"It all started in Bolivia" (Katie writes)

This is copied from Katie's blog...this is a follow up of what God was doing in her guest post in January and where He's brought her since then...

I went to Bolivia in January for a 10 day mission trip. Upon the return trip, my flight was full and the airline offered me a $500 flight voucher plus accommodations at a 5 star hotel if I would return to the US a few days later. I said 'Of course!' and was happy for a 2 day retreat and also a little bit of extra time with my sister who hung out with me when she wasn't visiting her friends a few miles away at Etnos (New Tribes' mission center in Santa Cruz).

During those two days, I was alone for a good bit of it and enjoyed the time alone with God. I was reflecting on a week of growing in the Lord and being challenged by a very godly team who I had just parted ways with. During that time I pondered my life. Who am I? What is God's purpose for my life? What is my next step?

I didn't have any answers at that time. I began praying for a way to serve and for an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, into a new place where I have to trust God. Where I get to experience first-hand that He restores lives. Because in America, I am realizing that often we don't 'need God'. We can live life, fulfill our 'dreams', be successful and its all based on our hard work. But I don't believe that is what He has in mind for His followers.

As I read the Bible, I see the disciples caring for the poor and devoting themselves to the gospel. I don't see that in normal life. I don't see that in my life. I prayed for a change of heart. I prayed that I would be able to serve those who need it. I began hoping that someone would need help, ask me and that I would be able to fill that spot. You see, I am blessed. Ridiculously blessed. I have an incredible family. I was able to pay off student loans and car loans so I have no debts, I have no bills. My health is good. I have people who love me and would support me if I was called to go. 

God asked me why I was keeping it all for myself when there are people elsewhere who have none of those things. I have been given much. That means much is expected of me, right? 

So I surrendered my car to Him, my money to Him. My time--which is something I hold to very tightly--to Him. He is Lord of my life and sometimes a Lord tells you to give up things for the good of His kingdom. Since I love Him, and want to love Him more, I slowly and somewhat reluctantly began to give those things to Him--if He wanted them. You see, kings don't always ask their subjects to give everything up, just sometimes when they are needed. Not all men are always drafted to go fight for their country, but sometimes, they are needed and they are called to go. And they do.

I realized that God had given me a desire to be a mother--actually, I wanted to be a mother since I was still a small child. I would play dolls with my sisters and we would each have as many kids as we could (we would find stuffed animals, baby dolls, whatever we could) to see who would have more kids. I guess that's what coming from a large family does to you.

I asked God why He didn't take away that desire when it was something I wanted so badly, but it was something that it didn't seem like He would fulfill in the near future. And I felt like He gently said, "I am not going to take it away. I gave it to you for a reason. I want you to love and nurture kids, even if they are not your own. You can love and care for children who need a mother." I said, ok. When you put it like that it makes perfect sense.
So I sat down and thought about my life. What do I really want? If I could have any type of work/ministry, what would I want it to be? So I made a list:

I want to work with underprivileged kids in a long term relationship and I want to be able to share Jesus with them.

I decided to pray for all of these things and that I would accept a job/mission if it fulfilled this list.
Guess what...  

See what happened next! 

Strongest at weakest.

