Katie Wells

2012-01-31T16:38:00.001-05:00

This is Katie's mother, Becky.

The South America Mission Annual Field Conference, for which Katie went to the city of Santa Cruz in January, was a blessed time of soul-searching and prayer, she said. She also made good contacts with people, both in person and via telephone, while she was in the city. There is necessary business to conduct which cannot be done when you live in an isolated village with a two-way radio as your only connection to the rest of the world.
While in the city, she attended an exciting conference called CIMA 2012. She also had some wonderful times with friends in the city, and good phone or Skype conversations with several people in the States!

Where is Katie?

Katie flew back to her quiet village of San Fernando today. (No loud music. No telephone calls to take or make. No hurrying. No traffic. Simply early to bed, early to rise and drink mate' and enjoy milk fresh from a cow on her breakfast cereal. Fernando James Kitty will sure be glad to see her, too!)

She returns to her village with the joy that she has been introduced to a married couple whom the Lord MAY be preparing to minister in San Fernando! She attended their church in Santa Cruz and met their family. 'Joe and Daisy' have been praying and preparing for the past year to minister "somewhere in the campo" (country). Please be in prayer about whether this is the couple the Lord wants to live and minister in San Fernando after Katie leaves there in June.

Thank you for your faithful prayers for her and for the people of San Fernando, that more of them might come to know our Lord and walk with Him.

Katie said she feels as if she is "walking in blessing".

Thankful

2011-12-06T08:40:00.054-05:00

November 10^th 2011

It’s around 7pm Thursday night here in San Fernando. Today the temperature must have reached the high 90’s but then big clouds rolled in that brought some slight showers and a lovely cool breeze, which brought the overall temperature down. Right now, I am so thankful for many things.

Thursdays have been my school morning. First I teach 7^th and 8^th grade English, then I teach the 9^th graders English, then I get to teach the 4^th grade class a little bit of everything. It has been a joy to see the 4^th graders once a week. They don’t all come to church, so it is such a joy to teach about Salvation. In past classes we’ve spent a long time on “The Wordless Book”. They even made their own. Today I used Sunday School material written by C&MA Missionaries David and Betty Constance to teach Luke 5:1-11. At 11.30am the school bell rings and all the kids and teachers go home for lunch. Classes are only in the morning. From being on my feet all morning teaching in the heat I walked “home”, back to the church, melting. I just wanted to lay down, and not think about cooking or anything.

Praise God for Julia. She is the girl staying with me who is from a neighboring community. She’s here in San Fernando this school year to study because her community school only goes up to 6^th grade. Dina was unable to come back to San Fernando with me this past month. So here in the church, it’s just Julia and me. Today, we came “home” and I laid down. Julia made lunch, bless her heart. After lunch I rested a little more, then around three o'clock I walked up to Candelaria’s house. Thursday afternoon is our set time for me to visit her. Before I went to Santa Cruz this most recent time, Candelaria and about six other ladies met in her house and we studied the Bible together. Today just Candelaria, her daughter and I studied Romans 8. Then we had Mate together. After a little while I walked to another house to visit with a lady who has come to the church many times, and often who has studied the Bible at Candelarias house. It was nice to visit with her. I had photographs to give her as well. She said the inside of her heels hurt. Poor lady. I’m sure it’s something to do with her bones and old age. The only foot-wear here is flip flops.

Then a military pickup truck passed by. Finally “Juancinto Pinto” had arrived. That is the Bolivian government program that once a year gives each student in the school system 200 Bolivianos in cash, which is equivalent to about 30$, to encourage them to stay in school. It is meant to help their parents to buy what the children need for school. So all of the school kids, their parents and I headed to the school. I am the guardian of Julia, so I had to be with her for her to receive her 200 Bolivianos.

Now, Julia and I are sitting in the kitchen. She’s at the kitchen table doing homework and I am using this lovely little computer, with the fan blowing on us, lights on and some soft 1940’s classic blues/ jazz music playing in the back ground. So peaceful. (I thank God for solar power and the SAMAIR CREW who makes all these conveniences possible!!) Then we got four little visitors: three little boys and 14 year old Elena, our neighbor kids. The boys are playing with some little cards, a memory game. Now Elena is watching me use the computer, as I explain to her what I’m writing, and how to use the computer.

In my bedroom I have a white kitchen towel which has never been used. It's laying on a shelf, with the tag still on it. I just like to look at it. It’s under a picture of my Mom. I brought the towel to San Fernando from Santa Cruz. It was in storage at the SAM guest house with my things for I-don’t -know-how-long. This little white towel has a turkey and 2 little pumpkins on it, all warm fall colors. It not only makes me think of Thanksgiving and the United States, it makes me think of how thankful I am.

God has truly blessed me here in this awesome ministry in San Fernando. There have been serious challenges: physical, spiritual and emotional. Yet over all, when I stand back and look at the big picture, souls are being effected for eternity here. The God of the universe uses me to explain the Bible to people who desire to learn, nearly every day. People are crossing over from the darkness to the light. What an honor. What an awesome privilege. Yet I still feel my frailty, my weakness, my limitations. Miraculously God has chosen me to glorify Himself. As I seek God, He is revealing himself to me. Lately through reading “Abide in Christ” by Andrew Murray, listening to MP3 recorded messages from Pastors Rob Gates and John Piper and my personal study of 1 John and Romans 8, as well as “Hasta que todos llegamos” God has been revealing to me what it is to be constantly led by the Holy Spirit.

Emotionally… If someone were to ask me what I would like to be doing this time next year, to be completely honest I would have to say, “Getting married”. As I think about my future, and all the possibilities: continuing with SAM in this region, joining another mission, working in the United States, going back to school for my Masters, or becoming a wife and mother, the latter sounds the best. Please pray that I would live a Holy Spirit led life and not be led by my emotions. God knows the desires of my heart, and now so do you. So, whatever doors God opens, through your prayers you are part of it. I so appreciate this great network of support I have.

Sitting here, now in my kitchen alone, all the neighbor kids long gone, and Julia gone to bed a while ago, it’s easy to feel quite alone, but I know I am not.

Happy Halloween

2011-12-06T08:38:00.065-05:00

Oct.31, 2011

San Fernando

Bolivia

Just kidding, not a single soul here has any idea about Halloween, and just as well. A few days ago while sharing a cup of Mate with some ladies I shared with them what Halloween was. It sounded so strange and GODLESS, as it is, as I explained it to ladies who had never heard of it. It was just as strange as it felt last year trying to explain to the same ladies about the North American tradition of the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs… It’s nice to be so removed from the rest of the world at times.

For the majority of this month I was in the big city of Santa Cruz. I had only been back in Santa Cruz a full day, after four months straight in San Fernando, before I had gone to Hypermaxi, one of the big grocery stores (Walmart-wannabe). As I walked through, I looked up to see large strips of orange and black fabric decorating the ceiling, and thought that was such a strange choice of colors to decorate their store with. But it did make me think of Halloween… then I kept walking and saw their collection of witch hats and ghoulish masks, and I remembered Santa Cruz takes pride in how North American it can be.

San Fernando is a different world. It feels like a different country from Santa Cruz. In the last year and a half I’ve been back and forth from the big city to San Fernando five times. Every time it takes me a day or so to get adjusted to one or the other world. I’ve now been back to San Fernando a week, and I’ll be here until January, before I get to visit Santa Cruz again. This time when I stood at the air strip and saw Dina, Greg and Pastor Felix fly off, I couldn’t control the tears that streamed down my face as I stood alone watching them fly off. Dina couldn’t stay… She needs to finish her university thesis that she started nine months ago.

I radioed in to Tom at the hanger this morning to check in. He said Dina will radio-call me in to me this afternoon. By the time you read this, she very well might already be back with me in San Fernando.

Let me fill you in a little on my life. Thursday morning I was at the school all morning, teaching English for the first two classes, then 4^th grade the last class of the morning. I had made wordless books with the 4^th grade class before my recent trip to Santa

Cruz, with all the colors to represent Salvation (black, red, white, blue, green and yellow) and we went over it together and I clearly presented the Salvation message to all 28 of them. God knows their hearts. In the afternoon I headed to Candelaria’s house, to start up our Bible study again. We visited, but no other ladies came. More ladies will come this week. It always takes a few weeks of me being faithfully at her house for them to come. Then I went to another house to paint two little wooden crosses. I will paint the names of the babies who have died. The family will then put them in the cemetery. This afternoon I will go with another lady to the cemetery and paint another cross for her family member. It will be my 10^th cross to paint in their cemetery. I paint the crosses for free, of course. It’s a way to serve them, and honor the memory of their loved ones. November 2nd is their yearly remembrance day of all who have died. There are some interesting local beliefs surrounding November 2nd that I do not agree with, and about which I have tried to sensitively but clearly share my unbelief with those around me.

This past Sunday was amazing. In the morning 3 men, 2 women and 4 kids came to church. We studied Luke 13:22-30, in a very systematic way, using previous text from Luke 12 to understand the context and meaning of Luke 13:22-30. What did Jesus mean when he taught “do every thing possible to go through the narrow door”?

In the evening, I was amazed at the amount of people who came to the church service. Our 10 brand new church pews were full, plus the two in back that are still make-shift benches. More youth and men stood outside. I showed a few pictures of my time in Santa Cruz and La Paz. Then I finished showing the video called “Something to Sing about”, that we started the night previous. It has a beautiful evangelistic message. Then I shared the ninth message from the book, “Hasta que todos llegamos” for new Christians. The message was all about what we mean by the “Good News”. It tells why and how to share it. You can be forgiven and your sin debts paid if you surrender to Jesus, and decide to follow Him alone. God is sure moving in this place. The church was silent, and all the youth and children were sitting still as they listened to THE GOOD NEWS. It is so true that the Holy Spirit will come on you when you share about Him. God was moving last night; breaking chains of bondage and bringing light into the darkness. This church is a light house. I am so humbled that God would work through me: such a weak person. I am frail, just to be honest. But something amazing happens when I am surrendered to the Creator of the Universe. He speaks through me. If you prayed for me Sunday night October 30^th, THANK YOU! And every time we have a church service here… GOD IS HEARING YOUR PRAYERS. I am walking in your answered prayers.

Oh, and I want to share about Friday night October 21, when I was still in Santa Cruz. If you prayed for me that night late THANK YOU! YOUR PRAYER JUST MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE ONE THAT SAVED MY LIFE. Another missionary who was dropping me off at the gate of the SAM missionary guest house was looking at me while I was talking right before I was going to get out of the car, when we were assaulted by a very angry man who hit the driver's side window with a piece of steel with all of this might. He wanted to smash the glass of the driver's side window. Maybe he wanted to hurt the driver. Instantly after the first strike on the glass we peeled out of there and drove around the block. The man was yelling and we saw him run the other way, and get into a taxi and peel out the other way. Praise God the windows were up and God kept that glass from breaking. It takes my breath away just thinking about it again. Thank you for praying for my safety. PRAYER IS POWERFUL!

The Secret to Killing Tarantulas

2011-10-12T15:17:00.004-04:00

San Fernando Sept. 2011

The secret to killing tarantulas

is #1, JUST DO IT, and #2, Do it quickly.

I used to think I needed a long heavy stick to “squash them all flat”, and some where in the process it always used to made me scream. I also felt moral support was necessary. But now it seems like such a way of life. Just a quick hard whack with your flipflop, and they are done for. No sticks, screaming, or by-standers are necessary. I don’t know how they get in our kitchen. We don’t have a dirt floor anymore, and our adobe brick walls are now covered with cement (no helpful little holes for them to crawl through), and we have doors that close flush to the floor, so what could it be? There are openings between our screen wall and the tin roof. Do they climb up high to get in? And when I catch them in the kitchen, why are they ALWAYS MAKING a “B LINE” FOR MY BEDROOM? A little guy got in the other day. While I was standing in the kitchen, his fuzzy black body and legs just caught my eye as he slipped under my bedroom door. I instantly opened my door and found him on my little bamboo mat behind the door, and squashed him. I then decided I needed to keep a rolled up blanket on the floor in front of my door. Better yet, I need to radio the guys at the hangar in Santa Cruz, and they can buy a rubber piece to attach to my door.

