Side note; we got the opportunity to buy Bolivianitas today (the beautiful jewel of Bolivia, half purple half yellow) and I bought a cool hat ;)
Love you Mom and Dad, hope all is well at home, hugs and kisses for you and the dogs!
- Sophia Healey
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Immeasurable Love by Sophia Healey
Today was impactful in a way that I would never have been able to predict. What we did today was spend time with the kids that live in the town we are building in. It especially hit me today that these people are really living off of close to nothing. At first that made me feel discouraged, that no amount of work on this trip will make a difference in the lives of these people, but then I reminded myself that solely me, Sophia Healey, making a difference in these people's lives, isn't the point of this trip to begin with. The goal of this trip is to let the Lord impact and change these lives. Me being here is not for their benefit because I'm helping build, wash people's children, and assist doctors, those are all good things to do, service is never a wasted activity. What I really felt in my heart today was that what I wanted to leave these people with is something that can never be taken from them, the incredible, and immeasurable love of God.
So today, when Dominic, Clint, Allison and I were singing songs to the children, I prayed that God would shine through me, touching the hearts of every single person that heard the words we were singing. When somebody's eyes met mine, I prayed that, even for just that second, the Holy Spirit was felt in that small connection. What I think about looking back on today, is that I hope, and pray, that those who don't know the Lord, now know of Him and wish to seek Him, and for those who do know of Him, seek Him with a stronger passion.
Side note; we got the opportunity to buy Bolivianitas today (the beautiful jewel of Bolivia, half purple half yellow) and I bought a cool hat ;)
Love you Mom and Dad, hope all is well at home, hugs and kisses for you and the dogs!
- Sophia Healey
Side note; we got the opportunity to buy Bolivianitas today (the beautiful jewel of Bolivia, half purple half yellow) and I bought a cool hat ;)
Love you Mom and Dad, hope all is well at home, hugs and kisses for you and the dogs!
- Sophia Healey
Special Treatment, More Bricks, and Other Adventures by Cassidy Lenstrom
So yesterday was the first of many days to come that did not go according to our original schedule. Two nights ago it was announced that Thursday (today), a day that was supposed to be just another work day, would now include a VBS for up to 300 hundred kids. Three. Hundred. Kids. This enormous number is both a blessing and a curse because not only do we have the privilege of sharing the Gospel with so many children, we also have to provide crafts, games, and lessons for all of them. So being a member of the craft team (one who really is a fan of planning and perfectionism), I had to help re-envision all of the crafts that we had so carefully planned basically start from scratch. While this was hard for me to stray so much from the plan and come up with something completely different, this meant that Emily, Clare, Marlee, Linzy, and I would get to go with Joe on a crafts supply gathering adventure for the whole morning while everyone else went back to the worksite.
The first store we went to was this Bolivian craft store place, pretty similar to one you might find in America, except for the Spanish speaking and all. We got some stuff there and then went to a wonderful store that it is essentially the Bolivian version of Walmart. Not only did we gather some essential supplies for our new crafts, we also found (and purchased) a wealth of chocolate and candy that we have been deprived of for the past couple of days. I even bought some amazing Bolivian chocolate to share with my family (get excited guys). After this lovely stop, we started making our way towards La Cancha, the big market place we attended earlier in the week, to buy the remaining supplies. This endeavor became much more difficult than we had planned because we encountered at least three blockades in the streets on the way. This meant that the streets were blocked off by protestors so we had to back up the congested Bolivian roads, take a detour, then park and walk (some very impressive driving on Joe's part, I must say). Eventually we found our way to La Cancha and spent a good hour or two wandering through the enormous market trying to find brown paper bags and simple colored fabric. Its amazing how in the States it would take ten minutes to run to Walmart and buy 300 brown paper bags but here the biggest market in South America didn't even have what we're looking for. Anyway, we ended up going to lunch at this great chicken place that was like six stories tall and had really classy bathrooms where I learned a lot about Joe Holman's childhood, backstory, and why he came to Bolivia. I won't get into detail about it here but let's just say his testimony is extremely inspirational and really exemplifies God's power to change lives.
