Family Trip

The day after Christmas, while many Canadians are heading to the stores for Boxing Day sales, we packed up and headed to the mountains. We were heading to Samaipata for 3 days before Nelson headed back to Canada. The drive out went quite well, with kids quietly reading or sleeping as the rest of us gazed at the wonderful scenery.

It was such a relaxing time together. We went swimming at the adjoining resort, went to El Fuerte ruins, and even had the opportunity to ride some horses. For Kezia and Asha, it was their first time, and they were thrilled. Asha kept yelling that it was her turn next and Kezia couldn't stop smiling. Each of the kids got to ride with Grandpa too, which was a treat.

We spent the evenings playing games and the afternoons reading on the patio, just like any other Heppner gathering! The kids enjoyed spending time with Nelson and Grandma and Grandpa. It was a nice little get away with our family.

Bye Bye Diapers!

I have to admit, one of my biggest fears of parenting was the dreaded potty training. I don't know why I have always been so anxious about it. It's not like I can't handle messes, even the bodily ones, it's just that I never could quite understand how you teach a kid to go to the bathroom. How does that work?

Well, I've done it twice before, successfully I might add! so my anxiety levels are much lower now. A few weeks ago, Asha got really interested in wearing underwear, so we figured we might give this potty training thing a go.

So after a few days, nope. She wasn't interested in having anyone dictate or even suggest to her when she should use the bathroom. She wasn't interested in having help when she had an accident. Ahhhh!!! After 4 days, we ditched the idea pretty quickly but let her know that soon she'd be big enough to try again. Kezia kept suggesting that maybe Grandma would bring her new panties and candy if she learned how to use the bathroom. Candy? There was a twinkle in her eye and the gears started turning....

Carl's parents came on the 18th, and Asha was still in diapers. After a few days, Asha mentionned to Grandma about panties and candy and wondering if she had any for her. Yes, Grandma brought candy for Asha, for Christmas. Well, the day before Christmas, Asha announced to us all that she would be wearing panties now, and Grandma had candy for her. There was no way to get a diaper on her, and so we figured, let's give this potty training another try.

We're on day 7 and there's no turning back. I guess she was waiting for Grandma to come, because she's only had one accident, on Christmas Eve at church, and has been dry for naps, and even for the 3 hour road trip we took. She doesn't balk at the suggestion of using the bathroom, but hardly needs reminders, as she heads there herself without any bribes of candy (which is seriously amazing for that girl!). It's like this is happening too easy! What was I anxious for? When it happened on Asha's terms, it happened so smoothly.

What a great Christmas present.

Christmas Celebrations

This year we have been blessed to have family for Christmas. Carl's brother, Nelson, returned from his trek in Peru to spend his last days in South America with us. As well as Carl's parents, who came on the 18th. It's been 3 years since we've had Christmas with Carl's parents, and I didn't realize until now how much I've missed celebrating holidays with them.

On Christmas Eve, the kids baked cookies with Grandma. It was a huge hit, especially for Asha, who loved to eat the cookie dough that got "dropped" out of the bowl. Sneaky critter! In the evening, we went to a candle light service at the English church, which was very nice.

Christmas day brought a special brunch, which is a tradition in my family, and the reading of the Christmas story. Joel, Kezia, and Asha coloured bible pages all throughout advent to make a book that told the Christmas story. Then came the presents!

Gosh, there were a ton of presents. Aunties and Uncles and Grandparents from home all sent along goodies and treats for us all. It was a bit overwhelming for us all to be showered in so many gifts. The lego, the playdoh, the dress-up clothes, the books, the CANDY!, the pampering lotions....oh, what blessings. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with our new things.

In the evening, after cooking in the kitchen, we sat down for a Christmas feast. Jerry and Irina and baby Philip joined us for the dinner. It was so nice to have a full table at our house and so many to share Christmas with. It was definitely one of those days that was so good you could bottle it. Thank you God!

A Week of Sunshine

Hundreds and Hundreds of Cookies to Share



A Gold Medal Team



A Baby Shower



A Suitcase from our Canadian Church....



Filled with Gifts of Love



Where's Waldo with Grandma



A Christmas Program with Actual Singing Children



A Grandpa that Can do Anything

Story Time Will Never be the Same Again

A few months I ago, I found a book "How to teach your child to read in 100 lessons". I never got around to starting the book and then one day, Joel was sitting on the couch, reading. We've always read stories to the kids and Joel was learning his letters in Spanish at school. I just figured it would take some type of effort on my part to teach him how to read. Well, I guess not. Now, whenever we read a book, he wants to read it to us. Bursting with pride are we!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
-Dr. Seuss

It Feels Like Christmas

I was in an air conditioned building a few days ago, which doesn't happen very often. And so there I was, sitting and watching Christmas scenes on the t.v. It began to feel like Christmas

And then I walked outside and immediately started to sweat.

Was it the AC? Or what I saw on the t.v.?

This year it seems like I'm more atune to Christmas. I remember from last year that I didn't get into the spirit because the familiar cultural cues weren't around. But this year I think something has changed.

Okay, I think I'll always think it's more Christmas-y when it's cold.....

But we have been doing advent readings with our kids. We read a couple of verses off our colouring page, then the kids each colour a page that will be put together to tell the Christmas story on Christmas day. Our kids look forward to it and frankly so do I. They don't even get ansy about the candy (which for Asha, is almost a miracle).

They ask questions about why we really give gifts.

They state that Jesus loves them and came to live as a baby, just for them.

They want to know if everyone knows about how Jesus came to love us all.

