We may be a bit early, yet never is the wrong time for approximately 20 of us to gather together, hold hands and share our blessings and give thanks. And that is what took place at Maria and Rick's home yesterday evening. It was awesome to hear the different voices, adults and children alike, speak of their thankfulness for many different things. It is not often that you stand in a circle offering thanks with students that you teach. Pretty amazing.
The food was great and I even took some time yesterday and got a reciepe for an asparagus cassarole off the internet. (Thanks mom) It was well-liked and finished when the night was done, no leftovers. Not too bad. This is actually the second Thanksgiving I have celebrated in Bolivia, the first being Canadian Thanksgiving, which was also a blessing entirely. After church today we have a small Thanksgiving Pot Luck as well.
I do have much for which to be thankful. I have amazing parents and family who love me and support me to all lengths; I have friends who will travel far distances, over land and sea to visit and get a glimpse of "my new world" and others who share themselves with me through words and gift, giving me a piece of home here in Bolivia. I am very thankful for the simple and the grand, that the Lord would bless beyond all that I know and all that I deserve. He does lead us home, yet I am coming to find that home is not a place on this Earth. He leads us to Him, to truth and better existence. it is hard to put your finger on what true home is, but God our father leads us home, to Him, through his creation, his people, His beauty. And in that, his beauty and his majesty, His workmanship...he puts you and I and smiles, for it is not, He is not complete without us. The creator of all that is God, of the Moutains that I see everyday out my windows and on my way to work, with his hand he created those, and with the same hand he made me and holds me and will fight for me. How truly blessed are we, the children of God.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Another Look; Another Perspective
Joel arrived on Monday (10-29) late, another great promotion for American Airlines, and sick from bad chicken on the plane, again another great promotion for American, yet excited and ready to experience...most of us in LaPaz already know what a spectacular airline service AA has here in Bolivia, but if you are yet to experience such wonders, don't let it sway you away from visiting. We have had the opportunity to wander through quaint San Miguel, travel up to the more bustling Uptown, and had the wonderful opportunity to visit Isla del Sol, The Island of the Sun, on Lago Titicaca with Rachel, Steve, and his parents. (They were also visiting) It was breathtaking. We visited Moon Island on the way to Sun Island, by way of Hydrofoil. We had a lesson in Inca civilaization and culture as well as the the people of Tiwanacu and their culture.
Back into Copacabana, Joel and I took 45 minutes to climb part of the Andies to the top where lies the Stations of the Cross, another breathtaking view of the city and mountains, high enough to see Peru.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we traveled up to the street markets of Sargonaga to do some bartering. Some outstanding purchases were made!
It has been awesome to have someone from home see the sights, meet the people and breathe the in the high altitude oxygen. I suppose if you know Joel, maybe you should ask him about his experience and his reflections, but I can tell you from this side of things, it was great having him.
He came to school each day, for at least a bit, and as he came, his popularity grew, I think every eighth grader knew his name, as well as some seventh graders. There were even some eighth grade girls who grew to recognize him before myself. (I think if he would have stayed longer, they may have just forgotten my name, due to his popuarity.) I do have to say that we are 2-0 against a group of eighth grade boys in basketball...and they want to know when he is returning for another rematch. Ha!
Joel also had the opportunity to meet the hs bible study girls and was kind enough to lead some worship for us, another great evening.
Throughout all this, we still had time to meet all the friends, lay low and even watch a little West Wing, to which I am now addicted...Joel left season one for me to finish. good times.
All this to say, who wouldn't want to come to Bolivia? You're all welcome.
Back into Copacabana, Joel and I took 45 minutes to climb part of the Andies to the top where lies the Stations of the Cross, another breathtaking view of the city and mountains, high enough to see Peru.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, we traveled up to the street markets of Sargonaga to do some bartering. Some outstanding purchases were made!
