When I left for Bolivia two weeks ago my heart was in pieces. I cried multiple times on the bus ride to our ministry location in Rurrenabaque because I thought that I would feel so lonely for the next 11 months. I missed my sweet, funny, crazy, outrageous, supportive, fun friends. I was thankful for the amazing and Godly female team that I have been provided with. However, I knew I would struggle without Cale and my guy friends.
We got to our ministry location and met our contact, Jack Spiers. Jack is a 25 year old in a 75 year old’s body. He scales mountains and jumps head first into the river. Jack has been so much fun to work side by side with.
Then we met the boys.
Jose’ is a 23 year old from La Paz that just graduated from seminary and is living at the mission in Rurrenabaque to help out and see if it’s a good fit for him. Jose’ is quiet and says profound things about life. Jose’ is wise and has been given the spiritual gift of being able to articulate confusing biblical things into stories that are easy to comprehend. He is athletic and loves Argentinan futbol. When we first got to the mission he didn’t joke with us. However, with my persistent teasing and joking he has turned out to be quite playful. I’m so proud.
Gonzalo is Jose’s 19 year old brother. He is staying at the mission until December. Gonzalo is probably the sweetest boy that I have ever met. In the two weeks that I have known him I have not seen him frown once. Gonzalo’s spiritual gift is one of joy. He lights up the room and brings happiness to anyone he comes in contact with. He is always looking for ways to bless other people. In one day, he carried my bags for me, tightened my shoes, and washed my hands. He is like my precious little brother.
Elias is a 15 year old that lives with Jack. Elias is from an indigenous tribe in Bolivia. He came to live with Jack and go to school two years ago. Elias’ spiritual gift is that of hard work. He carries huge logs on his shoulders, hauls rocks, and pours concrete without complaining. Elias plays like he is a teenager but has a sweet heart.
Last but not least is Jeremia. Jere is 25 years old and a member of the host family that we are living with this month. He truly cares so much about us (the gringas) and is willing to help us with anything no matter how small. His jokes and laughter fills any room with pure joy. Jere doesn’t get embarrassed and will do anything to make those around him smile. Jere’s spiritual gift is being able to relate to people, tell stories, and entertain. When God made Jere, He poured charisma all over him. I always say that he is the Latino boy version of me but truly, he is my best Bolivian friend.
These past two weeks have taught me that it doesn’t matter if people are different from you. If you give someone a chance they may just end up your best friend. God made us all different so that the body of Christ could function efficiently and accomplish everything in His almighty plan. We need each other and I am so thankful that I get to spend this month with these amazing people.
(Sorry there are no photos. I will try to upload them to Facebook.)
Ciao from Rurre,
Jessica
