to such desperation to get by. Pray that they will trust in the Lord to be the Great Provider that He is. Thanks for everything everyone! Yall are amazing!

Oh, and Happy Mother´s Day to all your Mommas out there!!!

I think Everyone Should Get to Visit the Peruvian Jungle!!!

Well, we left last Monday afternoon around 2 PM and arrive by bus in Lima around 7 PM on Tuesday night. In total, we spent about 50 hours on a bus over the course of a week! It was an amazing ride filled with book discussions with our group, making bracelets, watching movies, and eating snacks! The first night was filled with fellowship and dinner with the WMF Lima, Peru staff and servant team. From the beginning, I know this was going to be a great time because these people are amazing! We stayed with a staff member the first night and I got to have CEREAL for breakfast with real milk! I have only had powdered milk for 3 months! Then, we went on a solidarity walk much like the Observation day walk we did at the beginning of our time here in La Paz. We began in the poorest section of town where we witnessed many of the children they work with that live on the streets working, playing their instruments. A guy tried to spit on me, and the sidewalks and air is just filthy. Throughout the rest of the walk, it got progressively nicer ending in a side of town filled with Fridays, Chili´s, and Starbucks. It was obvious that the residents of the other side of town are not welcome there. It was very eye-opening and also just interesting to see another city so similar in many respects yet SOO different from El Alto.
That night, around 10 PM, we boarded another bus to head to...the JUNGLE! We arrived around 6 AM...and let me tell you, this place was incredible! It began with the 13 of us needing to cross a river...and what better way than a hanging cart that you pull yourself across!! It was so much fun. I have pictures that will be put up later! It was this little retreat center run by a Peruvian pastor with little cabins, a pond, and SO many animals! My favorite part, the animals consister of: a turtle, a monkey, about 6 peacocks, 2 owls, 2 cats, 3 dogs, a parrot, a rooster, and a BEAR! I totally pet the bear because I felt safe. He is a little slow because he was injured by some hunters! It was such a time of reflection of our time in South America, relaxation, and fellowship with our new friends! God´s presence definitely filled that place. We hiked a mountain one day and hiked to waterfalls to play the next! The pastor shared his testimony with us and shared all of our meals with us. It was an incredible time...possibly my favorite time in Latin America. We headed back on Saturday to Lima and spent the rest of our time in a hostal run by a fabulous family that really excelled in customer service. We were SO spoiled on this trip. We eventually got Papa John´s pizza!! And we had hot showers...which we get in Bolivia, but they are always still FREEZING because the temperature outside is so cold!
Another fantastic aspect of this trip was Sunday night...AMAZING RACE LIMA!! They split up the teams and we were off...it consisted of...eating 5 little loaves of bread, competing in Dance Dance Revolution and getting at least a D (We got on a hard machine and it took us about 6 trys), water balloon toss, choreographing a 30 second dance on the other side of town, eating a live fish (not me), and making someone a birthday cake...like making them BE a birthday cake (we poured 6 eggs and LOTS of flour on their head). This all ended with my team winning, but it was SUCH a fun time. We had some down time to hang out with the other team. I learned to slackline (does anyone do this because I want to again!!!), sat by the ocean, and shared some great meals! This trip really did leave me feeling refreshed and renewed in the rest of my time here...only one more month! I can´t believe it is almost here. I am thankful to be back with my family here in El Alto and to serve the people here as best as I can for the rest of my time. I am praying to for the ability to stay present to them and to be able to love them well and to serve and glorify our God in everything.

Little side note: For my project of doing market research, I will need lots of emails. If anyone has a list of emails or even just your email you would like or be willing to send me to send a short survey to later, that would be fantastic!! Love yall and miss you tons!!!

¡Hay Bolivian weddings and Peru!

First of all, Bolivian weddings are the most formal events next to prom. And as I say that, it may be about equal. I bought a dress last weekend and wore what was possibly a former prom dress. It was used and dirty, but only $6.50 when converted to dollars. The bride was a fellow volunteer at the center. Somewhat last minute, the servant team got invited, and I am so thankful. It was held in La Paz, and she married a gringo from the US! The ceremony was supposed to start at 6, but being in Bolivia people kept arriving until 7:30, and about twice as many people showed up at the reception than attended the wedding! The wedding was completely bilingual and incredibly beautiful and focused mostly on their mutual love for the Lord and worshipping him in that time, and secondly, on their incredible love for each other. It was beautiful! It was so much fun putting on any makeup for the first time since I have been here and wearing a dress! Before, I was only wearing my wonderful jeans and sweatshirts! Also being a Bolivian wedding, dinner was served...at 11:30 PM and the cutting of the cake did not happen until 1:30 AM! I arrived home around 2:45! It was so interesting to see the mixture of cultures betweeen a Bolivian and gringo wedding, and definitely one of my most fun nights here!

My team and I are traveling to Lima, Peru this week! We hop on a bus at 2 PM Monday and then, sit for 30 hours! It will be an intense time, but should prove to be memorable! We are then going on a retreat with another Word Made Flesh servant team there to the jungle for 3 days!!! I am so excited about this...for warm weather and hanging out with this team. I have also heard rumors of Papa Johns and McDonals in Lima. I have never craved fast food or "American food" so much in my life. We wll be helping in their ministry there with the street population. I hope it is eye opening as we have recently watched a documentary on the street kids in Romania called "Underground Children." I would like to ask for prayer for our traveling especially because we will be returning by plane...and then driving for another 7 hours. But as most of you know, we had a pretty rocky time getting here by plane, and I am starting to lose complete faith in the equipment. I have not lost faith in our God that can do all things...like land our last plane safely! So, I can not wait to update you on all of the wonderful things happening in Peru! God Bless!

Miss you, mean it.