It's constantly made me think, and prepare myself for Christmas. Isn't that what advent is all about? Sometimes I think that the weeks before Christmas are the most hectic of the year. We are rushing around trying to get our shopping done, our baking finished, the outfits bought for the parties and the portraits. It's like the 25th comes and we breath a sigh of relief. Whew! It's over, and now what.

But I've been really trying to focus on what this season is actually all about. I want to savour it, to ponder it and to focus on it. Kind of funny that a bunch of downloaded colouring pages and inquisitive children can do that, but God is creative in his ways, isn't he?

So though there's no AC in my house, this year, I'm trying to slow down and be in the midst of advent, and not just rushing through it.

Sueño Hecho Realidad

The last few weeks have been very full for Kezia. Her gymnastics club was preparing for their 25th anniversary and were going all out to give a Show Spectacular.

Once school was finished, Kezia went to practice for 90 minutes in the morning and then 3 hours in the afternoon. A week after that, she practiced for 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours over supper hour. Seriously, it was kind of crazy.

The girls would be at the gym, each group taking turns performing for each other while coaches and older gymnasts gave corrections and help. Meanwhile, the rest of the girls watched, played around, ate, and visited. For Kezia she loved being there all day and all night. It was like a giant dance camp!

I felt like there were some days that I hardly saw Kezia at all. But she was having so much fun and was excited for the show. The day of the show, she needed to come and have make-up done. Then we had to make sure her hair was perfect. Then we dropped her off 3 hours before the show so they could have group photos. I wondered, would she actually have energy at 8:30 at night to perform?

It was like Cirque de Soleil meets young gymnast. The show also highlighted the amazing history of the club. Thousands of girls over the last 25 years have gone through the program, started by 7 families who wanted to give their daughters the opportunity to learn gymnastics. And over the years, Club 7 has won over 3000 medals at the national and international level. During the slideshow presentation, Carl got a bit teary eyed. And Kezia hadn't even started yet.

Nati, Juana, and Eloina came as our guests to the show. We told them it was a way to see the fruits of their labour. How many times they washed her malla, how often did they get her ready and take her to gymnastics or pick her up, no one knows, but it was a lot. I think the ladies really enjoyed the show, as we did as well.

Kezia did wonderful with her group. We were so proud of her and so impressed with all the girls' hard work. Asha was mesmerized and kept mumbling about next year she'll be in a show too.



After the show, Kezia posed for some pictures with her friends and we took a very exhausted and pleased little girl home. It took 4 attempts to get the make-up off her and her hair free from all the gel. By midnight she was fast asleep, dreaming of her dream come true.

Five Years with Kezia - Part II

Yesterday Kezia had her most quiet birthday to date. Since it was election day in Bolivia, all transportation ceased, all stores closed, and everyone stayed home, except to walk to vote. There was no church, no public gatherings, nothing.

But that didn't stop us from having a party for her at home. In the morning, she had a candle in her blueberry pancakes (berries courtesy of Auntie Judy!) and opened her gifts. She was very pleased with her new shirt, her wallet, her kids' CD, and her gymnastics backpack.

For the rest of the morning, the kids played in the pool. We had snacks, and back into the pool they went. We ate a bit of lunch, and back into the pool went the three.

Late in the afternoon, they were joined by Kailey, Jessica, and Clara and they kept on swimming until their lips were blue. The girls gave Kezia a beach towel and a new outfit, which she was quite pleased with.

For supper, we had a burger potluck supper with the Flores, Schroeders and their guests, and the Freemans. Afterwards, chocolate cupcakes finished off the feast.

Hard to believe that Kezia is five. I mean, wasn't she just a baby, barely able to crawl with a ton of hair? We're really proud of her and all that she can do. She's learned how to do a cartwheel, she can whistle, braid, and blow bubbles with her gum. Kezia is bilingual and a very creative artist. But more than that, we are proud of how she is growing into an articulate, helpful, compassionate and sensitive person. I wonder what is in store for our young miss in the coming year?

We love you Kezia!!

Five Years with Kezia - Part I

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Kezia had her 5th birthday yesterday. This year, she really wanted to have a class birthday party, so before school let out in mid-November, we did a school party.

It happened to be when Eric and Michelle were visiting, so Michelle helped me buy all the stuff for the party. Carl was feeling a bit under the weather the day of the party, but I had him come along anyways to help. I knew that 19 5 year olds, yelling at me in Spanish, would be a tad overwhelming. I give a high five to all you elementary school teachers. Those kids are crazy and full of energy!!!

Kezia wanted to do a craft, so we made masks as the activity. Usually parents hire a clown or have some sort of entertainment, but we decided to do something different. We had a craft, and instead of a cake, I made trifle. I explained to the teachers it was a Canadian (European) thing and that it's red and white like our flag. They thought it was the neatest thing after sliced bread. I was quite pleased that it was such a hit - pudding, cake, and whipped cream.

Kezia felt so honored, with all the gifts and attention. The teachers had each of the kids pose with Kezia after she opened the gift. It was quite sweet and so I printed pictures and gave them to the kids a few days later as a thank-you from Kezia. She had quite the haul of Barbies and make-up. Yikes!

The piñata was of course the highlight and I made sure to fill it with plenty of hard-to-get-out-of-the-hair confetti. I'm sure the dye also runs, but I found it in a bag of left-over party stuff in my house, so it wasn't really all on me. :)

I have to admit, the thought of doing some class party was a bit intimidating. I wondered, since we were doing things different, how it would turn out. But I was pleasantly pleased how everything to the teachers and classmates was a novelty, from the foreign family! 5 year olds are definitely rambunctious, but in the end, it was all worth doing the party for Kezia. She couldn't stop smiling all day and talked about it for weeks.

Guess Who Brought 40lbs of Candy?

Uncle Nelson did!

