Mozos on Mission

Helping at a Retreat for Girls

2012-01-17T10:01:00.001-05:00

These beautiful faces will likely marry at age 15, I was told, because of the reality of their mother's fears.

The red team

I asked them, "Do you want to marry at 15?" A resounding "no" came from all the girls. "We're just kids", they shared.

We learned about Esther, Dina, Lot's wife, Rebekah, and more. Many of them had never heard these stories. I was told that after three to five repetitions, they would have it committed to memory.

When I shared about Esther, I told the story in Spanish which is a langage that some of them grasp. Then Jenny translated the entire narrative into her native tongue. She listened to the entire thing and retold it. It was something amazing to me. This is a story telling people.

Although I intended to teach each day, I ended up only sharing one story as there were less attendees than expected and two young women from my church were also ready to teach. They did an amazing job.

We helped in a variety of small ways as needed like the teaching, setting up chairs or tables, serving food, cheering the red team, helping with crafts, or just being there. L- also helped as well as participated in the games and crafts.

The retreat is over now. It is my prayer that the girls will remember the stories and the lessons learned and that God will work out the theme of the retreat in each life --Growing Beautiful for God!

Highlights From November and December

2011-12-31T12:17:00.000-05:00

The Sunday School group that we lead.

Amy helped to judge year end Engish projects for the school our kids attended.

David's parents have been visiting us since the middle of November.
They are enjoying the grandkids, but the heat has been an adjustment for them.

Hillsong United came to Santa Cruz and we attended the concert.
What great worship in both English and Spanish!

The boys started soccer recently. Since Bolivian school was over,
we wanted a group activity to keep up Spanish learning.

SAM's Christmas party

There are more highlights, but I don't have photos or they are taking forever to load. We had an excellent Christmas spending Christmas Eve at Cristo Viene Home for girls. The kids played games, had a program, and let off fireworks to welcome in Christmas day. This past week, David helped mix cement and put in a jungle gym that the home was given for Christmas.

There is always happenings at the hanger too. These past few months one airplane was prepared to have tip tanks, the engines were changed between airplanes, as well as normal inspections and buying fuel. They have also stayed busy with flights, one of which is a local church that sent a medical team to an unreached village. We were involved in the meeting that arranged this flight and have hopes to see more flights and, God willing, missionaries and a church planted there. Pray that God will raise up workers to go to these remote areas. Our main pilot is home now on furlough, so be praying that a licence will be forthcoming for the other pilot.

Happy New Year!

Exodus 14:13 -14

Adapting to Life in Bolivia

2011-12-19T12:23:00.001-05:00

We just completed our second year here in Bolivia. Recently, I wrote a guest post for another blog sharing about the adjustment.

All the ladies in attendance at the grand dinner were well dressed and mannered. The delicious food was set before us with flair. Everything about this Christmas extravaganza shouted of excellence to the smallest detail. There were gifts given to the many pastor’s wives and then to the missionaries in attendance. My friend whispered to the hostess that there was one more. They called my name. I remember the swelling applause and the lovely Brighten bracelet that still adorns my wrist on occasion. Upon returning to my seat, my eyes began to fill and I was glad for the lowering of lights as the program began because I could not hold back the tears for the applause that I did not deserve.

Read the rest of this post at Quest for a New Perspective

Thanks to Gene Jennings from Quest for a New Perspective for inviting me to write this post. He wrote a guest post from Missional Mama about Purposeful Giving for the 31 Days of Missional Living project in October. Please take some time to read his post and see what he is doing with the next ten years to help reach the whole world!

October Happenings

2011-11-02T22:03:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to get on and give you a little update. I have not been on much recently and that is because I committed myself to a 31 day blog series on my personal blog which took up all of my blogging time. My topic was 31 Days of Missional Living. Feel free to click the link and see if you would like to read any of the posts.

Here are a few photos that show a glimpse into our October....

We took a formal church photo one night after church. This means around 10:30 P.M; you know when everyone looks their best. {Can you see my slightly sarcastic smile?}

During one of the youth events, we celebrated three birthdays. The two guys on the outsides are Pastors and the fellow in the middle is a leader. {yes, those are yummy cakes.}

Our church celebrated 19 years and had a grand celebration including guest speakers and many visitors. I was sick for part of it and was really sad to miss some of the festivities.

L was involved in a Tambourine dance with several girls while I and his friend waved flags. I was thrilled to have L involved in something that she enjoys as I often wonder if my kids are missing out as they don't have the same opportunities they used to at home. Please pray that God will direct us in the things that would benefit our kids and that I will trust God that that is enough.

This was the birthday cake which all the church ladies helped hand out on the last evening of the anniversary weekend. I enjoy being part of the helpers and have learned that they won't usually ask me, I just need to jump in and start helping.

Here is our little guy serving after the service. He enjoys helping put the chairs away and often tries to carry more then his little body can handle.

The kids found an experiment that made something explode and convinced Dad that it was a good idea. As you can see, they really enjoyed the entire thing.

Our single missionary in San Fernando came into Santa Cruz for a few weeks and this is the photo of the group as the day she headed back. Please be praying that God will send a national missionary couple to replace her asap as she is due to leave next June or so.

This is our pilot and our Pastor. We are hoping and praying about getting our church involved with one of the unreached areas where we fly. They have such a heart for missions and we could see it being a good fit. Please pray with us that God will direct us.

We had a cold going around our family for awhile that was keeping up knocked out, but we seem to be over that for now. We are thankful that it wasn't the swine flu as that was going around and all the schools here were closed for 10 days because of it plus people were wearing masks around the city.

David continues to enjoy his job. We are so thankful for the great SAM air team that we work with. God has been good to us. Pray for all the goings on in the hanger from flight scheduling, fuel purchasing, mechanics, and all the goings on that God would be glorified.

Please pray for our other ministries and opportunities that God brings our way. We have a friend whose brother is really sick that we have been visiting recently to encourage, Amy's Bible study was on a short break but will be restarting this week, church happenings and just the every day opportunities that fill our time. Pray that God will lead and direct us.

Thanks for reading. You are a blessing to us!

The One Who Went on a Mission Trip and Stayed for a Year

2011-10-21T12:08:00.000-04:00

So, what do you say about a gal who comes to Bolivia on a summer team and then stays for a year to fill a need? That is what Kayleen did. Last summer (2010) she came having been here before and knowing many of the missionaries which include her older sister, Heather. While she was here, she heard about the need for a 5Th grade teacher and God prompted her to stay FOR THE YEAR and she did!

I was drawn to Kayleen because of her love for God, encouraging nature, and joy! I am excited to see the plans God has for her as she is now back stateside. The goodbyes in missionary life are horrible. I know, however, that it is worth the investment! I am glad for the times my family and I had to get to know and be part of Kayleen's life for the past year.

Kayleen, I appreciated how intentional you were with me this past year to chat about what God was doing. You were a blessing to me and I miss you!

You can keep up with Kayleen on her blog, Hands for Mission, and she recently wrote a guest post for my Missional Mama blog.

Celebrating the Department of Santa Cruz

2011-09-24T11:56:00.000-04:00

Today celebrates the Department of Santa Cruz. We live in the city of Santa Cruz which is in the Department (like a state) of Santa Cruz.

The school that our kids attend held a program to celebrate on Thursday.

This photo was from the beginning of the program with two children representing each class and wearing typical clothing from different areas of the department of Santa Cruz.

Lily's class has been practicing this cultural dance for weeks.

Can you see her little feet in the back row?

She was thrilled to participate in this event and we are glad she is getting these kinds of oppotunities this year to not only learn Spanish but also culture.

The Great Car Switcheroo

2011-09-22T11:58:00.003-04:00

This guy wants to drive so badly that he jumps into open car windows.

We thought we would be without a car now, fully relying on taxis and micros to accomplish life here. You see, while we have some money in our vehicle account, we still need a good amount (at least $5,000) to purchase our own car.

Our first nine months here, we borrowed a car from our SAMair boss. Although we had yet to meet, the Throssels approved us using their vehicle while they were stateside. It was a huge blessing! At the point when they needed the car back, the Kienzle family was heading on home assignment and left us their keys. So this past year was again covered! As the year came to an end, we were anticipating handing the Kienzle family their car back and being without for a while. David seemed content with it, but I was wrestling with what life would be like without a vehicle.

At what seemed the last minute, another SAM family decided to go on home assignment. Within weeks of us planning for not having a car, we were again blessed with a vehicle to borrow. David dropped the Smith family off at the airport bringing their car back to use and on the very same evening he left the Kienzle's car for them at the base! It was cool! I am still so grateful to have a car to use!

It is our hope to raise enough this year to purchase an automatic car of our own. All the cars thus far have been stick, which I cannot drive. (I know! I know! Everyone tells me that I can learn, but have you seen how they drive here? I want to be able to concentrate on not getting hit and not worry about shifting gears too!) It will be a great help for us both to be able to drive. Please pray with us for this!

In the meantime, we are so grateful that we have had cars to borrow and for the generous missionary families who have trusted us!

The Pilot's Seat

2011-08-23T13:23:00.000-04:00

While Greg was gone for a few weeks, David took his seat and did an overhaul on it.

