Comfort Zone...

Here is a blog that my parents wrote about their time in Bolivia. I didn´t write that much about the time I was able to spend with my parents, because I wanted them to give you their perspective of their time during the two weeks.

 

Reaching out from our comfort zone…

After an early morning flight departure and twenty seven hours of travel time, we arrived in Cochabamba, Bolivia with smiles of elation.  We no longer had to use Skype to connect with Michael but were, now, able to share experiences, first hand, with him.  

It was our first time south of the Equator, and we were welcomed with genuine hospitality by the Bolivian people.  For the next two weeks, we would be experiencing another culture while having Michael as our guide and Spanish translator.  It was important, for us, to experience the Bolivian community and service programs that had become an important part of Michael’s life.  Our days

were filled with many memorable activities and delicious, traditional Bolivian meals.  It meant, a lot, to meet the special people that had become family, to Michael, and get to know co-workers during 

his time of service.

The communities that Michael lived and worked in, were economically less fortunate by U.S. standards, but were VERY fortunate by the importance they placed on personal relationships.  In two short weeks, we were able to develop a closeness with many of Michael’s Bolivian family members, friends, and co-workers.  It was obvious that he had made a big difference in their schools, families, and community.  We were thanked for sharing Michael with their Bolivian community and for the God given talents that he had shared with them. 

While living in a South American Spanish speaking culture, without having the many conveniences that are often taken for granted, we experienced the value of being present and hospitable.  Sharing of time is the best gift, and it is during these occasions that God’s love and joy can be experienced more fully.  The time shared with Michael, during his last week of school, was fun but energy consuming.  Our niece, Julie, who just completed language school and was beginning her time as a missioner helped out immensely.  Her love and time was given so freely.  It was during the sharing of our time that we got to know the students and saw how connected they were to Michael.  Their faces, smiles, and interactions showed how Michael had made a difference in their lives.  It was emotional to see how God’s love had transpired the lives of so many students and how much joy they received.  We are thankful, to Michael, for his generous heart and the models he gives to us, his parents.  We are thankful, to God, for the gift of life and for the diversity among God’s people.  There is so much that can be learned within different cultures.  We can be blessings to each other and spread God’s Spirit with our presence.  

Bolivian Highlights and Observations:

• Learning some Spanish was very rewarding because it engaged us into the Bolivian culture and opened people’s hearts toward us.
• The culture of hospitality was so evident and breaking of bread brought much conversations and laughter.  
• Two descriptive adjectives of the Bolivian people:  welcoming and carefree
• There are many churches which gives a statement as to their priority.
• The Bolivian culture has a high respect for teachers.
• School resources are at a minimum and students only attend school for half a day. 
• Care for the environment is often overlooked.
• Clean water and ample water supply is a luxury.  
• Limited living resources, in contrast to the U.S., can be a bit of a survival experience.
• It is a country of dogs used primarily for protection and security.
• There are beautiful jungle reserves with natural hiking and large, friendly monkeys.
• Central parks, for community gatherings are important and are at the center of their cities.
• Participating and helping with Michael’s “Beyond the Game” basketball year-end activities offered cooperative, reflective challenges.
• Camping with students and supporting Michael’s group initiative activities was an educational, outdoor experience. 
• Seeing the countryside and visiting Bolivia’s ____________foot Christo (Tallest in the world) was inspirational.
• Attending a motivational presentation by Nick Vujicic, a worldwide spiritual speaker, born without arms and legs, was unbelievably challenging and unconceivable.
• Experiencing Bolivian excursions and enjoying carefree timelessness with Michael and our niece, Julie, was valued family time. 
• Connecting with our brothers and sisters, in Bolivia, by sharing stories/special times acknowledged the importance of relationships.
• Thanking God for safe travel, for experiential learning while in a different culture, and for daily opportunities/blessings that if shared can contribute to the wellbeing of our global family. 

Love and God’s blessings,  Jim and Patti