Feliz Navidad!

Today marks the end of my first semester teaching and serving in Bolivia. Though it has not been an easy season, it has been wonderful. Early tomorrow I get on a plane to spend Christmas at home. I am SO excited to be in snowy Idaho for a bit! I am looking forward to a time of being with family and friends and reflecting on all God has taught me over the past several months. (Please pray for safe travel and that I catch all my connecting flights!)

As I consider my time in La Paz, I am simply amazed at the kindness and faithfulness of God. God has given me family here; He's given me a place to serve at school and also places to serve outside of school; He's given me running routes that I love; He's given me 13 new "kids"; He's given me a favorite coffee shop; He's given me a BFF (as my Mom and her best friend like to say); He's given me a group of young women to disciple; He's given me a shop full of amazing ladies who do my nails, but more importantly speak Spanish with me and teach about Bolivian culture; He's given me amazing places to see and experience; He's shown me that He alone sustains me; in short He's given me LIFE here and I am deeply grateful and humbled.

May you have a blessed Christmas season and experience the love and joy of Jesus in a way you never have before. Thank you for all you do to support and encourage me. Your prayers, your financial gifts, your care and concern have truly helped to sustain me during these past several months. Dios te bendiga!

"I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:10

Katie and me!

Llamas at Lake Titicaca!

My kiddos performing at the Christmas Program

My class and I on Super Hero Day

Christmas Party with my Bible Study group

Hiking at Lago Titicaca

Enjoying the lake

Enjoying a beautiful evening at Lago Titicaca with friends from school

My class and I on Pajama Day

Katie's and my Discipleship Group

Christmas in La Paz

If you stepped into our apartment, you wouldn’t guess it was only November 23^rd. The stockings are hung, presents are wrapped under the tree (they are just empty boxes for show, but presents none the less!), and twinkle lights adorn the windows. As Thanksgiving is not celebrated in La Paz (at least by the majority of the locals) the Christmas season starts early here!

The roomies and me

 My students are beginning to grow antsy as Thanksgiving break approaches and the extended Christmas break looms in the very near future! Yesterday our school boxed and delivered hundreds of shoeboxes full of gifts, clothing and hygienic materials for families in El Alto. It was amazing to watch the entire school participate in giving to others. Pre-K through 12^th grade brought in different materials over the past 2 weeks and we spent last Friday morning working in shifts to package and wrap boxes so that in the afternoon high school students could deliver the boxes! So amazing to watch the students grasp God’s heart for caring for others.

My Luciana!

Looks like chaos, but we got a lot done!

Highschoolers helping the 5th graders

With Lucas and Ashley

Some of the boxes!

 God is working in the hearts of my students! It is so incredible to see. We are currently writing research reports and one of my students is researching Billy Graham. Just a few weeks ago Billy Graham turned 95 and aired a ½ hour television special presenting the gospel. http://billygraham.org/video/the-cross/ When I mentioned it, my students were very intrigued as Franklin Graham was in La Paz last year preaching. So, a couple of Fridays ago I decided we would watch the presentation as a class. In the program Billy Graham shares the pure and simple gospel message; and uses the stories of two people and their journey with Jesus to explain it. I was amazed at the response of my students; many of them were moved to the point of tears. We had a wonderful discussion afterward and my students have not stopped talking about it. One of my kiddos was absent the day we watched it and yesterday he asked me if he could spend his recess watching it! Yes, I said his recess! :) We’ve also been praying as a class for Pastor Saeed who is an American/Iranian imprisoned in Iran for his faith; my student’s dedication and faithfulness to pray for Saeed is moving and is making a difference. http://aclj.org/iran/pastor-saeed-alive-held-deadly-iranian-prison-iranian-family-allowed-visitation

My students are young, but I rejoice to see God planting seeds in their hearts NOW and lavishing His love upon them. I KNOW these students will grow up to make a difference in their families, in their cities and in Bolivia. They amaze me with their compassion, curiosity and sensitivity to the Lord. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still 5^th graders and with that precarious age comes a certain amount of “drama”, but it’s pretty cool to be able to teach them how to work through conflict and how to have strong and healthy friendships.

Did I tell you I am running the soundboard at church? Yes, I am. Take a minute and have a good laugh about that. I really know nothing about such things and do not have a musical ear, but it’s been fun to feel “a part” of the church and become more involved. My church here has truly been a huge blessing! I attend the only International English Speaking Church in La Paz. The congregation consists of mostly Bolivians and Americans, but also of people from all around the World. I’ve met people from Germany, Canada, Finland and Sri Lanka while at church. So fun; I love worshipping with people from all cultures! This Sunday we are having a Thanksgiving feast after church and Wednesday we are having Thanksgiving Eve Service. I can’t wait! I will definitely miss traditions and family this Thursday but am so grateful to also be surrounded by “family” here. On Thursday, myself and a few other teachers are headed up to Lake Titicaca for a few days. We will be staying on the Island of The Sun! So, it will be a sunny, warm Thanksgiving for me and though I won’t be feasting on turkey, I will be dining on fresh “trucha” (trout) straight from the Lake.