Pray for D

These past couple days have been incredible in book studies, spanish class, and GREAT times at Missionaries of Charity. I really feel like I am connecting so much with so many new women each week, and I am already dreading leaving their community. Sunday night, I came home from a big day in the local market which was also AMAZING fellowship with one of the Bolivian staff that has only gotten out of prostitution a few years ago. She helped me find a dress for a wedding I am attending this weekend, and it was a huge blessing to be able to connect with her, just hang out, and laugh. She really took care of me, too. She made sure I wasnt overpriced and got my money back, and even held up a sheet while I tried tens of dresses on! It was in one word: incredible.

Then, I came home on Sunday night to find Sipriana crying. She had just gotten off the phone with her son that lives with her father. D is only six years old and was crying the entire time on the phone. She says that his dad has been beating him which was a huge part of family life when he and Sipriana were together. My heart is absolutely breaking for this child whom I havent met, Sipriana and the helplessness that she feels, and for this father who does not understand the Kingdom of God and the love that only comes from knowing Jesus. I am also feeling helpless in this situation as I long so much to relieve this childs pain, to protect him, and possibly witness to this father, but they live so far away in Bolivia. Sipirana doesnt even know then next time she may see him, so I am writing this to ask for your prayers. There is also another son in this situation at the age of 15, so I ask for prayer for all of these children, the father, and the family on my side feeling helpless and only wanting to the best for their brothers or sons.

Simplicity

A lot of what I am learning is just through life, interacting with the amazing people I havet met here, Bolivians and gringos alike, but I am also learning so much through studying the Word and studying the Word Made Flesh lifestyle celebrations: intimacy, obedience, humility, community, service, simplicity, submission, brokenness, and suffering. As I have learned and witnessed the simple life, I have been learning this is really what we´re called to. With this way of life, we are so much more free from distractions of the world and culture. We are then able to truly enjoy what the Lord has to offer and love and enjoy the people of God so much more purely. This is a way of life, a state of mind, and a lifestyle which is often skewed by the cultural lense through which we view our world. Acts 2:42-47 talks of the first church where they shared everything. Everyone was equal and I think this is how God intended it to be for us. Mother Teresa said "We can´t do anything great, but only small things with great love." I learned in our bible study on Simplicity that we must first be focused on God nd not worry about being everything or doing everything. Then, we will have the time to love and worship God, free from distractions and be available to people as they need it. I know I am completely guilty of this in SO many ways, but I am learning so much about living to your needs and not just divulging in all the wants of the world. We must do this, so that others can be covered because there are SO many people in need. "There is enough in the world to END poverty. It just isn´t distributed right."-Ron Sider
"There is enough for all the world´s need, but not enough for all its greed." -Ghandi
Most of this should be accredited to my team and their wonderful insights that allowed me to absorb and learn all these things, but I am just feeling this transformation of mind and spirit which I feel will certainly be diffifult to maintain in the states where anything you want or need is at your fingertips. It is so easy to divulge all your money into your wants and extravagant items that you don´t necessarily need, only want the best there is out there when there are indeed starving people in this world. Over half the world does not have running water, now what should we do about it?

MC and My Visit to Noelia, my Compassion Child!!!!

This week has been great. The times at Missionaries of Charity were so life giving this week. A patient that had been lots of trouble and commotion with depression is now better and danced the entire day in the sun. Her name is Otilia, and she is now a transformed person. I really connected with many of the sisters. They sacrifice SO much to do the work of the Lord. They can only visit home every ten years and when they do, they are only home for 15 days. Other than that, they are placed whereever they are commissioned, but normally NEVER stay more they 2 or 5 years as another form of sacrifice. I believe they have all shaved their heads to rid themselves of the beauty that it gives them because they desire to be humble and servants of others. They are a HUGE challenge to be as I complain about having only two more months until I get to go home. This week, I also gave Caludina, the mother that had her son die a month or two ago, some yarn to make a sweater for me. I then can pay her when she is finished and it will be a small source of income for her and her seven children. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out.

AND THEN, I went to visit Noelia yesterday and it was amazing. Noelia, her mom, the director, and her tutor all met me at the Plaza Hotel in La Paz at 9 AM and then I got to go to her house and have some breakfast, give gifts, and take pictures. She was super shy whenever lots of people were around, but lightenened up whenever there were only a few of us. She gave me a cholita doll that I will cherish forever. I really think it may be one of my favorite gifts I have ever received. The director showed me a small binder that Noelia had made with all my pictures and cards I have ever sent her. It was the sweetest thing. I got to see the church that Compassion has across the street with her classroom, the kitchen thatr feeds 370 in the afternoon, and many of the offices and other classrooms. We played with her classmates and had jello and cake! Basically, it was an amazing day. I brought her a coloring book and crayons because she wrote me that she loved to color, and she colored the entire time. I am trying to schedule another visit for before I leave. I don´t know if its possible, but I sure hope so. I would like anyone who is looking for a place to give back to look into Compassion. It is a fabulous organization that truly changes the lives of so many kids that otherwise would not have the support of a Christian community to help them grow into the men and women they can become!



This is part of the book that she had made for all my letters I sent her!

This is one of the pictures I had sent her of my family before, yes, you guessed it, an Auburn football game.

A close up of Noelia and I. I don´t think she knew what was happening.

A beautiful picture of her.

Birthdays...

So, this weekend has once again not let me down. Early Saturday morning, the group minus Laura (sickness) went down into La Paz to meet up with our Spanish tutor. She is an incredible lady that sincerely desires friendship with us before a superior profesor figure. We continued down into the city to the Museum of Natural History. It was so fun. There were so many fun things to see and look at, and it only cost about 40 cents to enter. Then, we walked through botanical gardens filled with many cacti and flowers. It was great to spend time with Veronica, our tutor, and our group in a laid back setting.