Well, it wasn't all just from him. He arrived at our house on Sunday night, with a backpack of his clothes and a large suitcase for us, filled with gifts and goodies from friends and family in Canada. It was a bit overwhelming! We have to clear out a space in our large outdoor freezer to keep all the candy. Sigh, what a problem to have, eh?

We were blessed to have Nelson with us for a couple of days. The kids were so happy to see him, no shyness from Joel and Kezia, and after a 10 second stare, Asha was ready to say, "Hi Uncle Nelson".

Joel enjoyed playing checkers and chess with his Uncle. Plus, the guys all shaved their heads, so that was a highlight for Joel. He was pleased as punch when Nelson came along to his swimming lessons.

Kezia was happy Nelson took the time to read stories to her and come and see her participate in gymnastics.

Asha enjoyed chatting with Nelson, chasing him around, constantly asking him "Why?" and he never got tired of answering her.

It was a nice relaxing visit with Nelson. We had great conversations with him, which Carl really had been missing. We went around the city, found the house where they all lived in the 90's, and visited some MCC projects.

The best part about it, even though the visit was short, it wasn't goodbye. He's headed off to Peru to see the sights for the next few weeks and he'll be back here for Christmas, along with Mom and Dad Heppner. We were very touched he made the trip way south to see us.

That's My Girl!

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Kezia got her foot slammed in a door two weeks ago and her nail has slowly been coming off. Plus, the huge abrasion she got from shoes/rug burn/falling out of a tree doesn't help the state of her foot.

She has been eager to show anyone who can stomach it her loose toenail. I wonder what I'll do with the nail once it comes off? Maybe Kezia will want to keep it in a jar for show and tell.

That's My Boy!

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Joel was very eager to help Kezia open some of the gifts she got from her classmates. Now we know why! He loves to dress up and go as crazy as possible to get a good laugh from everyone. I love that about him.

Valley of the Moon - Wrapping it Up

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Our last day in La Paz was a good relaxing day. Thankfully for Carl, who was starting to feel under the weather. We weren't sure if was altitude sickness still or something else.

That morning we slept in; the first later morning in 4 days and it was heavenly. We had leisurely breakfast before calling a taxi to take us to Valley of the Moon. As we drove, we could see the stark contrast between the poverty in El Alto and the higher neighbourhoods of La Paz, and the wealthier homes down in the valley. There was green space, the houses were enormous and there was room for sidewalks and parks in between the huge homes.

By the time we got there, it was warmer, because we had descended in altitude and the air felt like it had more oxygen. Hmm....that would explain why the rich settled there.

As we got to Valle de la Luna, it was quiet and we had the entire place to explore by ourselves. Carl, the kids and I took the shorter route, while Eric and Michelle went for the longer hike. It was quiet and eery and beautiful. We had never seen anything like it.

Once we were done our circuit, a number of tour groups descended onto the place. One group was from France, the other from Australia. I heard one of the tour leaders say that Neil Armstrong had come to La Paz to this area and said it looked exactly like the moon, and henceforth, has been known as Moon Valley. And because of the soft clay, when the rains come, it washes more if the mountain away, except for the spots that have large igneous rock. It protects the clay rock underneath and form into tall towers of rocks that will continue to appear higher and higher as the rest is slowly eroded away.

After 2 hours, it was time to find something for lunch. We found a FABULOUS Japanese restaurant close to our hotel and ate like royalty. I said to Carl I would totally do the 16 hour bus ride back to La Paz, contend with the altitude sickness, just to eat there again.

We had a slow afternoon, waiting around in the hotel, walking around outside and reading while we waited to leave for the airport. We chose not to pay for another half day in the hotel just to sit there with our bags for 2 hours. The kids cracked peanuts on the step outside and did homework to occupy themselves.

At 5:00 we piled into a tinsy little taxi with our 5 suitcases and 7 bodies and rumbled off to the airport. Along the way, there was a parade of sorts and we feared that we wouldn't make our flight. It was absolutely amazing how the taxi driver maneuvered his way through the climbing streets. His clutch must have almost been on fire!

We arrive in perfect time to the airport and checked in without any problem. The flight back was uneventful and we didn't even have to stop in Cochabamba. As we descended into Santa Cruz, my ears started to feel the pressure. It just built up and built up until my eye was watering and the skin by my jaw felt funny. I've never felt such pressure! The kids were fine chewing their gum, but I think the slight congestion that I had didn't help me in the least. My ear drum didn't rupture, thank goodness, but my ears were popping for 4 days after. Sheesh!

Once we got home, we had showers, unpacked, got the kids into bed and took care of some unexpected work stuff. There's nothing like ending a fabulous vacation with a dose of work to get you back to reality. Sigh......

Well, it was well worth the trip. Vomit spray, splitting headaches, amazing ruins, talkative guides, crazy men, tasty fish, dead llamas, fuzzy alpacas, and passport troubles....all worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Lago Titicaca plus other Colourful Adventures

In the wee hours of the morning, I woke up with the most splitting headache I have ever experienced. It felt like someone was slowly inserting a metal rod into my skull, just above my right eye. The pain was so intense that I threw up, ugh gross. I totally could sympathize with Carl and all those other migraine sufferers that day.

Carl got the kids ready at 5:00 a.m.! to catch the tour bus to Copacabana. It was a bit brutal. I could hardly sit up, Joel was in a trance, Kezia was still unconscious, and Asha was whimpering in her bed. I seriously contemplated just giving up the entire day trip, but when else would we be able to do this? Be strong Kathy, you can do it. Children are resilient, they can sleep on the bus. Headaches can't last forever.