May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving! Despite the turmoil around the World and the suffering of so many, we ALL have much to be grateful for. Praying you will experience the God of all Comfort this season.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all Compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Acculturation

Two posts in three days? What?! While the last post was informative, I found it sort of boring. :) So, here is a post full of funny stories that have taken place as I am going through this process of acculturation. And yes, “acculturation” is a real word; I know because I lost 10 bolivianos in a bet with my roommate debating this very topic. 

 ac·cul·tur·a·tion:  cultural modification of an individual, group, or people by adapting to or borrowing traits from another culture

Last week I was at bible study. There was a pretty large group of us, 17 or so, some Bolivians, some Americans. A new Bolivian guy showed up; he was kind of late (on Bolivian time) so his entrance was not unnoticed.  His tardiness was punctuated by the enthusiastic smile on his face and exuberant greeting of “Good morning!” as he walked in. It was 7 PM. I said “Hello!” but had to chuckle because I know for a fact I have done that more than once since living here. If I’m not thinking, I sometimes forgot when to use “Buenos Dias” versus when to use “Buenos Tardes”. From here on out, I think I will always have more empathy for people trying to communicate in a language not their own!

Two days ago my friend and I were walking down the street to the grocery store. We were behind a group woman who were laughing and talking animatedly. One of the women glanced behind her and make eye contact with me, as she turned back to her girlfriends she said something and then all the women turned and looked at me. When we passed by them they were laughing and staring, not in a mean way, but almost in an affable way. I smiled and greeted them; they laughed harder. My friend and I walked away shaking our heads, wondering what in the world that was all about!

A couple of weeks ago, my roommate Katie and I were traveling home from a night out. We jumped on a mini bus (like a bus, but it’s a van where as many people as possible jump in to get where they’re going). Well, the mini was quite full, so full in fact that there was no room for the woman manning the mini (she takes money and opens and closes the door) to sit. No problem, Katie’s lap was available! Yep, she plopped down in the comfy warmness of Katie’s lap (this was not a small woman). As Katie turned her head sideways and caught my eye it was all I could do not to burst out laughing. When we finally got off the mini and handed the woman our money she started smiling. By the time we had reached the sidewalk she was hanging out of the van, one hand hold holding on, one hand free, full on laughing at us for some unknown reason. At this point we could hold in the laughter no longer. So, there we were standing on the street corner, sharing a laugh at a distance, with the toothless Amayra woman in the traditional long, full skirt and bowler hat. It was a good moment. One that makes me start chuckling all over again when I think of it.

And on a more serious, but certainly not boring note, things are in the works for a team from Pocatello to possibly come to Bolivia this spring! A few weeks ago I met a missionary at church who’s main passion is to host short-term teams. I quickly hooked him up with a friend who works with a ministry in Pocatello and loves to lead mission trips herself. There is still a lot that needs to take place and at this point we are simply praying to see if this is something God is putting together, but oh, I am so excited! One of my greatest loves is serving the Lord with friends and family in other cultures. How amazing to have people I know come to Bolivia to bless this nation and engage in all God is doing here. That said, if you are ever interested in coming to La Paz, let me know! Seriously. I am sure we could cook something up! 

Thank you for sticking through another long post. :) Love you, friends!

Growing Roots

As I sit down to write I found myself struggling to describe all that has happened in the last month. Though much has taken place, life is very much beginning to feel “normal” here and I find the everyday moments and events of life beginning to feel common, in a very good way. So perhaps, though far from earth shattering, that is the biggest piece of news: Life here is beginning to feel normal. In other words, God has helped me to settle, begin growing roots, and find “home” in La Paz.

I am getting into a routine with my students and gaining more of God’s heart for them. As they begin to trust me, they are sharing more and more of themselves with me. We have started a correspondence program with a 5th grade class at the school in Idaho that I used to teach at. Pen Pals! The kids are beyond excited! Our first Parent Teacher Conferences are this Thursday and Friday and I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with the families of my students; I would also love your prayers that these meetings would be fruitful and constructive.

My kiddos!

