What's Up

I've been neglectful...sorry about that! I've mentioned in the past while that I would be heading to Potosi soon. Well, the time has come. If all goes well, I'll be on the bus tonight for about 9 hours or so and will be there for about a week including a bit of time in Sucre to meet with the Vida Joven leaders there regarding what's happening in their area and the National Adolescentes Camp in July. During the week we'll also be finalizing the research project (regarding parameters, locations to focus on, etc.) and then I'll be able to get started. All the Vida Joven leaders will be getting together next weekend in Potosi for a training time. I'll be leading a session on leadership and influence - this will be my first time for leading a session.

I ask for your prayers - everything from traveling safety, my Spanish, the research project, the training time, and meaningful conversations. Also, part of the culture here is "manana, manana" - which basically means that details are figured out as you go or "tomorrow". The details of the week are a bit... "sketchy" shall we say, which can be frustrating so also pray that I have a good attitude and see the humor in it all as I go - literally not knowing much - just the goals for the week. No comments from the peanut gallery regarding my knowledge base (you know who you are)!!! :):)

I have no idea how much internet access I'll have for the next week so it could be a week or more before I can let you know how it all goes.

'til next time,
rebecca

Happy Easter

Yesterday had to have been one of the oddest Easters I've experienced so far. Government elections were held all over the country yesterday and part of the law is that no public gatherings are allowed nor can vehicles be driven which meant no church services and many people out walking. It was actually unbelievably peaceful and lovely to be outside. I spent part of the day with the Whittles and was able to watch via skype the Easter service from their home church back in Alberta while we also enjoyed homemade hotcross buns and coffee :) Later on in the afternoon we all walked over to the Guthries and enjoyed an Easter bbq and some tasty chocolate eggs :) It was a bit of a crazy day but definitely one to remember.

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!


'til next time,
rebecca

April

Sorry it's been so long since I did a posting...I ended up with a nasty case of bronchitis (thankfully it's pretty much gone) and have just been concentrating on getting healthy again. You know how it is, life continues on and there hasn't really been a lot to share. And I fully admit that I'm pleased that nothing too embarrassing has happened that is worth sharing :)

I wanted to let you know that the translating of Horizons (the online youth training program) has begun and we're anticipating completion by mid-June! As well, this month, I'll be meeting in Oruro with a couple of the main Vida Joven youth leaders regarding the research project. We're going to finalize the issues that they want addressed in the research as well the provinces that they want me to focus on. I think once we have those issues finalized I'll be able to start the project, figure out the shedule and how it should all come together. At the end of the month, I'll be heading to Potosi for a meeting that involves all the Vida Joven leaders. It'll be my first opportunity to meet all of them and to have some time specifically in Potosi to find out what's happening there with Vida Joven...I'm planning on being there for about 1 week. They've also asked me to lead a session during that time which will be the first time to do so...I'll be starting work on that this coming week.

Please be praying for me...that my health levels out and that there isn't a return of the bronchitis. Pray for guidance and insight for all of us during the Oruro meeting regarding the research. I also definitely need your prayers as I prepare my first session that I'll be leading in Spanish in Potosi. Pray as well for the translation of Horizons...that it goes smoothly and is completed on time.

Thanks for all your support and encouragement!

'til next time,
rebecca