Here is another blog post from one of the girls! Enjoy 🙂
Today is one of our last days at home in Monte Blanco. It’s so strange that in just a few days we’ll be traveling away from these people who have become as big a part of our team as all of us are. They’ve been cooking for us, hanging out with us, and amusing us with some very choice phrases in English like, “You’re beautiful”, “You don’t know me”, “I am handsome”, and “Please don’t go”. We have volleyball tournaments, play hide and seek, and have English-Spanish sing-offs. They’re a part of our family, just as much as everyone on the team. Our team is such a cohesive unit by now. Everyone is so important and valued, and I can’t imagine our team without any one of us. We have inside jokes and spend our time laughing and taking too long to quiet down when we’re supposed to be practicing a skit or debriefing. Really, you wouldn’t believe how funny it is to be a wall of Jericho or a boat with these thirteen people around. It’s amazing to see how well God orchestrated this trip from the staff to our team to our VBS.
So far we have done three VBS’s and each has been so much fun and a great success. Our numbers have varied from 120 to so few that we walked up and down the streets asking for children to participate. It’s humbling to see how readily kids here respond to just the little time and love a couple of gringos are willing to give them. Despite language barriers, each of us has had one kid to a gaggle of children trailing our every move and trying to get their hands in ours as often as possible. Most of these children wore the same clothing every day and had on flip-flops in extremely cold weather. I’m so glad we were able to spend time with them and maybe brighten a few of their days as well as share a message of God’s love. Just spending time with these kids and seeing our surroundings has been such a learning experience for me. Our lives in America are not normal. Red brick two story houses decked out with modern amenities are not normal. We’re so blessed. It’s absurd. It’s been such a blessing to step outside the bubble of American provision and taste a dose of third-world reality. It’s convicting. I just hope I never forget the perspective I’ve gained here. This whole time in Bolivia has been wonderful and the people here, in the words of so many a Bolivian, "are forever written on my heart.“
This is one of the more attractive animals that we've seen during our time here.
During one of our play days at Manos de Amor, Sara found herself a friend.
After an afternoon with Bolivians on the soccer field, Josh collapsed next to his fan club.
Steph has been quite popular with all of the little kids at VBS. We've all enjoyed watching her be a human jungle gym.
It was such a blessing to hear from you today, and to hear how God is impacting you as a team. We continue to pray that God uses you mightily, while you serve Him in Bolivia.
Kristin Epp, we want to wish you a very happy 17th birthday tomorrow. I hope that your team makes it a memorable one for you. We wish we could be celebrating there with you, but we will have to celebrate from a distance. We love you and wish you a year filled with adventure, and overflowing with God’s blessings.
Love,
Mom, Dad, Kayla and Kelsey
Loved talking with you today, Steph. FIrst, to hear your voice, then to see the photos, especially this last one! I feel happy for all you have experienced, and look forward to hearing all about it on Saturday! Brownies will be waiting!!
It is so amazing how much can happen and how much can change in one’s heart in so short a time. Sounds like y’all are coming home as different folks! That’s a good thing. Thanks for the post! Ginger (Val’s mom)
Happy Birthday Kristin!!! We love you…Lonnie, Tiffany, Austin and Jared
Wonderful to hear of all the happenings there! God is so Good! He is teaching us through your experience! Have a wonderful last few days!!! Thanks for the pics and post!!
Nate, Linda, Erica and Luke (Lizzie’s Fan Club!)
It’s heart warming to see the pictures and hear all that is happening there. Sara, it seems like yesterday I was holding you and now you are holding that precious little girl.After this your lives or theirs will never be the same. Praise be to God for this time. Linda @ Larry Murrell (meme@Papa)
God has sure used your team and I am sure you all will be changed! May God give you a safe trip home and we will be glad to see you.
Lizzie’s Mamaw & Papaw
Loved seeing these pictures and listening to the words and the spirit of this letter. I know you will have mixed emotions as you bid your farewells to the staff and kids of monte blanco and head home. Oh, the joy of living in Jesus, walking in His steps, loving with His heart, and seeing with His eyes. We look forward to a great debriefing seeing more pictures and hearing more stories.See you soon! Much love, Momma Linda
I am so glad to hear about all of the wonderful things you guys are doing in Bolivia. Keep up the good work. cant wait to see you when you get home. (Lizzie’s cousin)
Happy 17th Birthday krisTEN!!!!!!! I hope it’s amazing! I can’t wait to see you when you get back!
Hey Sara,
You’re having too much fun. It’s a blessing to me to see young people spending their time living for another’s best interest. Keep up the good work. Take care of yourself too and stay strong.
With love always,
Aunt Tommie
Hey Val and Lizzie! Thanks so much for sharing your adventures! Can’t wait to see those smiling faces back here at home but so glad that God is using and blessing your efforts there! Have a great last few days!
WOW!! The Lord is doing big things in your heart, and I’m sure He won’t let you forget the lessons you’ve learned outside of your American bubble. Your words were a real blessing and challenge to me! Yes, He is amazing – doing all things well and for His glory! Thanks for sharing. Mrs. T (You don’t know me, but I know Valerie and Elizabeth!)
Happy Birthday (tomorrow)! Your trip sounds wonderful.
God’s power is amazing. We do not know the far reaching consequences and affects of your time together as a group or the impact God will make on any of the many lives you have touched, but it is powerful to know that He does and that he has had it all planned since the day each of you were born. I know leaving will be hard, so I am praying for each of you and those you will leave behind to continue sharing God’s love with the people there.
Livvy, Caroline made it safely to Nepal after 48 hrs. of travel.
Love, Mom