So we stumbled onto the bus, the sun barely peeking over the mountains for the three hour trip. I slept most of the way, only waking because the bumping of the bus seemed to jar the invisible metal rod still in my skull. Poor Phineas Cage!

After 2 and some hours, we got off the bus, and boarded a rickety ferry. Joel seems to need to process things verbally, so he kept talking loudly about how the ferry might sink and what we should do in case of water in the boat, and would there be enough lifejackets, and who in our family could swim. It may have helped him, but it certainly wasn't very encouraging for us and other English speakers within proximity of Joel.

Once we got over to the other side, there was a Bolivian police officer who was checking papers and passports. We pulled out our handy-dandy Carnet cards and photocopy of our passport. Eric and Michelle pulled out their photocopies. The police officer looked at them, along with documents from 3 other people and had a very furrowed brow. He told us after a few anxious moments that we needed to have our actually passports and visas; this was to Eric and Michelle and the other three folks from Europe. We were fine because we have Carnets. Carl had specifically asked the tour organizers when he booked the day before if we needed our passports, and he said no. He asked if we needed anything else. He said no. Well, apparently he was wrong and we were in a bit of a pickle.

The police officer said that he couldn't let us pass and we would have to return to the mainland because we didn't have our proper documentations. And he said he had no verification of when they entered the country or any way to make sure they didn't go into Peru. Carl spoke to him and said that we were never given any indication that they needed that paperwork by those organizing the tour. The police officer wouldn't waver and asked them all to accompany them to the station.

So the kids and I trudged after them and waited and waited, hoping that the bus wouldn't leave without us. I wondered if he was being difficult because we didn't offer a bribe. Grrr....why does this have to happen now?! Well, at least my headache was just a dull ache.

The tour leader and the bus driver came up the road and went into the police station. After about 5 minutes, the three European girls came tearing out, running like mad towards their bus. And 10 minutes later, Carl, Eric, Michelle and the bus driver came out. Carl smiled at me, and once we were clear of the police station he explained what happened.

The police weren't budging until the bus driver came and pleaded with him, saying that it was their fault that we didn't have all the paperwork. He said that he would take personal responsibility that they would return to the mainland and not take off to Peru. Seriously, is that a risk?! Do we look like we are going to escape? Can you just picture us running into the mountains of Peru, with our flimsy sandals and children on our back?! So the police officer took his word, didn't make them pay the 300Bs fine and let them go. Whew! Nothing illegal, nothing expensive, just a bit of wasted time. Well, makes for a good blogging story, eh?

So we boarded the bus and drove another 30 minutes to get to Copacabana. We decided to stay the day and go back on a public bus instead of the tour bus. We wandered around Copacabana for a while, took a tour of the Basilica, and even saw the blessing of the vehicles by the church. First, the religious man gives an offering to Pachamama by spraying beer all over the decorated vehicle. Then he throws on rice or something before lighting the wad of firecrackers by the tires. Then the car gets driven up the line to be blessed by the Catholic Priest. Quite interesting, to say the least.

We did a bit of shopping and the kids played in the plaza with a few local kids. They were very intrigued with Asha's hair and kept wanting to touch her. To distract the kids, I encouraged Kezia to play Duck, Duck, Goose with them so that Asha could be left alone!

We had some very tasty trout for lunch. Oh, it was so fresh. After we left the restaurant, I saw a girl coming up from the beach with a bag filled of fish, bound for the next lucky customer.

In the afternoon, we hired a boat driver to take us around on Lake Titicaca and see some of the islands. It was a relaxing drive and we stopped at a little "grass" island, kind of like traditional ones they used to have on the lake, to see a trout farm. The people really wanted to sell us lunch, or drinks or something, anything, please tourists! It was a bit uncomfortable, so we bought some drinks.

After our boat ride, everyone was feeling warm and relaxed. Eric and Michelle and Joel went on a hike, while Carl and I and the girls sat by the lake. It was very nice. We even got to prop our kids next to an Alpaca for some pictures. How hilarious!

We picked up some snacks and by 4:30 were heading back to the plaza to catch our bus. We made one more bathroom stop before boarding, and prepared for the 3 hour bus back. This bus wasn't as nice as the touristy one, but for $2/seat instead of $10, it was a steal of a deal.

The kids slept most of the way and by now I was feeling much better. Except for the crazy man who was mumbling to himself the entire way, it was pretty uneventful. We got back to La Paz after dark and a very friendly police officer helped us find a taxi. You could totally tell that this city/region is used to catering to tourists. All 7 of us piled into this tiny little sedan and off we went!

POP! Went the tire after 3 blocks. Oh, brother. The taxi driver apologized and we poured out and told him we were sorry he had a flat. So up the hill we trudge to find another taxi. We hailed another one, and squeezed in again.

The traffic was horrible and the taxi driver was stuck in traffic for quite some time. It was getting warm and gross, especially for the 6 of us in the backseat.

All of a sudden Asha coughs, followed by a spray of vomit. There was no way to escape the river of sour chunks, no way to spare my shoes or pants or the back of the seat in the taxi. Eric quickly grabbed a spare t-shirt from his bag and threw it at me to contain the flow. The smell in the hot, stuffed taxi was almost unbearable. I regretted giving the kid cheezies and yogurt on the bus ride back.

Thankfully after 2 minutes, she stopped barfing and after 5 we were in front of our hotel. We all got out and assessed the mess. Only Carl and I had taken the brunt of the vomit-fest, and of course the floor and seat of the taxi. Carl handed the guy a big tip and apologized for the mess. And Asha was fine as she toddled into the hotel, slimy with puke.

We decided to call it a night and have showers and head to bed before anything else happened. What a crazy day, that I was mostly glad to have experienced!

