VBS in Bolivia

Hola from Karen!
This afternoon, we had the priviledge of going to the New Jerusalem church in Tarija to help with their VBS program. It was a wonderful afternoon. We found it interesting to see how VBS was run here...they had a much more laid back approach then we tend to at Westhill. Like ours at home we started with singing choruses. I really enjoyed listening to the children singing, there were even a few songs that we were able to recognize. After the singing, the children were separated into age groups and sent to their classes, a few team members went into each class. In my group we were able to listen to the teacher tell a Bible story and then when they started to color, we joined in. We also made the wordless bracelets with our group. When the classes were over, a snack was given out and then the whole group played games. We were able to join in, and had alot of fun with the children. For those of you who were at our first Bolivian night at Westhill, the games were very similar to the ones played with the Mamani´s.

Two things stood out for me this afternoon...the first is that we are one in the family of God. Even though we speak a different language and are in a different country, we serve the same God. As a team we were welcomed as family. The second is that the leaders of the VBS were all young adults. They seemed excited to have the opportunity to share their faith with the children.

One highlight of the afternoon was an impromtu ¨jam session¨. One of the leaders of the VBS (Vladimir) and Henry played guitars and we sang choruses together...our team would sing in english and then they would sing in spanish. When Henry didn´t know a song then Ivan (our leader) took over. There was a bond of unity as we sang that will be a special memory for me!!

Please pray for our health and safety... Nadine is now suffering the effects of a cold, passed on by me (sorry Nadine). Ray and Marylaine are feeling better, but Marylaine isn´t quite 100%. In the morning it is looking like we will actually be leaving for Yacuiba, so we will appreciate your prayers for safety in travel.

We appreciate each one of you, thanks for all your prayers...we are encouraged by them!