VIVA SANTA CRUZ, 24TH of September

It is Independence Day of the department/State of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Whenever there is any special date, Bolivian schools have an “Acto Civio”, which is like a little assembly, where the different classes present special numbers. In this past year I’ve been here, I’ve never participated. But this time my English students sang a song in English and later I sang “Viva Santa Cruz”, which was fun. At the end we marched… all for the handful of parents who come to watch. In the afternoon there was a soccer tournament. It seemed like the whole town came out to watch the guys play. When they were done, a girls' game started, and I was recruited. I was completely unprepared… so… I played in jeans, barefoot and with no glasses or contacts. I told the girls I was blind so they would have to yell at me if they wanted the ball. It was fun. Since it was Saturday, we had our Youth church service in the evening, which Dina lead, and that went great… but more older women and children, and then youth came. Sunday evening service was my turn to teach. I was prepared to teach the 8th lesson from a book I’ve been using every Sunday night, on basic doctrines for new believers to understand. But since--surprisingly--there were more youth than adults or children, I modified the whole service to cater to them. Using songs from CD’s and my projector to show a music video and part of "The Purpose Driven Life" in Spanish to illustrate part of the lesson, “Senor de Todo”, the lesson was on how God is worthy of our everything.

If you were to ask me “how it’s going” ministry-wise here in San Fernando right now, I could not give you two thumbs up… nor down. They would have to be sideways.

August in the Village

2011-08-18T19:09:00.001-04:00

SAN FERNANDO UPDATE.

Breathing in the thick air down by the river, everything felt and smelled so different. We had walked for nearly an hour or so to arrive at the desired location for the day's outing with nearly all the school kids and teachers. A “day by the river” makes me think of hours I spent down by the water at Northwestern College; or days I spent on “The Island” after my senior year, the summer before I did my student teaching there in Minnesota. There were large expanses of well-kept soft grass. Occasionally another student would quietly wander past as I read, or as I just looked out to enjoy the water…. This is such is different world.

There were many low palm trees, short and wide...and no grass. Kids scurried around to cut palm braches down to make their day's hut. I learned to weave palms together to make a wall.

I shared the day with a sweet group of 10 and 11 year-old girls.

That evening the church was packed out. It was Wednesday night, PRAYER SERVICE… also I was going to show all the pictures I took that day on our outing. I did start with the pictures…. Then said I would show them again at the end. My prayer focus that evening was Romans 10:1, that they would be saved. I stepped through the steps of understanding and receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior. God knows who responded to that prayer.

Pray that their eyes be opened to the TRUTH, and they would seek it.

Pray for a National couple to appear out of the wood-work who can lead the church. It has to be a couple from outside the village. No couple here is nearly spiritually ready to lead a church. PRAY FOR A TRAINED PASTOR WITH A MISSIONARY HEART. My commitment here is for two years. I have one year left.

DINA JUST FLEW IN TODAY! PRAISE GOD. She will be here with me until December.

JULIA has been staying with me for this past month. She is a 17 year old girl from another small town. She is going to school here, and it is working out wonderfully! Pray for her too. She is not a Christian YET.

Julia and I made cake in my mud oven for our guests! I have to admit, it is WAY better than any cake I’ve eaten in the States! I just had another piece as I’m writing this blog entery late Thursday night, Aug. 11. Greg, Dina and Ken and Bonnie Lake arrived today and they will leave tomorrow. DINA STAYS.

Have you memorized a Scripture verse today?

Have you shared the joy and reason you live with anyone this week?

Rest in God, in his Grace, hear His voice, seek His face,

But run as to win the prize too, with the wind in your hair,

and your eyes alone on Him who called you!

Your fellow servant of Christ Jesus our only reason,

Katie Wells

Time in Santa Cruz

2011-07-06T09:32:00.001-04:00

Hello friends,

Well, this time in Santa Cruz has been great. Paola and I have been in the city for almost 2 weeks. We are flying out tomorrow morning (back to San Fernando) I hope to come back into the city in late October for the wedding of one of my missionary friends, who came to Bolivia when I did in 2004.

This is Lauren from ICM, she was

a wonderful encouragement to Paola and me.

Paola saw so many things for the first time.

So even if we can't get her paper work corrected--for her to get her Carnet (personal identification)--it will be ok. God is in control and we've had a good time.

I just read two encouraging emails.... STRAIGHT FROM THE INTERNET. It's been really great, actually, to be in the city. Paola and I have been very cold since we've been here. It's in the 50's most of the time, which is rather chilly when you don't have heat in your house. Praise God there are hot showers at the South America Mission guest house where we stay. It's been truely a joy to be able to buy Paola some nice things. She has had a hard life. God has spoken to me through my church Iglesia Cristiana Misionara. I have gotten a nice break from leading the San Fernando church. It's been nice to sit in the pew and listen. In San Fernando I had begun to feel so inadequate. But God has reached me.

Yesterday we stood in lines for different paper work for 8 hours... and Paola is waiting again today. When they told us it would be at least an hour, I came to the cafe' to write this blog. Time is now tight. Thank you for your thoughts...

Let's seek God and change the world one life at a time.

One Year Anniversary in San Fernando

2011-06-18T18:05:00.000-04:00

I got to thinking earlier today that this was the month last year that Katie headed out to San Fernando to begin her ministry there. So, I did a little research (looking at last years blog post) and the actual date was June 11, 2010! Katie will be coming in soon for a city visit; I think that I heard the end of next week.

Wouldn't it be fun to welcome her back with anniversary wishes or just plain old greetings would make her day, I know. If you have a chance, take a moment to leave a comment here, on Facebook, or via email!

Oh,and Happy One Year Anniversary in San Fernando Katie!

San Fernando from Prima's (aka Danielle) Perspective

2011-06-11T10:14:00.001-04:00

Visiting Katie in San Fernando for the second time was wonderful and full of memorable new adventures. We drank mate with the locals, put on a show for the kids, had a service at church, rowed our borrowed boat down the river, had a campfire, and experienced a new way to eat grapefruit, played uno & checkers with the youth, and enjoyed fellowship with Katie and Dina. Lots of laughter and good times were shared by all!

San Fernando from Ally's Perspective

2011-06-10T14:20:00.000-04:00

A group of five girls headed out to San Fernando last monday, June 6th with the trustworthy pilot Greg! The passengers included Ally, Emilee, Danielle (Katie's cousin), Olivia, and Samantha. When we arrived, we were welcomed at the fence by Katie, Dina, and kids from the town. We settled into the church and the rooms and showed Katie and Dina the items that were brought out for them. After a quick snack of chips and dip, we rested and took a walk around the town. We stopped at two different homes and after visiting for a while, went back to the church. At night, we sang worship songs around a bonfire. The stars were so clear and the moon was shining through the palm trees! What a beautiful night!! The next day, I spent the morning with Dina, helping her tutor two young boys in reading. Being a literacy specialist, it was great to share ideas with Dina and to also see the God-given ability that Dina has to teach others. It was such a blessing to see her help these boys in reading and God just shone right through her!! The school invited us to share during recess. We talked with the kids about the Good Samaritian and performed a skit with the kids help. In the afternoon, we took a trip on the river on a canoe! The river was a calm and was great for a time of reflection and chatting with Katie and Dina. At night, we held a prayer meeting. The church was packed!! Worship, a message, a skit, and fellowship followed! Early in the morning, we made pancakes and headed back to the city... It was a huge blessing to see how Katie and Dina continue to build relationships with families and kids in the community. The warm welcome is noticed as we walk through the town and receive invites to come and talk and visit for a while. God is continuing to do a good work in San Fernando! Our 3 days was full of fellowship, encouragement, and lots of great girl talk in English!! :) Here are some pictures that describe our time...

--
By His grace,
Ally :)

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3

HELLO FROM SAN FERNANDO!

2011-06-08T13:28:00.147-04:00

May 24, 2011

This Asian sombrero is Dina’s. I don’t remember where she got it, but no one in San Fernando has ever seen anything like it and they find it hilarious! Dina and I were telling them that it’s Asian, and how they should stand if they wear that hat. It cracks people up. It’s fun.

May 24, 2011 San Fernando, Bolivia. It was this sweet little girl's first birthday, and I was able to give her this cute pink dress someone had donated to me to give in San Fernando. It was perfect. That is our God: Perfect just like this dress for this little girl's first birthday. The patriarch of the family leads the Catholic church, but is not a priest. I have become good friends with the whole family, showing them God’s love, and earning the right to say that it's God who gives all good gifts and blessings. They also believe in some strange things. I don’t know what category it falls in… They believe a tooth of a wild pig (I think it’s pig) on a necklace for their girl babies will keep them healthy.

Don Vital and his wife, Dona Sayfairina. I have no idea how you really spell her name, but that’s what it sounds like. And I can’t ask her because she doesn’t know how to read or write. However, Don Vital went to Rincon del Tigre ( a great evangelical boarding school when he was in high school) and he still remembers things about the school. I think I remind him of that time of his life because I’m evangelical and an American. His teachers were American. Life is hard for this couple. It’s hard to get old. His legs are bad. I don’t know if it’s really his hips or knees, or arthritis. His hearing is going, and his eye sight is going. HOWEVER…. Sayfairina came to the church Monday morning wondering if I had any more glasses which might help her husband. Her problem is her memory. She doesn’t remember that I gave her glasses that seemed to help her, and that I tried various prescriptions for him, but nothing seemed to help. His problem is much more complicated… but since she could not remember that… I headed to her house a little while later with a few pairs of glasses, the strongest I could find. Low and behold, a nice pair of blue plastic reading glasses seemed to help. He could read a very little bit, but it was better than nothing. I didn’t have my camera with me that morning. Oops. He is so sweet, I think because he is so old, it’s like he is sensitive again, like a child. I understand. He has started crying a few times when I was there, as he talks about how sad he will be when I leave. He is sweet.

Teresa and her newborn baby boy. It is truly amazing to me: all babies are born at home and I have not heard of anyone having a problem yet. Amazing. It is by the grace of God.

The fourth grade class I am teaching… Bible and Art combo. It’s fun.

Francisco invited us to his birthday lunch. He is the boy in the yellow shirt. Next to him is his sister Erica, then their mother Rosita, and the father also Francisco. Then there is Don Fauto. I am not sure if they are related or just family friends. So many families are connected. A little part of our ministry is taking pictures. When we go back to the city we will develop them and bring them back and give them away. PEOPLE LOVE THEIR PICTURES TAKEN!!!!

Please keep praying for younger Francisco. He is the one who was bothered by an evil spirit for years, but after much prayer, is free from that. He wants to follow God and not live life like most of the rest of the men in the village: getting drunk, fighting, abusing their wives. He wants to be different. Pray for this family.

Other random notes:

I taught in the church Sunday night on the subject of CLOTHES… being clothed with Christ and what that means. Dina has been teaching Sunday mornings, continuing our study of Luke with the adults as I teach the children in back of the church (our kitchen). It’s a GREAT set up. Dina is also teaching Saturday nights which has more of a youth focus, and activities that go with the lesson. And I will continue to teach and lead the Wednesday night prayer service. I’m leading the music for all services. At this point I know how to play more songs on the guitar in Spanish than in English. Last Sunday's music was purely songs I’ve learned here that I’ve put to music. Who knows if the chords are right...

On Wednesdays I’m still teaching a small group of ladies, but now will meet in a different house. My friend Candelaria was flown out for a serious medical problem, and now is going to stay in San Matias for a few months until she is completely recovered. (You can google San Matias,

Bolivia

, if you would like to put our location in context. There is only one San Matias, Bolivia. Maybe you can see some pictures. San Fernando is south of there some 100 kilometers, in the Pantanal region.)

Dina has taken on leading the small class of believers on Mondays and Fridays from 2.30 pm until 4, which is SOOOOO GREAT! SHE IS A GREAT TEACHER. AMEN AND HALLELUIA! PRAISE THE LORD.