Last Saturday we hosted a Spring Festival at the school. The normal silence of a Saturday at school was broken by dozens of children running and playing, parents eating and laughing and teachers frantically scurrying to make sure everything was in place. The festival consisted of a sports tournament (soccer, volleyball and dodgeball), games (inflatable balls, fish pond, darts), delicious food (gyros off the spit, menudito-Bolivian soup, anitcuchos-cow heart, saltenos) and payback for teachers and friends (dunk tank, pie in the face, “wet jail”). The day was beautiful, blues skies and sunshine and in spite of the busyness I found plenty of time to talk with parents and hang out with students. I managed to stay dry until about 1:00 and then found that my way had been paid to the “wet jail”. I willingly entered, but not without paying for two of my students to go with me. My attempts to stay dry by using them as a shield were futile, however. :) It was such a fun day and I truly enjoyed being a part of an event that was such a great blessing to our school and community.

It's not a festival without cotton candy!!

Manning the "inflatables station" and having a little fun while doing so!

Gyros off the spit!

Anticuchos (cow heart)

Wet jail!

With 3 of my students

Great friends and teachers

Beautiful Bolivian sky for a wonderful day!

I’ve also found a church here that ironically reminds me much of my church back home: small and quaint with a strong family feel. I really love it and have been able to get better plugged in by attending a weekly Bible Study of 20/30 somethings; looks like I will also be taking over the job of working the soundboard during worship-something I have no idea how to do. Ha!

Every other week my roommate Katie and I get to meet with 5 high school girls for a discipleship group. We spend this time getting to know one another better, praying for each other and studying God’s Word. It is such a rich time and always a highlight of my week. Each of these girls has a very different “faith story” and most of them aren’t quite sure what they believe about God. I love discussing their questions, listening to their concerns and sharing God’s heart with them. I am praying that each of these young women will come to know Jesus personally as their Savior and Best Friend. I am simply in awe and humbled that I get the opportunity to “do life” with these wonderful ladies. Please be praying for the salvation of them and their families.

As the 1^st Quarter of school comes to an end, I am feeling the need for a bit of a break! Luckily, myself and a couple of friends are planning a weekend get away to Coroico in the Yungas (jungle).  As taken from Lonely Planet “Coroico is derived from the Quechua word coryguayco meaning ‘golden hill.’ The town’s biggest attraction is its slow pace, which allows plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing and hammock-swinging.” Sounds about perfect; I can’t wait to explore and experience the Bolivian countryside! This Idaho girl needs to get out of the city! :) Look for pictures soon!

Coroico!

I am continuing to feel the grace and peace of God in good moments and in hard moments. As always, He is faithful and good. I don’t fully understand all His purposes and ways (especially when I am deeply missing family and friends!) but I trust His heart and His leading. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and investment in my life. I pray your Autumn days are full of warm cups of coffee and hills covered in fall colors. :)

P.S. Sorry this one is so long! (That's what I get for not posting for a month!)

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

City Market

Sigarnaga (City Center)

With my roommates, Katie and Laura

3:00 on Friday. Celebrating with ice cream!

"Dia del paeton" (Day of the Pedestrian). Taking advantage of the "no vehicles" allowed rule!

After about a month, I succumbed to a Burger King meal. Yum!

Marina and me

Working SO hard!

I hope you enjoy the glimpse of life here! I am beginning to settle and find "home" in La Paz. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and encouragement. I could not be in Bolivia without this support and love. There have been many days over the past few weeks where I have truly felt your prayers and thought "Someone must be praying for me". Know that your prayers make a difference!

On that note, I'd like to share some specific requests with you.

Please pray for:

• My roommate, Katie, who has been very sick for 3 weeks with a stomach bacteria and sinus infection.
• My teammate, Wade and his wife Aly. They were married only 4 weeks ago and have been in La Paz for 2 weeks. Wade has been sick with a stomach bacteria and sinus infection since arriving in La Paz. You can imagine the tole this is taking on both Wade and Aly emotionally, spiritually and physically.
• Overall health of our team and students
• Families and students to come to know the Lord
• Continual bonding with my students. My prayer is that I will see them and love them as God sees them.
• Direction, guidance and balance as I pursue "life" here and different avenues of ministry.

Thank you friends and family! Have a blessed day.

Kids are Awesome!

As a teacher, I love to jot down the funny things my students say or do that make me laugh. Here are a few this year so far. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

I have a Samsung tablet that I use as a reader and to stay in touch with those at home. One day I brought it to school and it was sitting on my desk. One of my students, Lucas, saw it there, turned, stopped and whispered in reverence “Samsung”. Between his adorable accent, the whisper voice and the look of awe in his eyes, I had to turn my head to conceal my laughter.

A couple of days later, the same boy, Lucas, said to me, “Miss Jorgensen, my nose is falling down.” It took me a second to realize he meant his noise was running. Some things get lost in translation. :)

Not only are my students funny, they are sincere and poignant in the most unexpected moments.

