A Look at Christmas 2010

A week ago there was a Christmas bbq at the McBeth's for those of us with CBM in Cochabamba. The following pics are from the bbq as well as today with the Guthries in La Paz. It has been a blessed time with family and friends celebrating Christ's birth and just being together.

Ivan and Jim - the mighty chefs of the bbq :)

Ivan and June

Emigdio's wife, Gladys, and myself

Together

Duane and Carin with their kids Paige, Caleb and Duane's parents

The turkey dinner prep time...hmm, hmm, good!

Merry Christmas!

rebecca

Feliz Navidad!

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I'm in La Paz with the Guthries having a wonderful time with them laughing, talking, singing carols, and celebrating Jesus' birth . I'll post some pictures in a few hours.

Merry Christmas!

rebecca

The Joys of the Unexpected

Well, Sunday morning was one of those days that made me just kind of shake my head and think, "what???". I went out to Sacaba for the service like usual. I had just been thinking that I was actually a few minutes early (when using the trufis - public vans - you never know for sure when you'll arrive) when I turned the corner and saw various people from the congregation climbing into a couple of vans/trucks. When I asked what was going on, I found out there had been an earlier service and that now they were going to another church in an area I'd never heard of for a "constitucion" which I figured meant a business meeting after the service. The next thing I know, I'm squished into a truck and I'm told that it'll be over at noon (which I figured meant 1pm). I had already made plans with friends for that afternoon so I thought all would be well...

We arrived at the church (Congregacion Israel) which I realized was a church plant from the Sacaba church, Rey de Reyes. It was in the middle of nowhere but apparently in the outskirts of Sacaba. Once Rosio (my friend as well as youth pastor at the Sacaba church) and I were settled, she turned to me and told me that since I was a CBM representative I would be part of the "concilio" that morning. I basically looked at her with a blank look on my face and, still thinking that this was more of a celebration service, asked her if she meant that they wanted me to bring greetings on behalf of CBM. She chuckled and told me no...that I would be part of the council that would ask questions to the members and then decide whether the congregation could become an official UBB (Bolivian Baptist Union) church.

No pressure...

So, once those of us on the council were introduced and the message had started, we went outside to another room to come up with the questions. There were questions regarding biblical knowledge, mission, history, principles and beliefs; questions directed to the children, youth, married couples, etc. Some of the questions, I was just hoping to understand in Spanish - let alone the answers that might be given. We all had various questions to ask and could make suggestions as well. I literally felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants and was praying that I wouldn't look (or sound) too stupid (no comments from family or friends!) :) When I asked what would happen if they didn't get all the questions correct, they simply told me that wouldn't happen.

Well, I won't bore you with all the details except to say that this congregation is now an official UBB church (congratulations La Iglesia Israel!) and I survived. Of course, I had to call my friends at around 2:30 letting them know that I may not be able to make it because the service was not even over yet nor did I have any idea where I was even if I could leave. I ended up getting back to the McBeth's around 4pm, had a bit of a rest and then got ready for the Christmas party at the McBeth's that evening (pictures coming in a couple of days).

It was a most unexpected day and I admit that I'm not looking to repeat it for awhile :) But I must say that it was interesting to see the two different thought processes. The majority of the questions that were asked dealt with straight facts, dates, etc. The two questions that I put forth to be asked (the rest of the council cleaned up the Spanish :) dealt with how spouses can show love to one another (giving practical examples) and when thinking of how a church is called to serve - how can they (their specific congregation) be a part of their community and serving [looking at integral mission]. What struck me was that those were the two questions they had the most trouble with because they had to think and be practical as opposed to just giving memorized answers.

Although the day certainly didn't go as planned, it was a good learning experience and certainly made for a good story :)

'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday

I took the following pictures right before I left for Canada. Every once in awhile the city has a "no vehicle" day where overnight the city changes and it's a time of walking, riding bikes, and being together in a much quieter and relaxed place. Here's a glimpse of the beauty, architecture, and people, including my favorite one of the world's youngest driver :)

'til next time,
rebecca

Once Again Choices

I remember one of my first blog postings was about choices that I had to make. And as I've been getting settled back in to Bolivia and was walking around the city center over the weekend and thinking of this next phase of ministry, those choices came to mind again...