It has been awesome to have someone from home see the sights, meet the people and breathe the in the high altitude oxygen. I suppose if you know Joel, maybe you should ask him about his experience and his reflections, but I can tell you from this side of things, it was great having him.
He came to school each day, for at least a bit, and as he came, his popularity grew, I think every eighth grader knew his name, as well as some seventh graders. There were even some eighth grade girls who grew to recognize him before myself. (I think if he would have stayed longer, they may have just forgotten my name, due to his popuarity.) I do have to say that we are 2-0 against a group of eighth grade boys in basketball...and they want to know when he is returning for another rematch. Ha!
Joel also had the opportunity to meet the hs bible study girls and was kind enough to lead some worship for us, another great evening.
Throughout all this, we still had time to meet all the friends, lay low and even watch a little West Wing, to which I am now addicted...Joel left season one for me to finish. good times.
All this to say, who wouldn't want to come to Bolivia? You're all welcome.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Long Time, No Comment
Sorry for the time lapse...it has been busy around here. It is really is crazy how time flies. It's almost been three months! And I have to say it's been a pretty smooth 3 months for packing up and moving to a different continent! We just finished our first quatrer at school and have returned from our CWW trips. CWW stands for Classroom Without Walls. It is an opportuntiy for students to get out of a classroom and do some experiential learning. Seems as though we're getting back to our to our roots, the way it should be. I was on a trip to Corioco, which is south of La Paz between the mts. and the rainforest. The climate is much warmer and the scenery, much greener. 24 students, 4 adults, 4 days, 3 nights and quite bit of hiking....priceless.
I wonder what they will take away? For some, simply completing the 5 hour trek we took on day 3 to a 20 meter waterfall might be at the top of the list; for others, the waterfall in its towering entirety may be it. Quite possibly the boys would say the amazing swing that was attached to the infinately tall trees that swung us out over a breathtaking ravine would hands down, be the best to them.
I would agree with any of the above; yet for me, I think it was just talking to the students, hearing their voices and watching them interact outside of the small constraints in which I see them at school. It's nice to see them in living color, hear their stories. It is such a rare opportintunity to be able to take a trip like we did and I really feel blessed to be a part of it.
As we arrived home, the 8th graders then had one week to finalize all their plans for Middle School Madness...this is a quarterly event held by each class in the middle school and our 8th graders got to kick off the year's festivities....they went with the clsasic October, Halloween theme and really did it up....I think the Haunted House was big attraction. Groups of 5-6 we taken through the boys lockers room that leads to the pool...apparently there was a boy named Dylan Rodrigez who was ruthlessly bullied all through middle school and come October of his freshman year in 1987, he lost it. The story of course gets better, but I will save you the gory details.
It has been a been a good ride thus far...and soon that ride will take me home to be with those I miss and love...in the meantime I watch my 30 second, updating stream of the Indians on Yahoo sports...thinking of all of you. I got to see a few innings on TV Thurs evening and it almost felt like a family gathering--seeing the field, the city, our team and knowing that no matter where each family member was, there was a very high chance that we were all anxiously watching, hoping for the Tribe to pull it out....I will be doing the same this evening. Go Tribe.
I wonder what they will take away? For some, simply completing the 5 hour trek we took on day 3 to a 20 meter waterfall might be at the top of the list; for others, the waterfall in its towering entirety may be it. Quite possibly the boys would say the amazing swing that was attached to the infinately tall trees that swung us out over a breathtaking ravine would hands down, be the best to them.
I would agree with any of the above; yet for me, I think it was just talking to the students, hearing their voices and watching them interact outside of the small constraints in which I see them at school. It's nice to see them in living color, hear their stories. It is such a rare opportintunity to be able to take a trip like we did and I really feel blessed to be a part of it.
