So what about a monastery?

I visited Lake Titicaca this weekend with a few of my friends, It was my first time to go and it was a very enjoyable time. One of the things that I enjoyed the most while I was there was the stars. I must say, the milky way is something to see if ever you find yourself in the southern hemisphere. We climbed a ways out of town and made our way on top of a mountain to escape the light pollution of the city and the starts were absolutely incredible. I could see the starts with more clarity than I ever before. While staring into the sky, I started to think about how nice clarity would be in my life. I then began to think about why it was that I could see the stars so clearly. I am far away from distractions, far from the city and far from light that hinders our vision.
I have read of how some people have found a seemingly real communion with God through silence and solitude. These are two things that are difficult for me or any American for that matter. While I was looking at the start I was just thinking about how sad it would be for a person to never have the opportunity to see the starts so clearly. In that same way, I think that maybe I am like a person who lives in the city; I have this idea and have heard stories of how things can be better, yet, I am not willing to leave the city.

I think I would like to spend time in a monastery or just time in nature, alone. Because what do I have to lose, I mean what if things really can be better. How sad would it be if I just never took the time to leave the busyness of life, to possibly hear or experience more of God?

El Choro

Three days in the midst of creation can do a person’s soul well. Last week I had the opportunity to go on a backpacking trip with a few of the YFC volunteers and nine of the shoe shiners that we have been working with. "El Choro" is the name of the trail and it's known as one of the best in Bolivia, almost 90% of it being Incan built roads. The sheer beauty of Bolivia is scene through the waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, mountains, llamas, little towns and the people. It was a nice three day hike, by no means was it easy, in fact I will say that it was rather difficult. I know of few other ways that friendships grow better than through eating, hiking and hurting together.

Things in my life continue to change. My family is changing, my friends are getting older, and some are even married, my life and the way in which I see it seems to always be changing at some level. As I encounter things in my life that I cannot seem to change, I seem be less willing to accept them and only find myself trying harder as if I can really change something. I know that I am not that old, but as I continue studying in the university and just continue to live life. It seems that the idea of surrender is just all that more uncomfortable. As I make plains and think of the future, the idea or even the thought of giving those things up for God is rather bothersome, the words of Christ become much more difficult “if you want to gain life, you must lose it.” Yet, does he not know what is best, I think the answer is clear, yet it’s still hard to let go.

As another day looks to be passing me by here in Bolivia, I am glad to know that I am loved.

A long night

The past few days have proven to be rather interesting. There have been marches and road blocks for the past 22 days or so. Over 80% of the major roads in Bolivia have been shut down; intercity transportation is next to nothing because there is no gasoline. The current president Carlos Mesa (who I meet at a movie) resigned a few days ago and now the parliament is tying to decide who will take over his position. The decision could push Bolivia into a civil war. With all this going on I would like everyone to know that I don’t feel threatened. I honestly don’t have any idea of what is going to happen over the next few days. If things continue to get worse I am thinking of going to Argentina or back to Chile for a few weeks until things settle down, but I guess I will just have to wait and see.

On a different note.

Last nigh I came down with a fever. One of those body aching, hot one second cold the next type things. I was over at one of my friend’s houses when I started to feel really bad, so I decided to lay down for a bit. As my temperature increased, the mother (I call her Hermana Charo) decided to pull out some Bolivian remedies to combat the fever. To start with she rubbed a Vicks type cream on my back, chest and feet and then put newspaper over the top of the cream to hold in the vapors (or so I was told). Then they covered my face with whipped eggs. I was told that it helps to draw out the temperature. I think they were just trying to take advantage of the sick gringo. I don’t know if those things were a contributing factor, but I must say I feel a lot better. I guess it’s just another day here in Bolivia. Thanks for reading

I am still in school

“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plains, safeguards, policies, and coercions are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.”
Travels with Charley
I have been here a week and as the time passes I see all the more, that this trip is going to be very different from my last. I actually have a place that I can go to get away from people. This is such a nice relief, being that La Paz is a city of a million people and it seems that in every park, plaza, restaurant and even in the place that I call home (for the moment) seems to be full of people. I am beginning to see that I must approach not just my time here but life as some kind of a teaching tool. Here in Bolivia I am learning that I don’t understand people. I might to some degree understand Americans, but Bolivians? I don’t understand why so many people a marching. I don’t understand people in the church here nor do I understand all too much of this language. For this reason, I see the importance of becoming a student.
So let us learn.

another day

I have been here in La Paz for about a week now and things have been anything but dull. The situation here in La Paz has been one of civil unrest. Some of the farmers and teachers people have been marching throughout the streets and setting up blockades so that cars and mini busses cannot pass. My friend Randy who is a full time missionary here has been working with some of the shoe shiner fellas that I worked with last year and we have been teaching them basketball. The concept of teaching basketball to some guys who have never seen the game before let alone played it has proven to be a lot of fun. Although the city is seemingly falling apart in the down town area, everyone else just seems to think things are normal. In one street you will find over 500 men and women marching and protesting about the nationalization of the gas and other things, while others are playing soccer and going about life as normal. My time is going to be interesting. Randy and I are planning a backpacking trip for some of the guys. It is going to be a sort of reward to those who come to practice. In many ways this trip is going to be very different. I have other American friends, which is proving to be more beneficial that I thought. There are times when the idea of coming back in only another month and a half since so gray. Going back to school and getting back into the routine of things just does not sound good to me. Don’t worry I am planning on coming back (at least for now). I hope things with you (who ever reads this?) are well and I will write more latter.

Peace