Scenes from Copacabana

Tiwanaku - Joel's Perspective on the Bus

Day at Tiwanaku

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The next morning, we woke early, gobbled down our breakfast and headed on a bus by 7:30. Where were we headed? The the pre-Incan ruins of Tiwanaku.

It took about one hour to get to the site, and along the way our bilingual guide told us very interesting facts about La Paz, El Alto, the ruins etc. He spoke both in English and Spanish, which was good, but after a while, it seemed he was doing a lot of talking.

First we toured the inside museum and saw all the artifacts of the ancient civilization. It was pretty sweet that since we had Bolivian Carnet ID cards, we only had to pay 10Bs each ($1.50) instead of 80Bs like everyone else! The people at the desk teased Carl when he said we were from Santa Cruz. They asked him a few questions, purposely using words that end in S and then left it off, just like Santa Cruz folks do. Quiere_ pagar de_pue_? Carl had a pretty good laugh!

It was neat to see the artifacts and hear our guide talk, twice, for about 45 minutes. And then the kids started to get a bit antsy, and in fact, so did their parents and Eric and Michelle. The tour was taking way too long. Other groups were coming in, looking, and moving on. Couldn't we just do that?!

After about 2 hours, we actually made it outside, after feeding the kids 3 packages of cookies (I admit, I probably ate at least one pack myself...) to see the ruins. Our guide wanted us to follow him closely, as to not miss a thing, but it was getting so long and boring it was painful. He was asking for group participation, and everyone was tired and really had no clue the answers. But he just waited for a response, asking each and every one of us, all 35 of us, question after question. Michelle finally just wandered off with Joel.

We f-i-n-a-l-l-y got to the ruins and were able to take some pictures. But by that time, I had no awe or amazement, only knawing hunger and fatigue. The kids just looked weary.

It was quite the sight though, despite the internal distractions. I found it absolutely amazing that stones could be moved such a distance, to be carved, to be positioned perfectly to coincide with the setting sun of the summer solstice. Talk about an advanced people.

So we snapped a bunch of pictures and then headed for lunch. I had the fish, because we were close to Lake Titicaca and it would be horrible not to have fresh trout when so close! Carl ordered chicken for the kids and he had Llama. It was quite tasty!

Then we got on the bus and everyone had a nice quiet ride back to the hotel. We rested a bit in our room and then went out a bit. We found an Israeli restaurant for supper that actually had a menu in Spanish and Hebrew. ??!!! Que interesante. The hummus was a huge disappointment, but the rest of the food was good.

Right after supper, we headed to bed. It was going to another early morning, although much earlier than we expected.....

Off to.....

La Paz!

We woke up at 4:45 a.m. and each drank a huge cup of coca tea. Apparently that helps with the altitude sickness. We also took a bunch of sarrochi pills as well. At 5:30 a.m., the seven of us piled into a taxi and headed to the airport.

I was a bit nervous about flying to La Paz, the memories of last time still fresh in my mind....

We landed in El Alto, the world's highest airport, and already I was feeling a bit lightheaded. We caught a taxi to our hotel and settled into our room. Our room had a mural of the Tiwanaku ruins on it. How cool is that? We had a bit of breakfast on the top floor of the hotel and drank even more coca tea.

We spent most of the morning resting in our room before heading out for lunch. The streets totally reminded me of San Fransisco, CA; up and down and nothing flat. So even at sea level, it would have been quite the hike, so within 1 block, I was puffing and huffing and feeling light headed. I wondered, am I that out of shape? Or is it that my body is screaming because I'm so oxygen deprived here at 10,000 ft above sea level?!

We found a nice little restaurant for lunch and you could tell that the altitude sickness was effecting Kezia the most. She was almost lethargic at the table. After the meal, we walked through the Witches Market where we saw some very interesting things.

Eric and Michelle were excited about doing some touristy shopping, and I have to admit, I was too. There were a few things that were being sold that couldn't be found in Santa Cruz (don't worry folks, I didn't get any of you any dead llamas).

We ended up shopping for most of the afternoon, walking to the San Fransisco Church, and checking out the neat Coca Museum. We had a tasty supper at a neat pizza place, where most of the patrons were English speaking. It was definitely more touristy/backpacker-ish than Santa Cruz, that's for sure.

That night, Asha had an awful sleep = an awful sleep for her parents. She had a dry nose and every 45 minutes, sat up in bed and yelled, "I need a drink, ugh, my nose!". Needless to say, we were all a little tired the next morning as we headed on our next adventurous trek.

Eric and Michelle Come to Visit

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Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of having our first visit from friends. Eric and Michelle were in our homegroup in Fresno, and decided to come and spend time with us in Bolivia. We were so tickled that they wanted to come see us!

The first few days of their visit, we stayed in Santa Cruz. They had brought a ton of goodies and gifts. We were so touched that they brought chocolate, nuts and raisins from Simonian farms and craft stuff for the kids. Others from our homegroup (THANKS RHONDA!!!) sent pictures, books, and other fantastic California treats. Oh, it was like Christmas. After all the gift opening, we went to the main Plaza to visit the artisan market, tour the church, and go for ice cream.

On Monday, it was a holiday, Day of the Dead, so we went to a pool and enjoyed the day there. We ordered a huge lunch and feasted by the pool under the shade. Michelle loved the arroz con queso the best. The Schroeders and the Flores also joined us, and it was a fun day. When we came home, we had a light supper and then headed to the cemetery.

