After the planned trip to climb a nearby mountain fell through, the second best option proved to be biking down the "World's Most Dangerous Road" this past weekend. (Okay, okay. So maybe I live for adventures?) Don't worry....as my dad quickly responded with the question, "And why was this called the most dangerous road?" I am happy to share with you the reasoning behind this. Apparently, years ago, a vast number of car accidents occurred on this road, as the road is no bigger than one lane and was open for cars going each way with a cliff on one side and a mountain on the other.
However, despite the odds, going down on a bicycle made specifically for downhill and also so early in the morning that no other bike tour groups were in the way (it's illegal for cars to pass through now), made this a basically safe endeavor. My friend Tom Bjorlie and I were thrilled at the constant warming of the weather as we made our way down. Even more, my spirit came alive as the mountain passes (which started out to be snowy and foggy) became greener and filled with a sweeter air. I felt myself letting off the brakes a little more with each kilometer. This was the life.
After the ride (which I feel I could do multiple times in a row and never get bored), we met up with a group of Highlands' teachers in Coroico, a little town nestled near the Yungas. Yes, it was a bit of a tourist trap (not my cup of tea usually), but I am confident that we all needed the refreshment of an increased amount of oxygen, a great time to hang out and get to know each other, and hours upon hours of not being told we had to be somewhere or do something.
Of course, stepping back into life in La Paz was a quick shock. Again though, I am reminded that I love being here. I love the life of which God has asked me to be a part. I love sweet times on Tuesday evenings sharing with the hearts of high school girls. I love walking places. And can I say I even love consistency at times?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Which Pair Today?
I was warned before I arrived here of the utter destruction which the streets of La Paz would bring upon every pair of shoes I own. As a result of my training for a possible mountain climb, walking ridiculous sized hills (or they should very well be called mountains) seems to be the most logical form of training. Thus, each day, I find a way to lead yet another pair of boots or sandals to its end as I journey upon the many uneven and broken sidewalks while exploring the in's and out's of just what this city is all about. Maybe upon returning to the states, I will be required to invest in a few more pairs of shoes (Chacos please!)....but haven't they served their purpose well? And during my explorations, my thoughts begin to take flight...
La Paz. Known as the city of "peace". Tranquil. Calm. Harmony. Agreement. Neutrality. An easily accessible thesaurus tells me my community should be this way by label, but my surroundings tell me otherwise.
Satan is clever. With more ways to attack than one, it was recently brought to my attention when I was asked begin to notice the very tactic which he tends to use most amongst the people of La Paz. Peace? Once a city maybe characterized by peace, La Paz very well may change its name. Not to alarm you. I promise I do not walk around in fear as I traverse the city on a daily basis. But I can agree with the statements that the natural tendencies toward "conflict" seem to be a theme here. Whether it be minor, affecting a brief interaction on the street, or grand enough to rattle the core of a city's political and social foundation, conflict is definitely here and thriving.
While many were enjoying a United States Labor Day holiday, we ourselves were enjoying a day off as well. Only, ours was unexpected and a result of blockades near the school during which debated, to my understanding, owners of various parts of the land. There is a long history of debates and prejudice (which is preeminent in many Latin American countries) which have yet to be filtered out, and, I presume, will continue to infiltrate our community. There is even talk of another strike next week which could limit bus routes, and thus..offer the possibility of once again canceling school.
In our Highlands women's Bible Study, we are beginning the study of First John. As we were reading over the introduction, I was attracted to the very passion John conveys as he invites his readers into such a beautiful challenge of love. As the opposite of conflict could very well be peace, I think it is also love. I believe conflict cannot last where true love reigns. In love, one must lay down his right, his entitlement, his own motive. More so, John witnessed the love of Jesus Christ throughout his time with Him, and it made it that much easier to proclaim his invitation of eternal life, "so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
So, the question that resonated with me last night was the following: "What am I inviting my friends, my family, and my students into?" In a world where conflict is all many of my students know when they go home, is the invitation to come and enter into the peace of the gospel so attractive to them that it meets them and transforms what they "know" of the world? As believers, we live "to preach good news of peace" (Acts 10:36). The peace we speak of "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7), because our "God is not a God of confusion (or conflict), but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33).
So, I am challenged. And I challenge you, fellow believer, to put your shoes on today. Your good pair, please. May they be fitted, sturdy, strong, and doing nothing but carrying the gospel of peace where you go. Then, from your feet....or where you go...to your heart...or what you dwell upon in the depths of who you are..."Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which you were called in one body" (Col. 3:15). Keep walking, and invite people to come with you. It's a great journey.
La Paz. Known as the city of "peace". Tranquil. Calm. Harmony. Agreement. Neutrality. An easily accessible thesaurus tells me my community should be this way by label, but my surroundings tell me otherwise.