...I have the choice to either dig in deep and give it everything I've got or settle for mediocre and be satisfied with that

...do I see, hear, and feel with God's heart or turn the other way and tell myself that there's nothing that can be done and refuse to fight injustice and feel the hurt of those around me

...do I stay satisfied with my Spanish as is or keep pushing myself to the fluency that I pray I'm capable of

...do I look for the joy midst the craziness and all that I don't understand and just enjoy being a part of this adventure of God's or do I sink into frustration and not look for the good

...do I seek God's direction in every part of my life (personal and ministry-wise) or try to do it all on my own

Please God, help me make the right choices each day...

'til next time,
rebecca

What a Week!

Thanks to all of you who have been praying about my time in Tarija...it was fantastic! I got back to Cochabamba Thursday afternoon very excited about what's coming up.

We were able to find an apartment for me in a great location - basically in the center of everything, close to public transportation, the markets, the university and almost in between the two main churches. I'm very excited about the move - I admit that I'm really looking forward to being able to fully unpack and settle once again.

I also met Diane, a former American missionary, who is now retired with her Bolivian husband in Tarija - they've opened up their home to me and have told me that they'll help me in any way I need with the transition and life there. I also spent time with Heather who is another Canadian who runs a youth cafe/drop-in center and I think there will be a great friendship there. We'll also be living only about 4 blocks from one another which will be a huge help for me especially in the beginning. I was able to spend some time also at the Sion church as well as with Vanesa who is a lovely Bolivian young woman that I'll be working with with Vida Joven (teen ministry). She and some of the other jovenes are going to help me with the move which will be a blessing and I'm sure quite hilarious at the same time. We're going to have our first planning meeting at my place with all the youth/teen leaders once I've had a couple of weeks to settle in.

God is good!

'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday

I thought you should see a "before" and "after" shot...

Just outside of my parents' home a couple of weeks ago...
there was more snow by the time I left

The backyard at the McBeths this morning

Isn't the beauty of the seasons amazing?!!!

'til next time,
rebecca

And We Have Touch Down

I got in last night after an amazingly smooth trip - Praise God!!! Aside from a couple of exploded lotions (thankfully I had bagged them), even my luggage survived with everything intact. I was met at the airport by the McBeths where I'll be staying for next month. I can't say how good it feels to be back.

I literally just clued in that today is Friday so I'm going to pretend that tomorrow is Friday and do a "Foto Friday" then once I've been able to take a couple of pictures I want.

Thanks to all of you who were praying for safe journeys...I head down to Tarija on Sunday with a few other team members for meetings and then Ivan (one of our Bolivian teammates) and I will do the apt. hunt. Please pray throughout next week - am hoping to be back by Friday if possible.

'til next time,
rebecca

Get Ready for Take-Off

Well, I fly out tomorrow morning at 6am. I can't describe all the emotions right now...excitement about returning to Bolivia and "normal" life and getting back into ministry but sadness as well at the thought of leaving family and friends again. But in the midst of it, I feel utmost peace.

Although, I also fully admit that I'll feel even more peaceful once my luggage has been checked through :)

I can't thank all of you enough for the prayers and encouragement over the last 3 months during my time in Canada. The care that you've shown me. To my family...there are no words...I am going to miss you so much. My friends who helped me laugh and relax and get caught up on what's been going on...thank you, thank you, thank you. I think there should be some visits down to Bolivia :) And to all the various churches and individuals whom I met for the first time or reconnected with, thank you for helping me process my first two years in Bolivia, for your support, and just being a part of this journey with me. I pray it continues.

Peace and grace to you all,

rebecca

Heading back

Well, its just a couple of days before I leave. I can't believe that my return is here already! I thought I'd just show a couple of pics from my time here of family and just a couple that made me smile.

My brothers, Paul and Mark, pretending they're helping with the cooking on Thanksgiving :)

My niece, Alison practicing her driving skills :)

My nephew, Brad, with my mom at Thanksgiving

Lobster traps on Nova Scotia's south shore

Yes, wild turkey's outside of my parents looking for food

Blessings

I thought it was time to think of all the blessings in my life right now...

- the encouragement and care from so many as I've shared stories about life and ministry during all the various speaking engagements

- a crazy but absolutely wonderful thanksgiving with my entire family...the first in two years

- the spectacular nature and scenery of the Atlantic provinces

- the care and concern from the CBM home office staff

- hugs

- time spent with friends

- a really good cup of tea

- Turkey dinner :)

- fully understanding worship services

- laughter with friends over coffee


'til next time,
rebecca

Visits

I've been really enjoying the visits with the various churches I've been invited to so far. The following are just a few pics of some of people I've met with so far (I need to remember to use my camera more!).

