If you stepped into our apartment, you wouldn’t guess it was
only November 23rd. 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!
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| 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 12th
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.
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| My Luciana! |
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| Looks like chaos, but we got a lot done! |
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| Highschoolers helping the 5th graders |
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| With Lucas and Ashley |
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| 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 5th 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
