Friends, Fiestas and Ministries

Hola!

Well we’ve had another exciting week in Cochabamba. In addition to our daily Spanish classes we’ve been able to spend a lot of time with our Bolivian friends, developing relationships and practicing our Spanish (more like Spanglish for Tarryn and I), and we’ve also had the chance to visit a few more ministries.

On Tuesday Pat took us on a tour of Cochabamba’s largest and most respected Christian school (I think it’s called Immanuel). The principle and chairman of the school were very nice and quite keen on getting us involved in the school’s ESL program. Although school in Bolivia doesn’t start for a month or so, I’m pretty sure this will become one of our ministry internship sites.

On Wednesday night we hosted our first official fiesta. Thanks to Tarryn’s homemade pizza-making genius and Phil’s exceptional knack for tidying and interior decorating, the party was a success. We had plenty of good food and we had a great time teaching our Bolivian friends some of our favorite games.

Yesterday (Friday) we had the opportunity to visit a ministry called Jireh (which we beleive is the Spanish word for Jirah, from ‘Jehovah Jirah’). Jireh is basically a drop-in center for kids ranging from about 8-15 years old. The center provides the kids with a basic meal, fun activities, and opportunities to receive homework help and to learn trade skills (e.g. electrician skills). When we were their, the director asked us to stay and have a meal with some of the kids. After eating and introducing ourselves, we taught them a few fun English songs. The kids were adorable and clearly in need of older Christ representatives whom they can look up to. I’m sure at least one of us will eventually be involved in this ministry.

Before I end this blog I need to update you on Phil’s dental situation. For those who didn’t know, Phil had an infected, impacted wisdom tooth. Yesterday Pat and Terry took him to their dentist and he had it removed. He’s doing very well. Your continual prayers would really be appreciated.

This weekend we have plans to go on a young adult camping retreat with a number of Bolivian Baptists. Please pray that it will be a spiritually enriching time. Please also pray for Tarryn, as she will be giving her testimony to a high school youth group tonight, and for Phil, as he is leading a Bible study at the retreat.

Gracias to you all for your support.

May we all continue to glorify our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dave