I’m not kidding when I must have said, “I remember when….” Over 100 times.
Exiting the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, Bolivia was so surreal. There’s a certain feeling and smell in the air. I was “home”.
Our friend and one of the Directors of Monte Blanco, which was at one time for many years Tambo, a New Tribes Mission boarding school where I attended 4th-12th grade, was there to greet us. Bypassing Santa Cruz, we drove what was in my day there the World’s Most Dangerous Road and began climbing the foothills of the Andes to Monte Blanco where most of our set-up for the Ambassador team was to take place. The drive in the 80’s could take up to a day or two depending on the road conditions only took us 4 1/2 hours. I was strangely disappointed that now most of the road is paved.
Monte Blanco lies in the valley of the Andes at around 5000 feet. It’s surrounded by beautiful people, cactuses, rivers, mountains and many memories.
Week after week camps are carried on. A camp was in session and around 80 students from public schools in Santa Cruz were there. We participated in their ministry. It’s encouraging to see how God continues to use that location and facility to further His Kingdom. During our time we attended the evening bonfire. It was there that many gave or rededicated their lives to Christ. There were many tears and much celebrating under the stars that evening.
Here’s where AIM’s Ambassador program comes in. We will be sending a team of 12 students, 3 leaders in July for 3 weeks. They will be partnering with Monte Blanco, supporting the staff that already exists. This is a time of serving, building relationships and investing in the youth of Bolivia.
When camp is not in full swing, our team will serve in the surrounding community and church with Pastor Angel. There is a need for children’s programs, which our team will prepare and run. Our days will be filled with house to house visits and prayer walks.
It was a successful set-up trip. Ministry opportunities are many and we look forward to serving the youth and people of Bolivia. Besides re-connecting with Monte Blanco, we’ve been offered opportunities to send an all girl team live with and care for 17 orphan girls in Santa Cruz.
There’s also a possibility that we could do a day of ministry with the MK’s (Missionary Kids) or work with pastor Raul Pedraza at his church in Santa Cruz. I’ve know Pastor Raul, his wife Mery and family since I was 5!
I’m praising God for this full-circle. Returning to a place and people that gave so much to my family and me. Thank you for making this trip possible for Don and I. Over the next week we will share more stories and pictures.
Goodness,things have changed! I attended school at Tambo in the 50’s . I lived in comarapa with my parents , sister MJ and brother Edward. nowTambo has a new name. please bring me up to date.
I remember the Snyder family: Faith Hope Joy Trudy Joe Jed and one more that could run fast.
Other were Avis Bacon, Ron and Don bodin
Thanks for these pictures! Rob and I just returned from Bolivia, but only were able to spend time in LaPaz/El Alto and Cochabamba. Check out my blog for a glimpse of our experiences. I wanted to go to Monte Blanco but time didn’t permit. So, seeing this pictures and hearing your descriptions is awesome! 🙂
So cool! How was your spanish going back to Bolivia? Just seeing those pictures puts a little tear in my eye. Those were the days! Back then we just wanted out of there; now we would just love to have those simple days back again–a little hike to White Mountain or an egg sandwich at Dona Antonias. What a fun opportunity. I’m glad you were able to see your homeland again. I went back my sophomore year in college—it is never the same without the great friends and people, but the beautiful land and memories will always be a special reminder of those simple days! Glad you are back safe.
Love ya~Nik
So glad the Lord put the puzzle pieces together so that you could not only revisit your Bolivian home and show your husband things he has only heard you talk about – but that you could also set up future ministry opportunities and get good input for AIM on camps etc. What a packed to the brim trip it was!! We are so proud of you and Don and how the Lord continues to use you both fot His kingdom. You both have so much to offer! AND no I’m not just saying that ’cause I’m your Mom 🙂
So glad you had an amazing time! I knew God would bless you as well as all those you got to visit. Cant wait to hear more. Oh…and Im so all over that all girl’s trip! 😉 Love you friend!
C
Praising God that you were able to make this trip, what a blessing. I love the pictures and look forward to more.
Connie & Don, It’s so great that you could visit Bolivia. The pictures are wonderful. Great memories for me too. Ella
We left Bolivia on my 13th birthday, never to return, instead we went to Peru. I have wonderful memories of Tambo, and the pictures of White Mountain, bring memories of Easter sunrise services, as well as countless hours of hiking and playing capture the flag, climbing up to the “scar” and many other wonderful times.
I graduated from Tambo before most of you were even born – 1962. As I write this I am again in Bolivia having visited among the Trinitario people among whom my dad and brother labored. This is my fifth trip back. Even just since 2000 much has changed. It is a surprize to see people in the remote village of San Lorenzo de Moxos with cell phones.
I have been back to Tambo but not since it has become Monte Blanco. Maybe if God permits me to come back another year I might get up there.
When you grow up in Bolivia it is hard to get it out of your “blood.”
Blessings to all.
Bolivia will always have a tender spot in my heart. I have been back five times now, I believe. Mostly to visit the Trinitario village of San Lorenzo de Moxos.