Hey everybody, this is Rachel Poulin and we are just about to leave Cochabamba, Bolivia. After an amazing week experiencing God in countless ways and having the opportunity to spend time with some of the most amazing people, we had to say goodbye to the children at the Frutillar orphanage. As I am sure you have read, we were able to spend two full days with the eleven kids when we helped out at the orphanage, went to the park, and traveled up to the Inca ruins. I have never met such appreciative and joyful children. This morning the team walked down to the orphanage and were all greeted with hugs, smiles, and laughing. We were also able to give them some clothes and Beanie Babies- I have never seen children so happy over stuffed animals. It was unbelievable to see the gratitude of not only the kids, but also the house parents. Before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye so we all lined up ready to give goodbye hugs and kisses. After getting to know the kids so well, saying goodbye took a lot out of everybody and there were also a lot of tears. Although difficult, we leave with a greater appreciation of the mission the Timmers will continue as we travel back to the states. Without their hard work and perseverance here in Bolivia, these kids might not have such a joyful life with loving house parents. Although we are excited to be heading home, there is even more excitement for future teams and work to be done here in Bolivia. Thanks so much for all of the prayers!

Update from July 16, 2009

Hi y'all! It has been a few days since we filled you in on all the "Bolivia happenings!" We have three days to update you on. On Tuesday, the team spent the day at one of the government-run orphanages. While there, we assisted with getting a large plot of land ready for planting corn, or "maiz." It was back-breaking work as we dug rows and removed rocks, metal, plastic and other debris that is not considered part of a garden. As tiring as this day was, we were blessed as many of the children joined us eager to assist with the work. When we mentioned that we were ready for a "siesta," or nap, the children insisted that we continue to work, or "trabajar." They were an incredible witness and example for all of us. That night, the team went to Globo's - a restaurant that specialized in "pique macho," a Bolivian meat dish with french fries, olives, tomatoes, onions and gravy. After dinner, we were entertained by Pato, a young Bolivian who leads worship at a local church, and was a close friend of Craig's during his six month stint in Bolivia. Pato played the guitar and sang many of our familiar Christian songs - in ENGLISH! Another blessing to the US team!
On Wednesday, we visited Villa Israel, one of the orphanages that is in need of some remodeling and waiting to be filled with children and new house parents. While there, we cleaned up paint spots, moved the grass, repaired a leak in the upstairs bathroom and filled in some holes in the yard. From Villa Israel, we went to the Nutrition Center, where the team was able to feed babies and toddlers whose moms temporarily cannot provide them with the nutrition they require. Once healthy, these children will be returned to their families. We were thrilled! How amazing it is that we went there thinking that we would be a blessing, but instead, WE were the ones being blessed!!! The day ended with a tour of the Simon Patina House - Simon Patina is the man responsible for developing the Nutrition House and many other foundations. He was the richest man in Bolivia, but is recognized foremost for his generosity in giving back to Bolivia.
This brings us today, Thursday. The team jumped into the bus and headed to a Christian camp in Colomi where four more orphanages are in the plans. After a one and a half hour bus ride, we toured the grounds and had a wonderful picnic lunch with the directors of the camp. We then made an unplanned visit to a Quechua family who recently lost their mother/grandmother. The family consists of eight children and a mother, who is raising eight children on her own. To make ends meet, she weaves traditional Bolivian articles as she cares for her children and maintains a home garden. The team comforted the family with Bible verses and prayers. Also, several items were purchased to help the family financially. This could very well be one of the main reasons God lead this team to Bolivia.
On a personal note, as we begin to wind down our incredible Bolivian journey, I have to say that this has been a wonderful chance for my family to reunite with our BCC family. I praise God for sharing BCC with us! Lucie Poulin

Monday, July 13, 2009

Well hey everyone from Cochabamba, Bolivia. Today was the first full day for most of us, and it was full of amazing goodness. Most of us woke up refreshed at around 7 or 8 to a beautiful Bolivian morning. It's actually pretty cold here during the night and in the early morning, probably around 40 degrees F. But the amazing calmness and beauty that accompanies the cold makes all of it worth it. We had a delicious breakfast and made our way to the orphanage around 9am.

The orphanage we went to is a property leased from a local baptist church to the Timmers, and since being there they have done a lot of work on it. When they first arrived, all that existed was a foundation and a small lower level that was used as a chapel. In the last five years, they have added a kitchen and an upstairs level, complete with three rooms and a patio area. All the workmanship is very well done, actually surprisingly so. There is still more work to be done, which we hope to help with this week, and which they hope to finish in the next five years.

