Bolivia 2018- Friday/Saturday

            We did it! We made it the whole week, and let me tell you, these kids know how to work. In our last day at the work site they laid 50 courses, or 50 rows of brick. Everyone had an intense drive to finish as much as we could on the last day. I know they were tired, I was tired, but they kept on working with smiles on their faces and joy in their heart. 

            Reflecting back on this week I have a new perspective as this is the first trip where I have been a leader. This allowed me to see the group and the work being done through a whole new lens. Each youth brought something different to the group dynamic and everything was valued and important to the success of this week. Beth led the work task force among the youth on the work site. Always asking what needed to be done next and jumping in to do whatever was needed even if it was not verbalized. Adria led the group in their efforts to learn Spanish, writing down every new phrase or word she learned and practicing speaking them any chance she got. Harper was an example of leaving your comfort zone and putting herself out there. She stayed back with Carmen despite the language barrier and led a devotion about a personal struggle she has faced, both big obstacles she faced head on with confidence. Katie was a calm among the madness that surrounded us on the worksite. She took everything in stride and I don’t think I ever heard her complain about anything. Elizabeth, though quiet, was consistent in her efforts to learn new skills of laying and filing brick. She even stated that she had learned how to be more patient in stressful situations and not let little things get in the way of enjoying her time here. Rebekah found herself with a little shadow following her around all week. Bekah was so kind patient and loving toward 2 year old Sophie, something that her father, who was one of the workers helping this week, surely appreciated. Ripley opened up herself to a whole new world of mission work. She is more skilled and comfortable in creating lasting relationships with people but this week learned how to also build with her hands. Last but not least, for the youth, is Caleb. Our lone and strong male youth. He brought a sense of joy and a carefree atmosphere. Always there for a laugh when we were feeling run down or grumpy. 

            Of course we would not have gotten far without our fearless leaders. Sarah with her kind and patient soul. She acted as momma bear for us all and loved us despite our grumpy tendencies or when all the hot water was used up before she got a shower. Curt brought knowledge to the worksite with his background in construction, and held his patience when he had to come back and fix crooked walls. Tyler used his knowledge to keep things moving efficiently (engineer brain) and was always in positive spirits which spread to the whole team. Lee, who organized everything and counted to twelve a hundred times this week was always so gentle and encouraging to us all. 

            So, today, as we walked around downtown Cochabamba trying new foods and relaxing before starting the long journey back home I am thankful and my heart is full. People tend to underestimate this generation of kids, but they have big hearts and a drive to serve other people. I am thankful for the love and service given to us by Carmen, Richard and Lizbeth, and JD, Rhonda, Grace, and Abie, and our interpreter Matilde.  As we wrap up our time here in Bolivia, it has been an incredible week and God has shaped something incredible in each of us! Now we are headed home to our families and friends after a nights stay in Santa Cruz.