Leadership Conference in Peru

2011-08-19T12:47:00.000-04:00

David had the opportunity to attend the ETBIL Cumbre Latinoamericaca conference in Lima, Peru.

He came back very excited about what he learned and has set up a meeting to talk with our Pastor about it. We are praying about how God would like us to share and use the information gained.

Two of David's close Peruvian friends were also part of the conference which was a bonus blessing and he was able to see his family.

We are grateful and praise God for this opportunity! Please pray with us that God will grant us wisdom in how to proceed.

Friendship Day

2011-08-18T09:44:00.000-04:00

Friendship Day is a big deal here! Since it fell on the same night that the youth meet, they planned a black and white themed party to celebrate.

Can you find David?

There were so many new people and visitors which was great. David and I didn't have much to do except bring a 10 gallon Igloo cooler full of sweet iced tea and enjoy the festivities including games, a talk, and a gift exchange.

Chelsea, Elva, and Dpo

Chelsea was back for a few weeks this summer to help with English Village (training future missionaries and leaders with language learning skills to use in ministry). She was Elva's tutor in English Village for those few weeks which was fun since they knew each other from when Chelsea was living here and attending our church. Dpo is living with Elva's family this year and is part of our church participating in the youth and music ministry plus my kids take art from her at the school.

Lily's Birthday Gift

2011-08-15T13:12:00.000-04:00

On her birthday, Lily not only opened presents meant for her, but she also gave a gift.

She had 12 1/2" of hair cut off which we sent to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program. We learned that the wigs they make are donated free to women in need.

She ended up with this cute, sassy cut that is so much easier to comb and keep neat. I do miss her long hair, but it went to a good cause.

English VBS

2011-08-14T21:18:00.000-04:00

Every summer the children's ministry team within SAM runs an English VBS which my children look forward to attending. I am thrilled that my kids get this chance to have teaching outside our home in English.

This year I led the 5TH - 7TH graders around as basically the guide, ending each day with an overview and prayer.

The kids loved the arctic themed crafts, Bible stories, games, songs, and snacks. I could tell that it was an enjoyable week for everyone. The highlight for the staff was the two children whom asked Jesus in their hearts and the two others, in my class, who were not sure but thinking about it.

YWAM Team Visits Las Misiones

2011-08-13T13:45:00.000-04:00

There is a YWAM school called DTS in Peru.

The DTS is a school of information, transformation, and formation. Students grow in Biblical Information and Character Transformation, and are given the tools for Ministerial Formation. The school is designed for: 1) Young Christian leaders who will return home to train other youth to be leaders in their church, denomination and city. 2) Those who have been called by God to full-time cross-cultural missions. (Taken from YWAM's website head over there for more information)

After three months of studies, the students are put in teams and sent out to do ministry for the next three months. So, in July two groups came to Santa Cruz with one group working at our church for a week.

It was announced that they were coming two days before they arrived and housing was needed.

We happily welcomed Annie, Janine, and Pamela into our home. It was such an enjoyable week getting to spend time with the team and specifically the girls we hosted.

One of the "God Moments" for us was learning that Pamela had applied with SAM, our mission, and had not met any SAM missionaries on the field. How amazing that she was housed with us where we could tell her first hand about the mission and show her the ministry here.

The team worked hard each day helping with construction and cleaning at the church and doing different outreaches in the afternoons plus leading services.

It was one of the highlights of our summer (and we miss you, Annie, Janine, and Pamela!)

Family Time in Samaipata

2011-07-30T21:04:00.001-04:00

June and July have been busy months. I have several catch-up blog posts to write in the next few weeks so watch for them, but for today I want to share about our last few days which took us to the small mountain town of Samaipata for some much needed family time. So many people have recommended Samaipata to us and now we understand.

Here are a few of our small (three day/two nights) vacation highlights...

On our way to Samaipata, this eight-year old girl waved us down for a ride. She was coming home from school and only needed us to take her a few miles which we did happily. Can you imagine your daughter riding with just anyone she happens to flag down?

Arriving into Samaipata after an amazingly beautiful drive.

This shot was taken at the Cabanas where we stayed (Thanks to the Masseys). They had lots of open space for the kids to run and this fun swing that occupied much of their time. There were also lots of animals that my kids made friends with including a bird that I am sure was saying, "Mommy" when we were leaving!

Even though it was cooler, the kids enjoyed swimming. I am not sure if you can see David and the owner of the Cabanas sitting in the background of the photo. He was an interesting man telling us that he was a retired doctor and an inside-out psychologist. He spent a good while explaining what he meant about inside-out sharing that many of our issues stem from fear, worry, or anger and if we can let go of all of those our lives would be much better. It's fun to stop and listen sometimes and Samaipata seemed the perfect place to relax and leave hurry behind for a few days.

The morning of our only full day there, we found this amazing bakery with great bread and coffee which we enjoyed. Then we headed up the crazy, scary drive to visit the nearby ruins.

I did not realize until we got there that this visit would include a two hour walk, but it ended up being a joy for all of us as we looked for bugs, insects, and interesting foliage as well as viewing the ruins.

Some of the views were awesome!

On the drive back down from the ruins, the brakes on one side of the car froze which made for an extra scary descent. We stopped at this little stream to dip our toes while David checked the car. Of course, I fell in and had to ride the rest of the way with my entire backside wet.

This is the first garage that we had look at our brakes while I tried to sun dry. Since they could not find the part we needed, we had to find another place in town. It was an adventure and when we finally were able to eat lunch at 2:30 P.M., we inhaled it.

That night the kids enjoyed a soccer game with several of the local children while David and I had coffee discussing and laughing about the events of the day. I asked David several times if he thought the brakes were OK for our drive home and they were.

Some of the other highlights were building a fire and roasting marshmallows, walking around the small town, meeting the nice people, and seeing homes that were not behind gates plus the cool evenings made sleeping pleasant.

In the midst of busyness it is important to take some time and just be with family. Our kids needed this time where we unplugged from ministry and even technology and just were together. We look forward to going back there.

What kind of family time have you carved out recently? Any ideas to share?

Pillowcase Dresses Delivered in San Fernando

2011-06-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

Some of the pillowcase dresses that FBC of Perrysburg sent us back in January were lovingly given out in the village of San Fernando. Greg took them on a SAMair flight and Katie, who lives there, distributed the treasures. You can see how happy the women and girls are in the photos that Katie sent back to me below.

Katie is pictured here with her friend.

End of April and May Activities and Events

2011-06-13T09:37:00.000-04:00

There have been many things going in these past few months besides David's daily work in the hanger. Here are a few...

The couple in the middle of this photo (holding Ash) were here from Paraguay looking at the possibility of coming and working as a missionary aviation mechanic in our hanger. We are excited about the possibility and ask that you pray with us that God will open the way if it is in His will. They say that missionaries today are being sent from everywhere to everywhere. This is exciting as we look to partner with the Global Church to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

We enrolled the kids into the school at our church to help them learn Spanish and culture. The elementary school runs from 1:50 P.M. until 5:30 P.M, so we still have time to homeschool in the morning and have a little break after lunch before they head off for the afternoon. They have been there just over one month and we are seeing the language improvement. Lily's teacher told us that she wants to read in Spanish and will begin helping her this coming week.

The children line up on Monday mornings before heading to class.

We finally made a visit to Jason and Jenna's house, SAM missionaries who live about an hour out of the city. This is a picture of Isaiah who was part of a cow delivery while we were there. The guys took a cow to another village about 45 minutes further down the road. You never know what a day might hold here.

David had the opportunity to preach in the village church there that Sunday.

The church is the building in the back.

I turned another year older.

The youth came over and surprised me with singing and a cake.

We went to a church (within our association) anniversary lunch to be a support and encouragement. The kids are eating Sopa de Mani (peanut soup) which is one of our favorites.

The lady and son at the far end of the table were flown in with SAMair because the little guy needed surgery. They brought live chickens to barter the hospital bill with and had never used indoor plumbing like we have at the base. He recovered well and is now back at home.

This is Asher with his pre-K teacher. He is dressed as a duck for the Bolivian Mother's Day program at school. All the kids participated with songs.

Our First Quinceañera

2011-06-11T11:14:00.001-04:00

The Quinceañera is a big deal.

In some ways this coming of age party is much like a wedding. There are beautiful dresses, attendants (14 guys and girls actually), lovely decorations, good food, a special ring, all within a very formal occasion and party.

This was my first Quinceañera and we had a great time celebrating with Rosa (who works at the SAM base) and her family. Kendra looked like a princess in both of her hot pink dresses. I can see why a young girl would look forward to this day. (I am sure you can imagine the discussion we had with Lily that night.)

Events like the Quinceañera help us understand and become more a part of life here. Bolivia has such a rich culture and we are enjoying the process of understanding things little by little as we go along.

March 26, 2011

Clinic Grand Opening

2011-06-11T10:24:00.000-04:00

Placido and Toni are both doctors on our SAM team who have been working mainly with a people group outside the city helping meet physical and spiritual needs. Recently, they were given space above a new orphanage to hold a daily clinic and these photos were from the grand opening.