We had never been to the main cemetery, let alone on Day of the Dead. We wanted to go and see the decorations and all the people that come to remember their loved ones. The whole main street in front of the cemetery was blocked off, and only open to the hundreds of pedestrians that were coming and going. It was all very interesting for us. First of all, all the graves are above ground in crypts. Some are housed in elaborated mini-houses with places to set flowers and pictures. Many of the people brought plates of food, believing that the spirits of the deceased come back. Others just sat around the crypt, with a picture, visiting, eating snacks, drinking coffee, visiting. It was one big family gathering centred around their deceased loved ones.

The next day, the kids went to school, I worked, and Carl took Eric and Michelle to a Mennonite Colony for an auction. It was quite the experience for them. I hope they enjoyed seeing another group of the Bolivian people.

And on Wednesday, I took Michelle to Nueva Feria to buy a bunch of party supplies for Kezia's school birthday party. Michelle couldn't believe the amount of stuff in that place. It's like Big Lots times ten, in half the space it should be in! I guess over time, I've just gotten used to it. But we got weary and headed home by 11 a.m..

That evening we had potluck, and then we got to packing after supper; warm clothes, sunscreen, hats, and coca tea. The next morning was coming early and we were heading out on a plane, to where? Tune in soon for the next installment!

School's Out!

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Today was the last day of school before summer holidays. It's been quite a busy few weeks (I promise, I'll post about our trip and visitors) so the holiday is a welcome break. No more waking up early, no more scrambling for school snack, no more washing school shirts at 12:30 a.m. for the next day. Ah, summer is here!

The last day of school is kind of crazy with the kids painting each other's shirts and faces. Some kids have water fights. This year, Joel's class was calm, with kids just painting nice designs on each others face, no markers on the clothes, and certainly no water fights. Kezia's class however, smeared paint on each other, wrote on each other's shirts, and had a huge water fight.

The kids gave their teachers pictures of themselves, Canada pins and Joel packed up some nice rocks to give his prof's. It was very sweet. We had an excellent year at school. Tomorrow is the closing program, which should be quite amazing. Last year's theme was on caring for the earth, this year's theme, the evolution of communication.

Right Here, Right Now

It's been a few days since I've updated on what we've been up to. Well, it's been a busy 10 days or so. We've had international guests, used our passports, got on a plane, went to some world-renowned places...you know, the usual! But before I power-post on those experiences, I wanted to just share some things that I've had insight on from our ladies bible study and explain my last post.

We're doing a study on the book of Esther, and it's been quite fascinating. Some people felt bogged down by all the history, but my appetite was whetted for more! It's the first time that I actually have been excited about looking into different commentaries, other versions of the Bible, if I could possibly pick out some other tidbits to chew on.

It has been a welcome hunger and desire in this last while of dry and dreary.

The last video we watched was on Esther 4, about how Esther was given the charge by Mordecai to act and how she responds to it. The last post I did, was from the last bit of homework on the lesson, a song that hit home the phrase, "You have come....for such a time as this".

I was really struck with the concept that right here and now, we have been placed for an amazing purpose. Each and every day, each and every encounter isn't an accident. We have choices to make with each situation, and we can chose to take advantage of them, or not. Sadly, there have been so many times in my life that I haven't taken the opportunity, and since I have such an amazing memory, beat myself up over and over.

As I was doing the study, it made me realize that my place, my situation, my company of people has been God-ordained. Lately, I have wondered if I'm in the right place. Like really, am I really doing what I'm suppose to be doing? But this opened my eyes. Yes, Kathy, you are exactly where you've been called to.

Whatever God calls you to, He will equip you for. Why is that every time I blog, I fail to see the profoundness of that statement?

The song from my last post talks about living in the moment, about leaving behind all the regrets from the past that we can't do anything about, and focusing on where we can still exercise our choice.

Right here and right now.

We can't control the future, we can't change the past, but we can be totally assured that the present, we can make our mark on. And it's not like we've stumbled aimlessly into where we are right now. We were brought here and now for a purpose, a purpose that we may never fully understand or see. But we need to trust God, who sees it all.

"We have been placed in a sphere of influence, regardless of the size we perceive it to be".

And so I was really encouraged by that, but also humbled to let go of my own obstacles that are preventing me from living in the moment, being ready to fulfill my purpose God has called me to.

I have to realize that I was not called to an easy life, but a purposeful one. Right here, right now.

1:35 a.m. - Not too Late or Early for This

Hot Happy Birthday

Carl's 37th birthday proved to be quite the hot day. Whew! Not even last year did we have such heat.

I made an uber brunch for Carl, hashbrowns, eggs, toast, sausages and juice for breakfast. I think I made too much food! The kids and I presented Carl with his presents, a water bottle, nuts, chocolate, and a bilingual bible.

We spent the rest of the day playing in our pool, chopping up coconuts, drinking terrere and visiting. It was such a lovely day.

For supper, we went to a buffet and came so early for supper (6:45 p.m.) that we were the only ones in the restaurant. The food was pretty good, the atmosphere was lovely, and except for Kezia's little throw-up incident (oops!) at the table, the evening was quite enjoyable.

When we got back, Saul and Anita's vehicle was parked in the driveway. Carl wondered what was going on. Joel and I just smiled.

We got to the front door, but the door was jammed a bit. Asha went around by the window, and started laughing. Carl noticed nothing.

Carl decided to go into the house by the hallway door. As he went in, lights went on and people screamed, SURPRISE! Carl was so shocked, Saul said Carl's heart was pounding when he gave him a hug.

So, okay it wasn't a surprise to me or Joel. We knew and planned the whole thing with our friends. A bunch of people came over while we were at supper and decorated the house and hid for us to come back. We had snacks and cake in the jatata, because it was too hot to stay in our house. Carl was just so tickled to have a surprise party. And I was proud as punch that we pulled it off.

How fun to celebrate birthdays, especially of the one of the man I love the most! Happy Birthday sweetheart!

