How to eat a Saltena :)

Enferma

Tuesday night Keo started to have some nasty belly pain and diarrhea. We prayed together that night, asking God to heal her body and allow us to continue with our plans. In the morning she felt a little bit better, but still a little nauseous, so we prayed again. She felt better, so we got ready and caught transportation up to El Alto to spend the morning with Word Made Flesh. Almost immediately after we arrived in El Alto, the nausea and pain flared up again. We shared some coca tea with one of the staff and then Keo spent most of the morning lying down between trips to the bathroom. We joined in for the staff devotional about submission, and then helped out a bit in the kitchen, preparing everything for the lunch with the women. It was really great to sit with a family during lunch and get to know them a little bit and laugh together. I was really impressed by the amount of trust that these women have with the WMF staff. It’s clear that they know they are loved and cared for in that place.

After lunch Keo was feeling worse again. Thankfully, there was a doctor at the house and she was able to prescribe some antibiotics for Keo. Then we had to say some quick goodbyes and gingerly make our way to find transportation back down to La Paz. It was a long and windy trip, leaving Keo feeling even nastier. We finally made it down the hill, and walked back to the apartment. Keo crawled in bed while I ran a couple of errands to the bank, pharmacy, grocery, and phone. The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging around the house, trying to support to Keo, and trying to figure out if we should take any further action to get her well.

I was starting to have my own little battle of faith. Just a couple of nights ago we had read the passage from Matthew 7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Why, Lord, is Keo sick in bed still after we cried out to you and asked for healing? We’ve already had to cancel a couple of meetings… why does she have to be sick in bed during our limited time in Bolivia? Lord, help me to have your eyes and see your plan.

Keo was getting pretty weak and desperate for healing. Ramiro got off work really late, but he stopped by to see how Keo was doing and if she wanted to go to the hospital. When he arrived, Keo was feeling a little better and stronger and felt like she could make it through the night. She had just started her antibiotics prescription and was hopeful that it would help. Ramiro prayed over Keo and asked for healing and peace. We read a psalm together and she went to sleep.

This morning Keo is feeling much stronger. Her stomach still seems a little goofy and she’s probably pretty dehydrated. We’re going to take it slow today and hope she is completely better by tonight. Please lift up Keo in prayer. Pray for healing and restoration. Pray that the Lord would continue to be our comfort and our strength. Thanks so much.

Word Made Flesh

Hello again! Thanks for checking back often for updates. Keo and I went up to El Alto today to meet with the Word Made Flesh staff. It was a really great time of fellowship and learning more about their work. We took a walk through the red light district, which is right behind their center. It didn't look like much during the middle of the day, but it was upsetting to think about how the scene changes at night and the culture of explotation that is so widely accepted in the city. We learned so much from the WMF staff about their work with prostitutes and the joys and stuggles of ministry in the city. Keo and I both felt very welcomed and at home in their center and are very encouraged by their ministry. Enjoy the following video reflection from Keo! Love you. More updates to come soon! :)

 

And here are a few pictures of the house! It's so beautiful!

Some video clips

We found a small German bakery near our apartment with Wifi! Yay! Enjoy the following fun videos:

And here's the view from our place!

We had a great time at church this morning, receiving the Word and praising God. We met a few gringos at church and had several random connections with them! So crazy. Then we went out with a bunch of people from church for saltenas. Yum!

Hemos llegado a La Paz!

We have safely arrived in La Paz! We have some fun videos to show you from our journey and our accomodations... but I cannot get the computer to access my camera. Hopefully we´ll get this figured out soon and can share the videos! For now... we just ask for your prayers in regard to health and acclimation to the altitude. My head is pounding! :( Things are about to get busy, but we will try to update as often as possible. Nos vemos pronto!

A Little Interview

Hi there. Just wanted to post this if you all are interested. One of my staff asked if she could do a short interview with me about my upcoming trip to Bolivia for a video update to her prayer supporters. You can see the update post on her blog, or you can just head over to youtube to see the interview.

Thanks again for your love and support. Just over 2 days until we board the plane! If I don't "see" you again on this side of the equator before Friday, greetings are soon to come from the south side.... ;)

8 Days to Bolivia

We are just 8 days away from landing in La Paz!


Keo and I have been earnestly preparing, not only the schedule and the logistics of the trip, but also our hearts. Each Monday for the past 2 months we meet to pray, Skype with Ramiro (a dear brother-in-Christ who’s been helping us make connections in Bolivia), and share how God is working in our lives. These times have been very refreshing and exciting. I am looking forward to meeting and fellowshipping w/ fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ in Bolivia. I’m looking forward to visiting a couple of churches, non-profits, missionaries, and getting a general feel for the spiritual climate of La Paz and El Alto. 

Some prayer requests Keo and I have are:

1. Last minute scheduling
2. Conversation w/ SP Director - how to investigate a new site
3. Travel and Health
4. Funds - Keo and I are at about 60% of the $3,000 total we need to raise. I have approximately $600 that I personally need to raise.

Thank you already for your generosity and your prayers. I am so grateful for your support that enables me to go on this trip. Thank you for being part of this journey of discernment with me. We will be updating and reflecting regularly while we are there. Please check my blog for updates!

To Learn More:
About Bolivia
About Kaya Children International
About Word Made Flesh
About SIM (Serving In Mission)

About Kayuparu