And I have STARTED SOMETHING NEW!!!! IT’S SO NEW WE DON’T HAVE A GOOD RHYTHM YET. IT’S JUST STARTING. It’s a small group of teen girls. Pray that this takes hold. THANK YOU, MARYLIN FROM HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH IN NEW BRIGHTON MINNESOTA, FOR THE WONDERFUL IDEA OF CONNECTING YOUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS OF GIRLS WITH THESE GIRLS. I HAVE GIVEN THE GIRLS THE “PEN PAL” LETTERS AND TRANSLATED THEM. So fun!!!!!!! I’m kicking myself for not taking pictures. I hope to take pictures of each girl at some point. And THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL BOOK!!!!!!! Girls Gone Wise, in a world gone wild. It is outstanding! God is speaking TO ME through it. I hope at some point to share parts of it with these girls here. If you want to pray for the girls by name here they are: Paola, Jasmine (Mina), Elena, Luciana, Nardy, Erica and Mariana Jesus (Neisa)

My sweet, tough (but a little dumb) cat fell in the very deep, dark hole of an abandoned outhouse. PRAISE THE LORD IT HAD NOT BEEN USED FOR YEARS. I thought it was strange my cat was missing for five days. My mom had told me back in February to not worry if he disappeared, as he may be roaming looking for love…. But on the fifth day I started calling him more, and finally heard him. Poor little thing. The hole was not very big. Our neighbor got a rope and some how got a loop around him and quickly hoisted him out of there. He was a little hoarse from meowing for days.

This is first grade through ninth grade all lined up. They have very official ceremonies every now and then. It is typical for Bolivian schools, I’m told.

PRAY:

FOR ALL CHURCH SERVICES AND SMALL GROUPS AND CLASSES WE TEACH: THAT GOD WOULD LEAD US TO GLORIFY HIM, AND PEOPLE WOULD SEE GOD MORE CLEARLY.
FOR BELIEVERS TO GROW IN THEIR FAITH.
FOR OTHERS IN SMALL GROUPS TO BE DRAWN TO GOD.
Lastly, I can feel the devil trying hard to discourage me at every turn. These last few weeks have been great with Dina back, but my spirit is tired. Thanks for your prayers.

Our Neighbor boy Daniel (Negon) with one of their sweet calves. They have eight dairy cows they milk. We drink VERY fresh milk every morning.

PRAISE GOD! DINA IS HERE!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-28T19:26:00.001-04:00

Tuesday 10^th of May.

(sent to Santa Cruz on a flash drive.)

These last weeks have flown! I’ve had so many visitors… I’ve been more visited, than unvisited… if that makes sense. I want to summarize a bit and give pictures of the last few weeks.

Dina and I in her room, here in SAN FERNANDO!!!! SHE ARRIVED Saturday May 7 with Greg. Thank you for your prayers!!!! Her church in Santa Cruz is financially supporting her 100%! And she only owes a little bit more on her Seminary loan! Her commitment in San Fernando is until December. I am praying God provides a Bolivian pastor and his family to replace us here. My official commitment is until next June 2012. If God provides a pastor to fill my place, I’m sure God will show me where to jump next.

On Sunday May 8^th, I wanted a picture with these cute little girls in our dresses who came to church Sunday morning, along with my friend Ramona. Her daughter is in front of her, and her niece is in front of me. Her one year old daughter died on April 21^st! It was a shock, and horribly sad. The baby had been sick, but I didn’t know how sick.

DINA arrived in the morning, May 7^th, and in the evening she was teaching the Youth service! PRAISE GOD DINA IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THESE ARE THE ONLY FLOATY TOYS IN SAN FERNANDO, THAT IS FOR SURE. When it’s hot there is no better place to be than playing in the river! This is the only kind of cell phone that works in San Fernando!

Walt Pafford (no photo), a SAM missionary, and his wife Sindi, live in Santa Cruz and take care of the SAM Guest house. He worked more than 25 years with construction in North Carolina, and though San Fernando and North Carolina are a bit different, Walt has been a big help in giving us direction for finishing the construction of the church. He was here with Jason & Jenna Weigner and Greg May 2-4^th.

Jason and Jenna are from SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, and are also SAM missionaries! Such a small world. He is a professional agronomer, who came with many plants and clippings and seeds to not only give me, but PLANT! THIS IS ONE OF THE MANY PLANTS HE GAVE ME. HE ALSO MADE ME A NEW GARDEN CLOSER TO THE HOUSE AND THE WATER SOURCE, AND IN A PLACE WITH BETTER SOIL AND MORE SHADE!!!! BRILLIANT!!!!! I am SO blessed!

This is Greg Dahl, the SAMAIR pilot. Not only does he fly, but he weed whips. It’s an electric weed whipper he brought me. Our electricity is solar power, so I guess you could say it’s a solar-powered weed whipper! WHAT IS BETTER THAN THAT??? Oh, the bags on his ankles were his idea to not get his khakis grass stained.

Dona Manuela was sure happy to get new glasses! Now she can sew again! What a gift!

April 30TH

2011-05-17T12:31:00.001-04:00

Saturday 12.30pm, April 30, 2011 San Fernando

Dear Gramma (and world),

We are having such a lovely rain right now. I am sitting in my room after lunch, looking out the window. In my yard I have avocado trees, banana trees and my little garden. Past my yard is wilderness. The church lot here is at the edge of town. I can see all sorts of trees with a palm tree jetting up the tallest. Every thing needs rain. The village crops are getting dry. The people grow corn, sugar cane, yucca, rice, bananas, and different kinds of squash. There are also grape fruit, orange and lemon trees. It’s been so hot and dry these last few weeks. The rainy season goes from December until March, or early April. April and May it only rains occationally, then June and July will be cool and dry.

I have been thinking so much about you lately. It’s been a year now that I’ve been back here in Bolivia, and it will be another year before I see you again. That seems long doesn’t it? I love getting your chatty letters, I have long since owed you one. Posting this letter on my blog is a bit more public, but it’s faster than me sending a real letter and others can read it too if they want. Please do continue to write me letters. I love hearing from you.

For lunch I got creative. Earlier I had made arroz con Leche (rice with milk) this morning from milk my neighbors had given me early this morning when I went to have Mate’ with them. But I thought I should have something green for lunch. I think it’s been over a week since I’ve eaten any sort of vegetable. People here don’t grow any sort of green vegetable. I’ve tried to grow and had no luck with green pepers, cucumbers, peas and letus. However, I do have a Gaint Winged Bean Plant that is huge and out of control. It has beans, but I’m not a huge fan of them. When the bean pods are full grown they can be a foot long and have large white beans inside. When they are not full grown, like the ones I picked today, you can cut up the pod and boil them until they are soft. I have seen bean pods in some Asian food. Today I picked bean pods and Chaya leaves. Chaya is a leafy plant of which you can eat the leaves. They are similar to spinach in taste and nutrients. I brought both of these plants with me in June when I first came to San Fernando, the middle of nowhere land. For lunch I cut up the bean pods and the Chaya leaves, then put them in a pot with water to boil for a while. When they were good and soft I drained them, and put garlic salt and a little ginger on them. Then I added some flour and mashed it all up, adding a little water and more flour to make a dough of sorts. I dropped little balls of dough into the well oiled fryng pan, (that I would be lost with out) and I fried them up, pressing them down to make little “burger” shapes… I guess they turned out to be a veggy burger of some sort. They were actually good and I finally ate some veggtables. I also made some lemon ade, from lovely lemons I picked from a tree behind my house.

During the week I am teaching here, there and every where. It’s good. I have actually been very busy. You know how I fill my time. For the most part, this is a relaxed culture, so I’m curious what the folks think of me here as I hussle around. Last night I was visiting a woman who comes to the church occasionally with her husband and kids. I am not as close with her as I am with others. In the evening when we were sitting drinking Mate' (the socal tea that you pass from one person to the next), she said that she and her husband always wonder why I don’t stop at their house more often! I have visited them now and then, once every week or so, but from her continuing to talk about it, they both want me to visit more! She told me her husband urges them all go to the church. And when company comes or they can’t get out, he feels bad. Right now he is out of town. She told me that he often opens his Bible and reads. When I do visit and he is there, he has many questions for me. Other folks I visit don’t ask as many questions. But every one likes visits. There is an older couple I told I would visit today, but it’s raining. I’ will go later in the afternoon.

These last two months Paola has been living in the church with me. She is a 15 year old girl from here in San Fernando. She never knew her Dad. Her mom died when Paola was less than a year old. Paola was raised by her grandparents. Last August her sick grandmother was taken out to a large city far away, to get medical help and has not come back. Paola had been staying with her aunt and uncle before I asked her to come live in the church with me, until Dina came back. We have had a good two months here in the church. I know she has learned a lot and I have enjoyed the company. I am leaving it up to her if she would like to stay after Dina comes. She could share a room with one of us.

Oh, did I tell you I have chickens? And a duck? Yes, they are part of my little family, six chickens, a little duck, an old mama dog from across the street who thinks this is her house, and my sweet cat. It seems like every house has chickens, I wanted to try to raise them. Having them wander free is more annoying than anything because they always want to come inside, and they do their business everywhere. I feed them corn when I can get it, and rice otherwise. It seems like my whole life here is one big experiment. It has all been going well, for the most part. But I truly hope and pray God brings a Bolivian pastor and his family to replace me. Who knows where I will spring-board from here next? I look forward to spending time on the farm with you and Grampa. I dream about living there with you for longer than the usual few days that I see you when I am passing through.

At some point I would like to get married. That would change everything about this traveler life that I have had for years. Two nights ago I was having dinner at the house of a couple who comes to the church here faithfully. I enjoy them. We were eating fried piranha and rice. I had mentioned that earlier in the day I went to the river alone, and was so glad the piranha don’t bite people right now. They were surprised I went to the river alone. Then I told them that I have been doing things alone for years. In the States I went camping alone, hiking alone, running and swimming alone. I came to Bolivia alone, yet not alone--always completely accompanied and lead by my Father God, the creator of the Universe. As we ate piranha, he said that I was an adventurist. I guess he is right.

Ok the rain has stopped. I think I will get my guitar and head down to Dona Saferina and Don Vitals house to visit them. He can’t see very well or walk very well, and has a hard time hearing, but it touches him when I visit. So, here I go.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH GRAMMA and GRAMPA! My mom told me you have been going to a Saturday night worship service at your church! That is great. Seek God and you will find him. Read the Bible more and THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE WILL SPEAK TO YOU DIRECTLY!

MUCH LOVE FROM SAN FERNANDO!

Katie

Joshua 1.9

April 29TH

2011-05-17T12:13:00.002-04:00

Friday night 7.20pm, April 29^th 2011, San Fernando, Bolivia

This past month has been heavy. It weighs on me when I hear that my friend's husband got drunk and beat her. If affects me when youth who have attended the church many times get drunk and get in fights. A few weeks ago three older youth broke into a house and stole hundreds of DOLLARS, just to hand it over to another youth to buy beer with, and they drank up all the money they stole in one weekend with many of the town's youth. Very shortly the youth were found out, interrogated and agreed to pay back the stolen money. Two of the three boys have been in the church MANY times within the past eleven months.

On top of the heaviness of all of that in the last week, the one-year-old daughter of a good friend of mine here in San Fernando died. That was so sad, so heavy, so wrong. The baby had been sick, but Romona truly though she was getting better when the baby breathed her last breath around 3 o'clock last Thursday afternoon.

On Monday I consoled a young woman from Santa Cruz who is here as a school teacher, as she had just received word of her mother's death in Santa Cruz. I have never seen a person so out-of-control and beside herself with grief. From the young woman's words that evening as she sobbed, I could tell she did not have a personal relationship with the Lord. I could nearly hear the lies the devil was feeding her as she mourned. I spoke truth to her, but that evening she couldn't hear anything. As I spent several hours with her, and her bitter sadness slowly faded, she continued to wail. She pleaded with her boy friend to kill her so she could be with her mother. The next day I arranged for her and her boyfriend to travel on SAMAIR back to Santa Cruz to be with her family. That same day when she had calmed down, I was able to speak to her about how the devil wants to destroy her. I spelled out for her what was true and what were lies from the devil. Pray for Carolina. To help with the cost of the express flight from Santa Cruz, Greg brought different food items for me to sell at a slight profit. And so, as of two days ago, I have a store. Nothing big, just the basics that the stores here were out of: rice, flower, sugar, vegetable oil, onions and Mate', of course. After Greg and his passengers flew off Wednesday morning, I headed from the airstrip back to the church, to see the line of people ready to buy things from my little store. I know the idea is to help Carolina who had no money for a flight, and to help the people of the town who had no food, but I am NOT a store keeper. I do not like selling things from my home. Along with that, in order to help Carolina, I agreed to teach her 6^th grade class three mornings a week. The director of the school will teach the other two mornings a week. Last night and this morning I was preparing to teach social studies and science from a large text book Carolina gave me. Other mornings I will also teach music and continue with the art class I had with them.