After our delicious lunch, we returned to the worksite to meet up with the rest of the team. Part of me felt bad because they were laying bricks all day in the hot sun while we were shopping and eating chocolate, but at the same time I was grateful for the culture experience that we got to enjoy. Once we got back to the worksite it was hard to be productive again (well for me at least) but later that afternoon Joe started taking groups of us for rides around the neighborhood we were building in. I went on this little car tour last year so I didn't expect this one to be much different, but I was wrong. Seeing the houses (or lack there of) of the families in the community we are building this church for was completely eye opening. Families and extended families live in tiny brick huts with a slab of metal on top and go to the bathroom in a hole outside with a curtain in front of it, if they're lucky. They hardly have enough to eat, barely make enough money to survive, and don't have running water or electricity, but yet they are still so joyful and giving. Every day on the worksite they've cooked us a full blown authentic Bolivian meal, when they hardly have enough to feed themselves. Going on this tour gave me a new perspective on why we are building this church. All of our hard, sweaty, brick-laying work is going towards building a place where all of the underprivileged people in this community can come to learn about Christ and for me to even play a small part in making that happen makes all of the hard work worth it. Please pray for the VBS today and that all would go according to God's plan so that we can make an impact on these kids lives. I am so blessed to be in such a beautiful country with amazing people serving God.
- Cassidy Lenstrom
P.S. Mom and Dad: My back is doing just fine. I am wearing my brace on the worksite and doing my exercises twice a day. I miss and love you, but things are great here. I'll see you soon!! Tell Ry and Gus I say hi :)
The first store we went to was this Bolivian craft store place, pretty similar to one you might find in America, except for the Spanish speaking and all. We got some stuff there and then went to a wonderful store that it is essentially the Bolivian version of Walmart. Not only did we gather some essential supplies for our new crafts, we also found (and purchased) a wealth of chocolate and candy that we have been deprived of for the past couple of days. I even bought some amazing Bolivian chocolate to share with my family (get excited guys). After this lovely stop, we started making our way towards La Cancha, the big market place we attended earlier in the week, to buy the remaining supplies. This endeavor became much more difficult than we had planned because we encountered at least three blockades in the streets on the way. This meant that the streets were blocked off by protestors so we had to back up the congested Bolivian roads, take a detour, then park and walk (some very impressive driving on Joe's part, I must say). Eventually we found our way to La Cancha and spent a good hour or two wandering through the enormous market trying to find brown paper bags and simple colored fabric. Its amazing how in the States it would take ten minutes to run to Walmart and buy 300 brown paper bags but here the biggest market in South America didn't even have what we're looking for. Anyway, we ended up going to lunch at this great chicken place that was like six stories tall and had really classy bathrooms where I learned a lot about Joe Holman's childhood, backstory, and why he came to Bolivia. I won't get into detail about it here but let's just say his testimony is extremely inspirational and really exemplifies God's power to change lives.
After our delicious lunch, we returned to the worksite to meet up with the rest of the team. Part of me felt bad because they were laying bricks all day in the hot sun while we were shopping and eating chocolate, but at the same time I was grateful for the culture experience that we got to enjoy. Once we got back to the worksite it was hard to be productive again (well for me at least) but later that afternoon Joe started taking groups of us for rides around the neighborhood we were building in. I went on this little car tour last year so I didn't expect this one to be much different, but I was wrong. Seeing the houses (or lack there of) of the families in the community we are building this church for was completely eye opening. Families and extended families live in tiny brick huts with a slab of metal on top and go to the bathroom in a hole outside with a curtain in front of it, if they're lucky. They hardly have enough to eat, barely make enough money to survive, and don't have running water or electricity, but yet they are still so joyful and giving. Every day on the worksite they've cooked us a full blown authentic Bolivian meal, when they hardly have enough to feed themselves. Going on this tour gave me a new perspective on why we are building this church. All of our hard, sweaty, brick-laying work is going towards building a place where all of the underprivileged people in this community can come to learn about Christ and for me to even play a small part in making that happen makes all of the hard work worth it. Please pray for the VBS today and that all would go according to God's plan so that we can make an impact on these kids lives. I am so blessed to be in such a beautiful country with amazing people serving God.
