Leaving on a Jet Plane

This was the journal entry I wrote on the plane back to Toronto:
As I am writing this just as the sun is about to rise. Reflecting on my time in Bolivia, I could say that it was all fun, that it was all encouraging and all uplifting, but that wouldn't be true. Although most of our blog posts have highlighted the good times we have had here, the past four months have seen many challenges. However, I believe that it is in the these times God teaches us the most.One of the biggest things that I struggled with in Bolivia was my identity. In my own country I prided myself in who I felt I was. I was someone who could hold intelligent conversations, make people laugh, encourage my friends and give advice. These things told me like, I was smart, funny, a good friend etc. However, in Bolivia, I had none of these. In the beginning mostly, I rarely knew what was going on and when I did it was difficult to find the words to ever contribute anything worthy. Because of this, I never imagined developing close friendships and for a long time I didn't. Who would want to be my friend? I was the quiet, awkward foreigner? haha.

However, God used this to teach me a lot about myself and my relationship with Him. He challenged me on how I viewed myself and who I really was. Do I really need these things that I associated with 'Tarryn' to really be the child of G od I am called to be? So often I get caught up in the North American persuit of individualism and my relationship with God becomes an attempt to "better [myself] and to be more upwardly mobile in social status". This was a quote that I took from the Cross-Cultural Communication class we took with Dave Roberts that describes some people's motives for learning a new language. However, I often feel as though in pursuing God I am actually just trying to better myself and my life when I need to be focusing on my identity in Christ and what that consists of in light of sharing the gospel of love to others.There were times in the midst of learning this, and in the midst of a new culture that spoke a different language than my own, that I felt isolated. It was in these times, when I was forced to rely on God, that I was closest with Him. Something else I learned on this trip that God has been teaching me for many years, and will continue to teach me for the rest of my life, is His faithfulness to provide. From little things such as a chance to rock climb and play hockey with the Jireh kids (Dave's and my favourite sport) to bigger things, like the community of Christians here that provided me with support and friendship. (Paola, Jhaki, Saul, Lineth, Ruben, Ariel, Julio, Myrela, Ever, Luis, Pablo, Jose, Ben, Ivan, Christina, Emigdio, Pat and Terry Janke and Phil and Dave).  It was through these people that God showed me His love. Like I mentioned before, I asked myself, "who would want to be friends with someone with whom it was so difficult to get to know?" I rarely talked at the beginning and put little effort into getting to know people in comparison to what they put in. However, I was shown an unconditional love and acceptance that I have been blessed with only a handful of times before in my life. I was blessed with gifts of their time and presence, and coming from a culture that values time significantly, it meant a lot. They showed a commitment to get to know me, regardless of what I showed them. It is amazing how much God uses Christian community to show us His love. Truly, the Christian community I experienced in Bolivia has been an example to God's relationship with us, and now my time is done. Oh wow, I can see the sun coming over the clouds just now.
-In Christ, Tarryn, Tarry, Tarence, Theresa, or Carjen

Tarryn and the Despedida

Goodbye Tarryn.  You will be dearly missed here in Bolivia, but we know that we will all see you again in the Great White North in no time!  I don't know how Dave and I will live without you here (or what we will eat), but we know that your family misses you.  We hope you have a great trip home.  Blessings and brotherly love, 

- Dave and Phil

Family and friends, I would like to recount to you the story of "the Despedida" which tookplace last night, but first a few thanks are required.  Dave and I would like to first off thank the Start family for loaning us their daughter (and sister) for the last four months, we have thoroughly enjoyed her companionship and we know how proud you must be of her. She has taught us so much, and we can see how much she is growing into an amazing woman of God (who can speak Castilliano too).  Also, to all of Tarryn's friends back home, thanks for letting us borrow your friend (and unlike most things we've borrowed, she will come back in better condition than she left).  We've heard numerous stories about you and I apologize in advance if you have to endure the even more stories about us!  I know Tarryn loves you all and missed you so much, thank-you all for your support along the whole way.

Now, for the story of the great despedida.  Tarryn's goodbye party (or despedida) was held last night in our friend Julio's clubhouse and todo el mundo was invited.  We were joined by 34 of the friends we have made over the last 4 months (Tarryn is now famous around the world) from Bolivia, Canada, England, and Brazil.  We started out with a time of some good socializing and fellowship; reminiscing about the past semester together.  As the seats filled in, we played a little "Cheppi-Cheppi" (also referred to in  a past blogpost) which is always a total laugh.  We then joined together in a BBQ, because no matter where you are in the world you can't meet together without eating!  After the meal we did the logical thing to do after a meal in Bolivia... we danced!  Traditional Bolivian music filled the air and we joined in dancing many different traditional dances (most of which I don't think Canadians are genetically designed for).  