TOWN CELEBRATION- One more new thing~ May 30^th is the town Fiesta and I have been asked to be the treasurer. A few weeks ago there was a town meeting (which I always attend), and different people were nominated for that position, but all turned it down. The reason (I found out) was that no one wants to be responsible for the money. Apparently no one trusts themselves or those in their house, or maybe they know their houses are not secure. And so, before I was asked, I felt God preparing me. I told God he would have to help me because I had never done anything like that. Right now my role is to receive every person's quota, which is 100B's (their currency is in Bolivianos or B's. There are about seven B's to an American dollar). People know to come to me. I do not have to go collect money. This Sunday May 1^st, there will be another town meeting after the church services. It will be all about details to do with the fiesta. I will read the list out loud of who has not yet paid. That is how they do things here: social pressure.

BIBLE STUDIES - The Monday/Friday afternoon study with the believers in the church is going very well. Also, the Wednesday afternoon study in the house of one of the village women who does not attend the church is going very well. They are so receptive, it’s exciting. Wednesday nights are always great--our Culto de oracion--as well as our Saturday and Sunday services. It’s a lot, but it’s good. I seek God on my face in my room that I will only say what He wants me to. It is such a huge responsibility.

FREE TIME - When I’m not teaching or doing house visits I’m cooking, cleaning, or washing my clothes. These simple tasks take time, as you know. It’s sad that my garden has taken a back seat. I do have chaya and beans that I eat on occasion, and I have planted Lemon Grass, that makes a wonderful tea, which is said to be good for your heart. My duck and chickens are doing well. They roam free like everyone else's. They sleep outside behind the church. I feed them corn or rice, but they are always trying to get inside my kitchen to find any other little scrap they can. They have LOST their glamour for me…. Ha ha ha, if they ever had any. I guess I wanted to see if I could raise chickens. Well I can, but now the question is: Do I want to? They are annoying. Greg suggested a chicken coop. What a lovely and novel idea.

MY CAT~ I praise God I have a cute, sweet, affectionate little cat. He is a good little companion, who lets me hug him. Some times he wants to sleep in my room, other nights he is outside roaming. The other night I heard him making horrible sounds outside. I knew he had caught something, but I didn’t want to let him in. Then it sounded like he was fighting and losing against some animal. That got me up at midnight to go outside and see if he was ok. I called for him… nothing. I went back to sleep that night thinking… he’s been eaten… ok, he’s only cat, I will be ok. But he was in my kitchen in the morning, without a scratch. A day later on the little cement stage in the church I found a partially eaten lizard.

THE RIVER - The other day as I headed off behind the church down to the river alone, my cat came after me, and followed me the five-minute walk down to the river. He meowed the whole time I was in the water. The river is lovely right now. The current is not very strong so I can get a nice swim in with out swimming in-place, or I can float on my inflatable mattress without going down-stream. And the water is not so low that the piranhas take a bite of you, but kids and men are catching many. Just last night I had piranha for dinner at the house of a couple from church.

MY HEALTH- It’s good. PRAISE GOD.

DINA- By the time you read this she will be here in San Fernando with me. I’m so glad. I’m getting tired of doing everything alone.

TRAVEL and PAOLA- Hopefully by the time you read this Paola and I will have been able to travel to San Matias to get her a new official birth certificate. Greg will be doing some flights May 7^th and 8^th, so I think we will be able to take advantage of those. I think it will be a day trip. In June, God willing, Paola and Dina and I will fly with Greg back to Santa Cruz. Dina is going to a training in Paraguay on evangelism (which is her heart passion and calling), and I will help Paola get her Carnet, which is a personal identification card that you need to do anything in Bolivia. She needs one to attend a school that I want to sponsor her to go to next school year. Oh, I guess that is news, too. Rincon del Tigre is the name of this Evangelical boarding school that is not expensive and has a WONDERFUL reputation. Other San Fernando kids have and are studying there. We will see if it all works out. Paola's aunt, who is her guardian right now, is not totally sure she wants to let Paola go for the principle reason that Paola’s ill grandmother is out of town, but if the grandmother were to return, Paola would be responsible to take care of her. Paola's grandmother raised her. I would love to sponsor Paola to attend this school for the next five years. It costs less than $200 A YEAR for everything! Please pray with me. I would not raise extra money for this, of course. I would pay for it out of my salary. I am excited. Let’s see what God does!

The Problem with Being Determined

2011-04-26T15:00:00.019-04:00

Note from Katie (sent in via USB)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011 3:41p.m.

From the last time I wrote, I feel like the conclusion was basically that prayer is good and necessary… and needs to be constant.

It had been months since I had visited the two families on the other side of the river. They have the canoe, so they need to be with me to cross, or I need to go down to the bank and yell. I asked Paola how to yell; I knew there must be a special way. She could not accompany me because she had classes in the afternoon. The way to yell is “WHOOOOOOOOOOOO”.
I saw the younger couple on Sunday in the “town” and they asked when I was going to come over. In the dry season when we could walk across, I went often to visit them and their aging parents, whom I truly enjoy and respect. Soooo, today I determined would be my day to pack my little bag of things they might need… Ibuprofen and new glasses and since it looked like it could rain I grabbed my umbrella. I locked up the church and went on my way. There is a longer way to go on the main town road, or a little path behind the church. I took the little path, which is mostly used by cows. I didn’t pray about going; I just went. I didn’t stop to seek God first. Sure, this morning I prayed that God would lead me to go where he wanted me to go, but I HAD PLANNED to cross the river today. Well, I got down to the bank and my “WHOOOO” worked. I saw a little person very far off, up on the other bank but way back in by their house. They “whooooo”ed back, I “whooooo”ed again, so I guess I made contact. As I waited for them to come down…far-off thunder got louder and louder and the wind picked up. There was a window of time that someone could have come and got me and I could have spent the afternoon with them…. But my very-pregnant friend who I finally saw on the other side up on the bank waved but didn’t go down to the canoe… She was too far away to yell any actually words like “ Tomorrow”. As I turned around to head back to the church, up the path, the rain started. Soon my little path was a little stream. The wet weeds that were across the path plastered my old thin blue jeans to my legs. My umbrella helped some to keep the rest of me dry. If I prayed about going first before I set off, would I have sensed God leading me not to go? I may have gone back to Hermana Bella's house.

I went over to Bella's for a lite dinner last night, with hopes of afterwards learning more songs she knows, so that I can sing them in church. We had a nice visit, but the mosquitos were too bad, and the lack of light was not condusive to anything else but eating together and talking a little while. Bella is the oldest believer in the church, and is seen as the church leader. I came to San Fernando to help her, and the church. I believe we have been effective here, strengthening the believers and evangelizing the rest of the town. I realize lasting change does not come quickly.

The last few weeks I have had the wonderful privilege of giving people SIGHT! In the church services I always talk about “spiritual sight” when we sing the song “Open the eyes of my heart Lord”. Well, I can not open their spiritual eyes--that is only between them and God, but I can give them GLASSES!

I have enjoyed helping the SLOW stream of people who have come to my house. First it was 3 of the 4 ladies who are believers in the Monday/Friday discipleship class on The Doctrines of Salvation. I love when they come to study: they all have their glasses on, and every one can read. They are all in their 40’s. Candelaria, a women I’ve been reaching out to came to get reading glasses on Sunday SO WE CAN STUDY THE BIBLE TOGETHER. What is better than that??? Nothing. It is so fun to find the right "number" of prescription that helps them see the best. Yesterday another four ladies came because the word is getting around, and I have plenty of reading glasses to go around. THANK YOU TO SO MANY WONDERFUL FOLKS LIKE YOU WHO SENT THESE GLASSES DOWN! Those four ladies are not believers and not in any of my Bible studies, but I know them, and have visited with them in their homes. After they got glasses which fit them, I prayed for them. It was nice. God will speak to their hearts in his time. This morning Paola’s Aunt Crespa (which is really her nick name, I don’t know her real name… Crespa means curly. Yes her hair is VERY curly ;-) ) and her Uncle Pepe came to get glasses. It really is a joyful thing helping someone SEE! I have two sight tests: reading the Bible, Psalm 27; and the ladies thread a needle. I pray God blesses them all, and they in return bless him with lives that honor him. It’s all in God’s perfect timing as to when people truly turn from pleasing themselves, to truly living for God.

After living with Paola for a month now, and having daily devotions from Psalm 139 and Joshua 1:9, just this morning I got talking about how we can have two birthdays, by being “born again” and what that means. Also I explained why the evangelical church and I believe in adult baptism. Paola’s cousin Elaina was with us this morning for breakfast and devotions. I’ve gone with them both to a few evening Mass services in the Catholic church, out of curiosity. I am very glad I went. Every child is baptized in the catholic church, most children of San Fernando know what to do in the Masses. Through recited prayers they have asked for their sins to be forgiven MANY times. With the exception of the 4 families of believers, all of the adults, youth and children who come to our church services also go to Mass. What are they thinking? Are some starting to see, know, and feel the difference? Pray for THE HOLY SPIRIT TO SPEAK TO QUESTIONING HEARTS AND MINDS: that the truth would be clear. I need more Bibles. Everyone wants a Bible in their home. It is great. Through the grape vine I hear how people are changing. It’s slow.

Ok the rain has stopped. It’s 4:44 p.m. I am going over to visit with Bella again. I would LOVE to learn a new song and make guitar chords to go with it, so I can play and sing it in church. A new song to me, mind you, will be an old and comfortable song to them, a song which they all know.

Oh, to be transparent, as you are praying for all that I have mentioned…please also pray for my heart’s desire to be married. I know that must not be any surprise to you. In whatever direction God leads you to pray. I desire what God has for me. If that is to never marry, pray for contentment and joy if that is God’s perfect plan. Currently I am praying God would prepare me to be the best wife and mother possible. I have loved having Paola in my house this last month. It has been good "mother practice". I also pray God is preparing my husband… if indeed he exists ;-) God’s timing is perfect.

Walking in Faith together.

A Little Bit of Everything

2011-04-25T15:00:00.003-04:00

Note from Katie (sent in via USB)

9.15 P.M. Sunday, April 3, 2011.

Another great day; very different from yesterday, but both great. I can really tell many people are praying for me. I feel like I go from victory to victory. What a great season of life to be in. My days start and end with prayer, and it is sprinkled all through the day. That is so key: constant communication with GOD.

I had been reading Jeremiah after I had previously read Isaiah. Now for my personal study of The Word, I have jumped to 1 Peter, for a change of pace.

Friday I stopped by Rosemary’s house to chat for a while. She attends the Wednesday afternoon Bible study I have at her aunt Candelaria’s house. On Friday, Rosemary was telling me her husband is out of town for a while. He went to work on a ranch. He left mad at her, because she was upset with his drinking. He is known in town for being a mal boracho (a bad drunk). When he is drunk, he’s mean. And he may continue drinking for days if others offer it to him. Just that morning I had read 1 Peter 3 about believing wives who are married to non-believers. At the risk of it sounding trite, I told her 1 Peter 3 has something to do with her situation. She was content I brought up 1 Peter! She told me she just started reading 1 Peter too THAT MORNING! I believe her. She likes to read. I gave her a book by Nancy Lee DeMoss, and every now and then I ask her about it, and she will give me a little book report. Pray for Rosemary.

Yesterday morning at 6:30 after my time in prayer, and feeding my duck & chickens ;-) I headed over to Hernan and Maryluz’s yard to sit and have our regular morning mate (pronounced “mah tay”) with them. They have only been part of the church a few years, but since I have been in San Fernando they are an integral part of the small body of believers. In the mornings we talk about everything from God, to Japan, to baseball, to the problem of alcoholism in the town. Pray for them. They are in the Monday and Friday afternoon study in the church for the few strong believers, on the Doctrines of Salvation.

After a half hour or so, when I had came back to the house I had breakfast with Paola. Then we opened again to Psalm 139, which after studying together nearly every morning for the last month, we both know very well. We compared it to Joshua 1:9. I hope and pray that God’s word is truly sinking down into her heart, and that she will apply it to her life. She is not a Christian yet, but a very nice girl who seems interested in the things of God. Our month has been “without event”. Calm and lovely PRAISE GOD IN HEAVEN WHO IS ALSO VERY PRESENT WITH US! We have breakfast together, then devotions. I do the dishes, sweep, wash my clothes and do whatever needs to be done. She does her homework. Her school classes are in the afternoon from 1:30-5:30. I make lunch. Sometimes she will stay and eat with me, sometimes she goes over to her aunt and uncle's house to eat with them.

