Hola,
It hurts to think that today is our last day in Cochabamba. It has been
such a wonderful trip with the members of the Florida Norte
Church. We have been
tremendously blessed by their hospitality and loving-nature.
Saturday night, the team worshipped with Jovenes (young
people). Afterwards we went onto the new roof of the church, made a fire, and
roasted marshmallows. It was a wonderful time of fellowship as we shared jokes
and stories and just appreciated being together surrounded by the beauty of Cochabamba.
Yesterday we went to morning church, sang songs and listened
to Pastor discuss the meaning of Jesus being King of our life. The team got to
spend some time with the Sunday School program which is mainly run by the Jovenes.
It was fun to reiterate the lessons discussed during the week’s programs. We
sang songs and just joined together on a blessed Sunday together in worship.
After church we went to a steakhouse with the San Martin
family. It was wicked awesome, because the servers came around with huge pieces
of delicious beef, pork, sausage, oh and about ten different kinds of beef too.
Absolutely delicious!
Before the night church service I played volleyball with my
3 amigos from the 2007 trip (Raul, Ariel, and Alejandro) as well as with many
members of the Florida
Norte Church.
Playing with them and sharing our lives with one another was certainly a
highlight of my trip.
At the night service, we were blessed to hear many solo
singers and traditional Bolivian bands play. Their passion and love were so
very clear in all their actions. Matthew preached on putting on the armor of
God to prepare ourselves for the good fight. At the close of the evening, gifts
were distributed between us and the church. They blessed us with beautiful
sweaters, sweater vests, winter hats, purses, and Bolivian soccer jerseys. We
gave the church soccer balls, children’s bibles, devotions, puppets, and
evangelism resources.
After they sang an early happy birthday to Mateo, the church
lined up for final hugs and kisses: a very touching and cheerful time of
thanksgiving.
Its sad to be leaving tonight, but it has been an
unbelievable week here.
Kyle