There were Ayoreos who thanked Placido and Toni for all they have done and continue to do for them. There language and manner of sharing is precious!

It really is a beautiful space to serve God and people. Please pray for the constant needs that come and that God will supply the money needed to help with all the medication, operations, and expenses that come from running this ministry.

That Language Thing

2011-05-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

I am teaching an Inductive Bible Study on Fridays to several young adults from my church here. I love teaching and speaking about the Bible, especially when it is in my native tongue. As you know, I live in a country where English is only occasionally spoken by some (like other missionaries) but Spanish is needed for living here. Certainly, I am improving in my abilities (although there are days where I feel like I took one step back or lost it completely) and sometimes I even fool others like the lady who asked me recently if I was from a neighboring country. HOWEVER, buying bread or giving directions to my taxi driver is completely different than trying to delve into some deep spiritual conversation about Galatians. I have to admit, I am not ready. I cannot do it!

The ladies that come to my house know me. They are so patient when I talk in a circle to try to say what I could easily say in English. They work with me, rewording things to sound beautiful and speak deep. I love it and I really enjoy the fellowship and building up that comes when you spend time with others who want to study and know God's Word as much as you do. These women desire to draw near to God.

Last Friday, one of the gals came early. We sat and chatted and I was telling her some things that I was learning from a book that I was reading. Disciplines of Spiritual Discernment by Tim Challies, I think. As the class was about to casually begin, I noticed that she was writing in her small pad and she sheepishly smiled at me and said something along the lines of "I don't want to forget what we talked about". I WAS BLOWN AWAY! The thing is that whenever there is a light bulb moment which involved me and my Spanish, I know immediately is had nothing to do with me. It was God speaking through my weakness, my limitations, my messiness and reaching a heart with His words. I like it because it allows me to never take credit for what God does and instead marvel at his ability to speak through even me.

I pray often that God will give me Spanish but in the meantime may God give me the words for the hearers that will speak life into them now.

What kind of challenges are you dealing with now?

Risen

2011-04-24T09:31:00.001-04:00

photo credit: Amber @ Amber's Articles

Matthew 28: 1 -7

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

photo credit: http://ambocullum.blogspot.com/

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Forsaken

2011-04-22T11:29:00.000-04:00

Forsaken

Can you even imagine it?

Photo by Amber of Amber's Articles

for you and for me

Matthew 27: 45 - 61 (ESV)

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, "Truly this was the Son of God!"

There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb

Helping at the MK School

2011-04-13T16:55:00.001-04:00

My kids attend art class at SCCLC where most of our MKs go to school. They enjoy being there and are making friends. I have been able to help out at times by talking and listening to some of the new teachers, teaching a class, or periodic substitute teaching.

One Thursday morning and Friday recently, I helped with art class while the teacher was at a conference in Ecuador. Because there were not constant classes, Lily and Isaiah joined me and did school work on campus. They also helped with the classes like teaching the 1ST graders (pictures below) how to make paper hats when they had finished thier project for art.

On another day, I was also asked to dress up as a character and read to two of classes when they visited the library. So, I read King Bidgood in the Bathtub for the PreK while dressed as a queen including a paper crown that Asher made. Later, I read the first chapter of A Wrinkle in Time to the 6TH graders wrapping myself in a quilt as the main character does when the book begins

I am glad to be of help in small ways at the school and my kids benefit from the interaction as well.

Do I Need to Know How to Read to Go to Heaven?

2011-04-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

David and I have a good friend, Andy, who has come down the past two years to help medical students as they seek to meet immediate physical needs of as many Bolivians as they possibly can. Because of Andy (and last year his wife), we met the Wiebe family who hosts these teams and have been able to come alongside them by helping with translation.

It is especially enjoyable when you work with great medical students like Amy and Clay (pictured above) whom I enjoyed getting to know as much as the fellows I worked with last year (who reminded me of my brothers).

It is also amazing to meet the people who came in off the street like one sweet old lady with long braids hanging down her back. She was full of joy and easy to be around. I could imagine visiting her for tea if she lived in my neighborhood and leaving her home encouraged and loved.

When I met her, she sat silently while we shared the gospel with her neighbor. This was the last stop in the process of visiting the make-shift clinic. I translated and when her neighbor wanted to know more about what Jesus did for her on the cross, we shared and finally together we prayed as she put her faith in Christ.

The little old lady with the long braids actually attended the church where our clinic was held and she was thrilled for her much younger neighbor and friend. She enthusiastically told me where her heart lay in regards to Jesus and I was certain she walked with God.

But then she leaned close and with worry clouding her eyes, she placed her hand gently on my arm and asked, "Do I need to know how to read to go to heaven?" I was not prepared for that question. It was interesting and sad. "No, we can do nothing to earn salvation." When I told her that she did not have to be able to read, she thanked me over and over with a smile covering her face into her eyes. My hope is that God will secure that fact deep into her heart by His Word.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. - Eph. 2: 8, 9

(The photos are all from the clinic but none are of the lady I wrote about unfortunately. It has been a joy to work side by side this year and last, with this team mainly from Tampa, FL, reaching people with medical and spiritual needs. I do not know all the numbers but as I recall they saw more than 1,000 people and over 400 made decisions for Christ. I was able to translate for two of those decisions. If you would like to read a little more, I also posted about it on my personal blog.)

One of Those WOW Moments (at Conference)

2011-03-09T20:41:00.001-05:00

When you bring a speaker that everyone hopes will keep preaching

and your heart praises God for His Word spoken well...

When your director (who can also throw your son around) casts vision into the future

and you begin to pray as never before that God will direct us as a mission

to do what He has for us...

When your kids learn more about God as they enjoy time with fellow MKs of all ages

because your team is full of amazing children...

When the fellowship is sweet,

making new friends from Columbia and Paraguay

that you are sad to see leave,

but excited as now the mission is bigger and wider spread

which means the Gospel is going forth

elsewhere...

When all that kind of stuff happens,

you fall on your knees

and thank God from whom all blessings flow

There is so much to process and share from this conference. It has taken me awhile to begin writing about it as I ponder what God is doing with us and in our mission. Our speaker reminded us that Jesus is God! It is basic to our faith but worth the reminder. May we always be reaching and teaching people about Jesus and what He did to bring us life. May we hear and follow the Holy Spirit's leading as we seek to share with our work, our words, and our life.

Please pray with us.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

The Great Regathering

2011-01-31T18:20:00.000-05:00

So, our family came to Bolivia with a vision and focus

to do thus and such

and share Jesus with this little section of earth.

Jason, one of our missionaries, is an amazing photographer.

Much like one looks through a telescope

zooming in on that one bright planet,

our one thing (aviation)

and we work with other missionaries who were zooming in as well

on their object, their vision, their one thing.

But sometimes we take on other telescopes

to mesh with the one we are already holding

and it can grow heavy

and it can be too much

to keep balanced

and watching

everything...

at the same time

or

we may be missing something,

possibly a focus we need

or certain areas that should expand.

and so...

as a mission, we are in a new season

of turning the scope inside

and pulling out our goals and vision

for ourselves, for our ministry, for our mission.

and

we are seeking God's voice to speak to us

and to make sure we are deeply connected

with source of our vision

in this

our great regathering

to push through and find the way we should go,

that ancient path.

Pray with us!

This weekend begins our Bolivia field conference with folks coming from the US, Columbia, and Paraguay. We are asking God to meet us here and show us the way He wants us to go. Pray that God will guide us to know that which is best as we move forward!

SAM 2020 is South America Mission’s dedicated renewal process. It is about understanding our times and making the necessary changes – personally, organizationally, sacrificially—to enable us to share in the realization of a beautiful vision: seeing thousands of dynamic churches making disciples in a way that gives a delicious foretaste of God’s kingdom come.

Fruit and Vegetables

2011-01-25T20:06:00.000-05:00

One thing I enjoy about living in Bolivia is the delicious fruit

and vegetables

that you can purchase in the market

and when you eat out and ask for Lemonade, they make the real thing.

It is never a powdered mix.

or you can make juice with fruit you have never seen before

we were told these bad boys carry more vitamin C in one then 10 oranges

just clean, blend, strain, add some sugar and enjoy.

I thought I might periodically post about some of the joys of living here. Hope you like seeing a peek into our reality.

Boxes from Ohio

2011-01-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

Look what came in the mail...

This is a small sampling of the creative dresses and shorts.

We know a wonderful group of ladies in Ohio from the FBC of Perrysburg who made two boxes full of pillowcase dresses and shorts to distribute as needed. Our plan is to send some to the villages where we fly as well as take some to a home for girls nearby.

Lily modeling one of the dresses.

A huge THANK YOU to those who helped and gave!

Knight's Conference for Boys

2011-01-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

In December, the SAM Children's Ministry presented a Knight's Conference for boys 10-13.
Because David was helping, Isaiah was able to attend despite the fact that he won't reach double digit status for a few more months.

The boys came from different churches, homes for boys, and from our mission.

They participated in several activities like designing and painting shields.

plus cool outdoor games.

The Children's Ministry does a great job on activities like these helping prepare future leaders.

