We've Arrived!

I am happy to report we got into Cochabamba right on schedule and were greeted from the observation deck by the Timmer family.  Thanks to everyone who prayed for our luggage to arrive because everyone has their luggage and nothing was confiscated from us at customs or other security checks.  Our luggage is put away in Casa Verde, our home for the next nine days, and we have been given a Bolivia crash course by Mike.  We were also able to present two of the laptops we brought down to IOU Bolivia's social worker and psychologist.  Both were extremely grateful and said how happy they were that we wanted to help the children of Bolivia.  We are currently finishing up the amazing 4th of July picnic the Timmer family cooked for us. 

Before dinner, Bonnie shared with us a Bible passage she has been thinking about this week in preparation to our arrival.  "
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matt. 3:13-17.  This will be a key verse to keep in mind as we minister to the people of Bolivia.  While it is true that they need food and clothing, the thing we should strive most to share with them is the Gospel.

As we enter our first full day in Bolivia, we ask you continue praying for good health and rest, especially after our taxing travel for the past day and a half.  We also could use prayers to help us maintain a servant's attitude and patience as we go out among the people of Bolivia.  In particular for tomorrow please pray for cultural awareness and respect as we get our first taste of Bolivian life.  And finally, that we can remain in the present where we are and not to dwell on the things we miss from home.  Thank you so much for your support where ever you may be.  We truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we take our first steps toward the journey that awaits us!

Cam helping our driver, Juan Carlos, load the luggage on the roof of the van



The whole group at the Cochabamba airport





Casa Verde

24 hours of travel later...

We have survived the first 24 hours of travel and (hopefully) only have two more to go.  Everyone was able to get a travel visa and made it through customs without any problems.  We are currently sitting in the Santa Cruz airport waiting for our final flight which will bring us into Cochabamba.  When we switched airlines upon arriving in Santa Cruz everyone's luggage was here as well which gives us high hopes that we can expect everything to arrive with us in Cochabamba.  Other than being a little sleep deprived the group is feeling well and is excited to meet up with the Timmer's. 

The mountains out the plane window while leaving La Paz