Let me just say that for anyone who loves children, the orphanage is like heaven. The kids are so cute, and they just love talking and playing with us. They actually are teaching me Spanish, which is amazing and humbling. It is such a blessing to be able to spend time with these kids and just show them the love of Christ and also allow them to bless us with their smiles and hugs. The ages range from as young one to eleven or so. There are also house parents that are at the orphanage 24/7 and just love taking care of the kids. The house father, Marcelano, also sews many items such as bandanas, backpacks, book carrying-cases, and other such items, which help bring in a little money for the orphanage.

For most of the morning we worked on various small jobs around the orphanage. Some of us built trenches using random stones to divert water flow away from the river (which may I say was a complete work of engineering genius) while others cleared shrubbery and cut boards from a door frame. Others just played with the children and had a chance to love them and get to know them better. Oh, and our luggage arrived today as well! That was a welcome surprise considering we weren't expecting them until later in the week.

We had a chance to present the tools to the Timmers and to Marcelano. We gave them about 10 tools kits, which include a drill, charger, and two batteries, reciprocating saws, right angle drills, impacters, and lots of accessories. They were so happy to receive them. Marcelano called me his "very good friend," which was very special. I am excited to hear the stories about the use those tools go to hear in Bolivia.

The afternoon was equally amazing. Half of us went back to the orphanage to do work while the other half took the kids to the park. I was in the park group, and we had a great time playing with the kids there. We took them on a train ride and pushed them on the swings. We also had a chance to play soccer with some of the local Bolivian people at the park. A lot of the kids played on our team and most of them were quite good (no surprise). It was win and stay on and we actually got to play five games. So I guess you could say we did well. We then took the kids home so we could all shower and get ready for dinner, which we are eating now. Bonnie made tacos...speaking of which I need to go eat some of them cause everyone is saying how delicious they are.

Buenos noches, amigos!

Philip Gilde

Update Video From July 11, 2009

The entire group has made it to Cochabamba! After a fun ride through La Paz (at 14,000 feet above sea level!) we made it! We are lacking sleep, but are full of excitement for what God will do this week. Here's our first video for your enjoyment:

Luggage

Oh yeah, one more thing. Our luggage is missing. It might be in La Paz already, or it might be somewhere in the Miami airport with either American Airlines or LAN Airlines. However, no one can find it. We'd like it back! Please pray that it appears and is found...

Still in Miami...

We did not make it out of Miami... Again! A little snafu on behalf of the airlines means we stay in Miami until Saturday at about 5:15 PM. We should make it to our destination (Boston to Miami to Lima to Chile to La Paz to Cochabamba) sometime on Sunday. It was a disappointing setback for the group to realize we would be delayed again, but we're making the best of it!

Please pray for continued traveling mercies.

STRANDED IN MIAMI!!

We get to spend 24 hours in Miami! Our new plans are to be re-routed on a different airline leaving tomorrow night at 11:55 PM from Miami through Lima, Peru to La Paz. Then, we'll have to buy new Aerosur tickets to get from La Paz to Cochabamba. Think of us over the next 24 hours as we get stuck having to hang out in South Beach!

Landed

Just landed in Miami- I think we missed our flight!

Delay...

We might have a night in Miami! Our Boston to Miami flight is delayed 30+ minutes. We only HAD 45 minutes in between flights.... so, there is a decent chance we'll spend the night in Miami... Details later!

In Good Shape

The Boston crew all made it to the airport and got through security with no issues! My brother-in-law Aaron realized (when his wife called) that he still had the key to their car in his pocket! He decided to FedEx the key back...

We're all eating dinner and getting ready for our first leg to Miami to meet the Poulin clan from Raleigh-Durham!

Welcome!

Welcome back to BCC's Bolivia Blog! Our next trip is about to leave on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Here is a list of trip participants:

Jennifer C.
Mark C.
Gayle D.
Melissa D.
Anna G.
Helen G.
Katherine G.
Walter G.
Philip G.
Benjamin G.
Alyssa J.
Gerry P.
Bekka P.
Lucie P.
Rachel P.
Adam S.
Aaron J.

Please pray for us as we travel to Cochabamba, Bolivia to continue our church's work with Mike Timmer's International Orphanage Ministry.

Check back for updates!