As we arrived home, the 8th graders then had one week to finalize all their plans for Middle School Madness...this is a quarterly event held by each class in the middle school and our 8th graders got to kick off the year's festivities....they went with the clsasic October, Halloween theme and really did it up....I think the Haunted House was big attraction. Groups of 5-6 we taken through the boys lockers room that leads to the pool...apparently there was a boy named Dylan Rodrigez who was ruthlessly bullied all through middle school and come October of his freshman year in 1987, he lost it. The story of course gets better, but I will save you the gory details.
It has been a been a good ride thus far...and soon that ride will take me home to be with those I miss and love...in the meantime I watch my 30 second, updating stream of the Indians on Yahoo sports...thinking of all of you. I got to see a few innings on TV Thurs evening and it almost felt like a family gathering--seeing the field, the city, our team and knowing that no matter where each family member was, there was a very high chance that we were all anxiously watching, hoping for the Tribe to pull it out....I will be doing the same this evening. Go Tribe.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Present
Holy smokes, Batman! I just finished, The Coffeehouse Gospel- Mattehw Paul Turner and it was really all that I had hoped. Of course I did think that he glossed over a few topics that I thought he could have elaborated on a bit more, but thinking about it, I am ok with it. Why, because he is speaking about the gospel, how to share it and what it is to share it. The thing is, I think the problem isn't that we don't have the answers, but that we as Christians as a whole try to have all the answers. We try (as do many in life, believers or non-believers) try to package up life into a nice gift box, intricately wrapped with a beautiful bow. Sometimes, most of the time, life doesn't have a beautiful bow, let alone a nice gift box. Life is life, what is happening when you are planning, I have been told. The gospel is the story of a man who lived life and gave up his life so that we could have everlasting life. That is a lot and not that simple. Life is real...it happens everyday and everyone living it has a similar story, but we do God, the creator of life, an injustice when we don't stop to listen and respect people's stories of life. He loves all of us, each one of us and so many times we are run by our agendas and not by our hearts (the one God gave us) and we miss....miss what, life and with it the gospel. It's everyday: Hurt, Love, Redemption, Truth. No pretty box. God has given us life and with that a story, of how he works in that life that he was so kind to give us. He also gave us two ears which is one more than the one mouth we all have as humans (unless you are a special model). Am I using my body proportionately? Not always.
Humans want to live; we want to connect and we want to be heard...all of us. So the question is, are we listening? God listens, he is the best listener of all, he knows all languages, he hears the unspoken. I don't think that I use the abilities or tools that He has given me enough or in the right ways. Sharing the gospel isn't always about giving...I think sometimes it is about waiting and taking part. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted in the book, "At all times share the Gospel and when necessary use words." Be present. The Lord is always present, and there were few times when he was present here on earth that He actually spoke to large crowds. He was relational, He was invested, He was present. Are you rushing through your day, watching the time tick by and worried about deadlines? Or are you living, flexible and present? I want to be present.
Humans want to live; we want to connect and we want to be heard...all of us. So the question is, are we listening? God listens, he is the best listener of all, he knows all languages, he hears the unspoken. I don't think that I use the abilities or tools that He has given me enough or in the right ways. Sharing the gospel isn't always about giving...I think sometimes it is about waiting and taking part. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted in the book, "At all times share the Gospel and when necessary use words." Be present. The Lord is always present, and there were few times when he was present here on earth that He actually spoke to large crowds. He was relational, He was invested, He was present. Are you rushing through your day, watching the time tick by and worried about deadlines? Or are you living, flexible and present? I want to be present.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Day to Day...
School, friends, traveling, grading, and Futbol Americano...doesn't sounds very different from normal life in the states, does it? This statement is not to oversimplify my lifestyle here, but is to say, life is life, no matter the country or culture. School is going well. Week 5 is on its way to being history and progress reports were turned in at the beginning of the week. Time does fly. I started on my travels to Bolivia 6 weeks ago, this Friday. In a way, that blows me away; how could it be that much time has passed already.... on the other hand, it does feel like I haven't seen my mother’s face in quite sometime--wait, no, that's a lie...I saw it yesterday and her and dear ol' dad even got to meet Polonia, my wonderful Bolivian maid. She was so happy to meet them. I know you are probably saying, back up...maid. Yes, it's weird to be honest, but it is part of the culture and it helps the employment and poverty levels here. If you have questions, I can answer them at your convenience. The wonders of great communication! I truly attribute quite a bit of my smooth transition to the gift of the Internet and Skype. It is great to be able to talk to you all and get your updates and hellos.
