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