Then, we traveled the 2000 ft back up to El Alto to begin cooking for Heathers bitrhday party. She is on staff and turned 30 yesterday. Our leader, Cara, had somehow talked Autumn and I into performing a song for her at her birthday. As we got ready for this, we tried to figure out how she did this. You can look up the song on youtube if youd like. It is "The one semester spniahs love song." Possibly the video will be to come. It was so much fun though. We dressed up as cholitas in flowing skirts, shawls, and top hats. There were many cholitas in attendance including both of our Bolivian moms, and they loved it. There were about 40 people there, and I have never really known if I have stage fright, but once I got out there, I wasnt at all. Her birthday continued long after my energy ceased, but it was lots of fun. I then went home and slept ten and a half hours because this week has been a little overwelming otherwise. Weve had lots of actividies every day and I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend ahead. Although, on Wednesday, I am traveling to visit my child I sponsor through Compassion. Please pray that this visit goes well, and we can really connect in this time. Her name is Noelia if youd like to pray for her by name. If youd also pray for health for my team member, Laura. Shes been sick off an on the entire time weve been here and seems to have another bug. Thanks for everything again!

Beautiful and Strong Women

I recently was told of the WMF policy with children and posting pictures. Basically, I am not supposed to do it, so I am letting you know if anyone is confused why the pictures of the kids have been removed from the blog. I am sorry because I know everyone loved to see them, but I also want to protect these kids from any harm that could come from this.

Otherwise, I would like to tell you about the women of El Alto. I personally, strongly believe they are the strongest women in the entire world. In El ALto, they are mostly indigenous women dressed in traditional clothing. They are called cholitas and wear long beautiful skirts, flat, plastic shoes, a shawl of some sort, and a top hat. Whatever they need to carry, groceries from the market, their babies (most often), or even their GAS TANK to their stove goes on their back. They are the workers in this society. I rarely ever see a man doing the labor work here. The women are often digging outside with their children on their backs. Some men do work, but I am just continually impressed and even sad for these women who DO care so much to put food on the table for their children that they will go to any length to do so. The other day, we had a bag of potatoes, peas, and beans that came to my hip that I could only lift a foot off the ground, and Sipriana put it on her back and walked for half a mile. I will never be able to forget the strength she has in her and is willing to do for her children!

Health, sickness, and ice cream.

Hey! This is a picture of the whole group! They´re great! It is my team, plus Heather (on staff), our leader, Cara, and Julie (also on staff). It is from the gringo community dinner about 3 weeks back!


So, this weekend, we went hiking. We hiked up a HUGE mountain called Valley of the Moon, then down and back up another part called the Devil´s Molar. This is at the top of the Devil´s Molar! I didn´t go to the top because I thought I might die of lack of energy, but a few did!


This is just an amazing view on the way back down. I thought these rocks looked incredible! Don´t you think?


This is all the girls! It is our leader, Cara, me, Autumn, and Laura. They are all insanely incredible people!


So, after we went on this BEAUTIFUL hike, I had absolutely no energy! My legs were about to snap and my heart was going to pound out of my body. Let´s remember, I am not doing this at sea level. It is hard to breathe when you walk on level ground here, so going straight uphill for a couple hours is MUCH different. So, afterwards, we were treated to ICE CREAM! I have missed ice cream for quite sometime or anything chocolate for that matter, so put the two together and I am one happy lady.

The next day, I wake up and am not feeling my best. My neck is aching and my head feels about 40 pounds. I am hot. I am cold. I want to sleep. I have a fever. I have no appetite. Basically, I am convinced I have the flu. I had to skip church because the walk to the kitchen was enough to about do me in for the day. I slept something like 28 hours in a span of 36 hours. I only was awake for a few hours and out of bed, even less. I lost 5 pounds in these 2 days. This shows how much I eat here normally, aye!? PRAISE THE LORD, I felt much better Monday afternoon, and today, I am back to normal! It was amazing how quickly I recovered. He took all my pain away and healed me immediately!

Anyways, enough about me...Sipriana went to the doctor this weekend and has discovered she has an infection in her ovaries and kidneys. She is telling me constantly of the pain she feels. I have no idea how serious this could be or really is for her, but I am concerned about it. Today, she also was complaining of her heart hurting after we ran about 10 yards together for a bus. She is going to another doctor in a week or two to find out more, but please be praying for her health and safety as she looks to these doctors for guidance. Pray that they have the medications and resources necessary to treat her, that they can do so simply and with little cost, but even more so, pray for God to completely heal her as He IS the ultimate healer of all of our wounds. By His Wounds, we are healed.

I miss everyone!

Small p.s. I found out there is a ban on packages over 4 pounds. The airlines won´t take them for some reason, so if you ARE sending a package, make it less than that in weight, and send it quick because it may not get here before I leave. Letters are always welcome anytime! ;)

Weekend Trips...My favorite day in Bolivia!

So, I´m going to apologize ahead of time for this being so long. I think I have a lot to say because its been a week! So, first of all, I am beginning my project here. It is a proposal to Word Made Flesh in hopes of being of some use to them in their field. After talking with several people about ideas of what to do because the range of ideas is so huge, I have decided to possibly do market research with the tourists of La Paz. This is for a potential product that the girls could make. My ideas are some kind of pastry, cookie, basket, or knitted sweater. I am actually writing this to see if you, my wonderful readers (haha...I feel VERY strange saying that for some reason), have any great ideas. We must keep in mind that these girls don´t have many skills, so hopefully, we can find a product they can make easily and with a profit that tourists would like to buy. Let me know any ideas or recipes or anything to try out!!!