- Cassidy Lenstrom
P.S. Mom and Dad: My back is doing just fine. I am wearing my brace on the worksite and doing my exercises twice a day. I miss and love you, but things are great here. I'll see you soon!! Tell Ry and Gus I say hi :)
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Linzy Made Me Do This by Grace Carollo
It was our third day on the worksite. Our third day laying bricks, our third day waking up before 7:00, our third day with sad attempts at Spanglish, our third day coming home with dirt, snot, and concrete stuck to our bodies, and our third day growing closer to the Lord and in fellowship with our team. Through the brick laying and concrete mixing with the members of our team, along with the Holman family, we are able to learn and grow in mistakes, triumphs, and mediocrely built church walls to create a group of teenagers brought together into an inseparable bond because of the love of Christ.
The Holman family has brought so much light into the work we are doing here in Bolivia. Hope, Joy, Patience, and Mercy never fail to bring a smile to my face regardless of the strength draining from my body after a long day on site. I was worried about going through babysitting withdrawal, however these kids make that sacrifice much easier (Mom, tell Josie I say hi). Faith is is constantly encouraging me in my walk with God, asking challenging questions and trusting me with her own experiences. Without constant encouragement from David and Josh on the worksite when they are delivering concrete I am very doubtful we would have made half the progress we have. Caleb and Ben bring laughter, joy, and good music into any dry situation without any doubt or hesitation (currently blasting Taylor Swift and country music).
Had I not been so stubborn Mom, those protein bars we fought about packing would have been greatly appreciated as we are much more cultured to Bolivian meals than I remembered from last year. Twelve out of the last fourteen meals consisted of rice, potatoes, or toast. Marlee lent me a protein bar for dinner today and I think I doubled my protein intake in just that meal. Dad, you told me to say hi in the blog: Hey. Danny you will also be proud that I chewed coca leaves for the first time today. PJ and Sarah I'm not sure what to say and I doubt you're reading this but I got you guys presents.
As much as I'm anticipating sharing stories when I get home and having a team reunion, most likely to be on August 5th, I do not want to leave this place. Bolivia and the people here hold a special place in my heart that cannot be fulfilled anywhere else.
-Grace Carollo
PS: Somebody please feed Riley.
The Holman family has brought so much light into the work we are doing here in Bolivia. Hope, Joy, Patience, and Mercy never fail to bring a smile to my face regardless of the strength draining from my body after a long day on site. I was worried about going through babysitting withdrawal, however these kids make that sacrifice much easier (Mom, tell Josie I say hi). Faith is is constantly encouraging me in my walk with God, asking challenging questions and trusting me with her own experiences. Without constant encouragement from David and Josh on the worksite when they are delivering concrete I am very doubtful we would have made half the progress we have. Caleb and Ben bring laughter, joy, and good music into any dry situation without any doubt or hesitation (currently blasting Taylor Swift and country music).
Had I not been so stubborn Mom, those protein bars we fought about packing would have been greatly appreciated as we are much more cultured to Bolivian meals than I remembered from last year. Twelve out of the last fourteen meals consisted of rice, potatoes, or toast. Marlee lent me a protein bar for dinner today and I think I doubled my protein intake in just that meal. Dad, you told me to say hi in the blog: Hey. Danny you will also be proud that I chewed coca leaves for the first time today. PJ and Sarah I'm not sure what to say and I doubt you're reading this but I got you guys presents.
As much as I'm anticipating sharing stories when I get home and having a team reunion, most likely to be on August 5th, I do not want to leave this place. Bolivia and the people here hold a special place in my heart that cannot be fulfilled anywhere else.
-Grace Carollo
PS: Somebody please feed Riley.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
The Day I Went Pro by Richard Melville
For lunch we had this Bolivian specialty which the Bolivians cooked for us. It was called Silpancha. It was rice, potatoes, and steak with a fried egg on. It was the best meal I have had in this country so far. It was made even more special because of the poverty of the people cooking for us, and how expensive that meal would have cost. The selflessness of the Bolivians we work with is super humbling and really cool to see.
