Bolivia :: coming full-circle.
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 ...
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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.
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