Yesterday, a little bit later in the morning, Candelaria came over. She needed to see which glasses worked best for her. She and I had been studying the Bible together before Christmas but it was always hard for her to see. NOT ANYMORE!!!! PRAISE GOD! IT’S REALLY SO COOL! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SENT READING GLASSES DOWN HERE! THEY ARE A HUGE BLESSING. Tomorrow morning another older woman is coming to my house to get some reading glasses! She wants to read the Bible too! AMEN! I LOVE THIS!

After Candelaria had gone home, it started to rain. It rained the rest of the day. It was a calm day that I spent mostly in my room… rain is permission to stay home. In the evening it seemed like it would rain again, so I didn’t have a youth service, but the little neighbor kids came over anyway. So on my larger lap top I showed Prince of Egypt. That was fun. One of the girls, Elana, knew the story. She is a very smart 13 year old girl who lives near by. She and Paola are first cousins, through their mothers.

This morning, after mate' with the neighbors, I got ready for Sunday school and the church service but it started to rain. I was going to teach the kids--sitting on benches behind the church--today, and Bella was going to lead the others in a study on Luke 8:22-28, but how things change! We were supposed to start at 8:15, and finish at 9:00, so they could go to the town meeting, but no kids came and a few adults sprinkled in at 8:45. Bella saved her study until the evening (which was great because it was packed tonight, about 40 people!) and this morning I shared Ephesians 6:1-4, and Colossians 3:20-22. At the end of our little devotional together, in attendance were Bella, Hernan and his wife, and also another couple who have started coming to the church regulary since January (PRAISE GOD!). They all seemed to be very content to hear these passages and to pray about applying them. It was nice.

This afternoon I went visiting, which is always enjoyable. Later on we had our evening service. Many “non-churched” women, men, kids and youth came. PRAY FOR CHANGED LIVES. Wednesday we had visitors: the missionary pilot, Greg, had brought a few other missionaries for a visit. So our Wednesday night prayer service was WELL attended by curious San Fernando folks, ~30 kids, 18 women (age 12-40ish), and ~20 men(age 12-40ish). Greg shared a very clear message on prayer, then we broke up into 3 groups and we prayed . It was AWESOME. PRAY FOR LIVES TO BE CHANGED, AND PEOPLE TO TRULY BEGIN TO FOLLOW CHRIST. It is such a struggle. It’s now 10:45 at night and I can hear music in the distance… music late at night means some one found a battery that works for their radio and men or youth are drinking.

This struggle is not against flesh and blood……..

En La Manana

2011-04-24T22:12:00.002-04:00

28 de Marzo 2011, 11.45 A.M.

Chicken in one hand, yucca in the other, along with a bag full of corn, sugar cane and chitimoya. I am walking back to my house. It’s been a good morning, though the sweat is rolling down my face and arms. My goal: showing people Jesus loves them.
One family lives a ways outside of the town. The matriarch of the family is named Mercedes (yes, like the car). A while ago she asked if I could bring her some size14 sewing machine needles. I wanted to bring her the needles that had come in with Greg's last flight a week ago. I also had a few more things I wanted to give them. She and her two grown daughters were out in their field. I went out to join them. They have a little shelter to rest in, between working and chasing birds from their corn. We had a lovely visit. They are pleasant folks, who smile and laugh easily. They asked me how much the needles cost. I told them I had asked Tom Throssel the SAM missionary Aviation Mechanic (also my boss) who bought the needles how much they were, and he told me they were so cheap, that I could just give them away. When I told Mercedes that, rather than be happy, she insisted on paying me. She gave me 10 bolivianos. On top of that, I left with my bag full of corn to eat and to give to my chickens. We had such a nice visit, and talked about many things. She asked about my mother. I am always so blessed when people ask me about my family or how I am doing. I can ask them about their families, their feelings, their lives but they share little with me until they see me as a person, and truly trust me. I truly enjoy visiting people in their homes, seeing into their lives, sharing time and a laugh together. Every one in town knows who I am, though they might not know my name, they call me “Hermana". I am everyone's sister. They know I teach in the evangelical church. The children see me at school when I teach art, Bible, and English. I enjoy visiting all the families of the town. Some families I visit more frequently than others. It always blesses me when I visit a family, and they have many questions for me about my life. Then, in following days, I see them at the church service! I love it when people come for the first time when I didn’t even ask or beg them to come. They know when the services are, and I expressed interest in their lives, then… they come. If people don’t come to the service I am NEVER offended. It’s only the Holy Spirit who prompts people to come. That is His job. Other folks want to come, but can’t leave their home at night due to many reasons. I am always surprised to see older youth come to the services. I know they are the same guys who drink when there is a party of any sort. When I share God’s Word I spare NO PUNCHES, and direct much at them. I find myself speaking in a very loud voice when talking about true repentance, and God’s desire to bless those who seek Him truly with their whole lives. God’s way is best. "The devil desires destruction and death," I share as loud as I can. Alcoholism is very prevalent here. Children go hungry due to their fathers spending all their money on liquor. Women are beaten when their husbands are drunk and angry. When I visit peoples homes I share God’s love, and often pray for them before I leave, but I do not share very "heavily"… it’s in the church services… when people choose to come to the church that I speak black and white, very clearly with the authority God has given me to share the truth. The last few days and weeks I can feel the power of God flowing through me. There is nothing better. Now I must put this little computer away and get ready for the discipleship class I have at 2 p.p. in my house. Five believers from the church will come and we will study a little booklet (one of seven) on the Doctrines of Salvation. This current booklet is on the Doctrine of Faith. Thanks for your prayers.

Photos and Notes from Christy

2011-04-20T14:46:00.002-04:00

Christy took a ministry trip with SAMair with a stop in San Fernando on March 31ST and April 1ST. I asked her to send me a few photos and notes from her trip.

Katie and Paula (with Greg). Paula is the 15 year old orphan who is living with Katie.

Katie and Dina. Dina has raised her support.

Katie is currently meeting with four women every week doing discipleship/evangelism. They are going through the Bible from creation to Christ. These weekly meetings are going well. Pray that Katie would continue to have the words to speak truth to the people in San Fernando.

Katie and Christy spoke about ways that other believers can start taking on responsibilities for the weekly meetings. Pray that the Lord would give Katie wisdom to delegate tasks to the other believers in San Fernando who would be incorporated into the discipleship of the local believers.

Christy and Katie

All-Surpassing Power

2011-04-18T16:35:00.001-04:00

March 13^th, 2011 Sunday night, 10.28pm

2 Corinthians 4.17

“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this ALL-SURPASSING POWER is from God and not from us.”

When I stop and think about who I am; my natural bent, my preoccupations, the disorder of my mind and my the lack of knowledge, as well as my “not-married ness” I think WHAT AM I DOING HERE? WHAT DO I HAVE TO GIVE??? I AM A MESS. THERE ARE SO MANY MORE PEOPLE WAY MORE CAPABLE THAN I AM WHO COULD DO A BETTER JOB THAN I AM HERE. A MAN WOULD DO ALL OF THIS WAY BETTER THAN I COULD. A BOLIVIAN COUPLE WOULD REALLY BE BEST!

My solace is found in GOD. He brought me here. He made me on purpose. It is part of HIS PERFECT PLAN THAT I’M NOT MARRIED YET. He equips me in His perfect time, to do what he wants me to. Being here in San Fernando is a HUGE responsibility! I AM THE MISSIONARY OF THE TOWN! AUH! THERE IS NO PASTOR! I TEACH THE BIBLE. I don’t preach, I’m not a preacher ;-) but God has put this huge responsibility in my hands to TEACH 4 TIMES A WEEK IN CHURCH, AND to lead 2 discipleship groups, one of which is Believers from the church, the other with women from the village who want to know more about God. I've also been given the responsibility of TEACHING ENGLISH, ART AND BIBLE IN THE SCHOOL!

This semester it looks like I will be teaching more than I have ever taught before. With much preparation, reading, studying and praying as well, I NEED THAT ALL-SURPASSING POWER that comes from GOD ALONE TO DO EVERY THING WELL. I am naturally a weak jar of clay, which most of the time feels like it didn’t retain much from its great college education.

But today GOD MOVED… and HAS BEEN MOVING! He is giving me enlightenment into understanding HIS WORD in order to teach it. He is clearing my thoughts, and making order out of my disorder. As I step out in faith, He is firming up the ground I walk on. He is speaking through me and people are turning to HIM! EVIL SPIRITS ARE LEAVING HOUSES THAT THEY HAVE DWELLED IN FOR YEARS! Yet my faith is still so weak. I’m amazed when I hear that God is truly moving and changing people.

WE NEED TO EXPECT TO BE AMAZED.

DO WE SEEK THAT ALL-SURPASSING POWER IN OUR LIVES OF MINISTRY?

March 16, 2011 Update

2011-03-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

"Things are going really well",

Katie exclaimed to me over the radio today. She usually sounds happy but today despite the fact that her voice was growing softer because of the connection, I could note the extra bit of refreshment and joy.

Some of the news to pass on is as follows:

She and her new roommate are communicating well and enjoying each other. What a praise and reason to celebrate!
God is moving in San Fernando and Katie can feel a strong sense of the power of your prayers there. She mentioned that many of the women seem to waking up to a desire to know more about Christ. Presently, there are discipleship meetings on Mondays and Fridays in the afternoon to begin sharing about faith.
On Wednesday afternoons, she is starting a meeting with one lady who is interested in learning more about God. Katie plans to begin with creation and then move towards the salvation message. She has well-founded hopes that more people will be there next week.
On Wed/Thurs./Fri, Katie will be found teaching art, Bible and English in the schools there.
Along with all the above, she continues teaching in the church on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Pray for Katie to be filled with wisdom as she seeks to disciple, teach, and reach San Fernando with the Gospel.

Viva Santa Cruz

2011-02-16T14:20:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends!

God is GREAT! AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED! It is such an honor to work for the KING OF THE UNIVERSE.

Thank you as always for your thoughts and prayers. For a quick update....

Our SAM pilot Greg Dahl did have Dengue but was hospitalized before it got too bad. It was the hemorragic strain, BUT he not get to the point where he was bleeding out of his eyes THANK GOD!

He came to pick up Beth and I February the 4th. Beth and I had a great month in San Fernando. I will have to make a blog just about last month. Our annual South America Mission field conference started on Saturday the 5th at a resort outside of the city, but I stayed in the city until Sunday morning to pick up my mom and Dana Wilson at the airport. We went to breakfast where we met up with Matthew Morrison who is a SAM missionary in Paraguay. We all then drove out to the conference a few hours outside of the city. It was an amazing week. My mom's job was to be a "grama" for a baby belonging to another missionary couple. It was great to connect with not only other SAM missionaries from Bolivia but also from Columbia, Paraguey and the folks from the home office, our director and a few others. The speaker for the week was Georgy Murray, chancellor of Columibia International University. God really used him to challenge us... SHAKE us in many areas. I could write up a blog only about that too...

Well, conference was over on Friday Feb.11th. My mom and I have been house hopping! Now we are house sitting for a family who is cat sitting for me.... i'm returning the favior.

My mom and I are about to take the Micro to SAM small groups/ prayer meeting. My mom's first time on the buss! should be fun. It's really hot out. PRAISE GOD. Think warm thoughts ;-)

This week we are having down time. It's nice, then on monday morning Feb 21 we will fly out to my village SAN FERANDNO, and stay only until the 23 then come back to the city. Greg had a nother flight some where else the following days, my mom will fly to the states on Sunday the 27th. Then the 28th I will fly back to San Fernando to stay for ??? As long as God wants.

Ok, more later.

THANK YOU FOR THE PRAYERS! MY MOM HASN'T GOTTEN SICK YET, PRAISE GOD! the food and water usally do a number on visitors!

Mosquitoes

2011-01-27T13:44:00.000-05:00

Just stopping in for a very short update. I went to the hanger last Wednesday to try and connect with Katie and we could not make contact at that time, so I have not personally talked to her since she left Santa Cruz. However, my husband did let me know that she was asking for prayer.