The high point of the day came after lunch. A soccer game between the Bolivians and the rest of us. The game ended 3-3 but we lost because it came down to "next goal wins" and they scored first. I firmly believe that I launched my professional soccer career today.
After lunch we got back to work and were done by 4:30 at which point we came home. For dinner we had pizza. However this wasn't standard pizza; its the size of a table and it had no tomato paste on it. I hugely enjoyed it.
A lot of the team were excited about today because I promised that I would do my American accent on Tuesday just to get people to stop asking me to do it. No one forgot however and I had to do it at lunch time. I sounded a little bit robotic, but hopefully I didn't disappoint.
- Richard Melville
P.s. I would like to extend greetings to my family. Hello.
A Gift From God by Ben Laedlein
So as my title has stated, that is exactly what this trip has been to me so far. I wanted to come into this trip with a different mind set and last year since this is my second year here in Bolivia. I knew that since I had already had the new and interesting phase of a new place, I really wanted to be able to experience the poverty and lifestyle that the people here live. So far, it has hit me pretty hard. God has really opened my eyes on this trip. He has shown me many things in my life that I need to focus on and the possible ways to work through them.
It has been pretty amazing to see the exact same place as last year except through new eyes. Seeing the building that we started last year by digging trenches all day, near completion, is an amazing feeling. We have mixed nearly enough batches of concrete to build another Empire State Building! Tomorrow we move onto day 6 according to Dan, but say its really only day 5. This will include lots more concrete and the walls getting higher and higher. We still have many more days to come and I know that God will continue work through each and everyone of us!
- Ben Laedlein
P.S. Hello to all of my family that will be reading this. I love you all very much!
It has been pretty amazing to see the exact same place as last year except through new eyes. Seeing the building that we started last year by digging trenches all day, near completion, is an amazing feeling. We have mixed nearly enough batches of concrete to build another Empire State Building! Tomorrow we move onto day 6 according to Dan, but say its really only day 5. This will include lots more concrete and the walls getting higher and higher. We still have many more days to come and I know that God will continue work through each and everyone of us!
- Ben Laedlein
P.S. Hello to all of my family that will be reading this. I love you all very much!
Monday, July 28, 2014
Worst Mission Trip Ever by Allison Bolman
Alright. Everyone else is going to sugar coat this because all of you paid a lot of money to get us here but I'm going to tell you the cold hard truth. There is so much physical activity on this trip. So much. I'm sure you all know that we climbed a MOUNTAIN the first full day we were here and today we threw bricks at each other for hours. Ridiculous. I mean, we did start to build the second floor of a building last year's team worked on, and we did have a lot of fun working together as a team, and true it was pretty cool seeing El Christo at the top of a mountain knowing I worked hard to get there instead of taking the lift up (seriously, why wasn't that an option?).
Okay, so maybe the trip doesn't completely suck.
Last night I got to share some things with the girls in my room and it was really cool knowing that I could trust them after only a few days together. This entire team is so amazing and I cannot imagine finishing the week without a single member of my new family.
I'm leading worship while I'm here, which is simultaneously awesome and terrifying. But I couldn't have asked for a better setting than this beautiful country with these incredible team members who are so encouraging and joyful.
I picked up so many bricks today, and I now look like Scarlett Johansson (okay, not really, but theres three more days of building so I've got time).
Sure, I miss my family like crazy, (Mom-manicures as soon as I get home, these hands weren't made for building. Dad-Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog, lets watch it. Chad- lets watch that movie that everyone except our family has seen. Matthew-lets both eat food in the kitchen at the same time and say hi to each other and then nothing else. Derek-you're not reading this, hope your tour's going well.) but I'm having a fantastic time here regardless of all the energy I've exerted.
So, maybe this mission trip isactually really great sort of alright.
-- Allison Bolman
Okay, so maybe the trip doesn't completely suck.