My life is forever changed, not because it was a fancy trip or even that we had everything perfectly planned out. No, this missionary trip was different then any other trip I have ever been on. It was raw and real, vulnerable, humbling, not ours what so ever. A small group of passionate people who love Jesus came together and moved mountains! I honestly didn't know what to expect, I only knew three others on the trip. The first village we got to, I will never forget. There was when I truly began embracing the moment. Sharing the love and joy of Christ is my main mission in all I do and I know I fail at times, but in this village it was freeing. God took our willingness and began His work, planted His seeds and all we needed to so was be willing and obey His word. So with that in mind, second village here we come! Had to walk thirty minutes up, over and down a beautiful mountain to get there, but we arrived!! That night it was my turn to give my devotion of what God has been teaching me! This past year was a hard one for me, and God has been ever faithful to teach me about His strength in my weakness. When I don't wanna stand He gives me hope and sheds his light on me in my darkest hours! Not only did I share but I sang too, which is something I don't do, but I felt the need too. God wanted whomever was there to hear the words in the songs I sang, which were "I stand" by Hillsong and "More and More of You" by Worship Mob. Afterwards I felt overwhelmed by His presence and I wanted to cry, I didn't know what to do but leave the room and pray. I thought at first I was being overcome by emotions but I knew shortly after that God was doing something in the people around me and I needed to pray for them. That night I became very very ill with a fever over 100 degrees and blood pressure high. I just taught about God's strength in our weakness, and here I was again feeling very very weak, barely able to walk without feeling the need to throw up. God took my body and used me. He allowed Satin to get to me, because I am certain He knew I would always be forever will be faithful to Him, like Job and many others in the Bible. And how else are we as followers supposed to grasp the appreciation of health He has freely given us. That rest of the week, God continually took me on a journey humbling me and taking away my pride. Ultimately putting the focus on Him, the glory goes to Him! There were many moments I didn't know what to do and I was put to shame, all I had to do was look to God and He, through His people, carried me. I was in constant prayer and felt the Lord's discernment through me in a new and fresh way! I wasn't back to normal health till the day we arrived in Cochabamba, Bolivia. God took my shattered clay and instead of molding it all back the way I thought and assumed He would, He completely brought me in awe and amazement of His wonderful and gloriously ways that are far better then the strange ones I conjure up!! The Lord brought me back to a place of constant prayer, not just for myself but everyone around me. My teammates, the villagers that I met, the bus driver and his family, and all the random people in between. Constant prayer and a wonderful perspective of the spiritual realm is what God instilled in my mind, heart and soul! And like I said at the beginning my life is forever changed through what God taught me in Potosi, Bolivia. I am so very thankful for everything that occurred on the trip!!! Thank you all for your prayers and support, because they were much appreciated and needed!!

Christen is from Cleveland. This was her 2nd trip to Bolivia and she looks forward to her quickly approaching Air Force career! Pray for her as she continues her journey.

Sometimes the hardest days are the best ones. (Chad's experience).

To sum it up, it was one of the hardest times of my life, but also maybe the best time of my life.

(Chad on left shared this reflection from the most recent Bolivia trip

). 

It was one of the hardest times of my life physically (at least when we were travelling to the villages). Our food was bland, but there was at least a decent supply of it, and I ate as much as I could, since I knew that the time might come when it would it would be coming back up and I wouldn’t be able to eat anything (and that time came). We often had to get up early. Sleep was priceless because, even though we had plenty of time where sleep was an option (like the many hours on the bus), it was just difficult to get to sleep. Most people were really tired when they got back from the trip and could get plenty of sleep in their own nice, warm beds. Most people seemed to have been in poor health at some point in the trip due to sickness, injury, dehydration, etc. Also, white people who have spent the last couple of winter months inside don’t do too well when they are suddenly put under the blazing Bolivian sun for hours at a time (next time I will bring a hat and some sun screen). We quickly ran out of clean clothes, and there were no showers or washing machines. Maybe I should have asked Rosa if she would wash some of my clothes for me (just kidding). The altitude was pretty rough too. I would get tired and light headed after a tiny amount of exercise, and a lot of times my head would start throbbing when I moved it (like it does when I have the flu).  I’m not complaining; that’s just my honest opinion of how it was. But as bad as that all was, for me the good far outweighed the bad.

None of the insignificant things mattered much in the villages, like how a person's clothes look or how the person smells, or things like that. And we found ourselves caring less and less about these things, largely because we couldn't do anything about it, since we didn't have anywhere to shower or enough clean clothes. Instead we were caring less about ourselves and more about others. 

We pulled together and shared our resources, since we each individually didn’t have everything we needed, but together we had much more. Actually, it was a lot like the early church in Jerusalem, as described in Acts 4:32, "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common." The team got along very well, and everyone was willing to help. I got sick for a day or two, and everyone took great care of me when I was sick, and I think the same was t

rue for everyone else who got sick or injured. It was a group of Christians acting like we should. I'm not trying to romanticize it, but it was definitely a wonderful and unique experience for me.

As I listened to the testimonies, I realized that most of the people on the trip had gone through a period of significant spiritual growth sometime in the last few years, where they had turned their lives more completely over to God. It was exciting to see that it was a group of people who were not stagnant in their faith, but were passionate about the Word of God and about serving God.

Under those conditions, being stuck with the same people pretty much all of the time for ten days, we developed relationships very quickly. It strengthened my existing friendships, and I made some new friends as well. All of our different personalities seemed to work well together, and our differences made us stronger rather than weaker. We had a great time just enjoying each other’s company.

