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!