There are lots of mosquitoes in San Fernando now and it is Dengue Fever season. Please keep them in your prayers as she and Beth seek to stay healthy. Greg recently contacted Dengue and just yesterday was released from the hospital and another missionary, Jason, has it as well. For that matter, please keep all the SAM Bolivia missionaries in your prayers.

Katie will be coming in next week for our annual field conference so I am sure she will have some updates for you herself very soon. Her mother is coming down to visit and help with conference. We look forward to meeting her and I am sure it will be a welcomed encouragement to Katie.

Keep praying!

more San Fernando Sep-Dec.10

2010-12-22T00:37:00.001-05:00

Jimena

San Fernando Culture. The man in the middle is a teacher in the elementary school, Don Carmelo. The man playing the flute is the leader in the Catholic church, Don Fauto.

Dina

Life in San Fernando

2010-12-22T00:18:00.002-05:00

In October we had a visiting Pastor come with a group of 19 youth from a small village 5 hours south of us. They were an amazing encouragement to us, and to the people of San Fernando.

Some of my art students in 5th and 6th grade.

After a short time, Jimena and I were comfortable "driving" horses.

Fernando James Kitty...... or just Kitty, for short. He is 7 months old.

The man in the middle is Hernan. His house is behind him in this picture. He and his family live across the road. They are Believers and are a great encouragement to us. We disciple him and his wife to be stronger in the faith so maybe some day he can lead the church. The man with the dark shirt is Don. Lucho. He is not a Believer, but is a friend to a man who has done some construction for us. The man in the orange shirt is Don. Tingo. He lives in Santa Cruz, but visits San Fernando when possible.

Dina really suffered with that cast. And here is Jimena with a neighbor boy.

Hermana Bella, leader of the church, and her grandson.

More pictures another day.

WAY OVER DUE UPDATE ABOUT SAN FERNANDO from Santa Cruz!

2010-12-20T23:23:00.002-05:00

Hello and MERRY CHRISTMAS to my dear Family, Friends and anyone else who happens to find yourself reading this blog,

Oh, where to start? It's now 9:45pm Monday night, the 20th. Yes, my dear Marylin Rhoads, I have been here in the city eight days. In contrast to quiet little San Fernando, Santa Cruz feels like the United States of America on the 4th of July... every day and night!

but...

GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!!!

I don't understand prayer or God totally, which is good: that is where faith comes in. But I know that somehow our prayers motivate God to move in a way that is undeniable.

BIG ANSWER TO PRAYER: BETH BROWN FROM KANSAS CITY WILL FLY BACK TO SAN FERNANDO WITH ME on December 30th, and accompany me for a month, at least.
Beth Brown- Lovely, joyful, willing. A single, 60-year-old woman from Kansas City, who felt God calling her to serve Him in Bolivia for six months... She has been here three months already. She has two grown children, four grandchildren, MUCH life experience and a HUGE heart. I am so thrilled about BETH BROWN, and what God is going to do in and through her in San Fernando!!!!!!

NEXT BIG PRAYER REQUEST: I hope and PRAY Dina is able to join me/us in San Fernando in February . She has to finish her seminary thesis about San Fernando, pay a $500 Seminary debt before she can come back, and have her church support her for ministry in S.F.)

There are one million things I want to tell all of you about the last 4-6 months in San Fernando, and about my time here in Santa Cruz.

For those of you who are "bottom line" folks... here it is:

6 MONTH MINISTRY OVERVIEW in SAN FERNANDO, BOLIVIA
*To God be the Glory: He was heard, seen, shared, and worshiped.
*Children, youth, women and men have turned to Christ.
*6 Believers are being discipled to understand God more deeply: Bella, Pastora, Rosmary, Adela, Maryluz, and Hernan.
* 4 Believers are CURRENTLY rotating the responsibility of leading the Bible studies in our absence: Wilber, Pastora, Bella and Hernan.
*11 families of non-believers have been visited on a regular basis.
* 6 Bibles have been given to non-church-going families who have asked for them, and agreed to have a Bible study in their homes.
*4 weekly church services have been held: Wednesday night Prayer service, Thursday Kids Club, Saturday night Youth service, Sunday morning Sunday school, and Sunday night Bible study.
* 3 mornings a week I have taught English or Art in the town school.

CROSS-CULTURAL COUNTRY LIVING OVERVIEW
*Cross-cultural communication is about WAY more than just knowing the language. It has so many layers I was TOTALLY UNAWARE OF, even after the month-long intensive class I took on cross-cultural communication at the JAARS/WYCLIFF center in North Carolina.
*My Spanish: I had daily reminders that my Spanish is far from perfect. What an amazingly HUMBLING thing it is to be the only North American in a place. I've had to lay down the ways I talk, think, reason, and do things, for a different way of the people in a country that is not my own. Jimena and Dina have taugh me much--both intentionally and unintentionally. The three of us did learn to function as a team.
*We did use our mud oven to bake a cake and to roast a goat.
* Our garden has green beans, cucumberish things and Chaya (spinach-like in nutrition) which WE ARE EATING! My onions, carrots, tomatoes, and squash are not doing well. I'm taking seeds back, and look forward to retilling and adding WAY MORE compost/fertilizer to the soil and starting again in some areas.
*Yes, the little dog we got in September died in October. But my sweet cat is doing great. In the last four months we have not had any mice or snakes in or near the house PRAISE GOD. He has brought middle-sized lizards inside, in his month to show us, which we shooed out with him, and he ate outside.
*Yes, we have tarantulas. Our kitty does not kill them, because they shoot out their hairs when threatened that cause you to itch all over (not fun), BUT they are not hard to kill, and now I can kill them without screaming ( a great improvement!)
* I don't think I'll get another dog, but I am considering chickens. ;-) And possibly a horse! One of our neighbors was walking past when I was outside cutting weeds in the church lot near our garden the week before we came back to Santa Cruz. He had four lovely large horses and one baby horse that I made a joke about wanting to buy. He laughed, but stopped and gave me a price of $140. He could "house it", or what ever you call that... He said it would possibly be ready to ride in a year...hmm...we will see.
* Jimena and I went horse-back riding to a local ranch twice, for a total of eight hours riding. I think I've got it.
*I drink Mate all the time with San Fernando people. It's almost becoming part of me.
* Women do not exercise, other than the very few who play volley ball with the youth on Sunday afternoons ( I think I'm getting better... they are all very good). Girls seldom play soccer, which is too bad, BUT THE ROAD that goes out of town and into the DEEP forest goes right past our house. On my early morning runs I've seen small tree monkeys, Hochy (large rodent), rabbits, one small snake, large parrots (blue, red, and green), toucans, and many other birds that I still don't know the names of.

OK, it's late. Sorry this doesn't have pictures... Hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks for reading, and for being part of this great adventure of making Jesus famous in San Fernando.

OH, ONE MORE THING!
I NOW HAVE A PROJECTOR! I hope to use it a lot to show the words to songs, and show movies once a week. THAT IS A HUGE ANSWER TO PRAYER. SAMAIR BOUGHT IT. IF YOU EVER WANT TO DONATE TO THEM, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. THEY ARE WORKING VERY HARD TO BE A GREAT SUPPORT FOR ME!

OK, MORE LATER

Seek Jesus,
Katie Wells

*

Welcome Back to Santa Cruz Party

2010-12-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

Katie, Jimena, Dina, and Greg flew in to the hanger this morning.

Can you see the airplane approaching?

Tom thought it would be nice to have a welcome party and so people gathered.

Here is Katie as she was getting off the plane.

unloading the luggage

Dina, Katie, and Jimena

I am sure that Katie will be getting on here soon to give you some first-hand accounts so be watching...

A Very Short Chat

2010-12-03T16:56:00.000-05:00

So, I got to the hanger with plenty of time to connect with Katie before my kids had to be at art class. Unfortunately, the radio cut out long before we would have been finished. I felt like we had just scratched the surface. I even waited a bit to see if the radio would revive, but to no avail.

This is what I did learn ...

Katie and her roommates were in the process of using the mud oven for the first time. Cake was being baked.
She found hydrocortisone cream hiding in her apartment and was excited.
The mosquitoes are alive and well and incense seems to keep them away.
and most important...

Yesterday she met with Candlearia (I have no clue how she spells her name), whom she meets with weekly. They have been studying Romans and the nature of sin. During this weeks talk, she asked her if she wanted to pray to accept Jesus to be her Savior and she said yes! They did not end up praying right then as Katie was sensing some nervousness and did not want her to feel pressured, but shared how to pray when alone and plans to follow up. Please pray for her and Katie as they continue to meet.

and that was all that I got from our talk, but I do know that...

There is a team coming (actually they should be there now) of YWAM young people being flown in by Greg. They will be there this next week helping serve San Fernando with Katie, Dina, and Jimena.

Also, Katie is planning on coming back to Santa Cruz on December 9TH or 10TH and will be able to reconnect and share first hand some of her stories. I know that you will look forward to hearing from her directly and in the meantime, why not fill her inbox with emails and messages!

Fruit of the Spirit Mural

2010-11-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent photo of the mural courtesy of Katie's cousin, Danielle. It features Dana and Ally from their recent trip to Santa Corazon.

What a blessings that Katie can use her talent to brighten up the space in which she lives. I am sure that it is enjoyed by many.

Sunny's Chat With Katie on Monday (11/15)

2010-11-17T12:36:00.000-05:00

I just recieved this email from Sunny. Bless her for being so detailed and helping to keep you all informed. Thank you, Sunny

I had the privilege of talking to Katie on Monday and I´d like to pass on what she said:

"It´s sosososo good to have Dina back, wonderful, wonderful"- those of us who know Katie I´m sure can hear her saying that - I´ll try to put below a couple of expressions that she uses and as much as possible put it in the words she said:

It´s a huge praise to have Dina back - she´s got so much humor, is so positive, wise, gives me perspective, keeps me on track and is always looking for ways to disciple and teach others. I´m really thankful she gets up early and stays up a little later and helps around the house - kind of keeps the same hours I do. She´s also now my jogging/walking partner...we walk more than jog right now...and that gives us a chance to talk about things and pray together about things. I love our walks...the other day we saw monkeys.

My garden´s growing, looks great, I´ve got these cute beans and some cucumber thingies that Jason gave me.

For the Romans study, we´re moving on from Romans 3 to 4.

I have a really encouraging basic "tenets of the Bible" Bible study with Candelaria and her family. We´re studying the Bible and memorizing basic verses together once a week. She puts the verses up on her wall. The other day her son came to church here in San Fernando for the first time since I´ve been here, although from what he seemed to know about the Bible, he´d had contact with it all before. Candelaria is one of the only ones who seems really eager to keep having these home Bible studies. We´ve memorized John 3:16, Rom. 3:23, etc. Candelaria goes to the Catholic mass on Sundays, but during the week comes to the church for meetings.

My fruits of the spirit mural in our kitchen is finished and it´s such a good reminder to me of what I need. The other one in the church is close to done. I keep adding things and people enjoy observing the new details I put in. The other day I decided to fill it up with alligators and that big redneck (chuckle) bird with a black head (jabiru mycteria). So the kids (and others) have fun with finding all the alligators, kind of like "Where´s Wally". I tell them, "It may not look like it, but there are 11 alligators in there!'' I haven´t finished it yet not so much because of time, but I paint when the inspiration hits me, so I´m waiting for it to come again.

I´ve been reading through Jeremiah and I´m finally to chapter 17, which gives a relief from the doom and gloom of the previous chapters. It was so good to read about the one who trusts in the Lord being like a tree by a stream of water that has something good in every season.

Dina´s involved in a women's Bible study every Tuesday afternoon and also disciples a couple - it´s so good to just sit back and watch that.

From talking with Dina:

Dina talked a bit, said she hasn´t had so much pain with her wrist, just at the end of the day, it can get kind of sore. She has some physical therapy exercises to do, which she forgets to do some. She asked for prayer for the women´s Bible study and for the discipleship she´s doing with the couple; it seems there are other couples who also are interested. She also asked for prayer for the 3 of them, that they would support each other and that they would be able to resist different temptations and keep each other in line.

The radio started cutting out a lot, so we had to "hang up", but I think that´s the gist of what we talked about.