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2:22

SAMair Photos

2011-01-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Greg, David, and Tom
We need more pilots. Do you know of anyone?

Asher wanting to be like Daddy.

The whole SAMair group with families
including Katie, whom we fly to San Fernando, and Mauricio, the intern from here.

2011 is Here!

2011-01-02T15:24:00.001-05:00

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. - Ephesians 1: 17

I recently chose this verse as a blessing verse for my daughter. The more that I have thought about it I would like it to be a blessing verse for my sons too, my husband, my family, friends, myself and for you too!

May 2011 be the year that we collectively know God better!

A View of Christmas

2010-12-31T18:59:00.000-05:00

SAM Christmas party

Christmas socks (Bill)

Lily's Christmas song (with Virginia, who has her front teeth)

Christmas carolers

Christmas choreography at our church program (youth)

Christmas choir

Christmas visiting and delivering (with Teresa)

Christmas shopping

Heading to a Christmas Eve service in English

Christmas candlelight (with Walt)

Christmas trumpet (wih Bill)

Visiting Cristo Viene Home for Girls Christmas Eve (see Greg and Lily)

Christmas company (Mario)

Christmas night in the plaza with company (Christy)

What a festive celebration of the birth of Jesus!

How was your Christmas?

Merry Christmas from Bolivia

2010-12-24T07:40:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

from

Bolivia!

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. - Galations 4: 4

I Played My Drum for Him Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

2010-12-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

So, I could not help but think of "The Little Drummer Boy" this morning at church.

We arrived early and the kids immediately started helping the worship band set up.

Because we have an open church, all the instruments are carefully stored and need to be set up before each service.

Then it was time for the service and where was Asher?

On stage praying with the worship team.

We laughed, took his picture, and went to collect him from the front, but Nino waved me off...

and Asher participated in the service, my own little drummer boy.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

On Monday Evening...

2010-12-15T19:37:00.001-05:00

This is how it went down....

Asher: Mommy, are you leaving?

Me: Yes, I am going to go out to dinner to say goodbye to Dana.
(Asher looks distraught)
Do you not want me to go?

Asher: Are you going to come back home?

Me: Yes

Asher: Well, then I want you to go

and so I went with 17 other ladies in our mission to celebrate Dana and tell her we will miss her while she is on home assignment for the next six-ish months.

Don't you think goodbye is always easier with good food?

I am just glad that she is coming back and what fun to get the ladies together!

You Never Know

2010-12-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

what expensive car will be driving in front of you here...

A good reason to always carry a camera!

Welcome Back to Santa Cruz Party

2010-12-11T19:23:00.000-05:00

Can you see the approaching plane?

So, this morning Greg flew Katie, Jimena, and Dina back into Santa Cruz. Jimena has been helping Katie as she works in the church in the rural town of San Fernando since June and Dina has been there for the past few months. Today this particular team is ending and Katie will be looking for another willing soul to go back with her in a couple of weeks.

Tom, our SAMair leader, thought it would be nice to have a welcoming party including cold drinks since this team has not had electricity. Even Greg, the pilot, has been gone for two weeks ministering in Santa Corazon and San Fernando with a YWAM team sent out from here.

Most of the welcomers

Jimena hugging her mom.

Greg finishing his log book.

David and Tom helping unload.

Dina, Katie, and Jimena

Lily was happy to see Katie.

Janine and I snapping photos and enjoying the party.

It will be fun to hear some of Katie's stories and adventures while she is here in Santa Cruz. Pray for a restful time for her and that God will direct her to the person who should join her in her ministry this next year.

Random Hanger Photos from December 6TH

2010-12-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

Our home church requested a new family photo.

So after Isaiah's art class, we ventured to the hanger.

David was working fixing a crack in the fiberglass on one of the planes.

The kids gearing up to look cute for our family shot.

Just me with the hanger in the background.

Where is the family photo?

Watch for it in another post!

Sharing Our Thanksgiving Tradition

2010-12-03T16:12:00.001-05:00

Jose Luis came up with the idea to do a traditional Thanksgiving dinner during our weekly youth meeting this past Saturday night.

I was really excited about sharing this holiday with our friends.

We held a planning meeting where I related a little American history along with what my family does each year.

While listing all the trimmings that accompany the turkey, we had a pretty funny discussion about rice. I mentioned that we do not eat rice on Thanksgiving and that was met with an uproar from the guys in attendance. They even suggested mixing mashed potatoes with rice (umm...gross!). These youth love their rice. In the end; however, we had chicken (turkey is imported and expensive) mashed potatoes, mixed salad with American dressings, some type of pasta salad, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies and sweet iced tea.

The bummer of it all (for me) was that after the planning and making two huge bowls of salads with Vanessa, Carla, Laura, and David at our house. I went to lay down and ended up with stomach issues that forced me to stay home AND MISS THE PUMPKIN PIE!!!!! I couldn't eat anything anyway, but it was sad loss.

I heard that it went well. David got to share, people gave thanks, and everyone thought the pie and cookies were amazing!

and so for all that I am thankful!

Pictures taken by Dpo

The Problem with the Tower of Babel

2010-11-22T16:09:00.000-05:00

My oldest son is not happy with the crazy people who tried to build a tower that reached God.

Genesis 11:1-9 (NIV)

1 Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
5 But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”
8 So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 That is why it was called Babel — because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth.

On the way to art this afternoon he mentioned something like, "I wish those people didn't build the tower so that everyone spoke the same language now."

Because language learning takes a long time and it can be hard and frustrating, that is what Isaiah was actually saying.

Pray for us as we learn that God will grant us the ability to speak clearly and easily.

One Year Living Here, One Manner of Giving

2010-11-17T19:40:00.002-05:00

I don't do this much...

but once in awhile...

I call one of my brothers or maybe my parents....

and I say something like, "There's this need...."

So, I called a brother several months back and said, "Hey, would you pitch in with me."

He immediately gave and doubled what I asked.

A sure sign of his heart.

I desire a heart like that!

and so we took with our pooled resources, not even a sacrifice really on either of our parts...

to our friends who Pastor a church in the middle of nowhere filled to the brim with children who are nutritionally starved and lay down to sleep where the family animals roam, even the very smallest living with bugs in their hair and stomachs.

The children whom my kids call friends.

And when we visit again, there will be laughter.

There will be hugs.

"Why do all their clothes have holes?"

My kids forgot as they played that we came by air. That there were no stores nor restaurants. That early evening the power went out for everyone.

They just had eyes to see friends, to see fun.

May we have eyes to see as children see...

and when the Pastor told us what they were in want of ..

that medication was needed, we took our small offering to the pharmacy and asked them to choose what would be helpful

we sought to pour a bit of water into that cup, fill up a bit of that need.

The money did not go as far as I have envisioned.

It was not as full as I had desired...

but God has a way of taking what we give and multiplying it.

I am praying that will be so...

Oh how I am thankful for parents who taught me to have mercy on the poor.

I am thankful for brothers who support and do not scoff.

I am thankful for family and friends that are a part of ministry with us and labor side by side even from so far away.

I am thankful today as it has been one year living here.

This post is also on my personal blog, Missional Mama, and linked to A Holy Experience.

Radical Living

2010-11-15T16:56:00.001-05:00

So, I am just finishing the book Radical by David Platt. Similar to Crazy Love by Francis Chan, it is a book that inspires Christian to go all out for the sake of Jesus Christ.

I liked what I read today:

If you and I ever hope to free our lives from worldly desires,worldly thinking, worldly pleasures,worldly ideals, worldly values, worldly ambitions, and worldly acclaim, then we must focus our lives on another world. (pg.179)

When we risk our lives to run after Christ, we discover the safety that is found only in his sovereignty, the security that is found only in his love, and the satisfaction that is found only in his presence. (pg. 181)

The books ends with a Radical Challenge to...

1. Pray for the entire world.
(They suggest the book Operation World which I have used. There is a new version and one for children)

2. Read through the entire Word.
(PLEASE do this one. It will change you.)

3. Sacrifice your money for a specific purpose.

4. Spend time in another context.
(I know people in Bolivia. You could go there.)

5. Commit your life to a multiplying community.
If you want to learn more about the challenge, visit the website.
Always remember to take what you read and learn and line it up with scripture.

The book reminded me that our goal is that the Gospel move forward. Radical because we know in whom we believe, Jesus Christ!

The Last Week in October

2010-10-30T11:14:00.001-04:00

So, a few quick takes from the week...

In the Hanger...

David did paperwork to buy fuel for the planes
finished a 25 hour inspection on one aircraft
started a 75 hour inspection for the other one
Two of the flights brought doctors from Canada back who were working with our SAM team on a trip to Magdalena which is in the northeast of Bolivia.
There was also an medical emergency flight.

Outside of the Hanger...

David was hit by a car on Monday night. We praise God that no one was hurt! The car is now in the shop and we hope it will be done next week.
Some seriously good food
David had a birthday yesterday and we celebrated by meeting friends for dinner at an amazing Peruvian restaurant.
Lily lost her first front tooth and now has five Bolivianos (seven equals a dollar) to show for it.
There was a special women's meeting on Tuesday night at church while the men's group also met.
Tonight is the youth group meeting. We are starting to help with the youth which means anyone from about 15 until marriage.

