Happy Mother's Day - Bolivian Style

Today is Mother's Day here in Bolivia and since moving to Tarija I've learned that part of the culture (more than I realized) is serenading. Birthdays and special occasions (e.g. Mother's Day) result in going to the person's house and singing to them. With birthdays, the person's friends, the pastor, various leaders, etc. use the time as an opportunity to speak into the life and talk about their impact and strengths; to encourage them to continue following God. It's actually pretty incredible.

Last night was my first Mother's Day serenade. We literally visited every mother from the church and sang a couple of songs and wished them Happy Mother's Day. Sometimes we were invited inside to drink tea or coffee and eat sandwiches or cookies. The youth would then sing some of the mom's favorite worship songs and there would be a prayer for her and her family.

And something that was special for all of us was that the first mom they sang to was mine. I called her on my cell so the youth could sing to her. It was awesome! She couldn't understand anything but she knows she's loved :)

I got home this morning at 6am after a crazy but wonderful night of laughter, singing, and a celebration of mothers.

To all of you Moms out there...
Happy Mother's Day from Bolivia!

Many blessings,
rebecca

The Most Interesting Food Yet...

This past Friday night was the Inauguration service for the national crusades that will take place in the Tarija region in January, 2012. It was a time of celebration and prayer as the leadership team of all the various committees was introduced. Afterwards, in true Baptist tradition :), there was food for anyone who wanted to eat - the cost of it will go towards the cost of the crusades . I had my first experience with the very traditional Tarija dish, "Rranga". There were vegetables in the meat sauce of...the only words I can think of are: cow belly. At least that is how it was literally explained to me. Apparently there was another type of meat involved but I still haven't figured out what it was (and that's probably a good thing). The taste was good although I fully admit that I didn't really care for...well, I guess I would say the "chewiness" of it :)

Everyone was watching me eat it because they knew it was my first time. Nothing like being on display! So, up to this point, I've experienced two Tarija dishes: saice which is another meat dish that makes my face go red as a tomato from the spiciness (thanks to my scottish, english, and irish ancestry) and now Rranga. Pretty much no matter what, everyone laughs when I eat anything new. Part of the laughter comes from the fact that I rarely eat meat in a meat-obsessed region and there are quite a few people here who know that :)

Oh well...it's all good :)

'till next time,
rebecca

Potosi and Sucre & what's coming up

A little over a week ago I spent a few days in Potosi and Sucre in order to meet with the leaders (vice presidents) in charge of Vida Joven - the teen ministry. It is brand new in Potosi and we were able to start conversations about what the situation is for this specific region. I admit to being a bit disappointed with the turnout and so I think it's going to literally mean starting from scratch as far as building a team of leaders. In Sucre, the ministry has been happening for a couple of years but has been in a bit of a slump recently. It was a good time in both areas to get to know one another a bit better and allowed me the opportunity to understand what some of the needs are better and how to best work in each of the areas.

Next week I head to Santa Cruz for a couple of days to meet with the leaders there. Please be praying as I get ready and travel; that the conversations go well and that it's a time of encouragement for all of us. There's no doubt that each area has different needs and I require wisdom to know how to best proceed in the various regions.

As well, the national Vida Joven camp will be taking place in El Alto June 30-July 3. I'll be one of the workshop leaders and will also be starting the investigation with the teens from Cochabamba, El Alto, La Paz, and Oruro. Please pray as I get ready for this camp - they're hoping for 240 teens from all over.

'til next time,
rebecca

A Time of Thanks

I realized that I haven't thought of all that I have to be thankful for in quite a while so it is time...

- an amazing group of churches, family, friends, and individuals who have been supporting me both financially and/or through prayers...it is overwhelming. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

- I'm feeling more and more at home here in Tarija. I'm still dealing with settling in and some "culture stress" or whatever you want to call it but everything considering, I think it's been going well.

- maple syrup finally available in the market (of course it's no longer there but it'll reappear one day as will the peanut butter :)).

- peanut butter

- good beginnings of Vida Joven work with the teens

- skype conversations with family and friends

- my two cats (Wawita and Pon Pon) who provide great entertainment everyday.

- deepening trust with the national council board of jovenes (young adults)

- laughter amongst friends


'til next time,
rebecca

The Weekend

I got back last night from the training weekend in Oruro. I'm trying to think of how to describe it all. The training time itself and consilio (council) meetings went well. I was really pleased with my session (I started promoting Horizons and led them in a discussion on what they believe is going on with the teens in various areas - e.g. family, abuse, sexual issues, faith, etc.). But I must say the trip to Oruro left a bit to be desired. I ended up with food poisoning for most of the 12 hour bus ride. And then part way through the night, a truck driving with no lights forced us off the road. Everything ended up fine (praise God!) but I guess the only way to describe that trip was "interesting" with a desire to never repeat it again. :) I decided to bus it to La Paz to spend a couple of days with the Guthries and then fly back to Tarija. It was great to see the Guthries, have good talks, get caught up on some of my sleep and have a much shorter trip home :)

I can't thank you enough for your prayers. I'm really excited about these upcoming months of getting more and more settled into ministry. I'll share more in upcoming weeks.

'til next time!
becca