News from Wednesday, November 3RD

2010-11-07T17:37:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to chat with Katie this past Wednesday, here are some things to note:

This past Tuesday was the Day of the Dead here. Katie mentioned attending a mass at the cemetery.
She and Bella painted names on wooden crosses which consisted of two rustic boards nailed together. The names were Bella's two sons and husband who were killed four years ago.
On Tuesday, they attended a Quinceanera for which they got dressed up including hair, make up, and painted nails. There were a lot of people in attendance. There was pizza served and others dancing.
The garden is going well
They started studying Romans 3 today.
Katie is hoping that the believers in the church will begin to take over different parts of the prayer meetings and take ownership.
Dina flew back this weekend. Greg and a Pastor from Santa Cruz are there now and will be flying back tomorrow.
They had a great time when the group visited from Santa Corazon. Pastor Eric held a high-energy and well-organized youth meetings and church service. They came with 19 youth to serve in San Fernando.
Katie was asked to be Madrina of decorating for an 8TH grade graduation which means she gets to purchase and put up the decorations for the party. I passed on her list of what she wanted from Santa Corazon and we all know that she will do something creative and make the party look fantastic.

Please send emails to Katie's mom or to Greg for him to download and take to Katie the next time he goes out. She enjoys hearing from everyone.

Continue to keep her in your prayers..

Note From Katie from Oct.11TH

2010-10-22T12:16:00.000-04:00

This came to my inbox this morning and so I am passing it on to you. Katie sent this back with Greg.

Monday October 11, 2010 - 9 P.M.

Hello Mom, friends and family,

It’s been a quiet few days, as my team mates have been out of town. They left Wednesday October 6, in the afternoon, and are not back yet. I think they will come “home” late this evening or tomorrow . I was hoping to travel to the city of San Matias with them to help Dina get another x-ray of her arm (and enjoy the Internet and phones) but there didn’t end up being room for 3, only 2 to travel. So I chose to stay here in San Fernando. That Tuesday and Wednesday there were town meetings all day with officials from San Matias and Santa Cruz about the needs of not only San Fernando but also 4 other villages in this region of eastern Bolivia. I was told that these meetings were the FIRST of their kind to happen! San Fernando and these other villages are very primitive and isolated, and they are ready for change. The largest concern and plea is for a good road! Six months out of the year the roads are impassable. Life is very hard for people in rainy season. Heath and water were also concerns. The need for doctors is huge. There is a town nurse here, PRAISE GOD, but he is limited in his knowledge and ability. I have helped a few people, but I am far from being a doctor. The concern for water is with the town water tank, it’s plastic and has a crack, so it leaks. Also the town motor that runs a few times a day to pump the water to the extremities of this pipes (which are not very far) is old and has been failing. The other issue presented from the people of San Fernando to these authorities was about education. Currently the school is first grade through eighth grade. And students that want to continue to study have to go to San Matias which is 5 hours away in the dry season, or go to a boarding school with is also about 5 hours away in the other direction. The director of the school is asking if they can start 9^Th grade, and have more teachers. A lot of youth are not able to leave to study because they need to help their families with taking care of their land. The meetings went very well, PRAISE GOD again! Pray for help in San Fernando. And that the people would thank GOD when change comes. This next week starting October 18^Th, there will be a group in San Fernando to educated the people about the natural resources around them, to help they value what they have. The bird life really is amazing! There is a hope that the people of San Fernando would get a vision for tourism, which would bring income into the village.

There is also a company coming to present a business venture to the people of San Fernando. In our river there are always lots of crocodile, and this company wants to buy crocodile eggs. Pray for San Fernandos economics and I hope you are praying for their spiritual well being.

This Friday Greg is flying in with 5 other people to see me! I really looking forward to their visit. He will give this, via flash drive, to Amy, and she will put in on my blog FOR YOU TO READ.

Well, friends, more tomorrow.

Katie's Cousin, Danielle, Shares About Her Trip to San Fernando

2010-10-20T23:21:00.000-04:00

So, here is what Danielle sent me, in her own words....

San Fernando, bueno, it was great! Very tranquillo. A lot of animals roaming around and making animal noises. The most memorable animal noises were the baby alligators!..so cute. After visiting the river animals, Katie and I explored a path on the other side and discovered two families, (one of which attended the church, whom Katie meant to find and visit but hadn't until this point). They showed us how they squeeze sugar cane and grow yucca and all that cool rustic rancher stuff. We took lots of pictures and pretended that we were tourists, making every pose imaginable with the cane press, I think our San Fernando friends probably got a good laugh out of it (I probably would if someone came to my house and did the same thing). We also got to witness Dina in game facilitator mode with the youth Saturday night. Most of us got in the games, until we realized how competitive they young boys are. It was intense, yet hysterical at the same time, as the parents and younger children were there the whole time to cheer and support. Overall it was a wonderful weekend full of fellowship, adventures, candlelit group dinners to save electricity for the movie, and opportunities to witness God's awesome ministry in San Fernando!

Katie Had Visitors

2010-10-17T14:48:00.000-04:00

Katie's cousin, Danielle, along with Ally and Dana went to visit Katie in San Fernando this weekend. Presently, the visitors are on the way back to Santa Cruz via a SAMair flight with Greg at the wheel probably arriving sometime around 4 P.M.. I know this because I was just at the hanger where my husband is helping flight follow and I had a chance to chat a few minutes with Katie.

Katie sounded elated that she had the opportunity to have American visitors and speak in English. It sounded as if it had been very refreshing to her.

She shared that Dana brought a projector and they showed the movie, Magdalena, on Friday night finishing on Saturday night to packed crowds. She was trying to explain how many people there were as they had to add planks to blocks for more benches and people sat along the wall of the church as well. It sounds as though many who do not attend the church came. Saturday night concluded with group games that were fun and brought much laughter.

Dina's brother was a last minute addition to the trip as a few people had to back out. Katie mentioned how surprised she and Dina were that he was free because he is a Pastor. We both discussed how God has a way of working things out as he was able to preach both Saturday night and Sunday, sharing evangelistic messages. He and Greg also were able to have a short meeting with the four men who attended church Sunday morning. A meeting that Katie felt compelled to call at the last minute. She was excited to have the men talking with men. I am not certain what all transpired but we can pray that the men of the village will become strong men of God and come forth to take some leadership roles in the church.

The last thing to mention is that Dina is on the flight because her arm needs to be checked up on. You may recall that she hurt it before she went to San Fernando in the first place. Please pray for her healing and quick recovery so that she can get back out to San Fernando asap.

I am hoping that the girls that traveled will send me some photos and impressions to post soon, no guarantees but be watching...

Notes from Sunny

2010-10-13T19:38:00.000-04:00

I have not had a chance to talk to Katie(although I did try on Monday when I was there for lunch) this past week or so, but Sunny passed on some notes from her recent conversation. Thanks, Sunny!

Katie is excited about a new Bible study in Romans. It seems others are excited too, pray that this enthusiasm would be genuine and continue. If someone has a specific study in Romans to lend her, that would be a help.
Maybe people in the US could get together a donation of reading glasses? There are a lot of San Fernandites who need reading glasses.
She had an enjoyable alone time over the weekend when both her housemates were in a nearby town to take a check up x ray of Dina´s arm. The severe lack of attendance on both the Saturday and Sunday night meetings that same weekend were a lesson in humility.
Specific Prayer Request - With the kid´s time, Katie always has to be the grouch who shuts down the evening time because the parents have asked that she do so around 9 or 9:30pm, even though everyone´s having such a good time. Pray that she´ll learn to deal with this, that her two house mates would support her in closing the meeting, and that she would be able to discern between being responsible and being too time oriented.

Radio Talk

2010-10-01T23:13:00.001-04:00

Today I had an opportunity to chat a bit with Katie. It was nice since we the last time we talked she was here at my house. Here is a little overview of what we shared

The cat is doing well and enjoys being wherever Katie is
Jimena seems content and helps bring the youth to the church
Dina is teaching the youth service, a women's discipleship class on Tuesdays, and the children's meetings.
This allows Katie to concentrate on teaching Wednesday evenings and both services on Sunday
Bella is going to start opening the services and lead singing and Katie hopes that she will also teach at times.
This Tuesday there will be a town meeting which includes people from outside the town. Pray for this as a possible outreach/ community involvement time.
She is back into a routine. Living there allows her to go to bed earlier and rise earlier.
Dina is using the stone stove and it is working well.
They have a nice rotation going with cleaning and cooking.
Team devotions began this past Monday where each person takes a turn leading after lunch.
Prayer Requests include health, joy, and team unity.

She sounded happy and busy!
Blessings to you,
Amy

Brief Update From Katie (Via Her Mom and Tom)

2010-09-30T14:17:00.002-04:00

9/30/10 Katie's mom sent me this update via email. (Tom had sent her the info)

Katie is recovering from a bee sting on her hand.

She said the hot weather has been bringing out the tarantulas, and they have them in the house on a regular basis.

The team unity is doing great. Youth meetings are packed. Church services are being well attended.

Please continue to pray for Katie, her two ministry partners--Dina and Jimena--and the village of San Fernando.

When I chatted with Tom at prayer meeting last night

Tom mentioned that Katie was very encouraged by the amount of people coming to Wednesday night prayer meeting, which includes more adults than usual.

He also told me that there have been several friends lately coming to the hangar to talk to her, which is great. I am hoping that I can get others to write up short summaries to add to the blog sometimes, esp. when I am not making it to the hangar.

On a personal note, we are home from Peru but I have been pretty sick since last Saturday. My hope is to make it to the hangar tomorrow. I did talk to Katie briefly today from my house. Tom held the phone up to the radio. I could hear her better than she could hear me, though, which could be due to my funny voice from the cold, who knows. It was fun though.

Back to village life ;-)

2010-09-07T00:44:00.002-04:00

God is so beyond good and His timing is perfect.

Hello Friends!

I am constantly reminded GOD IS IN CONTROL! It's great to remember that the whole world IS in this hands. Well, our lovely/unexpected/very needed time in Santa Cruz, Bolivia has come to an end. Jimena and I , along with our new member DINA CONDORI, are going to fly in the little mission airplane back to San Fernando tomorrow. Our first stint in the village was two months. Now our plan is to be there for four months before we come back to Santa Cruz for a break at Christmas. Please do stay connected to my blog, so that you can pray for us: www.missionarykatiewells.blogspot.com. Several missionary friends of mine will take turns coming to the hangar to talk to me on the satellite radio to update my blog.

Please pray for:

Travel/logistics~ Tomorrow Greg will fly the three of us to Robore, then drop us off for 4 hours as he picks up a National missionary couple who are going to another village. Then he will come back for us. The girls and I will have time in Robore to do a bit more last minute shopping for vegetables etc. Then around 2pm we will fly to San Fernando. Greg will stay for a day or so to put our additional solar panel up (that he has assembled himself: SAMSOLAR) for the church. The battery in our house was running a bit low on energy on the evenings we had church. So I would appreciate prayer for Greg flying and our travel and all the solar stuff: wiring, etc.

Health~ THAT MY GARDEN WOULD BE NOT DEAD! AND WOULD START PRODUCING VEGGIES!!!!! I'm bringing more seeds and will start more plants no matter what. The garden looked so nice before we left for our longer-than-planned break. Pray for Hernan, the only regularly-attending man of the church. He has serious medical issues. If he is around in the town, and has not left the village, Greg will fly him out. Hernan is my hope of a future leader of the church.

Ministry~ That the three of us: Jimena, Dina and I will be unified of heart and mind. I DESIRE UNITY SO MUCH!!!!!! I believe it's so key in our effectiveness. Pray hard for that!!!!!!! For us to work, live and minister as a TEAM!!!!!!!! I PRAISE GOD SO MUCH FOR DINA!!!!! SHE IS THE ANSWER TO MY PRAYERS. She is finishing her Seminary career in San Fernando teaching a few things and being part of our ministry. AWESOME!!!!!!!! Dina recently broke her wrist, so she is in a full arm cast, which will make life a bit harder. BUT GOD HAS HIS PURPOSES IN EVERYTHING!!!!!!! Pray that the few Christians in the village would take ownership of ministry with us, and it would not just be us "running the show". Here are the names of the faithful Christians: Pastora, Bella, Adella, Mary Luz and Hernan. There are another handful who are "now and then" folks. Pray for them, too. There is SO MUCH alcoholism, witchcraft, and adultery in the town. It keeps many people in a very dark place BUT GREATER IS HE WHO IS IN US THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD. I was a little shocked, but now am glad and ready to know there is a practicing witch in the town. Jesus is strong! I'm ready to fight on my knees for the souls of the people of San Fernando! It's a battle. Pray that we can reach the hearts of the youth and children and also the adults, and call them to Jesus.