Guess how old David is...
Hint: Look at our fingers

The name of the Lord is a strong tower;

the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18: 10

The Nervous Missionary

2010-10-14T16:02:00.001-04:00

So, we are on our second bout with serious infection in our family. This time Lily is the target and it has not been fun nor easy. She has suffered off and on for several days not wanting to walk, not wanting to have anything near the tender spot, screaming out as the doctor helped her, taking horrid medicine, and now shots too - for 3 days.

Lily with friends from church last Sunday

I am not loving life here right now and I am tired of the anxiousness that I always feel when my children are sick. Moving to another country does not take away our quirky little personality stuff that rears its head in times like these. Isn't it funny how as missionaries we could seem like faith giants to the outside world but when push comes to shove we are just the same with daily life creeping up and bring out our very human emotions. We just happen to be living elsewhere as we deal with them.

This has been a hard week and an emotionally exhausting ordeal; however, I give thanks to the Lord that I am married to Mr. Calm who is an amazing help in situations like these. I am grateful for the doctors on our team who pray with us and a new pediatrician to help Lily. I am grateful for Lily's brave attitude. As we drove home from the hospital, she mentioned desiring a world where no one was sick (of course, we talked about heaven) and when we got home she counted the shots and days ahead. She is a trooper. I am also thankful for friends like Laurie who take the boys in at the last minute so they did not have to sit in the hospital waiting room. I have lots to be thankful for even during a week like this one.

Please pray for Lily and that our family will remain well and healthy.

Signed,

The Sometimes Nervous Missionary who is leaning hard into Jesus

The Lord is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation

Psalm 118: 14

Hanger Happenings

2010-10-02T11:53:00.000-04:00

So, since I am not always in the hanger. I do not always get the scoop. I wish I could describe in more mechanic type words the new parts when they come or how cool the engine looks, you know that type of airplane stuff but with me as the writer you get the basics.

Here are a few things that I know...

I visited the hanger to talk on the radio with Katie who is living in the small village of San Fernando yesterday. Since there is no Internet access in her town, I try to go each week to talk and then update her blog. This allows her family, friends, and churches to keep in closer touch.
Yesterday the hanger was busy and full of our airplanes as well as others who work around SAM. It was bustling. David and Tom were doing a 100 hour inspection for the airplane pictured above and Greg was installing a new probe for an airplane in the neighboring hanger. We have a good relationship with them and help each other often.
There has been lots of smoke hanging in the air which has limited the recent flying time. Sometimes there are no flights because of visibility. We have been told that smoke is very common for this time of year. It comes from farms in the countryside/jungle that are burning fields. It is crazy how much smoke this makes.
We have been getting to know the Throssel family since they came back in July. Tom is the head of SAMair Bolivia. We enjoy them and are grateful to work with them. It is nice to have another wife in our department.
David is the fuel buyer each month. It takes more then a day and almost every month, the way in which things are done changes and he has to get some new paper or bring something else. This takes a lot of patience.
One time there was a nest in the air duct. I guess this is not uncommon but they can not stay. David gently gave those wasps a new home.

Happy 200 Years Santa Cruz

2010-09-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

Today marks the Bicentennial of Santa Cruz.

To celebrate, we met some friends (Bianca, Tony, and Christy)

at a downtown park at almost 11P.M. last night

It was packed as there was a show but no seating and we could not see over the people in front of us.

The kids were able to see when sitting on shoulders. Lily tells us there was dancing and princesses.

At midnight, the fireworks brought the sky to life welcoming in the big day!

Happy 200 Years Santa Cruz!

Alexandra's Baby Shower

2010-09-24T11:28:00.001-04:00

I met Alexandra at her Baby Shower.

She is here in Santa Cruz because her two year old son is very sick and they need your prayers. It was not her plan to be here this long and presently she is due to have another child any day. Because she lives in Cochabamba she has nothing for her newborn here, the Mercado family knowing this planned a shower. Alexandra is staying with the Mercado family and her son is under their capable hands.

It is fun to be part of moments like this. It is way to share love, encouragement, and to celebrate the new life. We work with missionaries here who love the people and are full of compassion.

As Alexandra said thank you towards the end of the shower, her eyes teared up and she mentioned how sad she had been that very morning. Can you even imagine being alone in Santa Cruz with a child who is very sick and any moment going into labor in an unfamiliar place possibly without your husband or any family? Please pray!

Two Days in La Paz

2010-09-24T09:34:00.000-04:00

We spent two days doing orientation in La Paz on our way home, starting off by touring some sites as well as familiarizing ourselves with building and locations that we may need in the future.

I tried on a typical Bolivian dress for women with the help of the lady who sewed the pieces and owned the store. She even loaned me her hat for the photo. Although the look is not flattering, they are beautifully put together. Mine was fancy enough to be used to go to a party.

One of our stops was the central square where the President's palace is located. We did ask the guards if we could take photos and they gave us the OK.

We also stopped by to see the Miser family and spend some time catching up with them and meeting their firstborn who is a doll. Scotty and I went to high school together and for as long as I can remember have both been interested in missions. It is neat that we are now both serving in Bolivia.

We met with several Pastors from our church association in La Paz. There are 50 churches there. It was enjoyable learning about these men, the ministries, and prayer needs. Hopefully, we will get to work with them from time to time while we are here.

Another site we visited was Valle de la Luna

Our friend Fernando's family lives in La Paz. They graciously helped us with getting to and from the airport, guiding us around the city, and feeding us an amazing typical highland meal while we were in town. We also spent time listening to testimonies. One highlight was hearing the grandmother (seated with the blanket over her shoulders) share about praying for her kids to come to faith and then how God brought that about. What an encouragement and example.

We snapped a photo of the city as we drove to the airport heading home. It is an interesting city seated in a valley with many rises and falls. We look forward to visiting La Paz again in the future but were also glad to be getting home.

From Arequipa to La Paz

2010-09-23T16:04:00.000-04:00

The kids were dreading heading back into the altitude but we had more tricks to help us this time and everyone did much better, no one got sick.

We decided to spend the night in Puno, Peru with a view of Lake Titicaca. This allowed everyone a night to rest, some oxygen provided by the hotel, and time for the body to relax. We wanted to take a short boat trip but no one was feeling up to it yet, so we settled for a boat museum pictured above.

As we continued to make our way to the border the next day. We saw this site. A punch of Quechua up on a hillside. We had fun trying to figure out what they were doing there. Any ideas?

Our taxi driver knew that just off the road the ruins above would be found and so we stopped to check them out. While we were there, this group from La Paz stopped by. A nearby farmer shared with us that stepping into the "door" as the people are doing in the picture is suppose to bring wealth so people visit with that in mind. One of the men even removed his shoes to stand in the ruin. The farmers was told by his grandfather that a long time ago this became a portal and opened up with a bright shining light swallowing up an entire party of people whom were never seen again.

We had amazing views of Lake Titicaca much of the way.

And then we were home. At least back in Bolivia.

This is how we crossed to Bolivia with our luggage and found another Taxi for the two hour drive to La Paz. Our trip turned out to be a very interesting adventure.

Amigos

2010-09-23T15:39:00.000-04:00

We had many opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make a few new friends while in Lima. I miss Lima mostly because of the beautiful people there, great friends to our family.

Dame Tus Ojos

2010-09-14T13:00:00.002-04:00

This is one of those songs that stays with you long after you finish singing....

La Familia

2010-09-13T12:59:00.002-04:00

Here are a few random photos from our time here in Lima so far...

con sus abuelitos paternos

con su hermano

con mis hermanas-in-law

los primos y amigos

Pizza....

We leave Lima on Saturday and make the journey back with a stop in La Paz. Our time here is going too fast but we are enjoying family, friends, and a little rest too.

Crazy, Long Voyage to Lima,Peru

2010-09-04T16:40:00.000-04:00

So, we are on this adventure (AKA vacation) to Lima, Peru and let me tell you, trying to find the cheapest route was a challenge. The quickest route flying from Santa Cruz to Lima costs the same as going from Santa Cruz to Miami, FL so that option was out. So, after searching high and low our trip was/is a little like the following:

Yesterday...

Early morning flight from Santa Cruz to La Paz
Fernando's parents picked us up at the airport, we had tea with them, and then they dropped us off with a taxi. (Fernando is a guy from our church in Santa Cruz who we hang out with a lot when he is there.)
The taxi took us from La Paz to the border which took about two hours.
We got on a metal bicycle transportation things that peddled us to each of the places to get passports stamped and then we were in Peru
Found Sami Tours and jumped in a taxi to Arequipa. We stopped for lunch at the roadside restaurant pictured below where we only purchased two meals and had left overs as you do not want to eat much in the altitude and we also stopped a couple times for sick kids.

Stopping for a quick and very small lunch

We passed Lake Titicaca on the drive

At 8:30 P.M. we arrived and promptly went to bed.

Today...

Woke up with everyone feeling better
Presently, we are spending the day in Arequipa (took a short bus tour, had lunch, and are now resting). It is a beautiful city.

