Tomorrow we leave Cochabamba, Bolivia and I
have no idea where the month went. This month has been an amazing month of
people, ministry, and learning. Although I am sad to leave Bolivia I am excited
about what God has in store next!
Weather – Perfect! Cool in
the morning and at night and perfectly warm during the day. Mostly sunny.
Cultural Food – Silpancho –
Since we are staying with N. Americans we haven’t had too much traditional
food, but one dish we did have was silpancho. This is rice, pan fried potatoes,
a fried egg, and really thin beef, all with salsa on top. Heart attack? Yes!
Delicious? Yes!
ambulance… ok so not really an ambulance but the SUV sometimes serves as an
ambulance so that counts. Right?
Housing/Bed – Top bunk at the
hospital guesthouse… super nice!
for kids in the burn unit and malnourished center at the hospital, go to class,
play with, and pray for kids at the deaf school, and hang out with and pray for
girls at the girls home orphanage.
Team – This month we were working with
Team Daniel. It was great to grow more as a team and be able to learn from and
grow with another team. For ministry we were all split up going to different
places, this made it feel more like “normal” life. We were able to appreciate
our time with each other when we did have it.
Spiritual Growth – God is showing
me more about surrender and convicting me of places in my life that are not
surrendered fully. He has also taught me more about the value of speaking truth
even when it is hard. This came from gaining more confidence in the gift of
discernment the Holy Spirit has given me.
Greatest Challenge – Missing things
going on at home with friends and family and having to have important
conversations over skype rather than in person.
Verse – John 8:31-32 “To the Jews who had believed him,
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you
will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
loving on Carla (see blog HERE if you haven’t already) …oh, and getting to wear scrubs and play Dr.
day here we went on a hike to Pirumani. At the top of the hike we walked to the
edge that overlooked a dried up riverbed. Lauren, Kaitlyn, and I decided to
take a slightly dangerous hike to the bottom. Lets just say that when we did
get to the bottom we felt like we were characters in The Hunger Games who had
just been thrown into the arena. (If you haven’t read the books, you should!)
Fun Fact – Many women here
wear the traditional Quechua clothing which doesn’t seem to be attractive or
functional… but who am I to judge! Oh… and if Bolivians are unhappy about
something they just get together and hold a blockade. This means that blocks
are put in the streets basically forcing everyone to stay in their homes for an
indefinite amount of time. This month we had one day of a blockade but 10 years
ago there was one that lasted an entire month!
Next month we are going to be in Albania!
You can learn more about it HERE! Our journey begins tomorrow
morning at 6am and will last approximately 5 days. Next time you hear from me I
will be in Europe!
Thank you Lita for being an amazing contact
and friend here in Bolivia! You have made our stay here unforgettable. I will
miss you and your amazing organizational skills!
Shelley and Rachel, I am going to miss you
both! I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to hearing what God
does in your lives!!! Big things!
Many Blessings,
Kim