Last night I got to share some things with the girls in my room and it was really cool knowing that I could trust them after only a few days together. This entire team is so amazing and I cannot imagine finishing the week without a single member of my new family.
I'm leading worship while I'm here, which is simultaneously awesome and terrifying. But I couldn't have asked for a better setting than this beautiful country with these incredible team members who are so encouraging and joyful.
I picked up so many bricks today, and I now look like Scarlett Johansson (okay, not really, but theres three more days of building so I've got time).
Sure, I miss my family like crazy, (Mom-manicures as soon as I get home, these hands weren't made for building. Dad-Doctor Horrible's Sing Along Blog, lets watch it. Chad- lets watch that movie that everyone except our family has seen. Matthew-lets both eat food in the kitchen at the same time and say hi to each other and then nothing else. Derek-you're not reading this, hope your tour's going well.) but I'm having a fantastic time here regardless of all the energy I've exerted.
So, maybe this mission trip is
-- Allison Bolman
The Lord is in Bolivia by Carter Fricano
Sometimes it can be difficult to feel God's presence, and it can be difficult to even realize that He is with us at times. That was not the case today.
Today was our first day of building, and much to the joy of returning Bolivia Trip fellas, we didn't have to dig any trenches. We began our day by moving bricks. Lots of bricks. 2 hours went by and not even half of the bricks were moved up to the second floor of the building. But despite the disappointment, it was clear that our team has a ton of chemistry. We eventually began laying bricks and, by the end of the day, we completed almost half of an entire wall and a quarter of 4 other walls. Not bad.
Including our ultimate triumph on the work site, God showed His face to all of us today. Today we met a man named Samuel. Samuel aspires to be a pastor with all of his heart, but a freak car accident cost him the use of his legs. While we took a break from working, Samuel's family and our whole team gathered around him and prayed. It was extremely powerful to feel God's presence as we prayed that Samuel may fulfill his aspiration to serve Him and bring others closer to Him.
The Lord didn't stop there. Tonight during our team time, we had a time of worship and two team members shared their testimonies. Worship, in short terms, was powerful, and we grew closer to our team when our two friends shared about their lives. God has worked in such magnificent ways on this trip through us to show His love to the Bolivian people, serve them in a practical and huge way, and also to bring us closer to Him...
And its only Monday.
- Carter Fricano
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Adventures in La Cancha by Emily Erickson
Well, it has been another amazing day in the beautiful country of Bolivia! Today we woke up early and got to experience what a real Bolivian service is like. We sang and clapped our hands to the upbeat worship music and performed a skit demonstrating Jesus' overwhelming love for us. Jesus has power to free us from our sinful burdens and to purify our hearts. We were so lucky to be able to communicate this to the congregation through our skit.
Later in the day we adventured into La Cancha, the largest outdoor market in all of South and North America. The colors and scents of all the food and goods being sold were overwhelming and beautiful all at the same time. Just wandering around the aisles and taking in the different culture made this part of the day a huge highlight.
The team is growing closer and closer every day and I am so grateful to be able to spend time in such a beautiful country with such beautiful people. We are already becoming the best of friends and the next week is sure to be life changing.
Tomorrow we begin our first day of construction. Our goal is to have the entire second floor of the church/community center completed before we head home next week. Please continue to pray for us as we begin our next challenging adventure in Bolivia.
Sending lots of love back to our families. (:
Emily Erickson
Later in the day we adventured into La Cancha, the largest outdoor market in all of South and North America. The colors and scents of all the food and goods being sold were overwhelming and beautiful all at the same time. Just wandering around the aisles and taking in the different culture made this part of the day a huge highlight.
The team is growing closer and closer every day and I am so grateful to be able to spend time in such a beautiful country with such beautiful people. We are already becoming the best of friends and the next week is sure to be life changing.
Tomorrow we begin our first day of construction. Our goal is to have the entire second floor of the church/community center completed before we head home next week. Please continue to pray for us as we begin our next challenging adventure in Bolivia.
Sending lots of love back to our families. (:
Emily Erickson
Day 2.5! By Ginnie Revenaugh
Hi all!