After working off all the calories from the meal we were ready for some cake, but, as is custom before eating cake, we made public speeches about Tarryn and how greatly she will be missed.  Dave and I serenaded Tarryn to a lovely rendition of "Leaving on a Jetplane" and we too shared a few words about the "third musketeer" (or our bandita).  After eating cake we naively thought that the night was coming to a close (it was now nearing 11), but it was only getting started.  It wasn't long before we went inside of the patio for some cafe and before we knew it someone had found a couple guitars.  We sang worship songs in Spanish, English and Portuguese (usually in what ended up sounding like a strange re-mix actually) taking in every last moment of our time together.  It was definitely the perfect last-night-in-Bolivia to remember.  I have no doubt in my mind that neither Tarryn, nor Bolivia will ever be the same.

A Glimpse of Heaven

I think that the three of us can now say that we have experienced a little bit of what eternity will be like.  Last night at the First Baptist Church of Cochabamba we were a part of unity service for all of the ministries in the church.  We joined together with more than 500 people from all over the world and we all worshiped together in our own languages.  First we were blessed by the ministry of the Quechua people (the largest indigenous group in Bolivia) which was totally unlike anything you've ever heard.  Then we were able to worship in Portuguese with our Brazilian brothers and sisters who totally know how to raise the roof.  After that it was time for a little English. Tarryn, Ivan, Myself and a group of 6 British girls led worship in English (representing those present from: Canada, U.S.A., England, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia).  The worship segment ended with a mind blowing worship time in Castilliano (being the first language of Bolivia, the majority of people spoke this form of Spanish).  After a sermon on unity preached by the Quechua pastor we joined together in singing "The victory, the victory is mine" in all of our native languages combined and it was so amazing!

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." 

- Revelation 7:9

"Oh! Como é bom e agradável que os irmãos vivam em união!" 

- Psalm 133:1 (Portuguese)

"Tukuy runastaj Diospa salvacionninta rikonqanku." 

- Luke 3:6 (Quechua)

"Solícitos en guardar la unidad del Espíritu en el vínculo de la paz" 

- Ephesians 4:3 (Spanish)

Our Spiritual Retreat and Trip to the White City

As soon as Tarryn and I arrived home from the Jireh camping trip, we headed to the Jankes house where we met our Canadian comaňero (Phil) and began a two day time of spiritual reflection. That night we each were given the chance to remember and share how God had led us throughout our spiritual journeys. We recounted some of our greatest spiritual challenges and struggles of the past and how the Sovereign Lord had carried us along to where we are now.

On Monday morning we spent three hours in silence and solitude in various places in the beautiful casa de los Janke (the Jankes’ house). During this time we reflected on our experience here in Bolivia and really tried to pinpoint some key areas in which we’ve learned and grown. For me this was some much needed time to think about how I’ve changed and how I ought to respond to some of the things I’ve learned since I left the northern hemisphere. There is still much processing to be done for all of us, but I think it’s safe to say that our relationships with God will never be the same. In the afternoon we discussed some of our reflections as well as the many challenges we may face when we return home (so-called reentry shock).

On Tuesday morning we got on a plane with Pat and headed to Sucre for a three day trip. I had heard many good things about Bolivia’s old capital before we arrived, but I was not prepared for the beauty we encountered. As we drove from the airport to our hotel I felt as though I was entering the 17th century. Sucre, the “White City,” is famous for its Spanish colonial architecture and its rich cultural history. An extravagant white cathedral is situated on almost every major street corner and many of the roads are made of cobblestone. Cochabamba is in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain, La Paz is in a sort of crater in the mountains, but Sucre is literally in the mountains, which means that no matter where you are you’ll probably have some sort of magnificent view. The view from the terrace of our hotel’s restaurant was unbelievable.

Here some of the main things we did in Sucre:

Tuesday
-we checked into our hotel in the morning and ate lunch at a lovely restaurant overlooking the city
-we toured the city a bit on foot and got to see the beautiful cathedral in the main square of the city
-we visited a dinosaur exhibit in which we saw real dinosaur tracks
-we visited a museum which showcased the history of some of the tribes in the Sucre area, as well as some of the masks commonly used in indigenous dances and festivals
-we went to a dinner theatre in which there was a spectacular presentation of the indigenous dancing of Bolivia (ask Phil about the diablo part…I think we both wanted to make a run for it…)
Wednesday
-we visited a museum run by an organization which strives to preserve the cultural tradition of weaving among five different tribal groups
-we saw a semi-restored colonial mansion (think Beauty and the Beast style), which was owned by a ridiculously rich miner in the 17th century (I think). He was unable to have kids and so he decided adopt 100 orphans and have them stay in his mansion.
-we did a bit of shopping and experienced the lively Sucre nightlife
-I did my oral exam with Pat (on a book about the history of Canadian Baptist work in Canada). We did it on the hotel balcony which overlooked the night lights of the city. It was easily the most beautiful setting in which I’ve done a university exam.
Thursday
-we visited the casa de la libertad (the house of liberty) in which we saw the Bolivian Declaration of Independence, pictures and statues of many famous historical figures and presidents, and the huge main hall of a former Jesuit university
-we had lunch in a beautiful courtyard of a great restaurant and discussed more about reentry shock
-we toured a large convent near our hotel in which we saw many Catholic paintings and the inside of a massive cathedral
-we flew from Sucre to Santa Cruz and were able to take a one hour tour through the city before eating some subway subs and heading back to Cochabamba

It was certainly an action packed trip but I was also thankful to have some time to relax, to pray and to reflect. I learned a lot about the rich cultural history of Bolivia that I did not know before. Regardless of whether or not I ever return to this amazing country, I know that this whole process of acculturation has been invaluable to my walk with God. I trust that God is using it to make me a more effective witness of Christ in whichever context I end up.