Union Street Baptist WMS in St. Stephen, NB

Leona Mae Devine in Woods Harbour, NS

Middleton, NS ABW

Thanks to all of you from the various areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia
that I've visited so far for your hospitality, care, and encouragement!
You've been a blessing!

rebecca

Finally!

Hello all! My apologies for not doing an update sooner. It's hard to believe that it's coming up on the middle of October already. Part of me feels that it's been a whirlwind of activity since arriving in Canada (Sept. 7th) and that there's no way it should be the middle of October yet and the other part of me feels like I've been here for much longer. Go figure...I guess my brain is just basically messed up! :)

All I can say is that it's a joy to be here...both to be with family as well as meeting with many churches, friends, and individual supporters. I'm amazed and blessed by how many have told me that they enjoy reading my blog and I'm just meeting them for the first time. Thanks so much for all the encouragement that I've received since being back in Canada. It's been great to meet so many new people and reconnect with others.

I'll be doing a couple of more updates regarding life, home assignment, etc. And then hopefully I'll be back into the swing of doing at least one update/week like I had been.

Blessings!
rebecca

The List

Just a couple more days now...I'm now staying at the CBM apartment and am enjoying various visits with friends and jovenes (I don't think it's really sunk in yet that I head out in 2 days). There have been a few people who have asked what I'm going to miss from Bolivia . So here's what comes to mind...


What I'm going to miss from Bolivia:

- all the fresh fruit and vegetables (there's amazing variety that is also unbelievably cheap!)

- outdoor markets

- the beautiful flowers and flowering trees that can be enjoyed year-around

- the music and bright colors of the ethnic clothing

- the breath-taking mountains

- the more personal way of greeting one another

- cheap and easy public transportation including taxis, buses, and "trufis"

- Spanish - although I still have much to learn and sometimes think it's hopeless, I love the sound of the language

- the friends that I've made so far (both from other countries and here)

- the potential and energy of the adolescentes and jovenes

- Bolivian food - it's very different with every region having specialties...I've been trying to learn to cook some of it but I don't think it's possible to replicate much outside of Bolivia

- the vast differences in scenery (from mountains to the jungle) - it's like there are different countries all within Bolivia and all accessible within a 3 or 4 hour drive


What I'm not going to miss:

- the smell of rotting garbage and urine in the streets

- the many times of feeling uncertain and inadequate regarding ministry, language, and figuring out life here in general (the feelings still haven't left and probably never fully will)

- the continuous sounds and sights of dogs...they're everywhere - sometimes playing, sometimes fighting; sometimes alone or in packs but almost always constantly barking - day and night

- a lack of street signs - for one who can be directionally challenged, this does not help the situation :)

- the water - I'm excited to be able to soon drink out of the tap and not be wondering much of the time whether I'm going to be having intestinal problems due to the water, the food or both

- wondering whether what I've just bought will be either broken or unsafe in some way





'til next time,
rebecca

The Homestretch

It's hard to believe that in two weeks I'll be in Canada. I'm in the midst of packing; surrounded by boxes and the joy of trying to tie up any loose ends before leaving but I think it's going pretty well. The actual move will take place Friday afternoon. The McBeths have generously offered their place for me to store my stuff until my move to Tarija in January. Tomorrow night there'll be about 6 girls here (young jovenes leaders) for an overnighter before I move out of my place. If it's anything like last time, there will be much laughter and non-stop talking throughout the night. I can't wait! I figure I can catch up on my sleep either next week or on the plane :)

Thanks so much for all your prayers, support, and encouragement...this wouldn't be possible without you all.

'til next time,
rebecca

Congratulations Sacaba Cristo Rey de Reyes!!

Yesterday was the 88th anniversary of the Cristo Rey de Reyes church in Sacaba where I attend. The Bolivians love their anniversaries and this one was certainly a huge celebration and time of thanksgiving. I forgot my camera (which always seems to happen when I really want it) but just use your imagination with lots of music and words of encouragement :)

Please be praying for this great group of people as they continue working to further God's kingdom in their area. Pray for the Bolivian Church in general as they seek God's vision, His will, and look to the future and what that means for them.

Blessings,
rebecca

Thankfulness continued...

- spring on the way

- physiotherapy

- all of your prayers and support

- grace & understanding

- my family and friends both here and in Canada (and other countries)

- emotions

- sleep

- friendship and laughter over a shared piece of cake


'til next time,
rebecca

The Race is On

I was looking at the calendar yesterday and realized that I've got about 6 weeks left before heading back to Canada for home assignment. I can't believe it's coming up so quick! I don't think it'll really hit until I'm on the plane. But before I leave, there are things that I need to be concentrating on now.