On to my fantastic weekend...and the pictures i just added...
The first one is of an amazing time on Good Friday. I was hanging out at my friend, Autumn´s house with her family. We watched "I am Legend," which was random, and then, they insisted we sing Kareoke! I was super nervous until I realized, "who cares if I can´t sing? And its so much more fun to not care." So, we belted it to some NSYNC "Bye bye bye" and Savage Garden "I knew I loved you." It was pretty incredible and an amazing time! We attempted Christina Aguilera´s "What a girl wants," then realized we never really knew the words except the chorus...but I had an amazing Good Friday with friends and new family!
I wasn´t looking forward to the weekend because a lot of people were traveling and I thought I´d be really bored. Sipriana (I realized I´ve spelt her name wrong the ENTIRE time!), Rebeca, and I went to the market to buy food for Saturday. While we´re there, we decide I will make pancakes for lunch the next day because they LOVE it when Gringos make pancakes. We´re talking on the way back, and I keep saying I´ll go get the things we can´t find in the morning, and they say "no!" It is soon after that we realize I had no clue that we were traveling the next day. Apparantly, they talked about it all day, and with our language barrier, I had no clue. It all came back to me when Juan was talking about throwing me in a river the next day that he was talking about our trip! So, the next morning, I wake up at 7 AM to make 40 pancakes for about 17 people. We leave at 9 to travel to Sipriana´s pueblo...where she lived as a child before she moved to the city of El Alto. Her sister, Juana, lives there with her 9 kids. They are incredible kids! Our bus ride was about 45 minutes to an hour and the views along the way were amazing. There were tiny little huts in the middle of fields all along the way with sheep and cows grazing the fields. We arrive to their little house. They have a duck (shown in one of the pictures with Nancy, Sara, and cousins, Kevin and Steven), 5 pigs, and 6 sheep! It was a dream! I really loved playing with the animals.
Shortly after I arrive, we begin lunch. It began as MY MOST FAVORITE lunch since I´ve been here. Pancakes with banana and apple cut up topped with chocolate sause! YUM! I finish my delicious (if I may say so) lunch, and am ready to go. But wait...this lunch turns sour. It ends as possibly my worst favorite...Then comes a blanket COVERED in chuños and potatoes. I´m weird and don´t really love potatoes, and if you remember, chuños are the things that taste like a sweat sock! So, if that isn´t enough, they pull out a bowl and put 4 fried sardines in front of me. I like fish...like when its battered well, fried, and you can´t tell its a fish...but its little eyes were looking at me. I kept thinking I´ll get out of it. But then, they kept saying, "hermana, come pescado" like 4 times...So, I honestly prayed at this moment for the Lord to pull me through this awkward time. I slowly pick one up and without ever looking at it, pull its head off and slowly eat it picking the teeny bones out of my mouth. And then I did it 3 more times. I could NOT believe I was doing it. I´ve always said if I was to go on Fear Factor, I´d dominate...except when they eat certain animals...I just hate it when they still look like the animal! :( So, after that I peaced out. They were saying we were going to work. Next thing I knwo I´m in a potato field with tool in hand whacking at the ground digging up potatoes! Juan was kind enough to document this occasion (also the pictures in the blog before!) I found some MASSIVE ones! These were for us to take home. They say they´ll last us a month. Then, we went up a huge mountain to a field of peas and beans and began to pick those for an hour or two. It was also amazing. The little boys were so sweet giving me flowers for my hair and asking me to speak English to them. The kept saying "Good morning...what is your name?" They were adorable! After this, we went to the top of the mountain where they is an INCREDIBLE view of the neighboring town!
After all the work was done, we had to end with a game of football. Excuse me, soccer...Americans are weird! jk! I began as goalie not thinking I could hold my own in a Latin American soccer craved culture, but soon enough, Sipriana came in and took my place insisting that I take the field. The call was flat, the field was a basketball court, and I was wearing jeans, but it was incredible! The whole family laughed and played together for probably an hour. I scored on Sipriana 4 times and she kept beating me and saying I need to find a new home! Honestly, this was by far my favorite day because I felt so at home here. Even though I´m pretty sure the kids thought I was a strange foriegner freak, I really felt a part of the family. i enjoyed traveling with them, getting to know Juan better through our travels together, and seeing the beautiful countryside of Bolivia.
On an awkward sidenote, as we were leaving, I asked where the bathroom was and got blank stares. They looked around and said "wherever!" This family doesn´t even have running water, yet they LOVE their life! To wash their hands, clothes, or bodies, they must walk about 8 minutes to a small river. This is the river Juan was talking about the day before! Sipriana said this is where she always washed kids as a child, and I got to understand a little more of where she comes from.
I wanted that day to never end! It ended spectacular also because Autumn was making spaghetti for her family and I got to join! This cancelled out my foul experience at lunch! Praise God for spaghetti and pancakes!

On Sunday, our church traveled to Tuni for an Easter retreat! It ended up only being our family and the pastor basically. We had seven representatives, but there were 14 churches represented! I actually understood a lot of the service (Thank you for those prayers!) That had a lot to do with Juan repeating to passages for me to find them on my own, and put together what he was probably saying. I was honestly somewhat dreading the trip for some reason, but it proved to be an amazing time. It was great to worship our Lord with so many people with different languages. There were many Aymara, Chetua, and of course, Spanish speaking people there! We were there for six hours, but it seemed like 2. At the end, every church had to come up and sing a song in front. The seven of us went...I was so awkward because I didn´t have or know the words, but it was fine. As soon as we finished, someone yelled..."sing a song in english!" That was comical. But so we left and waited for a while on what some would call a road in the middle of a field for a bus. Anyone who DID go by was full, but usually, there was no one. So, after about 25 minutes a truck somes by. Like a truck with wood on the sides. I jokingly said, "I want to go with him!" But I got my wish. We road the 40 minutes back standing up in the back of a truck! It was AMAZING, and so much fun. A woman got on and handed me her baby. I had no idea who´s it was even until about 20 minutes later when she wanted to get off and took it back! I honestly LOVED this experience, and am grateful that no buses came because I would´ve missed out on all the fun!

Anyway, I told you this would be long...Today is Sara´s birthday! I found a little barbie with clothes and a bracelet for her. All of them love it, and are arguing over who gets to wear the bracelet (that I bought for .26 in American money). I have just really loved it here, so thank you for all your prayers. Of course, I still love and miss home, but I am really beginning to feel at home. I know I´ll be sad to leave here in 75 days, but I´m grateful for the time I do have!