Dave

Camp Kewiña

Friday morning Dave and I left with the Jireh kids for Kewina Camp for the weekend. I have added some pictures that show some of the things we did including, rock climbing, floor hockey, skits, eating, more eating, a hike up a mountain, a ride in a boat, praying and hanging out with the kids. It was an amazing last time with the children and youth and I will never forget it. Through my limited Spanish I was only able to offer them the simple, yet impacting sign of God's love. When Dave and I got off the bus Sunday afternoon and waved good bye to all of them it was really hard knowing that there care is out of my control. However, now, all that is left for me to do is pray that God will continue to bless and provide for the the Jireh Project and through the ministering of God's love there the kids we have been working with for the past three and a half months will encoutner the love of the gospel in their lives in a significantly real way.

Solito

The title of todays blog reflects my current state.  Dave and Tarryn have left me for the weekend, they have gone to a camp with their ministry and left me to man the quarters.   They will blog on Sunday night when they get back from roughin' it and you will get to hear all about their grand adventures.  I could tell you about my weekend, but so far it's looking like schoolwork, teaching english, more schoolwork, climbing the Cristo, some more schoolwork and maybe 5 church services... just another weekend in Bolivia.  

Since I don't really have any great stories since my last post, I will put up some pictures and at the end I would like to leave a quote from Henri Nouwen (a famous theologian and Roman Catholic evangelist to Bolivia) from his book Gracias: A Latin American Journal (which I highly recommend you read, it's a great book for understanding South American culture). 

(Mayra, Laura, Paola, Jhaki, Josue, Phil, Pablo, Dave)

(St. Paddy's Day - It's older but you haven't seen it yet)

(The Guys: Pablo, Myself, Josue and Dave)

       "This is a hard vocation. It goes against the grain of our need for self-affirmation, self-fulfillment, and self-realization. It is a call to true humility. I, therefore, think that for those who are pulled away from their familiar surroundings and brought into a strange land where they feel again like babies, the Lord offers a unique chance not only for personal conversion but also for an authentic ministry."

 - Henri Nouwen, Gracias (pg. 18)

The home stretch...

Well everyone, here we are, the final leg of this race.  I need to apologize again for the lack of recent updates, things here are getting so busy (school finishing up, ministries coming to a close, intentionally continuing to build relationships) and so we have not had large amounts of free time to blog.  I will give you an update of where we are at in the trip so far, with not only a weekly update but I would like to leave you with some lessons we have learned while here. 

Visitors to Bolivia:  

Since our last post we have been joined by: a couple from CBM - the Mitchells from Deer Island (who have already gone back home), our professor of Global Christianity Terry Smith (who is no longer in Cochabamba) and a group of 14 adults from Canada (who are here till tomorrow).  There would be too much to blog about if I wrote all the things that have happened over the last 10 days so I will just highlight a few things (if you want you can ask us about them on the comments page).  

March 23 to April 2 - In Fast Forward >>>

We had a sleepover at the Jankes (when Pat and Terry were out of town), Tarryn baked cookies with her english class, Jonathan broke his arm, I taught english at 6:30 am twice this week, we finished up a course with Terry Smith, I've tour guided a group of 14, gave exams to our kids at the school, we watched a documentary on the children who work in the mines of Bolivia, April Foolsed, went to the airport 3 times, went on a sketchy Truffi Adventure, and I wrote this blog.

Important Lessons Learned:

DON'T give Bolivians a reason to paint on eachothers faces, this was our Bolivian friends first St. Paddy's day and I'm pretty sure they did it better than I've ever done it before.

DON'T let Tarryn bake cookies at the same time as teaching to speak a second language, sometimes you want communication to be very clear, especially when you will be eating the result!

DO give Bolivians every right to shove Dave's face in his birthday cake, it proves to be rather therapeutic.

DON'T try to communicate complex thoughts in Portuguese when you are in fact studying spanish.

DON'T try to manhandle the Jankes' Parrot, it will hurt you.

DON'T teach your english class to say, "shut up"... it may be the only thing they say all year

DO eat the street food, who needs a detox program anyways?

DO feed the mangy dogs, they'll only follow you for the rest of your life

DON'T try to play basketball in the dark, at 9000 feet above sea level with Bolivians, they will kick your butt every time

DO read the www.onroutebolivia.blogspot.com blog, it always proves to be a great read!