Bolivia Bound: We Made It!

After thirty hours of travel time and five airports, we finally made it! The ride from Miami to La Paz was a little rough. The winds coming into La Paz were rough making for a bumpy ride. However, we arrived safe and sound. Thursday was our first full day in Bolivia. After breakfast, we went downtown to Plaza Sucre. Tarija has several different squares (plazas) with businesses all around. We had lunch at a place called Gusto's. They serve a three course lunch everyday, but the courses are preset, no menu. For all of our foodie friends (Tom) We had a lovely asparagus soup, with pan con ahi ( bread with a salsa picante), pollo de china ( a Chinese chicken dish), creme moka ( a chocolate and coffee pudding) and fresh lemonade. All of that for 23bolivianos which equals about three dollars (US).

Thursday night we attended our first meeting at the Congregation Sur (South). They had about 137 at the meeting. The congregation was very warm and inviting. I gave my first comment during the school review. It was question number one about the copper serpent. At least I hope that's what I said! Mike was a householder on the service meeting for a demo. Nothing like just jumping right in from the get go.

Today was our first day in service. It was so tempting to stay in bed, as the mornings here are cool and the weather is perfect for sleeping. But we didn't want to miss anything, so off we went. The meeting for service is at 8:00 a.m. They are also one hour ahead of us back home. So for two weary travelers, that was early. But we are so glad we went. They conduct the meeting for service right on the street corner. The brother then pairs you with another brother/sister, then off you go on foot. No riding in cars here folks! I worked with a named Mercedes...Yep..like the car. She took the first door and said she would take them all until I felt comfortable. When we got to the second door, I figured I should seize the moment, so I knocked. A little girl came to the gate...(All the houses are behind locked gates.) I asked for her mother. Her mother came and I gave my presentation. She asked me for the verses of the scriptures and asked me to come back next Friday because she has questions. Can you believe it? That just shows the power of the scriptures. One verse piqued her interest. Her name was Sabina. Can't wait for next Friday. I will keep you posted on that. Mike was also able to talk to a man and place magazines. It was a great morning. However, after two hours of walking on dusty bumpy roads, we were ready for a break.

We went downtown to a cafe/restaurant for mid morning snacks called Saltenas. They are little meat and potato filled pies. They were wonderful! After that we went to the market for a few groceries and then back home. We were invited over for lunch at a brother's home who lives next door. He fixed a lovely chicken and rice dish. The friends here have little but are so generous with what they have. Then as is the custom here, siesta time (naps) in the afternoon. This is a custom to which Mike has already quickly adapted! So except for me, everyone is napping. I will post a few pictures and then join the land of the sleeping.

I will post more in a few days. Love to you all.

M&M