More pictures...stories to come in next blog!

Church Anniversaries...

So, this weekend has once again been a fun one. On friday, we served lunch to the girls and then, I really enjoyed learning a new game afterwards with a couple of staff and a couple of the girls that come to the center. It was basically yahtzee, but apparantly this game came first! I can´t remember the name! Then, Friday night was fun movie night. Saturday morning, we got together and died eggs! This was extra fun and challenging because you can´t find white eggs in El Alto, only the brown ones. We died them which didn´t work very well, and continued to just paint them to make them fun and pretty! In a couple days, we may even get to enjoy deviled eggs! YUM!

Saturday night, we had a community dinner with other missionaries in the La Paz area. This was super fun to be able to speak English for the night and enjoy new friends and fellowship. We worshipped and ate great food! Always a great combination. I even made a new friend that has mutual friends in Auburn...CRAZY!!!

Sunday proved to be interesting. We went to church for about 3 hours, then ventured home for lunch real quick and came back around 2. The festivities began for the all out anniversary party soon after. There was singing, performances, and cake. The entire church went up to the front and sang happy 12th birthday to the church at the end. It lasted until about 6:30 and about 4 times as many people that come to church came to this event. It was a fun celebration. It could only been better if I understood anything that was said or sung, but thats what spanish tutors are for! :)

I have been doing a little better with being actually homesick. It does make it a little tougher to be RIGHT next to the La Paz Airport (actually in El ALto), but I am a month in and realizing that the time really does fly by while I´m here. I definitely don´t want to wish the little time I have here away. One thing that helps me cope, and one thing I am REALLY desiring and appreciating are any letters from home. All the words I read here in this internet cafe, I must rely on my memories, but just a small note from home really rejuvenates my spirits! I will warn that packages can take up to 2 months to receive, especially if large, so don´t send anything after one month from now unless it is a small letter! In case you´re wondering... :)
Kelly Eckert
C/O Cara Strauss
Casilla 25022
El Alto, Bolivia
South America

I love and miss yall! Peace!

New friends and family are what I live for!

Well, I have had an interesting couple of day...in a good way this time!! Saturday, some of the team went down to La Paz (some of the team is a little sick with colds and head aches, so pray for them), and we ate salteñas! These are amazing little pot pie type things...almost like a hot pocket, but like 600 times better. There are vegetarian, chicken, beef, and all kinds. They were incredible and it was great to just sit with my team and new friends to just hang out and enjoy time together. We were then going to go bowling. Here, bowling consists of a building 2 lanes wide, smaller ball, smaller pins, and after every bowl, kids jump down on the end of the lane and adjust the pins for you. SADLY, it was closed all morning. We decided to go to the Museum of Modern Art instead which was great. We then enjoyed time sitting on a park bench together for an hour or two in the bright sun!

Sunday, I went to church with the kids, and even though I love the singing and the atmosphere and the charisma of the preacher, I still haven´t learned enough Spanish to fully understand what the sermons are about. This Sunday is the anniversary of the church, so a VERY funny and interesting thing occured after church. Directly after offering was taken and the songs stopped, it went directly into a community meeting about who was cooking what and what times everything was happening. There was little volunteer and much debate over time, so the meeting lasted about an hour after church. So, church begins at 10:30 and we all left at around 1:30. It was a pretty tense, but great experience. I look forward to this Sunday´s celebration!

Monday, we went back to Missionaries of Charity. Yes, I went with a little apprehension about the day, but it went great. I helped the women make their beds, sweep and mop the floors for a couple hours, then worked on a craft. We ran into the mom of the baby, and I asked her how she was doing and she said well. We have since learned she has lost one other baby and has 7 children. So, although she is recovering, she still has a tough life. She is very poor and works to support her seven children and alcoholic husband. I also learned the baby was only allowed to be there because she worked there. They normally do not take children under the age of 1.

This morning, the team, our servant team coordinator, Cara, and I did team building. We played so many games that taught us so much about ourselves. In all, it was a GREAT time to play these challenges and just hang out. I am really enjoying my community here with new friends and new family. They are friends I have already learned a lot from and about, and they are people I truly look up to and aspire to be like...when i grow up! (I am the youngest, so I can still say that!) Well, I am still having a small struggle with missing home, but I have really appreciated the support from my community at home, church, and school. Without this community of support, I would not be where I am today, physically in this place, emotionally stable, or spiritually seeking God´s heart for the poor of Latin America. Thank you!

More pictures!

This is a view from our house on a clear day. Although it rains a LOT here, it occassionally looks like this and you can see the BEAUTIFUL mountains! I love them!

Cipriana. This isn´t a great picture, but that is mostly because no one smiles here! I can´t figure out why, but she is beautiful inside and out! My second Mamá!

This is Tarzon! My dog...I couldn´t get it to turn around after I loaded it...and since loading it took 40 minutes, it wasn´t worth trying anything different, but he´s great...except when he tries to attack my friends and I have no control over him to stop him...
Yay for more pictures! Hope you enjoy them!

Feliz Cumpleaños Nancy!

I have been recovering from the traumatic events of the other day. I don´t know if it is right or not, but it helps that I don´t have to go back until Monday. Andy, my old friend and director of WMF Bolivia, did a short bible study on Wednesday about hope. We read Isaiah 65:17-25. Verse 20 says, ¨Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his year´s; he who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere youth¨ This definitely offered me hope of a heaven so greater than this Earth we all dwell in. And I am so happy for this baby that is now living in this place next to our Father.
Thank you for all your comments, prayers, and emails! It is tough, but I pray for the faimly now most of all.