Arequipa, Peru

Leave for Lima via airplane later tonight

So, there you go. It was pretty uneventful minus the kids getting sick from the altitude, but it was long and not very comfortable. Please pray that the return trip will be better for them with the altitude sickness.

In the meantime, we look forward to visiting family and friends in Lima. David's brother who lives and works in Qatar is also home so it is a joyful reunion. We are thankful for time with family, introducing Asher to them for the first time in person, and a restful time away.

At the plaza in Arequipa, Peru

Guess What Came to Bolivia..

2010-08-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Monster Trucks

I know, right?

Seriously, they were here and we went.

The whole SAMair crew.

Doesn't that seem like a mechanic's dream?

So, we had spontaneous team building centered around humongo vehicles crushing small, helpless cars.

Actually, the motorcycles jumping ramps was the highlight of the rally.

Lily's squeals of delight at the fanciful daredevils would have proven that to you.

Who would have ever thought that my introduction

to the world of monstrous trucks would begin in Bolivia?

I know, right?

Sunday School Class Visits Zoo

2010-08-23T20:07:00.000-04:00

We accompanied Lily and Isaiah's Sunday School class to the zoo here in Santa Cruz a week ago.

It was the first time we have been since coming here.

The kids were excited to see the live animals and spend time with friends.

Now that we know where it is, I am sure that we will be back soon.

I told the kids we should take journals and sketch some of the animals we see.

Wouldn't that be a fun Science class!

Our Friend's Nightmare

2010-08-23T19:57:00.000-04:00

A few Monday morning ago,we were having a normal day. I called Rosa at the base to check in and plan the meal for the weekly prayer meeting and it was then I heard the news. Our neighbor at the base, whom we have been getting to know since February, passed away the night prior.

Funerals happen fast here. David called around and early that afternoon he and I headed over to the viewing followed by the procession and graveside service that same day. We learned that Dio had had several heart attacks. At 47 his unexpected passing leaves behind a loving wife and boys similar in age to our oldest. That was the heartbreaking part of it all. My mother heart ached and tears flowed at the painful cries of a young son wailing for his beloved father. Please pray for them as they learn a new way to live.

We visited the wife at a prayer service a little over a week later, and she mentioned that she felt like she was in a nightmare. Please pray!

Is it Really August?

2010-08-13T10:48:00.000-04:00

There has been a lot going on since I last updated, the most urgent was David's unexpected surgery last Thursday to take care of an infection that came on suddenly. He has seen the doctor every day since then to work towards getting rid of every bit of infection and closing the wound. It seems to be working and we are grateful for gifted Doctors on our SAM team. He remains on strong antibiotics and we appreciate your prayers that it would be fully gone soon.

We have also been in full swing working on things in our home, gearing up for the new homeschool year which we started this week, working on our latest newsletter and updating spreadsheets. Also Amy is beginning a discipleship relationship with a missions minded girl from church and continuing to help maintain the base schedule until the person who will take over gets here. Along with that, there are plans to help mentor new teachers at the school as some have never had classroom experience before. Of course, all this while David continues in the hanger (except when he was on bed rest after the surgery). Please pray that the Lord will direct our steps.

Here are a few photos of the Virginia team that came down to put on an English VBS which the kids enjoyed a few weeks back. (They also brought down the rest of out homeschool materials and some fun stuff like American candy! Thanks so much!)

The Virginia team that came to run VBS! Thanks for coming!

Isaiah's class playing games.

Amy helped at VBS as needed like putting food together

The mission team visiting our church's youth group.

Lily's class making crafts.

Also, Lily turned 7!

Here she is with her bestie

and her new doll that looks like her--thanks to my parents and her Aunts and Uncles!

Thanks for your prayers! We appreciate our friends and family taking the time to keep up with the goings on. Please keep in touch. Your prayers, support, and encouragement sustain us!

Daniel Boone Goes to Church

2010-07-20T10:14:00.000-04:00

It is cold here right now. I am trying not to whine, but when you do not want to change your clothes because of the ice box home you are dwelling in, well... it is hard not to utter one or two tiny complaints like: "I can't feel my toes" or something.

So, Sunday when it was 42 outside and 50 inside (according to my sources), we ventured (willingly) to our open-air church. (BTW, I am now fully on-board with the finishing-the-walls campaign!)

We left the house sporting multi-layers, hot drinks in portable cups, and blankets. After picking up Ally, our friend from our last year SAM training who incidentally just arrived, we went to see how worshipful our frozen hearts could be. I started off the morning hatless and as you can see in this picture, my bravery did not last long. I quickly borrowed Isaiah's Classic Coontail Cap from David who also had a hood to keep his noggin covered. In the photo you can't see the traditional Daniel Boone tail, but it is there. Yes, I have no shame! But trust me, no one noticed; check out how cold they were.

After church and after our bellies were full, we did purchase less embarrassing hats downtown which I have since been wearing night and day. It does feel a little warmer today. Well, not warmer but less cold. On the brighter side, it sure saves on laundry when no one wants to change clothes.

Visitors from Santa Corazon

2010-07-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

Pastor Eric and his wife Jessica are on vacation. I am glad that they have the opportunity to come to the city for some rest. If you did not see our posts about Santa Corazon, check it out. It would certainly be a challenging place to minister.

While here, Pastor Eric had eye surgery and they are making time to take a 3 day bus trio into the Beni (country - jungle) to visit his mom. They also set aside some time for us.

Last night, they came over for dinner.

They were sharing with us that the little sick boy that we have been praying for is not doing well. His stomach and legs are swollen while his arms are small. He is also eating non-stop which makes them think that he has something rather large inside his stomach helping him eat his food. We are praying and hoping that Greg will be able to bring him to Santa Cruz for treatment. This seemingly easy task can become complicated here, so pray. We have someone willing to help pay for the flight and/or treatments so we would hate to not do all we could for this little guy.

They mentioned hopes for starting a meal distribution center for the kids of the village most of whom rarely eat fruits or vegetables. It would be amazing if we could help the people there learn to grow gardens, how to have clean water, and personal hygiene such as not living where animals roam freely in your living space or kids sleeping on the dirt floor.

We also Skyped with my parents in the USA. My Dad visited Santa Corazon when they were here and I think both parties enjoyed seeing each other and giving updates.

We hope to see them again when they get back from visiting Pastor Eric's mother. I would love to collect some parasite medicine and things like that to send to the children whom are always dealing with bugs inside and out because of the living conditions.

May we see big changes there in the years to come!

I Heart Toxic Meat

2010-07-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

So, my friend Lisa came over once (in Ohio) while I was frying bacon and she laughed at me.

See, I drank carrot juice, like my milk raw, and milled wheat for fresh bread.

She thought it was funny with all the other nutritional changes that I made over the years (while stateside) that bacon stayed on the list of must have foods.

Well the truth is that I have a thing for meat that is full of toxins.

That is why I was so excited for the Orange Hill team from Atlanta to come.

I heard that not only do they come to help and encourage the people in Santiago, Bolivia but they also host an annual July 4TH party and supply food from the USA!

They had BRATWURST and hot dogs!

I have known about this for awhile now and I am pretty sure that I was having dreams where the brats were dancing around my head and jumping in my mouth. Oh and in my dream, no one else wanted one.

I savored every bite.

We don't get to have normal 4TH of July celebrations here, but we get to grill out.

Enjoy the fireworks where you live!

God Bless the USA!

Worth the Goodbye

2010-07-01T21:40:00.001-04:00

Stu, Mary Lou and DJ visiting from Indian Rocks

OK, seriously I wanted to beg! "Please don't leave!" It was fun having good friends visit. They came to encourage us on behalf of our home church and to check out possible future short term trips and they did so.

DJ, Mary Lou and Stu were part of a larger team that spent the past week working with SAM in Brazil. While the rest of their group returned to the states, they hopped over to spend almost four days with us. We are so grateful!

They all arrived feeling a little under the weather but never complained while we ran them everywhere sharing all about what our lives look like living here in Santa Cruz.

Introducing our group at Prayer Meeting

We visited an Indian village about an hour plus out of the town where we held an impromptu short service and purchased rustic wares. Our Pastor and his wife came for dinner and shared the mission vision of our Bolivian church and how we might partner with them. The group toured the hanger, CEIT, the Learning Center, and a girl's home where our friend Adreana works. We had coffee and watched a World cup game, went downtown, and visited our neighborhood market. The group lead our weekly prayer meeting in singing, sharing, and prayer and we had meals with different missionaries to get to know our field better. We spent a lot of time talking and felt so encouraged and loved. It was good fellowship and great timing.

DJ sharing a message

Mary Lou and Stu sharing at our Prayer Meeting

It really is a great encouragement to have dear friends see our new home first hand.

Thank you so much for coming! We look forward to hosting you again and having future teams down!

Mandarins For Everyone

2010-06-26T17:07:00.000-04:00

We took a break from organizing our new home this morning and went with our kids and the girls from the home that our friend, Adreana, works with to pick mandarins. The family that owns these loaded trees asked Adreana to come and help them out and so we all went and came home with several large bags filled to the brim most of which were left at the home. We did bring a bag home ourselves, so if you are here in Santa Cruz and would like some give me a call.

