As we landed, our excitement was through the roof. I remember my heart beating so fast and so loudly that I could feel it in my ears. We nervously looked at each other. This was it. We were finally there. For months, we had been dreaming of finally seeing this city and country that God had placed on our hearts.
We had researched the city of La Paz and knew that the altitude was really high, higher than any place we'd ever been. We weren't sure what to expect. After the plane came to a stop, we couldn't tell if our hearts were beating so fast because of our excitement or because of the altitude. I remember my head feeling a little light, "This isn't too bad, I can handle this." Then, we stood up.
Hoping I wouldn't pass out in the customs line, I stood as still as possible. Ashley kept talking to me (she was the only one who had been exercising and walking to prepare for the trip, so she was apparently not as affected as the rest of us). I remember thinking, "please shut up before I fall on the floor." Yes, I know that isn't the nicest thing for a husband to think about his wife, but I was barely making it and she was very actively engaged in a game of "20 questions."
Erin and Chris got to skip most of the lines because of some silly condition they called "being pregnant." When we got to tag along, it was being a VIP. However, when we didn't, it felt like being the kids that get looked over for dodge ball in middle school PE. Anyhow, because of this, they got to skip to the front of the line and left me, with chatty Kathy, feeling like a really heavy helium balloon. My first prayer in Bolivia was, "God, please don't let me pass out because nobody else speaks Spanish and we'll probably end up in some hostel in the worst part of town." Well, he answered it and I was very grateful.
As we got to closer to the front of the line, we found out that Erin was taken to the nurse for oxygen, since she was feeling really weak. But, being pregnant with twins, she had a good excuse (which came in handy for me throughout the trip - since she had to eat often and walk slow; which was great for me, being the heavy one...). Ray (our friend from the previous posts, who was also delayed with us in Lima) was very helpful. He went ahead of us and secured us a taxi.
We piled in to the little clown car taxi and headed away from El Alto, where the airport was, to La Paz. It was a beautiful drive at night through the mountainous roads lit by the city lights. Although a pretty drive, we still weren't accustomed to the South American style of driving. I went to school in Mexico and thought they drove crazily, but those memories seem tamed now.
Arriving at the hotel, we were ready to get in bed. They had complimentary Coca Tea in the lobby we helped ourselves to for some relief from the altitude. We checked in, made our way to our room, and tried to get some sleep. I, for one, had a very difficult night fighting altitude sickness.
We seemed to acclimate very quickly though, surely only thanks to God. We were able to make much of our 3 days in La Paz and fell even more in love with the Bolivian people and their culture. I think Ashley secretly wants to be a cholita. We visited the markets, the town plaza, a street fair, and the Tihuanacan ruins near El Alto. Erin picked up the bartering lingo quickly and loved moving around the markets independently, making deals. Ashley and Chris were a little more dependent on my Spanish for their negotiations.
One of the most intriguing and concerning things we learned about the culture of Bolivia was the prominence and influence of indigenous beliefs. Many who will label themselves as Catholic also make sacrifices and offerings to spirits and to Pacha Mama (similar to Mother Earth). We met a very friendly Aymara indian in Tihuanacu who showed us around his property, where he personally maintained Tihuanacan ruins and built replications in the same style. He showed us where he makes offerings to the bones of 'his ancestors' and where he burns offerings (see pics on the slide show). Many Bolivians will not build on property where a llama fetus has not first been buried as an offering to Pacha Mama. These beliefs are in addition to the 'christian' faith established during the Spanish colonization. There is much need for truth in addition to the great need for food, clothing and shelter for many.
God showed us so much in our three days in La Paz about the city, the people, the culture, and ourselves. I think we all felt a greater sense of peace in our calling to missions. I know that I think back with longing to return. We are so expectant of God's leading and directions. We count it all according to his grace to grant us the privilege of carrying his gospel to the people of Bolivia. We can't wait to be active on the field for the cause of Christ. Please continue to pray for us as we look forward to life in Bolivia. We are currently making plans and looking to God to supply all the means. The current goal is to be in Bolivia within the next 18 months, hopefully sooner. Thank you for keeping us, our calling, and the country of Bolivia in your prayers. Be blessed! We pray for you too!
In Christ,
Seth
PS - Ashley wishes that I clarify that this is told from my perspective and she doesn't remember talking that much in the customs line. ;)