I could be going to Santa Cruz this coming weekend to meet with the Vida Joven leaders in that area but that will depend on my back (I have my first physiotherapy session tonight - thank goodness!). I'll then be attending the national jovenes convention which takes place August 6-8 in El Alto with a few days afterward to visit the Guthries in La Paz. I also need to move out of my place by August 28th because of heading to Canada and then Tarija in January. I also want to have the girls (young jovenes leaders) over again for another sleepover at least once and have some good conversations and visits over coffee with various jovenes. Plus, I'm starting to go through Horizons myself to be better prepared for when I return in January for the start-up of Horizons.

The next six weeks will certainly not be boring but I need to stay focused and it would also certainly help if I could keep myself from falling down anymore stairs or getting sick, etc. :)
So...I ask that you be praying for me in these upcoming weeks - for my focus and energy, wisdom & good conversations (especially with the young women), my health (a return to gracefulness and coordination would be great :), and that I finish well and can leave for home assignment in peace.

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement!

'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday

A few Sundays ago, I had a group of jovenes (young adults) from the Sacaba church where I attend, over to my place to teach me how to make "Pique" from scratch and just basically hang out. Pique is a Bolivian dish that involves french fries, a type of hot dog, another type of beef & it's juice (I learned that soy sauce is a key ingredient to making the juice so good), topped with onions and green peppers and then a hard-boiled egg. Mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup can be added as well at the end if you wish.

There was much joking, games, and good conversation in general and also a great time of being together with everyone pitching in to help with both the prep and clean-up (I fully admit that the guys weren't given a choice in the matter :)

The following pics give you an idea of the process.
The menu consisted of pique and fresh homemade orange juice.

The tasty result of all our hard work!

'til next time,
rebecca

Oh, to be Graceful :)

So, I'm starting to question my feet or my coordination - I'm not sure which...on the last night of the teen camp, there was a special gala dinner for the teens during which the leaders served the food, etc. I helped out in the kitchen. After, the leaders were able to get some food however, while I was crossing the floor of the outer room of the kitchen with my food to talk to someone, I forgot about the hole in the middle of the floor and proceeded to pretty much fall on my face. Amazingly enough, I didn't hurt self (except for my pride) and didn't drop my food.

Well, then on Thursday, I was going down the stairs in my place, and fell at the bottom and landed on my back. Thankfully, there was no fracture but I must say that I thought having a broken foot was bad...that was nothing to the pain of the last few days.

So, I ask for your prayers...for a full recovery with my back and that it's quick. As well, that somehow I become graceful and less accident-prone because I'd really like to make it back to Canada for home assignment in one piece and at the rate I'm going, I won't last the month! :):) And yes, its okay to be laughing at me right now...I have been :)

'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday II

Here are some general pics from the camp along with a second video from Saturday night's worship time. To watch the video, just click on play and adjust the sound...enjoy :)

'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday

Here are a few of the Vida Joven leaders that were at the camp...
please be praying for them as they continue their work with the teens.

'til next time,
rebecca

Sobrenatural - National Vida Joven Camp 2010

I got back from the national teen camp in the outlying area of Sucre early Monday. Sobrenatural was the theme/name of the camp which means "super natural". There were about 160 teens from Sucre, Santa Cruz, Potosi, La Paz, El Alto, Oruro, Cochabamba, Tarija, and Villazon and with all the leaders, kitchen staff, etc., we were 200 strong. It was a great weekend, very crazy as you'd expect with teens and little sleep was to be found but I was really pleased with it all. I did my first workshop on ways to draw closer to God both traditionally and not so traditionally and felt pleased both with my Spanish as well as being able to keep their attention....thanks for the prayers! It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet some more of the leaders and learn some of their thoughts regarding the youth ministry.

I'm including a couple of pics along with a video of a few seconds of the worship time on the last night but will post more on Friday. I fully admit that I'm getting caught up on some much needed sleep and am trying to get rid of the head cold that I got as a going away present from the camp :) The weather was crazy - freezing cold at night and unbelievably hot during the day.

If you want to see the video, just click on the play button...you can also adjust the volume.
Please note: this is not a professional video :)




'til next time,
rebecca

Foto Friday

Since the Guthries are moving to La Paz this coming week, I thought you might like to be "introduced" to them as well as have an initial look at the city including a view up to El Alto where much of their ministry will be focused.

Duane and Carin with their kids: Caleb and Paige

'til next time,
rebecca