Moving

2010-06-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

We are in the process of moving into the house that we secured back in December. There were missionaries renting the home until this past Monday.

This turtle lives in our new yard!

While we waited, we lived at the South America Mission base where Amy served as the Base Hostess mostly taking reservations for the 7 rooms that are available for teams and travelers, planning the Wednesday night meal served after the weekly prayer meeting, and overseeing the needs of the base. We also answer the phones in the afternoons and evenings when we are home, attend to the needs of people staying on campus at times, and help with whatever came up as we could. We have enjoyed staying here and the kids have loved seeing and playing with the many people that come and go. We will miss it.

At the same time, we are excited about getting set up in our new location and really settling into it. Recently, we purchased some furniture from missionaries who were leaving and are planning on seeing what we still need as we move in. Thanks to the Kienzle family, we will not need to purchase desks or a hutch until next year when they come back as we are borrowing from them.

Please pray for us as we move and all the details that come with moving like changing phones, setting up Internet and those types of things that can take awhile here.

Thanks for following along with our life here in Bolivia. We really are content here and enjoying this adventure!

Lily's Big Day

2010-06-15T09:02:00.002-04:00

Well, Lily is going to be seven soon and seven means the piercing of ears. Her bestie Catherine recently turned seven as well and we thought it might be a fun memory to feel the pain of the earring gun together. :)

The girls were both excited and scared in this before picture. The first ear was the easiest but both of them commented how they felt just fine as we were walking away from the store. They were very brave.

My very smart sister-in-law, Pam, gave me the idea of waiting until this age as they can take responsibility to care for them afterwards. Lily is doing a great job of keeping her ears cleaned and all that; I am proud of her.

Afterwards, we took the girls out for ice cream and playing. It was a really nice afternoon.

Jenny and I chatting and having coffee while the girls played.

Please Note: This post is in honor of Chelsea. Lily asked me to post the photos so that Chelsea could see her ears peirced since we did not get them donw while she was still here.

Sharing in Alonso's Church

2010-06-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

We were invited to be a part of Alonso's church morning service on June 6TH here in Santa Cruz. This church is the one that planted Luz de Vida Church in Santa Corazon (see recent Family Trip posts)

Both David and Greg had the opportunity to share. David gave a short message on the Great Commission. He does not usually enjoy getting up front, but he did an excellent job sharing from his heart in his native tongue.

We also were able to hear Jimena, the young Bolivian missionary, share her heart. She will soon be heading to San Fernando to live and serve alongside Katie from our mission. This was her commissioning service where they prayed over her before she heads out.

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28: 16 -20

Ode to Chelsea

2010-06-12T12:22:00.000-04:00

Laura B, Chelsea and I the night before she left

Chelsea became our family friend in March 2009 while attending the South America Mission Weekend of Discovery. We got to know her more at the SAM training that June and then were glad to see her familiar face when we arrived in Bolivia in November. She came down to teach at the Santa Cruz Learning Center for the year. The year ended recently and she boarded her flight and headed back to the states a week ago.

Chelsea was part of our family. We went to the same church, had lunch together most Sundays, and did many things like working out, making jewelry, and just hanging out. She naturally serves and helps others which is an inspiration. I credit her in many ways for helping me go through the adjustment into this new culture and life. She listened, gave perspective, talked, and spent time which was needed as well as being a reminder to look to God and what he was doing. It helps to have friends.

The hard part of missionary life is allowing the heart to be open to new friendships. Friendships that likely will move away at some point. I cried hard when it drew near for Chelsea to leave. I do not want to grow cold to this hardship of this life that God has called us to. It is worth investing in people even if it is only for a time.

I am grateful for knowing Chelsea. I look forward to seeing her in the states and watching to see what God unfolds in her future. I am glad she was her this past year. It was worth the investment!

Miss you, Chels....

Family Trip to the Villages: Heading Home

2010-06-11T13:45:00.020-04:00

On Tuesday, we headed home with a stop in San Ignacio for more fuel and to eat lunch. This leg our little ones were exhausted from having so much fun with all the kids, animals, and places to run and play while out in the countryside.

The photos below show us closing in on the airstrip in Santa Cruz.

Can you guess the first thing we did when we got back home?

Family Trip to the Villages: San Fernando

2010-06-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

The second leg of our trip landed us in a smaller and more rustic village called San Fernando. We almost were not able to land because the clouds were pretty low as we got close to the airstrip but cleared out just in time to place the plane down and trek a little ways into the village.

Here is our family at the end of our third day. Most of our clothing was pretty dirty by this time and we were staying at the church building that had a faucet outside but no toilet nor shower yet. This was rural camping at its best!

This is the little apartment that was constructed behind the church where Katie, pictures above, and another single Bolivian missionary gal will soon be moving to work in San Fernando.

At present, the church is run by a lady who lives in this house along with her son and his family. The living space is the white building in the front and the back building houses the kitchen and table.

They also cook in this mud oven to the side of the house.

Here we are sitting down to her table for breakfast.

We stopped at the school before we left San Fernando and the kids sang to our pilot, Greg, as it was his birthday!
We found it interesting that Santa Corazon and San Fernando were only a 20 minute flight from each other and they were so different. We look forward to seeing what God will do in these places in the future. Keep them in your prayers.

Family Trip to the Villages: Santa Corazon Buildings and Leaving

2010-06-10T19:43:00.001-04:00

Here is a picture of the church building in Santa Corazon. The property extends way beyond what you see with a fence of barbed wire keeping the roaming animals inside. The tents that you saw in a previous post were behind and to the left of the building you are looking at. The church services are held towards the front of the structure.

Below is part of the church building where the Pastor and his wife live. They cook and eat outside as shown in a previous post.

This white building is the bathroom and shower that everyone used.

The photo below was taken just outside the back of the church. Notice how far one has to walk to take a shower. The building to the left will become a chicken coop at some future time.

We ended up delaying our departure from Santa Corazon as it was raining that morning. For some reason, the truck that had brought us was not available to take us back to the airstrip.

So, we took this tractor. The boys behind are guarding all of our luggage while Katie and I are sitting on the part above the wheels holding Asher and Lily and trying not to fall off from the bumpy road. I felt like a real missionary!

We did arrive safe and sound to the airplane and headed out to our next stop.

Family Trip to the Villages: Cute Faces

2010-06-10T09:00:00.032-04:00

Once a camera made its appearance, then every child around wanted a picture taken and then they would look and laugh. Needless to say, I have tons of photos of the children as does everyone on the trip. Here are just a few...

Family Trip to the Villages: Cooking and Eating in Santa Corazon

2010-06-09T18:32:00.002-04:00

Lily and I had the opportunity to help Jessica make Empanadas de Queso (cheese) the last night we were in Santa Corazon. It was dark and we were making them at the table which was outside near the "stove", a nearby fire on the ground.

I shredded the cheese while Lily and Jessica made the dough.

There was a trick to rolling out the dough and finishing off the empanadas which Lily picked up quickly unlike her mom. :)

It is hard to imagine cooking every meal on this fire. Jessica was amazing to watch.

Here is a mini empanada that Lily created.

This was the table where we ate our meals while there. Notice that behind us is where the church held the services. The bricks behind David are waiting to be used to build the kitchen to help the kids.

Family Trip to the Villages: Cake and Candy

2010-06-09T09:02:00.037-04:00

As part of the church celebration, they held a "Festival of Cakes". People within the villages brought delicious cakes they made and cut into tiny bites. Each church member could purchase a ticket for a small amount that would earn them a couple minutes with the cakes. When the timer started, each person would eat a bite of as many cakes as possible following the speedy eater line around the table until the buzzer went off. As you can imagine, this was a big hit with my children.

As much cake as can be shoved in the mouth in a couple minutes, what children's ministry could go wrong with that kind of party?

On another delicious note,

David purchased candy to hand out during our trips.

Lily could hardly wait to be part of the distribution of sweets.

It was fun to watch her learning the joy of giving and seeing how thrilled the kids were as well.

Family Trip to the Villages: Santa Corazon Church Celebration

2010-06-08T21:00:00.001-04:00

The Santa Corazon church, Luz de Vida, was full of children. Children who were full of joy and sang loudly. Children who, Lily pointed out, wore clothing that had holes in them and she could not understand why that was.

The first night we were there and the entire next day which was Sunday was spent celebrating the 7TH anniversary of the church. Each night while the evening services were progressing the town lights would cut off. Candles were brought out and placed at strategic locations and so it would continue from 8:30 P.M. until the end. This is normal life there. The celebrations did not stop nor was this any type of challenge for them. Even a heckler that shouted from outside the gates would not stop the service. I enjoyed the Pastor's thoughts on this man who was trying to disturb us. He mentioned to me that with patience, you never know what God can do in this man's life. God can change any heart!

Each missionary and Bolivian friend from Santa Cruz had the opportunity to share during the first service. David is pictured here praying over Pastor Erik and his wife, Jessica, who are a special couple with great vision for what the church could do in this community. One of the things he would like besides finishing the building on the property is setting up a meal program for the families that have very little. This would be a great help and something we can pray towards.

Our family was honored to take part in this special celebration and see first hand how excited the people are to have a church in this village. God is at work in the ends of the earth.