The staff at school is great. A small group of us had an hors d’oeuvres and wine-tasting party at one of my friends' home (which has a breathtaking view of the mts.) There is physical documentation of my help in the kitchen. I know many of you laugh at that comment, possibly even aloud, yet yes, you are hearing correctly that I, Lyndsey Deane, sautéed shrimp, made brueshetta,( I know I spelled that incorrectly) and more. I was not the head of this extravaganza, yet, I did contribute and others actually thought I knew what I was doing (don't worry, I did inform them that cooking was less than my forte!)
El espanol es poco y poco (it's little by little) Yo voy a ir a leccion de espanol lunes y jueves. (I go Mondays and Thursdays) I wish I had more time to study, but it will come. I also am going to yoga classes two times a week at school. They just started so I am a little sore, but it is something new to try. I even got to watch the Borwn's at Steve and Rachel's house...they don't look any better in Bolivia. The Bears didn't look too bad. I only saw a bit, Rachel made Chilli and we all hung out...I graded papers, as usual.
Church is good. It is a small American Church, made up of internationals.(American's really) Everything is in english, but it seems to be very outreach driven. I like it. The women seem pretty great and I am starting a high school girls bible study this thursday evening. I had some coffee last week with two of the girls and we are starting something up, so God willing...it will take off and we will all learn a little something.
So that is the update. I have been gone every other weekend since I arrived, but I believe that we will be home this weekend due to a little transportation issue with a friend's vehicle; yet to be honest...it is nice to be in La Paz, exploring the local area and relaxing.
Hope this finds you all well....the mountains still take my breath away.
The staff at school is great. A small group of us had an hors d’oeuvres and wine-tasting party at one of my friends' home (which has a breathtaking view of the mts.) There is physical documentation of my help in the kitchen. I know many of you laugh at that comment, possibly even aloud, yet yes, you are hearing correctly that I, Lyndsey Deane, sautéed shrimp, made brueshetta,( I know I spelled that incorrectly) and more. I was not the head of this extravaganza, yet, I did contribute and others actually thought I knew what I was doing (don't worry, I did inform them that cooking was less than my forte!)
El espanol es poco y poco (it's little by little) Yo voy a ir a leccion de espanol lunes y jueves. (I go Mondays and Thursdays) I wish I had more time to study, but it will come. I also am going to yoga classes two times a week at school. They just started so I am a little sore, but it is something new to try. I even got to watch the Borwn's at Steve and Rachel's house...they don't look any better in Bolivia. The Bears didn't look too bad. I only saw a bit, Rachel made Chilli and we all hung out...I graded papers, as usual.
Church is good. It is a small American Church, made up of internationals.(American's really) Everything is in english, but it seems to be very outreach driven. I like it. The women seem pretty great and I am starting a high school girls bible study this thursday evening. I had some coffee last week with two of the girls and we are starting something up, so God willing...it will take off and we will all learn a little something.
So that is the update. I have been gone every other weekend since I arrived, but I believe that we will be home this weekend due to a little transportation issue with a friend's vehicle; yet to be honest...it is nice to be in La Paz, exploring the local area and relaxing.
Hope this finds you all well....the mountains still take my breath away.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The Bolivian Typhoon!
Well, apparently it is accustom to visiting the beautiful, towering city of La Paz to feel like death within close proximity to arrival, and I was not fortunate enough to avoid such happenings.