Boo!

The kids had a big party at school on Friday, for Halloween and Year End. We paid 30Bs for each of them to have all the snacks, candies, burgers and pop they could hold. They had magicians, and all kinds of games with their classmates.

Joel wanted to go as a mummy and Kezia wanted to go as a princess. We think the costumes looked pretty good, considering they didn't cost us a dime. Thanks to old sheets in the deposito! But it was so hot, that Kezia came home red as a cherry tomato (because princesses can't undress at school!) and Joel dismantled his costume by 9:00 that morning. Well, they had a great time, and weren't too hopped up on candy.

The Challenge

The last few months haven't and have been challenging for me. What has been challenging is not having much to challenge me. Does that make sense? And I'm not talking about parenthood, because whoo! every day seems to be a new puzzle to figure out. We're definitely earning our money in the parent department. Thanks to my kids for always keeping me on my toes!

I'm talking about my job. Some days, I stop, brainstorm, ponder, inquire, think, decide, plan, proceed, and evaluate. But those days are far and few between, and I'm beginning to realize that I'm a person that constantly needs to face something that will require more of me. I need something that I have to chew on, where the answer doesn't come easily and there is more than one way of completing the task. I need something that also gives me life, and doesn't drain it with monotony.

With the changes to our job in the last few months, I feel less and less stimulated. I think I can safely say that Carl has days like that too. Sometimes I feel under-utilized, some days I wonder if I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing, because it requires little more than consciousness to do some of the tasks that I do. At times, I really miss teaching, I miss Church Council, I miss playing for worship team.

So a few weeks ago, when I was feeling pretty low about it all, I was struck with the idea that if I need a challenge, if I need something to feed my Me, then I need to find that thing.

I knew that our church didn't have a piano player for the worship teams, so I approached one of the leaders and asked if I could play. She was THRILLED, handed me a book and asked me if I could come next Saturday at 2. Feeling a little nervous, I showed up and tried to plug myself in to the already existing team. Well, it's been 7 weeks, and I think that I have plugged in. My Spanish has improved, and I feel like there's a connection with the group, it's a place where I belong.

The ladies bible study where I attend didn't have any music arranged because Jackie isn't coming back to Bolivia until January. They expressed a need for some people to help out with music. So the long and the short of it is, I volunteered to help, and between myself and two other ladies, take turns leading the music.

So where does all this music stuff take me now? Well, I have been reminded that the thing that feeds my Me is in bringing something for others. Filling a need and using my gifts. It was hard at first to learn the solfège scale with the team at church, and it was extremely intimidating to go up and sing and play piano at the same time, all while trying to lead a group of ladies.

But I wanted to do something, I wanted to bring something to people, I wanted to feel like I could contribute and bless. Because to be honest, sometimes I feel like there is nothing I do that someone else couldn't do just as easily. I felt like I wasn't able to offer anything uniquely me.

A bigger lesson I think I've gotten out of this whole situation, is that sometimes God has us in situations where we have to look for the challenge, look for the need, and step out and make ourselves available. I think so often, we expect it to fall right into our laps. I certainly did. I figured that challenges and areas of ministry would just come clammering at my door, be right in the centre of my work, would be so obvious to me. Well, that wasn't and isn't the case.

I think I did find my challenge in all of my so-called monotony. As soon as I find myself in a seemingly non-stretching situation, therein lies the challenge. To seek out what else God might have in store. Or seek out what God wants to teach me. To find out where God might have me be used in a less obvious place.

And just a side-note: I absolutely love playing the piano and singing in my two avenues. To play with a group of talented musicians on Sundays, seeking to offer their gifts as praise to God, all in Spanish, is amazing. Then to put together music to lead a woman's group of servant leaders a few days later, in English, has blessed my soul.

This Month's Favourite Song

It started when I just started singing the song a few weeks ago and the kids overheard me. Asha loved it so much, she would ask me repeatedly for the round-baby song, day after day. Then Joel started humming it, and singing it constantly. So I found it on You-tube and played it for them.

Seriously, I don't know which was more of a laugh, the 80's hair on that guy, or the kids. And of course, when the upload glitched, that just got me.

Celebrating Diversity

This Sunday was an international celebration at church. It was the first time anything like this had been done, and it was a success.

There are people from Korea, Peru, Italy, Dominican Republic, Canada, U.S, Holland, as well as folks from different departments of Bolivia; Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Tarija in our church. Each region/country had it's own table to set up a display, dress in typical clothes, and also serve food. There were three of us families from Canada, and we made beaver tails, turkey casserole (since it was just Thanksgiving) and iced tea. We had a slideshow going, pictures of snow and ice sculptures and of course trademark Canadian images. We shared the air conditioned room with the folks from Holland, because our pastor said, "It'll be like being at home!". We really should have been sharing the room with Marcelo and Paola, who are from La Paz, because they were sweltering in their traditional cold-weather clothes.

People put a lot of effort into the event and there was a ton of food. I ate some things that I had never tasted before; we have some very talented cooks in our church. It was quite amazing to walk around and see people proudly showcasing where they are from.

I just felt rich coming away from the day. I learned a lot and I realized that just like in Fresno and in Winnipeg, we go to a church with a diverse group of people. I can't wait for next year's celebration.

What a Feast

We had the pleasure of celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with another family and two SALTers. It actually was the idea of the SALTers, Adrienne and Kim, who asked us if we were planning a meal, and if they could join us and the Schroeders. I must admit, I had almost forgotten about Canadian Thanksgiving. Oops!