On a happy note, last weekend was also Nancy´s birthday. I had brought a coloring book or two, and after noticing her intense LOVE for coloring, I decided it was the best gift for her. Her birthday almost went unnoticed except we had jello at lunch and the pastor over after church. Then, I gave her the coloring book and a box of crayons. I have never seen a kid so happy in all my days. She RAN aroud the house screaming THANK YOU THANK YOU...Momma LOOK!!! She has colored at least 5 pages every day and organizes her crayons when she´s done. She takes it to school. Today, I got to pick her up for the second time all by myself! I get a couple stares from the other moms, but for the most part they are extremely respectful here. But anyway, as I was picking her up, I saw her showing off her coloring book to a friend and giving her one of the stickers from inside. It really made me happy to bless her in this way. Next, it is Sarah´s birthday...she will be 11, and I must figure out a gift for her!

It is El Alto day today. The president, Evo Morales, walked the streets in a grand parade that lasted the entire day. From the windows of the center, we got a great view of the hundreds of thousands out to celebrate. It was incredble.

But sorry to cut this short, but I must go to dinner! I can´t be late!

One Crazy Morning...

I´m going to be honest...today has been SUPER hard! I have experienced things I never expected to when I signed up. Since it is Tuesday, the team and I spent the morning at Missionaries of Charity. We decided to switch off and today, I was in charge of the kids. The kids are not disabled as the rest of the residents. They are only a day child care for impoverished families to not have to pay for child care. Well, this in itself was an experience. First, there are 35-40 kids all under the age of 4 in one little building where they run rampant. It is only me, a resident (meaning a severely disabled man unable to communicate), and another girl that is in charge. Immediately after breakfast, she somewhat dissapeared and I didn´t see her again for a couple hours. So, I was basically left with this chaos. There are at least 10 kids crying at any given moment, kids hitting each other, and going to the bathroom in their pants all day. At least 20 have constant runny noses that flow all over everything, so I in turn end up picking them up, having their wet pants seep through my clothes to my skin and their snot all over my hands and clothes. They go to the bathroom in little buckets that are all over the floor of the bathroom. Many of them miss, and the smell of urine and ´number 2´ are everywhere you go. This in itself would have made for a hard day, but unfortunately, there´s more...so much more...

So, I have been holding this one child for about an hour and a half because she cries every time I put her down. Finally, she falls asleep, so I carry her into the sleeping room. In here, I find another little baby wrapped up in many blankets. It is sleeping soundly, so I go back out. I went back in an hour later to check on the kid I laid down. She was awake, so I got her...the other baby was waking up by the noise, and moving around a little bit. I took the little girl out and since no one else seemed to ever care to go back into this room to check on this baby, I did about ten minutes later...and the baby´s eyes were open...but it wasn´t moving. Immediately, I began to panic and unwrapped the baby as quick as possible...and it was so warm, but it wasn´t breathing. I sprinted out of the room already in a panic and sobbing and unable to breathe myself. I find the girl ´in charge´ carryingi n food for lunch and have her come quick. I then find out the mom works there, and she comes running and grabs her baby. In the moment, I sprint to find a sister (one of the nuns) and my team. As I reach my team, I can´t even talk...Honestly, I collapsed to the floor in their presence telling them. Laura knows CPR and so we sprinted out and she attemped, but they stopped her within 3 seconds and sent the mom on her way to the hospital with the baby, but they don´t realize it needed it now...by the time it got there, it was too late.

I discovered later, the baby was sick and unable to eat and receive milk, and it had many issues breathing. He was only 2 months old, and I know that is Heaven looking down on us now. He is so much better off than any of us here on Earth now. My teammates have comforted me and let me know I did all that I could, but I still have never witnessed anything like this before. I´ve seen a baby pup die of pnemonia as I pet it, and that was so tramumatic, but this was a human life!!! Please pray for comfort for the family. He is now in the hands of the Lord, so the babe is now in the best of hands. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

WALLYBALL!

Hey! Not too much has happened since the last post. On Wednesday and Fridays, we go to La Casa de Esperanza to serve lunch to the women. On Friday, there was a meeting, so tons of women were there! I was helping with childcare, which is MUCH harder than you think. Since these kids have such a violent and crazy upbringing, they are in turn, violent and undisciplined. They ended up being alright, but my spanish needs some touching up since all I can say to them is careful and don´t run.
On Saturday, we had a GREAT time playing Wallyball with our families. All of us got to invite our families to a court in town. Wallyball is Volleyball, but you can use the walls! It was so fun to laugh and plau not only with our families, but with all of our teammates since we haven´t all met everyone. It got pretty competitive, but I must say, my team was amazing!!!

Cipriana has taken yet another hit. Her aunt died last week, so she had to attend the funeral last Thursday all day, and I know its been hard on her. She often sneaks away to have a few moments which is not usual of Bolivians to not always be with family and friends. Continue to pray for her healing and for peace for her without her sons.

Missionaries of Charity

Hola!
First of all, updates...Nancy´s fever is gone!!! She still has a bad cough and has stayed home from school, but she is feeling much better! Praise God that I am not sick...I have been wondering how in the world I´m not sick because she has coughed all over me, but its most likely all of your prayers!!! Thank you!

As I mentioned before, Cipriana is recently separated from her husband, and two of her sons. Well, when i was finishing the dishes up last night, she was standing beside me in silence, so I asked..."How are you?" And she said..."very sad." Now, I figured she was, but I had not seen an ounce of it. She is always laughing and being an amazing mother. She went on about how much her heart is aching for her youngest son that is seven and with his father. She says he needs attention that he won´t give him. As she told me about all of this, we both sobbed and hugged each other. Even though we can´t communicate as much as we´d like, we definitely connected on a very real level. It was amazing to watch how strong she is. I can not imagine the hurt she feels having her son taken from her ESPECIALLY after I´ve seen how great of a mother she is to her four children in our home. After we finished, she immediately dried her tears, and went back into the room to with with her children laughing and smiling all the way, not to let her children know her pain.