I missed my first day of school on Tuesday due to extreme flu like symptoms....whoa! I don't get sick often and it did pass within a little over 24 hours, but the Bolivian flu/altitude sickness is not pretty. I have been told that I need to slow down with working out and just take it easy...I have been running and feeling great and also going to a spinning class with some girls from school...there was also a lovely bug flying around ACS, so it was probably a combination of the two. Either way, most of the symptoms have passed and I am feeling quite a bit better and back into the swing of things. Many people from the school called and offered everything and anything and my amazing maid, Polonia, made me soup and corn bread, as well as some chicken and rice. All easy on the stomach. Coca tea is also a great biproduct of the coca plant that is very medicinal here.
I went to my first espanol lesson today and I will be attending twice weekly, so here we go...I even have homework. I am going with rachel and she has been going for a year now, so I have some catching up to do, but la professora says I'm bien....we shall see...as you can see I didn't put that sentence together (juantas) well, so I'm taking it step by step, hoping to learn as much as I can.
It is exciting to learn! I am headed out again this weekend to Sul y Luna, a small hippieish retreat that is in a much lower altitude of Bolivia, and with that MUCH warmer!!!! Very exciting...remember, it can be in the 30s at night here and up to 70 in the sun during the day...only in the sun though...summer begins Sept. 21!!!
chao!
I missed my first day of school on Tuesday due to extreme flu like symptoms....whoa! I don't get sick often and it did pass within a little over 24 hours, but the Bolivian flu/altitude sickness is not pretty. I have been told that I need to slow down with working out and just take it easy...I have been running and feeling great and also going to a spinning class with some girls from school...there was also a lovely bug flying around ACS, so it was probably a combination of the two. Either way, most of the symptoms have passed and I am feeling quite a bit better and back into the swing of things. Many people from the school called and offered everything and anything and my amazing maid, Polonia, made me soup and corn bread, as well as some chicken and rice. All easy on the stomach. Coca tea is also a great biproduct of the coca plant that is very medicinal here.
I went to my first espanol lesson today and I will be attending twice weekly, so here we go...I even have homework. I am going with rachel and she has been going for a year now, so I have some catching up to do, but la professora says I'm bien....we shall see...as you can see I didn't put that sentence together (juantas) well, so I'm taking it step by step, hoping to learn as much as I can.
It is exciting to learn! I am headed out again this weekend to Sul y Luna, a small hippieish retreat that is in a much lower altitude of Bolivia, and with that MUCH warmer!!!! Very exciting...remember, it can be in the 30s at night here and up to 70 in the sun during the day...only in the sun though...summer begins Sept. 21!!!
chao!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
"Home"
I feel like I have been in La Paz for quite some time. I find myself referring to my place as "home." I am finding myself fairly comfortable at school. It is amazing how easily one can apapt when forced. I wonder if "forced" is the right word, because I chose this and I was not forced, and do not feel that way. (I don't want to give the wrong impression.) What I am saying is, life really isn't that different here. Of course there are changes and I am not home, but home can be a choice. There is never going to be home like the safe and loving environment where I was raised--never. But as I look around and really look, I guess I realize the importance of love and being intentional with those around you. I think those are the essentials of home and I was fortunate enough to have been and continually to be blessed with. I know that I am fortunate to have that because I have seen people all my life without it, yet even more now as I am further away from that home. Somewhere along the line, not only have I been given that love and intentional living, but I was taught it and how to share it and maybe even create it. I think that is why I am ok. I know that I am loved. It breaks my heart that people don't have that. It breaks my heart that kids don't have that, yet I am blessed with the opportunity everyday to share it. I think that is why I do "my job." What's funny is I get paid to do what I think we are all called to...love. I pray that we are all feeling that love as well as sharing it, espcially with those who we least desire to share with. The world needs so much, yet if each of us were to show another love in a day, what needs might go away? I am not naively stating that the world's problems will vanish, yet I am saying love can heal wounds and there are multiple ways to love on another. When you look around, I think a little love can go a long way.
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