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