The time in the villages was a lot of fun, for us and for the kids we were ministering to. The kids loved the attention, the gifts, and the entertainment, and we loved spending time with them. The villagers were helpful and friendly. I sensed no hostility toward us or our message (but I also don’t speak their languages, so I could be wrong).

I must admit that I was a little skeptical about how effective this method of evangelism would be, but now I see the merit of it. The majority of our time was spent in playing with/entertaining the kids rather than explaining the gospel. But since the kids wanted to come and do those things with us, they did half of the work for us by spreading the word and getting people to come from hours around to gather in one spot. Otherwise, it would have been difficult to reach that many people in such a short amount of time. 

It was convicting to see how little the people were content with, and how they were willing to walk for hours over the mountains to go to school or church, and how the teachers and pastors would choose to live that way so that they can teach.

Altogether, it was a great trip. It strengthened my existing friendships, and I made some new friends as well. I had a lot of fun. I got to see what life is like in another culture. I got to see Christians acting like Christians, and I got a little bit stronger, physically and spiritually. I would love to go back, and I recommend it to anyone who is considering it. 

God with us. God in us.

Exerpt from Katie (in the green vest):

There are so many things from the week that struck my jaded heart. 

The faces of Nallely and Alexandra who laughed and smiled as they said 'what's your name' and 'how old are you' and then would respond to the question ten thousand times in hopes that they would earn English.

Experiencing the joy of worshipping the Lord together with our Bolivian brothers and sisters, singing with abandon--for hours; never wondering what time it was or when we could leave-- as I often do at my own church. We wanted to be there, soaking up every minute of it.

The church leaders who gave a week of their time to travel to their neighboring villages to meet people there that they could encourage and follow up with at a later time.

The gentle serving of my brothers and sisters as they loved on children they had never met and each other. There was such respect and kindness in their interactions that I rarely see in others or even in myself.  

And through the whole week resting in the fact that God is with us. Always with us. May I always see Him and seek Him as the treasure of highest price.

When the things of the world are stripped away (technology, materialism, self-centeredness) and replaced with the things of Christ (presentness, contentment and serving) we get a glimpse of heaven. Of life how I'm sure He meant it to be. 

I wondered how I would go back to work. A place that is mostly absent of the things of Christ--because the people in it are of the world. But as I walked into my workplace Monday morning God said, "YOU. You are a glimpse of heaven to a world that needs to see it".  

An alumni writes!

This is from Julie (who's in the middle in the pink jacket) who went to Potosi with us in 2012.

My favorite part about Bolivia was while we were in Potosi. We had just hiked to a village and then spent some time with the people, played games with Carlos and his son, and helped out Dr. Jorge with various things. They said we would have a church service that night too, but when it had gotten late and we still hadn't had any kind of church, I assumed we were skipping it. But it turns out, people just had to travel very very far to come for church and they were on their way! I don't remember what time it started, but it was late, and I was tired and freezing (Aka, not having the best attitude)! But then we started and God blew my mind. He taught me that night how beautiful it is to meet with people who have a common goal of worshipping the Savior and how often I take that for granted. I couldn't understand basically any of what was going on, but that was maybe the best part. God knows every language and is pleased when His people praise Him. Despite the cold and the uncomfortable seats, that was seriously one of the best "church services" I've ever been to. Seeing these people travel for hours, in the freezing cold, through mountains, to meet with fellow believers was so cool and helped me realize that God is worth it, no matter who you are, where you live, or what language you speak. God opens and softens hearts and uses any situation to glorify His name!

Romans 10: 8b-15.

Team 2013-2014

My name is Nicholas M. I was born in Amherst, Ohio on November 9, 1991. The most treasured moment of my life occurred at the age of 18. It was then that God revealed to me His glory and love that are in Jesus Christ, His Son. Currently, I work in construction and landscaping. It is my desire to attend theological schooling and spend my life in foreign missions.

Laura: I'm just a 23-year-old-soon-to-be-college graduate who's just waiting to see what adventures the Lord has for me as I enter a whole new stage in my life. In December (2013), I'll be graduating with a major in social education, and hope to be able to work and minister to a wide variety of groups of people with that. 

This is my fourth trip to Potosí, and I'm already super excited to see what the Lord has for all of us this time around! 

