Final Days in Yacuiba

We´ve had two wonderful days with the Christians here in Yacuiba. Sunday was a full day with Sunday School starting at 9 a.m. First we had a praise time together and then everybody divided up into groups. Henry was surprised to find out that he had to teach the adult class, but he did an excellent job with a lesson about Jairus and his daughter. Bev and Ruth taught beginner English to a group of teenagers, and Karen, Nadine, and Marylaine spent time with the kids - painting hands, making bracelets, and playing games.
Ivan arranged for us to have lunch with three of the four Yacuiba pastors who are also the president, secretary, and treasurer of the Yacuiba Baptist Association. It was a time of getting to know each other and finding out about their churches.
At 4 p.m., it was back to church for a time of sharing - women with women and men with men. Wayne led the men in a discussion about how to be good fathers and what the Bible teaches us about this topic. The women also shared their concerns about their children which turned out to be the same, whether Bolivian or Canadian. After the sharing time, we all got together for coffee and cake and a time of laughter.
The main church service here in Yacuiba is in the evening. Our group was split into two, so we could cover two churches. Paul preached at one while Henry preached at the other. Both services lots of special numbers including groups of Quechuan singers. They sang in their native tongue which we couldn´t understand but was very beautiful.
Today (Monday) we did a quick trip into Argentina to see the differences between the two countries. Ivan gave us a very insightful talk about the economics and political situation in both countries and how they tie together.
Lunch was our final time together with the church where we spent most of our time. What a time it was! We had a fantastic potluck lunch, exchanged many gifts, took pictures, exchanged e-mail addresses, and shed many tears. The Canadian flag was immediately put on a pole and mounted at the front of the church. It was amazing how many relationships have been forged between the team and the Bolivians. Even though it was only four days, we made many friends.
This afternoon we found time to visit a brick factory which is a project of one of the churches. This project was started by the pastor who recognized a need for bricks and a shortage of jobs for members of his congregation. He put the two together and came up with the idea of a brick factory. Their first contract was for 48,000 bricks, and their current contract is for 60,000. It was quite a project to see.
We have to check out of our hotel by 5:30 p.m. and at 8 p.m., we will take the overnight bus to Santa Cruz. We´ll update the blog as opportunity arises on our way home.
Nadine would like to thank the people who have been praying for her health. She is feeling much better today.
Thank you for all your prayers.
Dwight and Ruth Quiring