That day, Adrienne and Kim came over and helped me prepare some of the food. Elma was making the pumpkin pies and the salads and we were in charge of the potatoes, the vegetables and the chicken and stuffing. Kim had never made stuffing before, but with a recipe I found, did a marvelous job. Adrienne got so zealous with the potatoes, she filled an enormous pot right full. There was probably enough mashed potatoes for 30 people, and we were only 12.

While we were preparing the food, we all had a very good talk. The gals talked about transition into life in Bolivia and we talked about host families and our jobs and MCC. It was really refreshing to visit with them. We shared about missing our families, and the things that we are thankful for here. It helps to remember those things when you are homesick.

We carried all the food over to Hans and Elma's across the street by 6:30. The meal was absolutely divine and we all ate ourselves right full and then some. We shared good laughs around the table, and I think everyone felt encouraged by our celebration together. It seems no matter how far you are from home, you really aren't that far when surrounded by friends.

Staff Retreat

This past week, we had a three day retreat with all of the MCC staff. I was on the planning committee, and I had the opportunity to lend my perspectives, ideas, and of course hands to help with the work, in preparing for it all.

We decided to go to Samaipata, three hours away in the mountains. Carl and I had checked out a few places when we took Andy and Cassie to Moro Moro. We as a committee f-i-n-a-l-l-y settled on a location, and after about 4 confusing phone calls to the owners, paid and booked a lovely retreat place; equipped with various cabins and meeting places, a pool, and a lovely eating area. It was a great spot for our retreat.

I was so thrilled with the gals that came to do the child-care. Maritza was amazing. She had crafts for the kids, all 15 of them ranging from ages 1-14. Her friend Paola was also helping, and I was so impressed with how they handled and entertained the kids.

The sessions were much better this year, in the fact that I could actually understand most of them. The speaker was from one of the local churches, and gave messages and led discussions on mission, what it means for us personally and as an organization. Thought provoking stuff....

The food was divine, I ate way too much.

The beds were cozy and I loved our little room.

The afternoons were spent lounging around, resting, visiting, eating more.

A highlight was going to the cafe up the road with some of the other MCC ladies and enjoying tea and RHUBARB pie. Yes! They grow rhubarb in Samaipata. I haven't had it for over a year! And to think while I was in Manitoba, complaining how I had too much rhubarb, and what am I suppose to do with it all, and boo-hoo I don't have room in my freezer. Never again will I complain.....

I bought 2 kg and can't wait to make pie once strawberries come into season! (stop drooling Kathy, you'll wreck the computer).

The time for us to leave was fast approaching, unlike the scheduled buses that were supposed to pick us up. Sigh....so we waited in the hot sun, while the kids all whined about wanting to get into the pool. Some of the older ones waded in after rolling up their pants. Who knew when the bus would show up and our bags were already all packed.

Well, first Joel got his pants soaked. Then Asha stumbled on the step into the pool and got completely wet. So hauled out our bags, and changed the kids' into shorts, all three of them. Kezia bounded off, and within, oh, I'd say 45 seconds...honestly!, fell into the pool. She was a quick one though, immediately turning herself in the deep end and lunging for the edge. It was kind of scary for her, but she was scooped out pretty quick.

So with two kids soaked from the pool, I was thinking just let them go in already! And.....then the bus shows up. Arg!

We hopped on the bus, and enjoyed the scenic ride back to Santa Cruz. I don't think I'll ever get tired of traveling to Samaipata. It's really quite the destination spot when you want to relax and have a good time.

And that's what we did, all of us MCCers.

It was Bound to Happen

You know there are events in parenthood that are totally inevitable. Things like getting peed on by a newborn, puked on by a toddler, having something electronic flushed down the toilet.

Well, we had what I'd call, one of the "inevitables" happen today. It happened to a friend of mine just a few weeks ago, and I commented to her, "Yeah, I'm sure that we're next. Asha, the way she is, and Kezia with her love of....". I always figured Asha would either start the particular deed and Kezia would be the necessary acomplice to further the severity of it.

So here's how the conversation this evening went, after I horrifically discovered what happened.

Mom, P.I: Can you tell me anything that you and Asha did today?

First Suspect (aka Joel): Well, we played in the sprinkler, we coloured, we dumped water in the sandbox, we ate sandwiches, we.....

Mom: No, no, I mean what did you do with her and these! (Mom holds up object)

Joel: (gives blank stare and swallows hard) I can't remember...uh....

Mom: Think of how it will make things much more complicated if you are planning to tell me a lie.

(big pause, while Joel looks right, looks down, and then finally looks to Mom)

Joel: We were taking turns!

Mom: What?!

Joel: Well, first she wanted to cut my hair, but then I cut hers. We were taking turns nicely.

Mom: (Bites lip, either from trying not to scream or laugh) Taking turns?

Joel: Yeah.....

Mom: (after long pause to compose herself) Well, it's good that you told me the truth, but honestly son, she's going to look goofy until Christmas! And the worst part about it, is you don't even have any hair for her to cut off!

So now Asha has this gouge of baldness right in the front of her head. It's quite a bit shorter than the rest, but maybe it's not as bad as it seems right now. We didn't even notice it until she had her shower. Sigh, well, I'm sure with the hot weather her hair will grow faster. We can only hope.

Well, check off that inevitable. For this week. Or maybe for today. Kezia has been talking about bangs and if she finds out Joel is a self-proclaimed barber, we might have a problem.

And another one gone, And another one gone.....

Shudder....this one should have come out days ago! It was loosened when Joel stuck a chopstick in the already existing gap and ran face first into a tree. But he wouldn't let Carl pull it out with toilet paper or a string. Go figure....



So, while he was trying to throw his gum back into his mouth this afternoon, he punched himself and out it popped.



Have we mentioned before how our life is never dull?