Yesterday we began the hardest work I believe we will do here. It is at Mother Teresa´s Missionaries of Charity. This is a home for severely mentally and physically disabled men and women. There are six nuns that live their full time, and they are incredible women. We spent a lot of time just talking to them women, giving them lots of hugs and kisses. They love kisses on the cheek which is the formal way to greet anyone here in Bolivia. I did all kinds of things, like helping them make their beds, try to walk, throw a soccer ball back and forth, wash clothes (by hand because thats the only way they do things here), and clip most of their fingernails. It was so gratifying to be able to really love and serve these people. My group and I have been talking that this is THE opportunity to act out everything we have read about and learned about how to love the people as Jesus does. But we couldn´t help but have this battle between flesh and spirit. One moment, you know this is where you are supposed to be. This is where God wants me. The next moment, you´re wondering what in the world am I doing here?!? It is so hard. I met Estella, a fantastic woman with a huge smile on her face, but she can not express what she would like to because she is mute. Or Teresa that has crooked legs and can not walk. Or Atoñia, a woman that got the polio vaccine as a child, and instead of being vaccinnated, got polio. It is an incredible experience that I will need great prayer for, and the residents of the home. We will be serving there every Monday and Tuesday from 8-12.
Well, thats about it for now! Lots of love from El Alto!!! Caio!

¡Mi familia en El Alto es fantastico!

Not too much has happened since last time, but I figured I give a little love. My family has been amazing. My spanish is getting better, so I´m able to communicate better, and I´ve learned Juan knows some English so when I don´t understand, he tries in English. This always helps!
Nancy, my favorite 4 (almost 5) year old is super sick! She is a bad fever. She is ALWAYS laughing and smiling, and I can not even get her to smile or respond because she feels so horrible. The familiy does not have any medicine for her, but I have been told to keep an eye on her. I gave her half of a tylenol to see if it would lower her temperature, and I believe it made her feel a little better. I´m so scared to over medicate because she´s so small, so hopefully it will help little by little because I need my Nancy to be back to her normal crazy self! The house is so much more quiet with her sick! Cipriana, Juan, and I crawled in bed last night and watched Titanic in spanish. It was so fun because I could comprehend. Who hasn´t seen Titanic!? haha.
And our dog likes me now!!! Tarzon is his name and he hated me at the beginning because he thought I was intruding, but I tamed him one day and fed him bread, and he walks with me everywhere I go and protects me if any other dogs pretend they may attack. I´ve been told that if you pick up a rock and pretend to throw, the dogs back away anyway. This made my life that I have a dog in Bolivia!!!! He now looks at me with eyes of adoration not hatred!!! YAY!!!
We went to the center yesterday and cleaned and served lunch to the ladies, yet not many came. My team member Autumn and I helped in the kitchen and it was so much fun because they cooks, Vicki and Feli, are amazing people!!! They love the Lord and they love people! YAY! So, here´s a glimpse into my last few days!!!
Oh, and I finally won the battle of getting to wash the dishes each day after my wonderful home cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner!!! Cipriana loves it!

Solitude

Since I was having such a hard time adjusting to being without home, our servant team leader, Cara, has lended me a book, The Sacred Sorrow. It is a book on worshipping through lament. I have taken a lot from it, learning that no matter what your situation may be, you can worship the Lord because He is always there. The first few days have still been tough. It is mostly hard not being able to communicate with home (everyone that is reading this) all the time. I have learned to turn to God in my tears and sorrow from this experience thus far. I have been praying for peace and strength and God has definitely come through.

Our team had an assignment on Wednesday. It was a day of Solitude. We did not speak the entire day, just observed and learned. It was a chance to internalize all our thoughts. If we had questions, we wrote them down. We had several times to journal throughout the day, but did not share until the very end. We began at 9 AM and took the minibus to the ceja (market) of El Alto. On the way, our bus driver had road rage with another and we stopped while they got out and argued a bit. This in itself was an experience. We then got to the ceja and walked the streets, past the red light district, and saw the remains of the protests on the brothels last October with grafiti and banged in doors. Then, we entered the market. The market was FILLED with vendors of raw meat, clothes, shoes, toys, blankets. We walked SOO long through this. We then took a path through the witches market. There were many ingredients and fires in this part of town. I still don´t know what to think about it. One interesting thing we saw was dead, dried llama fetuses. It is a ritual when building a home to bury this under your house. If you are rich, you are expected to buy a real llama and sacrifice it. Interesting...
We then took the minibus down to La Paz. La Paz is 2000 feet below El Alto. The more and more we went, the more beautiful and well dressed the people got. We went to St. Fransisco, and then down the main street. As we traveled to the south part of the city, it was such a vast difference than we had experienced in El Alto. We ended in a nice restaurant called CharliePapa. It was then, 4 hours into our journey that we discussed our observations. We also learned that our families were never fortunate enough to travel this far. It was extremely convicting to be in a place that I would find in the states, and know that our families would never even have the guts to enter a place like this because they say they don´t belong there. I am already convicted in the luxurious life I live compared to these people just in the fact that I know I would have thought nothing of entering this restaurant and eating before. The day of Solitude was an incredible experience to witness. I am still so grateful of all that my family does have in El Alto.
They are continuing to be amazing in helping me learn. Although I can not say everything I´d like to say to them, we can still communicate. I recently discovered Cipriana and her husband separated just 2 months ago, and he lives very far away. She has a deep pain because 2 of her sons are with him, ages 15 and 6. She is a great and VERY loving mother, so I can not imagine what this pain is to her. I hope to be a light to her and the kids, help as much as possible, and teach them to rely on Christ. I am also praying this for myself everyday.
I miss you all VERY much, and I love you. Thank you for all the emails, prayers, and comments! xoxoxo from Bolivia
Caio!