Satan is clever. With more ways to attack than one, it was recently brought to my attention when I was asked begin to notice the very tactic which he tends to use most amongst the people of La Paz. Peace? Once a city maybe characterized by peace, La Paz very well may change its name. Not to alarm you. I promise I do not walk around in fear as I traverse the city on a daily basis. But I can agree with the statements that the natural tendencies toward "conflict" seem to be a theme here. Whether it be minor, affecting a brief interaction on the street, or grand enough to rattle the core of a city's political and social foundation, conflict is definitely here and thriving.
While many were enjoying a United States Labor Day holiday, we ourselves were enjoying a day off as well. Only, ours was unexpected and a result of blockades near the school during which debated, to my understanding, owners of various parts of the land. There is a long history of debates and prejudice (which is preeminent in many Latin American countries) which have yet to be filtered out, and, I presume, will continue to infiltrate our community. There is even talk of another strike next week which could limit bus routes, and thus..offer the possibility of once again canceling school.
In our Highlands women's Bible Study, we are beginning the study of First John. As we were reading over the introduction, I was attracted to the very passion John conveys as he invites his readers into such a beautiful challenge of love. As the opposite of conflict could very well be peace, I think it is also love. I believe conflict cannot last where true love reigns. In love, one must lay down his right, his entitlement, his own motive. More so, John witnessed the love of Jesus Christ throughout his time with Him, and it made it that much easier to proclaim his invitation of eternal life, "so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
So, the question that resonated with me last night was the following: "What am I inviting my friends, my family, and my students into?" In a world where conflict is all many of my students know when they go home, is the invitation to come and enter into the peace of the gospel so attractive to them that it meets them and transforms what they "know" of the world? As believers, we live "to preach good news of peace" (Acts 10:36). The peace we speak of "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7), because our "God is not a God of confusion (or conflict), but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33).
So, I am challenged. And I challenge you, fellow believer, to put your shoes on today. Your good pair, please. May they be fitted, sturdy, strong, and doing nothing but carrying the gospel of peace where you go. Then, from your feet....or where you go...to your heart...or what you dwell upon in the depths of who you are..."Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which you were called in one body" (Col. 3:15). Keep walking, and invite people to come with you. It's a great journey.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
And He smiled....
First of all, thank you to all the many inquiries concerning the dog bite. I would love to inform you that I am officially done with my six vaccinations (after which I think the doctor was sick of seeing me). Also, I feel fine and look forward to my next defense against any dog who thinks he can take me down.
During the unexpected adventure, I was able to experience a lady falling asleep on my shoulder in a minibus, to learn my way to the bus station and back, and to learn that using the bathroom at a public clinic should very well be avoided. In fact, bathrooms at doctor's offices should be clean right?
In all honesty, as crazy of a week that it was, I feel as if I was able to truly feel and see God's presence amidst it all. The times on the buses gave me moments to think, reflect, and pray. Maybe this was necessary as the heaviness of getting to know the students and many of their difficult lives began to weigh upon me.
I specifically recall elementary chapel this week as all the students shifted from station to station while focusing on different aspects of prayer. I could feel God's pleasure in that room as the children wrote prayers to God and expressed themselves concerning His desire to listen to them. As I really am challenged by the idea that God changes the hardest of hearts, I also am able to watch these hearts give way to the flood of love God has for them. Their stories, their conversations, and their relationships with each other can be so easily tainted by the world around them. Even as children, their natural tendencies are to lie, to hate, to do things for selfish ambition. Yet, I am watching little ones fight this on a daily basis. I am watching many of them respond to truth. By this, I am challenged and convicted. And my prayer becomes this: "God, protect their innocence. Draw them unto yourself while they are surrounded by truth and people who love them so much. Guard them against any disgusting and disturbing schemes of Satan to destroy them and their future Christian influence in this world...because one day, you will change this world through them."
During the unexpected adventure, I was able to experience a lady falling asleep on my shoulder in a minibus, to learn my way to the bus station and back, and to learn that using the bathroom at a public clinic should very well be avoided. In fact, bathrooms at doctor's offices should be clean right?
In all honesty, as crazy of a week that it was, I feel as if I was able to truly feel and see God's presence amidst it all. The times on the buses gave me moments to think, reflect, and pray. Maybe this was necessary as the heaviness of getting to know the students and many of their difficult lives began to weigh upon me.
I specifically recall elementary chapel this week as all the students shifted from station to station while focusing on different aspects of prayer. I could feel God's pleasure in that room as the children wrote prayers to God and expressed themselves concerning His desire to listen to them. As I really am challenged by the idea that God changes the hardest of hearts, I also am able to watch these hearts give way to the flood of love God has for them. Their stories, their conversations, and their relationships with each other can be so easily tainted by the world around them. Even as children, their natural tendencies are to lie, to hate, to do things for selfish ambition. Yet, I am watching little ones fight this on a daily basis. I am watching many of them respond to truth. By this, I am challenged and convicted. And my prayer becomes this: "God, protect their innocence. Draw them unto yourself while they are surrounded by truth and people who love them so much. Guard them against any disgusting and disturbing schemes of Satan to destroy them and their future Christian influence in this world...because one day, you will change this world through them."
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