I have 2 younger brothers and both of my parents are teachers. Another huge part of my life is our family's Saturday afternoon Kids' Club, an outreach to children who come from low-income families, definitely a ministry I plan on continuing being involved in for a loooong time. :) 

Katie lives in Texas.  She is a receptionist for an electrician's office. She also recently started volunteering as an advocate for children in foster care. This will be her 2nd time to Bolivia. 

Kristen: This is my...7th trip to Bolivia (I have to count on my fingers now)!  I'm in training to be a full time overseas missionary.  I think the message of the love of a Savior for broken human beings is the best message ever and want to be a part of making sure it gets to everyone.  

Chad: I am 24 years old, and I have lived in Wellington, Ohio, all of my life. I was saved when I was three years old or so, after my dad explained the gospel to me. I was baptized several years later. I have been attending Camden Baptist Church continually since around 1999. I was home-schooled from third grade on, and I graduated high school in 2007. I attended the University of Akron, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 2011. I have been working at Superior Dairy since 2011 as an electrical engineer.

Mariel is from La Paz and is planning to go to Potosi for her 2nd go-around.  She is studying in the university and her mom is a childhood friend of Laura's mom. She's also fluent in English and Spanish which is a great help! 

Jon is a diesel mechanic and is also my little brother.  He doesn't like cold weather, but is always up for an adventure.  This will be his FIRST time in Bolivia and I hope I've given him a realistic impression of what to expect. :)

Hello my name is Shannon V.  I'm in my last year of electromechanical engineering.  I am 22, the 2nd of five children.  This will be my first trip to Potosi.  I've heard about this trip through my cousin Laura who has been there multiple times.  I want to serve the Lord  where I can and this trip looks like a great opportunity to continue doing that. 

Eduardo is an auto mechanic.  He currently works in the jungle through the end of the year.  He helps with the youth at his church.  He has been to Potosi once with us before, but always graciously chauffers us around the city even when he has been unable to get a leave from work to go to Potosi with us. 

Tom is also a mechanic from Ohio.  He grew up on a dairy farm and still helps out there.  He is a member of a baptist church in Ohio.  This will be Tom's first mission trip out of the USA, but he has been expanding his Spanish vocabulary in preparation for this trip.

"Hi, my name is Meghan, I live in Cochabamba Bolivia. I am very excited to be going on this trip after hearing about it for so long. I can't wait to see what God has prepared for us." (*Megan is Shannon's sister and Laura's cousin. )

"My name is Christen. I have 9 siblings. I was born and raised in Ohio. And I love Jesus with my whole heart and soul!"

A chance for EVERYONE to be involved!

We love to take donations for the children and their families!
Here are a few things we have found to be blessings (and a few that they've suggested they would like/can use).
-Hygiene items (shampoo, soap, lotion)
-Toothbrushes, toothpaste (Sometimes dentists will donate these things if you tell them what it's for.)
-Multi-Vitamins (kids and pre-natal)
-Anti-parasite medicine (*also can request donations from medical supply places)
-Antifungal creme
-Antibiotics: Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Omeprazol, Ranitidin.

-Small toys (for girls and boys--nothing that requires batteries or has ghosts, monsters, etc)
-Coloring books (Spanish ones, ones with just pictures, or Bible stories are great!)
-Crayons (they are surprisingly hard to find here!)
-Small flashlights (solar?)
-Sunglasses (because we're so close to the equator the sun is super strong-plus it's really dusty)
-gloves, hats, mittens, socks (because it's COLD)

-Clown face paint (*after halloween sales?--Carlos says it is hard to find good stuff that stays on long enough, and cleans off.  This is important!)
-School supplies (pencils, crayons, erasers, pencil sharpeners)
-Prayer! We know this is essential to safe, effective, and efficient week. :)
-Sponsor a team member! So far there are about 10-12 interested. Mostly bolivians-and include university students (medicine, engineering, etc), pastor, mechanic, teacher, etc. I'm excited!
-For $10 your money can go so much farther by purchasing the hygiene/school/kid items here in Bolivia. Email me if you want more info!
-Supplies for activities with the kiddos. We've utilized puppets, parachute, and pictures. (CEF has some good resources).

It's a blessing to serve alongside of each of you.  I know I say this, and I know it sounds cliche, but it would be impossible to do this without the help of YOU.  I count it a privilege to represent you over in Bolivia knowing that you have made sacrifices and choices to help me get there-and to help me provide the missionaries with resources that make their job of reaching those who need the Gospel easier.