Estoy aqui

Hola from Bolivia.
Well, it has been an adventure to get here. Our group met in Miami, Fl to fly out together. We spent a wonderful 2 hours talking before boarding and taking off. This goodbye to the states was extremely difficult as I shed many tears. Little did I know that it would not be goodbye just yet. I had the pleasure to have the seat 31A meaning the window seat in the back left. We took off and within 2 minutes or 1000 feet up the left engine blew up sounding 4 or 5 rapid backfires including fire and smoke shooting from the engine just outside my window. This is a moment where I truly believed I was about to die. It´s not every flight you get to see the engine blow up and live. I was one of the few lucky ones that actually saw this. I grasped my hands and prayed, and forunately, we turned around and landed safely. Praise the LORD!!! After deplaning and spending 16 hours in the Miami airport (from 11 PM to 3 PM) we were off again. We slept in a crowded autitoruim on cots for the night which was also an adventure waking up to strange men standing over you with coughing, snoring people everywhere...awkward!

Then, finally, we arrived in El Alto at midnight Saturday night, almost a day late, and our families were waiting for us. I met my host mom, Cipriana and her son, Juan(18). They walked me back home in the dark that night. Cipriana is a wonderful woman who is gentle, yet hardworking. She helps me soo much with my spanish, even though I still understand very little. She has one son in the home, and three daughters, Rebeca, 12, Sara, 10, and Nancy 4. Nancy is incredible as she has her wonderful way of making EVERYONE smile.

I have experienced homesickness thus far, but I am getting better. I still miss everyone from the states so much, but my team is such a great support group and we are all helping each other through our difficulties as we´ve had altitude sickness within the group, but lots and lots of love are in this community we´ve made. I have definitely experienced culture shock on many levels. I knew there were wild dogs, but I never expected this many. There is actually one next to me in this internet cafe now. In my 3 block walk from Cara´s house (my servant team leader), I pass an average of 15 dogs. As you know, I am a huge animal lover, and it is a hard task to not look to these dogs as pets, but guard dogs that are very mean. I actually have already had to pass a dead dog on the street several times which breaks my heart, but I am already adjusting to "thats just how it is here."

Food is very different here. Lunch is a HUGE meal and you are expected to eat everything on your plate. This is tough with it being so big, but if you do not eat everything, you greatly offend your family, so I scarf it down even if I am soo full. Everything I have been served so far has been great. My accomodations are actually much greater than I expected. I have a warm bed, vanity with drawers, a chair and two tables in my room! It is much more than I need.

I´m still trying to figure everything out and it is tough, especially missing home, but I know the Lord will take care of everything. He is beginning to give me peace and strength to persevere. Your prayers are very appreciated, and I cannot wait to see what else I have to offer the community of El Alto.

I miss you mucho!!!! And I hope to write again soon! xoxo!

Getting ready to Go

So, I'm starting to actually pack up, and it's kinda crazy! I don't know where I'm going to put all this stuff: sleeping bag, sheets, towels, books, clothes, boots, gifts, etc... It's close to impossible to fit it all in one suitcase and keep it under 50 pounds!

It is somewhat surreal to think I'm not going to sleep in my comfy bed, wash my clothes in a washer, blow dry my hair, play with my puppies, or even talk on a cell phone for 4 months! Some of this terrifies me, like being away from a telephone, but I know that I will survive. I wish I could throw in an ipod, my laptop, and a huge supply of my favorite foods, but I can't. But then I think, why couldn't I survive on these circumstances? Two thirds of the world live on these circumstances everyday, and right now, I have no way to know if life is actually better with these luxuries. I am going to Bolivia to get up close and personal with Jesus' heart for the poor. I will be living on a modest allowance to pay for all expenses including the fee to use the internet and write on my blog. :) I believe this may be what I desire to spend money on the most to communicate with home!

What I am really most hesitant about in leaving this week is not leaving my hair dryer behind, laptop, or my warm bed, but the people. I am scared about being away from my family and friends. They are my support group through all of this. I don't think I will ever be as excited to check email as in the days to come. Saying goodbye to so many people from school, church, and home that I love so much was the hardest thing I have EVER had to do. Being away from them in the upcoming months will be even harder, but I am praying for strength to get through this, the vision to see God's purpose for me, and an open spirit to take in all the things the Lord has to teach me.

Official Countdown: 3.5 days

Next time I write, I'll be in Bolivia with my host family, (a woman with 3 little girls!), with first impressions!

Why Bolivia? What am I doing?

Well, it all started last summer when my youth ministers from high school were in town. They left six years ago to start the mission field with Word Made Flesh in Bolivia. They went down and discovered a large need for ministry to be in the lives of the many women and children involved in prostitution. This is what they have based their ministry around. I told them I wanted to come visit them, and they threw out the idea of applying for their servant team program, which is a 4 month program in the spring or fall. The Lord really spoke to me because I honestly expected to not think another thing about it, and go on, but the idea of going and experiencing life with such different people and finding a way to help them just kept pulling me. I looked up all the information, and out of no where, I applied. Shortly after, I got accepted, and then had a couple second thoughts.

I went through an intense week of reflecting, and truly trying to decide if this is the right path for me. I set several ultimatums for God. If I can't get graduate on time, I'm not going...If I can't get school credit, I'm not going...If my passport is expired, I'm not going...If I can't get into Spanish class in the fall, I'm not going... Well, it proved ALL of those came true, and I still had a desire to go. The Lord was destined for me to live out His will for my life through his own ways. I accepted it head on and raised the money. Now, I find myself in Kentucky anxiously awaiting my departure.

I leave on February 15, 2008 to go and live until June 7th in El Alto, Bolivia, a suburb of La Paz, with an elevation of 13,300 feet above sea level, average temperature of 50 degrees year round and rainy, no heat, a weekly allowance of $12 a week, and only necessities in my possession. I can not wait to truly be able to be ridded of the commercialized culture we live in and really experience life with the two-thirds world. I believe God will be able to speak so clearly through these circumstances. I will live with a host family and volunteer at different ministry organizations throughout each week ranging from serving meals, playing with street children, cleaning, and administering first aid.

Please pray for my team of five, Autumn, Clark, Laura, and Bryan as we go into these people's lives and hope to share the light of Christ with them.
Official countdown: 11 days