We are loving loving loving loving loving LOVING this wonderful country of Bolivia and city of Cochabamba in particular. We are nestled in a valley, surrounded by huge mountains on every side. I woke up this morning, opened my window, and was met by a breathtaking view of snow-peaked caps in the distance. Coming from flat Illinois, I was more than impressed. This city is bustling, with lots of people in the streets to smile and wave at from our large, lime green, "Scooby-Doo" (as Richard coined it) Volkswagen bus we take everywhere. The Bolivian people are incredibly sweet, never hesitating to wave back at our hands hanging outside the bus windows. They are also incredibly patient, especially when it comes to the language barrier. I have taken French since 6th grade and am so lost when it comes to Spanish. Despite my saying "oui" instead of "si" more times than I can count, they never seem to get frustrated with my terrible communication capabilities. This place is amazing!
Today we went to church to hear pastor Holman give a sermon on forgiveness. During the service, we worshipped in both English and Spanish which was a really cool to experience (although I didn't understand half of it) and our bible team gave a skit about the burdens of sin.
Afterwards we prepped for a bus full of children to arrive for our planned activities and stuffed our faces with Bolivian chicken, fries, and rice. The salsa here is to die for! Unfortunately the children never came. The dates were mixed up and they're coming next Sunday instead. So, we changed plans and decided to head to a HUGE Bolivian market called La Cancha.
La Cancha was enormous...we spent two hours there and only saw about 10% of it. It contains hut after hut of everything imaginable: clothes, fruit, meat, purses, scarves, furniture, knives, toiletries, and MORE! We headed straight to the tourist huts, full of brightly colored bags, hats, pants, earrings, wallets, etc. The vendors would see our group of 19 americans and jump at the opportunity, pulling out their colorful products and urging you with head nods and outstretched hands to purchase. In typical Ginnie fashion, I bought WAY too much, most of which I will probably never use, but it was too fun to resist the exotic fabric and that leather backpack I got for $18...(sorry mom!) Needless to say, we had a great time exploring the market and seeing an entirely different way of life.
I could not ask for a better group to be on this trip with. We have the perfect combination of quirky, bossy, sarcastic, weird, hilarious, sweet, and fun to make every situation or task enjoyable. I have grown closer to every single person on this team and am so blessed to be surrounded by people as amazing as these.
We worship an AMAZING God, my friends, and I feel so grateful that He loves us as deeply and sacrificially as he does. The depth of his love for us takes my breath away. Praise Him!!!!!
Our God is good!
Ginnie Revenaugh
We are loving loving loving loving loving LOVING this wonderful country of Bolivia and city of Cochabamba in particular. We are nestled in a valley, surrounded by huge mountains on every side. I woke up this morning, opened my window, and was met by a breathtaking view of snow-peaked caps in the distance. Coming from flat Illinois, I was more than impressed. This city is bustling, with lots of people in the streets to smile and wave at from our large, lime green, "Scooby-Doo" (as Richard coined it) Volkswagen bus we take everywhere. The Bolivian people are incredibly sweet, never hesitating to wave back at our hands hanging outside the bus windows. They are also incredibly patient, especially when it comes to the language barrier. I have taken French since 6th grade and am so lost when it comes to Spanish. Despite my saying "oui" instead of "si" more times than I can count, they never seem to get frustrated with my terrible communication capabilities. This place is amazing!
Today we went to church to hear pastor Holman give a sermon on forgiveness. During the service, we worshipped in both English and Spanish which was a really cool to experience (although I didn't understand half of it) and our bible team gave a skit about the burdens of sin.
La Cancha was enormous...we spent two hours there and only saw about 10% of it. It contains hut after hut of everything imaginable: clothes, fruit, meat, purses, scarves, furniture, knives, toiletries, and MORE! We headed straight to the tourist huts, full of brightly colored bags, hats, pants, earrings, wallets, etc. The vendors would see our group of 19 americans and jump at the opportunity, pulling out their colorful products and urging you with head nods and outstretched hands to purchase. In typical Ginnie fashion, I bought WAY too much, most of which I will probably never use, but it was too fun to resist the exotic fabric and that leather backpack I got for $18...(sorry mom!) Needless to say, we had a great time exploring the market and seeing an entirely different way of life.