Family Trip to the Villages: The Flight to Santa Corazon

2010-06-08T16:52:00.000-04:00

So, On May 22ND our family threw our stuff onto one of the Cessna planes for a trip out to visit a few of the villages where SAMair works. I was a little nervous being in such a small airplane but quickly got used to it and realized that it was not as bad as I had built it up to be. Life often works like that, no?

The kids, on the other hand, were anything but scared. They could not wait to take off and check out life from the air.

Some of the sights along the way were quite remarkable. We listened to the Revelation Song as we flew over God's awesome creation.

Once we arrived in Santa Corazon, after our pit stop where we had to hunt down the fuel that was promised us, a truck came picked us up. I was grateful that we did not need to hike the 30 minute walk up the trails with all our stuff and instead rode on the back of possibly the only vehicle in Santa Corazon.

Soon after we arrived at the church property where the Pastor and wife live in very simple accommodations, we set up our portable home. We thank God that we brought down the tent that Isaiah bought for his birthday in 2009 with money given to him; it came in handy. The other tents were for the pilot, another single missionary, and several Bolivian friends who flew out in a different plane and were there to celebrate the church's anniversary with us. The Santa Corazon church is a plant of their church in Santa Cruz.

Isaiah quickly reconnected with friends he made on his previous trip with David and my Dad and Asher was having a blast with the pigs in this picture. Our kids enjoyed all the children and animals that were everywhere and getting as dirty as possible was all part of the fun.

Teaching and Leading

2010-05-28T15:02:00.001-04:00

On my actual birthday, my Dad had the opportunity to teach the adult Sunday School class at church while David translated. Pastor Felix introduced my parents and allowed them to share how God is using them to help accomplish the great commission around the world. I love that my parents also have a passion for God's global Church!

The weekend after my folks left, we were invited to take part in what I understand is an annual leadership conference with our church. David and I are praying about what part of leadership we will be involved in and ask that you pray for that as well. We enjoyed getting to know individuals within our church better and seeing hearts that are excited about what God is doing and wants to do in our community.

You might be interested to know that the weekend started at 8P.M. on Saturday night. People trickled in over that next hour when we ate dinner and started the meetings. It was about 11:30P.M. when we snuck out to make the drive back to our home where the kids were sleeping. The next morning, we arrived early to begin again. As part of the Sunday morning meeting, we were asked to write down some things that we would like to give to the Lord and we places them in the fireplace that soon became ashes. Hopefully those written words will be a beautiful fragrance to our Father in heaven.

Among the Over 40 Croud

2010-05-28T14:37:00.000-04:00

I am not exactly sure how this happened, but all of a sudden I was celebrating my 40TH birthday. I know you are all gasping and loudly proclaiming that I do not look a day over 30 (at least that is what is happening in my head as I type this), but it is true. I can now start the over 40 books for ladies that are kept on the high shelf at the library, sorry to my younger friends who have yet to join the club.

I was so happy to have my parents visit and if they tell you that I begged them to come when I turned 40, it is true! I begged and then loaded them down with a list of what to bring.

A BIG HUGE thanks by the way.

We has a shindig the Friday before my birthday to celebrate in style. Notice that I am looking up from my cake with a funny "please do not shove my face in the cake" look. That is what they do here, tradition or something. You have to take a bite of the cake while someone who "cares for you" shoves your face lovingly in the cake. I managed to avoid that honor this year. Praise the Lord!

The next evening, my parents treated us to a very nice dinner out on the town. What a joy to show my parents around our new location and spend quality time together. That was the best part of turning 40 for me!

(I want to add a formal apology to my mother who does not photograph well and is much prettier then the photos on this post suggest, I picked out the best ones I could, mom)

Thanks for coming. It is really hard to imagine not seeing you again for a whole year! We miss you incredibly!

My Dad, David, and Isaiah Take Flight

2010-05-28T14:08:00.000-04:00

This is the story of my Dad heading to the villages where SAMair works along with David and Isaiah via the Cessna airplane on. The very one that David works on and helps to keep up and running. Now that takes faith in your son-in-law.

They visited 4 locations in 2 days; Florida, San Ignacio, San Fernando, and Santo Corazon. Each place was a very different and unique opportunity to see what life outside of the big city looks like here in Bolivia.

They made friends, enjoyed visits, ate food cooked over fires, prayed with an elderly man who can not leave his simple abode, visited a little boy, Delson, whose kidneys are causing him to swell and not respond to anything. They saw ways of living that are so foreign to the life in the USA, it is hard to imagine without seeing it first hand.

Please pray for the little Delson, we are looking into ways to get him to Santa Cruz so that he will live.

These are the types of trips that change lives and make us more grateful people. Please pray for the work in these areas. That God will direct SAMair in how to minister and reach the individuals there with the Gospel.

Guess Who is Coming???

2010-05-04T21:20:00.001-04:00

As you can see by the sign "Welcome Nana and G-Dad", two very important people are on the way to visit us.

I am not sure if you can tell but there are few people here who are excited to see them!

The room is all ready with a few small surprises and now we just have to fall asleep tonight....

Cuidado Integral Del Misionero

2010-04-27T09:56:00.000-04:00

Laurie and I flew to Cochabama, Bolivia on Sunday night to attend a conference on missionary care on Monday from 9AM - 4PM returning back to Santa Cruz at 7PM.

Dr. Carlos Pinto was the speaker.

He is originally from Peru but has been in Ecuador for awhile; David remembers him.

There were people attending from all over Bolivia, missionaries that were working in Bolivia from different countries, and a few people from Brazil. (One couple from Brazil are here learning Spanish but are praying about going to Africa.)

It is exciting to see how God is moving the people of South America towards missions around the globe.

Although the conference was targeting missionaries from South America, it was a worthwhile event as we work towards effective member care for our missionaries dealing with living in a foreign environment as well as helping national churches pursue the great commission.

Princess Conference

2010-04-24T19:11:00.000-04:00

The ladies who are involved in the children's ministry with SAM put on a Princess Conference today asking several of us to help out as needed. Girls, ages 8 - 12, were invited to learn what it means to be a Princess who serves the Lord!

The girls came from 8 A.M - 12 P.M. or from 2 - 6 P.M.

During the first session, I was a table leader with the girls pictured above.

We met these girls previously as they live in a home for girls that our friend helps run.

The day was spent in singing, a craft, a game, several speakers, and other royal treats like cupcakes and a special photo taken for the girls to take home in the frames they made.

The day concluded with a princess drama that symbolized how much God loves us.

It was a special day for the girls.

Lily cannot wait until she is 8 years old and can attend.

Unpaved Roads

2010-04-22T08:58:00.002-04:00

The other day we were driving on an extremely bumpy dirt road

and Isaiah said something like,

"Well this is why we are here in Bolivia right?"

The adults in the car were thinking

...what?

...to bring the Gospel to the dirt roads?

...because half the city of Santa Cruz does not have paved roads to drive upon???
....to straighten the uneven path perhaps?

So, I asked him what do you mean by that?

Isaiah stated that there are many places here that are hard to get to by road

or there may not be a road

and that is why we are here.

And he is right.

One reason we are here is because of unpaved roads.

"in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight"

Proverbs 3: 6

The Latest Bundle to Arrive

2010-04-11T21:40:00.004-04:00

After being on bed rest for so long, we praise God that Jenna was able to hold off until this past Friday to deliver a healthy little boy named Noah! Notice how great she looks in the above photo which was taken less then a day after the baby was born and they were already back at the base, no less.

The kids are loving the sights and sounds of Noah and Lily asked if she could watch a diaper change. She is a little momma in training!

Children are a blessing and we are excited about this newest one to join SAM Bolivia!

Easter Dinner

2010-04-11T15:00:00.001-04:00

Easter day included local elections which meant that we were not able to drive that day. That meant that we spent Easter at home. Although we have never remained home, we enjoyed reading the Easter story as a family and discussing what it meant that He is Risen and why that is so important to us.

We also had a full table because of those staying at the base. Jenna and Jason were still here awaiting the arrival of the baby (at least at that point) and Verna was coming in for a conference. We know Verna from working together under Wycliffe in Peru many years ago. Also joining us was Fernando our new friend who came to hang out for the day since his immediate family lives in La Paz.

The next day found the kids all ready to seek and find during an informal egg hunt with plastic eggs that were in storage here at the base. I don't think anyone could find Peanut Butter Eggs which is too bad. Hope you ate a few for us this year!

Trust Me

2010-04-10T21:53:00.000-04:00

Ok, so we were asked several weeks ago to host a church youth gathering where we live. We really didn't do anything besides provide the lawn and participate but it gave us an opportunity to get to know a few more people and learn about building trust.

After each of the activities, we would discuss what was meant and how it applied to the lives of these mostly college age students.

The activity pictured had the group trying to get as many people on that small platform as possible. I was amazed at how many we were able to cram on there when we were processing together. Of course, I almost broke my glasses during one of the attempts as we all fell to one side.

Look at that, all the girls are smashed in the center and the guys have just the tips of shoes on. We did it!

Trust and Unity, great learning opportunities at any age!