A couple of girls in my class were consistently talking when they weren’t supposed to be and distracting other students. You know, normal 5^th grade girl stuff. After a stern discussion and the loss of a privilege, their behavior was much better. Two hours later, after I had forgotten about the whole thing, they pulled me aside and asked if they could talk to me. In unison they said “ We are sorry and ashamed for our behavior. Please forgive us.” So sweet!

One morning my heart was burdened over something a friend back home was going through and I asked my students if they would pray. They responded with such concern and fervent prayers it nearly brought me to tears.

 I have a student from Ecuador in my class. She has a smile that lights up the room and a deep love for the Lord. Her parents are missionaries in La Paz and they pastor a local church. One afternoon I sent my students to Library; when Priscila returned she was clutching a book about Jim Elliot, a well know missionary who was martyred many years ago in Educador. Her eyes shone as she shared her excitement to read this book about a man who had served in her home country. When she came back to school the next day, she said her Mom had cried when she saw the book because one of her professors in college was Elizabeth Elliot (Jim Elliot’s wife). I have long admired the Elliot family and their intense passion, faith and sacrifice for the Lord. How profound to have a student in my class who is a part of the legacy they have passed down to generations. Jim Elliot was killed nearly 60 years ago, yet his love of the Lord continues to influence young and old.

It’s in these day to day moments, that I see and know the joy and love of the Lord. What simple moments is God using to speak to you?

Venturing

Tonight I ventured out into the city center alone. Some people I met at church were hosting a Bible Study and usually Katie, my roommate would go with me; however tonight she was sick. Normally it wouldn’t be a big deal to go by myself, but the study was being held in a different area of town than I’m used to, at a place I wasn’t completely sure how to get to, and being that I don’t speak the language yet, I was a bit intimidated! But I knew I would be glad that I went so I pushed myself to go. (Well, actually I prayed that God would make me go. :)) Everything turned out great! The taxi driver and I had a bit of trouble finding the place initially (I ended up knocking on the wrong door and it was actually answered by someone I had met last week-random!) but eventually I ended up in the right place. Of course then I had to figure out how to ring the doorbell on the gate (who would have thought that would be an issue!)? I was standing in the dark, shining my cell phone on the gate, trying to find the bell; I’m sure I looked crazy! Once I got through the gate I was quickly introduced to a few people, one of whom was an American (better yet, a Texan in cowboy boots). I’m always a little unsure of how to greet Americans here. Sometimes it’s the traditional American handshake; other times it’s the Bolivian cheek-to-cheek kiss. Well I went for the handshake, but quickly realized he was going for the kiss and we basically ended up slamming our cheeks into each other. Super awkward! But it made for a good laugh, anyway. We studied John 18 tonight and it was a great time to study the Bible, pray together and just be in God’s presence with one another. I take great comfort in knowing that despite our different backgrounds and cultures, the commonality we have in the Lord is powerful enough to instantly make us feel like family. I’m grateful for this Bible Study and this group of people welcoming enough to invite me! I’m also grateful for silly little adventures in La Paz!

Blessings friends and family! I miss you all and love you deeply! Thank you for reading.

Can you see why I was intimidated?!

The First Day

And so begins the fruition of a dream God put in my heart nearly 7 years ago. It's funny how when  our "dreams" become reality they are so much like real life. Walking out a dream isn't usually romantic, it isn't rose colored, it isn't to the tune of a Hollywood theme song. It's nitty and gritty. It's feeling uncomfortable, uncertain and missing the known. But it's all part of the journey. The awkwardness passes eventually and you embrace the new role, the new adventure you are a part of. One of my teammates shared a quote recently that really resonated with me: "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards" (Soren Kierkegaard) I like this because it is so true. We don't always understand the "why" or the "what" of things but yet we move forward by the grace of God as He directs us. We know that one day we will look back and we will understand, at least in part.

Yesterday was a difficult day for me. I have dreamed long and hard of the day I would stand in front of a group of students, in a different country, as a teacher, as a missionary. And suddenly, it was a reality. Instead of experiencing the emotion and the passion I had imagined, I felt the weight, the challenge, the unknown, the insecurity of being the teacher of these children. I hope this doesn't sound sad to you. I don't find it sad because I know one day I will look back, I will remember my first day teaching at Highlands, and I will smile because I will see how that one day was a significant piece in the puzzle that God is creating. I will smile because I will know that despite my humanness God was very much with me in the tough moments of that day and used those moments to teach me how to rely on Him and to cause me to grow closer to His heart. I will smile because I will be able to recall how the amazing days by far overshadow the difficult days. I will smile because I will think of the lives of students I saw transformed by the powerful love of our Almighty God!

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power 

is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body."
 2 Corinthians 4:7

An amazing group of students (missing three)!

Coffee in hand, let's do this!

Welcome!