I could not ask for a better group to be on this trip with. We have the perfect combination of quirky, bossy, sarcastic, weird, hilarious, sweet, and fun to make every situation or task enjoyable. I have grown closer to every single person on this team and am so blessed to be surrounded by people as amazing as these.
We worship an AMAZING God, my friends, and I feel so grateful that He loves us as deeply and sacrificially as he does. The depth of his love for us takes my breath away. Praise Him!!!!!
Our God is good!
Ginnie Revenaugh
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Day Numero Uno in Cochabamba! by Clare Martin
Hello friends and family from beautiful Cochabamba, Bolivia!! Today was our first full day here, and the trip has already been full of plenty of fun as well as challenges. I personally have been enjoying all of the spanish practice here! The Bolivians actually take my spanish seriously and understand me which is exciting!!
Today started off with devotionals along with wonderful pancakes made by Magda (the wonderful cook here at the guest house) . After breakfast, we stopped at a Bolivian food market where the main attraction was GIGANTIC avocados, I'm talking the size of my head! All of the fruit here is so amazing compared to the states I might add! Then we were off to hike 1,000 steps up the mountain to El Christo, which resembles the statue in Rio de Janeiro (I've been told by the Holman's that the one in Cochabamba is actually taller). The hike was very challenging at times, especially for me bringing up the end of our group! But the view was spectacular and completely worth it. Ryan Mjoen, one of our team members came up with a great metaphor for the hike during our team time which he wrote about in his post!
Later, our team took part in a "Baby Wash", where we voluntarily washed some of the Bolivian children who may not have access to a shower or bath on a regular basis, which was such an incredibly special experience in itself. It was amazing to me how trusting the parents of the children were to people who aren't even from their country to wash their children for them. It really put a lot into perspective for me and how fortunate I've been to have the resources I've had for the past eighteen years.
Thank you so much for all of you readers back home for all of your thoughts, love, and prayers about the team and I! I can't wait to see what God has in store for me as well as the rest of our team seeing how amazing just this first day alone was. Tomorrow my team is preforming our dramatic skit at the church service so wish us luck!!
In Christ,
Clare Martin
Today started off with devotionals along with wonderful pancakes made by Magda (the wonderful cook here at the guest house) . After breakfast, we stopped at a Bolivian food market where the main attraction was GIGANTIC avocados, I'm talking the size of my head! All of the fruit here is so amazing compared to the states I might add! Then we were off to hike 1,000 steps up the mountain to El Christo, which resembles the statue in Rio de Janeiro (I've been told by the Holman's that the one in Cochabamba is actually taller). The hike was very challenging at times, especially for me bringing up the end of our group! But the view was spectacular and completely worth it. Ryan Mjoen, one of our team members came up with a great metaphor for the hike during our team time which he wrote about in his post!
Later, our team took part in a "Baby Wash", where we voluntarily washed some of the Bolivian children who may not have access to a shower or bath on a regular basis, which was such an incredibly special experience in itself. It was amazing to me how trusting the parents of the children were to people who aren't even from their country to wash their children for them. It really put a lot into perspective for me and how fortunate I've been to have the resources I've had for the past eighteen years.
Thank you so much for all of you readers back home for all of your thoughts, love, and prayers about the team and I! I can't wait to see what God has in store for me as well as the rest of our team seeing how amazing just this first day alone was. Tomorrow my team is preforming our dramatic skit at the church service so wish us luck!!
In Christ,
Clare Martin
Eyes on El Cristo by Ryan Mjoen
Hello, friends and family! We've finally arrived yesterday after a long trip. It was worth the wait and lack of sleep, as we were greeted by the breathtaking view of Cochabamba surrounded by the mountains of Bolivia. I could already see the beauty of God's presence through the small airplane window. We got to the guest house, unwound, and ate some of the best pasta I've ever had. It was incredible because all we ate for the past 24 hours was airport food. They are pasta-cooking masters.
The next morning, we all had devotionals and some more amazing food before heading off to climb the steps of El Cristo. Before I started the first step, I had the mindset that I was just going to walk. That's it... Just start walking up the steps and get to the top. People told me that it was hard, but I just thought they were being lazy and complaining. However, we reached the first step, and the giant statue wasn't even in sight. As we began our climb up the steps, I quickly realized there is a big difference from climbing steps in Bolivia to climbing steps at home. At 8,500 feet that altitude quickly takes it's toll on you. After thirty steps, I was breathless and gasping for air and El Christo was still not in sight. I kept pushing though, determined to keep going; however, I had to stop and sit down.
While I was sitting, Carter Fricano walked up and sat down next to me. We both talked about how tired we were and how hard this really was. After a few more sips of water and deep breaths we went back at it. The first few steps were easy, making me think that I could go the rest of the way without stopping. After about ten steps, I was gasping for breath. Carter and I finally had to take another break. We realized that this was not going to be an easy task. While we were sitting there, we saw people riding lifts to the top. Why don't they need to walk? Why aren't we taking these lifts? These thoughts flew through my head, but complaining wasn't going to help get us to the top. Instead, Carter and I started to set goals for each other, each one taking us higher and higher. Finally, El Cristo was in sight! We then decided not to stop and to keep going on pushing. I can honestly say that reaching that last step and seeing El Cristo in all of it's glory made me so glad that I climbed those stairs and didn't take the lift. The reward was so gratifying. It was after reaching the top I started to smile and think about what just happened and how much symbolism was is in it.
Climbing these steps is like us going through life. It's never easy, and as Christians, we live and walk towards Jesus or "El Cristo." Traveling this path with someone who is going to push you to your limits and who is going to set goals with you can bring you closer and closer to God. Those breaks we took are like the retreats and the mission trips and God moments that give us those "God-highs." Even though they will wear off, we have our family and Christian brothers and sisters to support us. God is showing all of us so many things already, and we are beyond blessed to be here.
Thank you for all your prayers,
Ryan
(Edited by Dominic)
The next morning, we all had devotionals and some more amazing food before heading off to climb the steps of El Cristo. Before I started the first step, I had the mindset that I was just going to walk. That's it... Just start walking up the steps and get to the top. People told me that it was hard, but I just thought they were being lazy and complaining. However, we reached the first step, and the giant statue wasn't even in sight. As we began our climb up the steps, I quickly realized there is a big difference from climbing steps in Bolivia to climbing steps at home. At 8,500 feet that altitude quickly takes it's toll on you. After thirty steps, I was breathless and gasping for air and El Christo was still not in sight. I kept pushing though, determined to keep going; however, I had to stop and sit down.
While I was sitting, Carter Fricano walked up and sat down next to me. We both talked about how tired we were and how hard this really was. After a few more sips of water and deep breaths we went back at it. The first few steps were easy, making me think that I could go the rest of the way without stopping. After about ten steps, I was gasping for breath. Carter and I finally had to take another break. We realized that this was not going to be an easy task. While we were sitting there, we saw people riding lifts to the top. Why don't they need to walk? Why aren't we taking these lifts? These thoughts flew through my head, but complaining wasn't going to help get us to the top. Instead, Carter and I started to set goals for each other, each one taking us higher and higher. Finally, El Cristo was in sight! We then decided not to stop and to keep going on pushing. I can honestly say that reaching that last step and seeing El Cristo in all of it's glory made me so glad that I climbed those stairs and didn't take the lift. The reward was so gratifying. It was after reaching the top I started to smile and think about what just happened and how much symbolism was is in it.
 |
| Prayers being sent up over the city of Cochabamba |
Ryan
(Edited by Dominic)
Friday, July 25, 2014
COCHABAMBA!
We have safely arrived in Cochabamba! Our team is exhausted from travel, but doing very well. Everyone gathered tonight at the Harvest Guesthouse (where we are staying) for a big spaghetti dinner and showers... What a treat! Now we are headed to bed to get some much needed sleep. We climb El Cristo tomorrow morning!
Santa Cruz...almost there!
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