Encouragement~ I had a great time in Santa Cruz. I've enjoyed so many things. I know I didn't email nearly as many of you as I wanted, but I REALLY LOVED getting your emails on a flash drive that Greg brought out the one time he did that. That was so great, to feel connected with the outside world. I've also gotten letters from some of you! That really makes me smile and have a clearer perspective that I am not alone. I sent a few post cards from Santa Cruz. Hopefully some of you will get those.

If you would like to contact me, please send emails to gregdahl@gmail.com with my name in the subject, and he will get them to me once a month.

It's late and I'm getting up very early. Thanks for your prayers. Let's seek God together with everything we have, recklessly surrender to our King and creator. I just started reading Jeremiah if you would like to study it with me!

All and only for God's Glory,

Katie Wells

Joshua 1.9

Life in San Fernando.

2010-09-03T01:07:00.003-04:00

Mary Luz, one of the few Believers and our closest neighbor/friend making dinner over her mud stove.

This is Jimena's room in our house in San Fernando. She's holding the teddy bear. We painted our walls the first week we were there. Later on, she added the pink flowers. It makes me happy that it makes her happy. After we'd been there about six weeks, she got a surprise visit from her mom and younger sister. Jimena has never lived away from home before. I think that the time we have been back in Santa Cruz has been very good for her.

I believe our kitchen is the only one in San Fernando that has a real kitchen sink... and even running water! Now our floor is concrete. It was dirt for more than a month after we arrived. We will eventually get counters to go next to the sink.

Our house...

Our church. Our house is under the same roof, behind that middle wall.

Not the best picture of me in the world, ha ha... but this is the main road that goes by our house/the church. There are only 3 main roads through the town of San Fernando.The town is kind of rectangle-shaped. This photo was taken at one of the far corners of the town. The river is a 5 minute walk from our house. But... no mom, it will not swell so much and come up to our house... it's a walk through some woods to get to the river.

Jimena and our neighbor boys are taking the scales off the piranhas that they caught. They pulled about 20 out in about an hour. I got one... I don't think fishing is my gift. After they finished scaling the fish, we all went swimming... and splashed alot to keep the piranha and crocodiles/alligators at bay.

a little 1am update.

2010-08-31T01:54:00.004-04:00

It is 1am Monday night/Tuesday morning.....Santa Cruz, Bolivia is crazy as always. The music that is blaring from a club down the street reminds me that I look forward to returning to quiet little San Fernando next week. The conference last week--Tuesday until Friday--was great. Thanks for your prayers.
I really learned a lot: everything to do with sharing Jesus, from sowing to harvesting and everything in the middle. We learned about how to evangelize and how to administer a church. It was so practical and useful. . There was barely time to breathe. We had workshop after workshop. I think Jimena and Dina learned a lot, too. I'm so excited for our team work! We received some GREAT advice from two missionary pastors who live in towns from our area. They understand what San Fernando is like, and had so many good things to advise us to do. That conversation alone made this whole trip worth it. I've bought some GREAT books as teaching resources!
   By Friday night I was tired. Late that evening while playing soccer on the cement court, Dina fell hard on her wrist. At midnight we decided she needed to go to the Emergency room. We were in the ER until 3am ish. Saturday morning around 8:30 we were back there again. She had dislocated one bone and fractured another, poor thing. Three doctors "did traction" on her arm/wrist, then put on a full-arm cast. I think, hope and pray she will still go to San Fernando with us. She is planning on it... but it will be EXTRA HARD. BUT GOD'S PLANS ARE PERFECT. I KNOW THAT FULL WELL. So... we will see what exactly those are at some point. Pray that God would be glorified in it all.
   The two young doctors who helped her Saturday morning had SO many questions for me/us after they were finished with Dina's cast. A few of their questions: who we were...They wanted to know all about San Fernando and WHY IN THE WORLD I WOULD WANT TO BE THERE. It was so fun to tell them why! One of the doctors had MANY questions. I would like us to pray that HE WOULD FEEL THE CALL TO GO TO SAN FERNANDO AND HAVE A FREE CLINIC FOR A FEW DAYS THIS YEAR. On Wednesday I will go back with Dina and we will find him. GOD HAS WONDERFUL, CRAZY, GREAT PLANS FOR EVERYTHING, AND ALL FOR HIS GLORY! Pray for that doctor.

  On Sunday morning I spoke at Jimena's church, and showed pictures of San Fernando, while giving an update. In the evening I spoke at another Baptist church in Santa Cruz. GOD IS MOVING AND OPENING DOORS AND CALLING MORE PEOPLE TO FULL-TIME SERVICE FOR HIM THROUGH THIS "UNPLANNED" TRIP TO SANTA CRUZ. It's all so crazy and wonderful!

This week is bonus, breathing and preparing time in Santa Cruz. I need to use my time wisely. One of the handful of things I need to do is to buy a cot. Dina will sleep in my bed and I think I will sleep in a cot. I saw army-like cots in the market last weekend. I think that is the best solution to the issue of needing another bed.

Ok, friends, the loud music from the club closest to the base/guest house here has subsided... I can still hear music and cars but they are farther off. I would like to write more this week. I hope to do that.

My prayers for you and I are that our lives would be fragrant sacrifices to God, pleasing in his sight;
that our actions, words, thoughts, and songs would make God smile; that our lives would promote how Great OUR GOD IS; that we would be faithful as Christ's ambassadors, and that we would BE THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, which only come from being constantly filled with the Holy Spirit. Full of the Holy Spirit... not full of ourselves ;-)

Grace and Peace to you my dear friends!
For God's glory alone,
Katie Wells

unplanned rest.

2010-08-24T15:26:00.001-04:00

It's great how God knows what we need. He made us. It's His plan for our lives that He is completing for His glory. Well, I shouldn't be surprised when things don't go as I plan. I'm writing from a guest room at the South America Mission Guest House in Santa Cruz. It feels like a second home to me. It's nearly 2pm, and I'm just now coming to grips with the fact that the girl from my church (Iglecia Cristiana Misionara) who, on Sunday night, so desperately wanted to have lunch with me today, is not going to call and we are not going to have lunch as we planned. So I need to find some lunch. The two oranges I had in the market this morning are not going to cut it. But I praise God for giving me what I need rather than what I think I want. I needed this time to sew a button on some capris, do a few other little things and now finally write on here. I've been thinking about writing, but as Daphne Stowe and many others know: I have a habit to run run run, and not stop to breathe. But yesterday and today I've had breathing time. Right now I have two hours until I need to be on the north side of town at Jimena's church. We will go from there to the retreat center of the Bolivian Baptist campgrounds, for the annual convention/ retreat for national Bolivian Baptist missionaries. It starts tonight and will go until Saturday. On Sunday at Jimena's church,I will present a power point of what she and I have done in San Fernando. At night I'll go to my church. We will fly back to San Fernando Monday morning September 6th. I just called Greg to comfirm our return flight for the date I wanted: Sep.2nd. He has another flight booked.Oops, I should have confirmed a week ago. Well, back to the fact that I am not in control of my life. God is in the driver's seat. That is for sure.

To fill in a few gaps and recap a little: Jimena and I were not planning on going to Robore last week, nor Santa Cruz. The opportunity came up while we were in San Fernando. We would ride in a truck to Robore to stay for a few days. We both jumped at the opportunity. God just slowly kept on shocking me with good things from there. While in Robore we were strongly encouraged to go this Baptist conference, and here I am. God knew my dear Jimena and I needed some serious intervention. In Robore God moved through a pastor and his wife as well as another young woman I met. Her name is Yudelka. God used them to counseling us. It was perfect. It was what we needed. Yudelka "happened" to be traveling back to Santa Cruz by bus, so we went with her. Complete restoration of the broken unity between Jimena and I happened Tuesday morning at Yudelka's house in Santa Cruz, before we all went our separate ways. God heard your prayers, and mine. I had been pleading with God for something supernatural to happen to bring communication and understanding to Jimena and me. God used Yudelka as a modern-day prophetess. She is beyond mature in her faith. In everyday conversation she cannot contain all the amazing things the Holy Spirit has done through her. She sees truth and lies in situations and speaks truth when it needs to be spoken. She spoke into our lives, and basically took the authority she has in Christ to speak truth and claim authority and told Jimena and I we NEEDED UNITY AND WE DIDN'T HAVE IT. Yudelka left the room, and I felt convicted of a handful of things I had been guilty of with Jimena. I asked Jimena to forgive me and wanted her to know what was on my heart. Jimena then shared why she had been silent for the last 2 months. The Holy Spirit moved in that place, and unity was restored between us. Thank you for praying. It all could not have been more perfect.... God's story is so much better than anything we could dream up. I am so sure of it.

That was a week ago. I didn't get here to the Guest house until that afternoon. Then a missionary friend here had a party for me that evening. The following day was just as crazy, but so great to be in Santa Cruz, and in the evening to go to our weekly prayer meeting and see all the SAM missionaries! The next day, Thursday, I went to SCCLC to see MY COUSIN DANIELLE POTTER AND FRIEND ALLY LEE as teachers at SCCLC! It really is a miracle and answer to prayer! My cousin is the art teacher! Years ago I prayed for someone to replace me... And, Thursday, as I sat in my old desk and she stood telling me her plans, and as I watched her teach some little kids, it was a surreal feeling. She's not me, but she is herself and a GREAT ART TEACHER FOR SCCLC! She is a perfect replacement for me. Watching Danielle was like watching myself 6 years ago. It's just awesome! Thursday night I was invited to a prayer service at a church called Cristo Vive, to share about what God has been doing in San Fernando. There were many youth and adults in attendance. They take praying for me and San Fernando very personally. I had spoken there before I went to San Fernando. God moved in that church. Pray for them. I feel like some young man from that church will replace me out in San Fernando some day. Later my friend who had originally invited me to that church told me there are a lot of young men from that church studying to be pastors, and that church is very focused on missions and evangelism. Friday I had some meetings... with Dan the SAM BOLIVIA field director, and with Dina, the young woman who is going to join Jimena and I out in San Fernando for the next 3 months. OH, IT'S JUST ALL GOOD. GOD IS SO GREAT! HE IS SO IN CONTROL and I AM SO NOT!

Sunday I shared a power point of San Fernando in my church in the morning and evening service. That church prays for me often! They see me as one of their own going out to San Fernando. Yet, they also are convicted that I come from so far away, but I go deep into Bolivia where they haven't even been. AMEN! PRAY THAT GOD WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK THROUGH ME TO CONVICT OTHERS TO STEP OUT AND GO TELL ABOUT JESUS!

oK, I need to get my things together and take a taxi over to Jimena's church, where from there we will then go to their camp grounds for the convention/retreate. Pray that God would continue to teach me and mold me. And also that He would continue to bring Jimena and I unity and understanding.

After the conference, Dina is flying to another city to see her brother and his family. They are going to Africa as missionaries. Then she will return to fly back to San Fernando September 6th with Jimena and me. Dina will stay until December.

After this conference I will post one more time with PICTURES! Then it will be back to Amy to post when she can.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS! GOD HAS, AND IS MOVING! KEEP PRAYING FOR THE PEOPLE OF SAN FERNANDO WHILE WE ARE NOT THERE AND WHEN WE GO BACK!

For God's Glory,
Katie Wells

Yes, two months in San Fernando, now we are having a little break and I´m safe in Robore! HELLO FRIENDS!!!!!

2010-08-14T16:32:00.002-04:00

What a long, but great, two months! There is so much to say, but it´s so cool that Amy has been able to update you now and then. AMY THANK YOU SO MUCH! I KNOW YOU ARE SUPER BUSY WITH ONE MILLION THINGS... moving, getting moved in, being mom of 3 kids in home school and wife and just living in Santa Cruz... everything takes twice as long to get done. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR WRITING! I AM ON THE INTERNET FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2 MONTHS! I TOTALLY FORGOT MY HOTMAIL SIGN IN! weird! but some how I remembered this one. I just talked to my MOM ON THE PHONE! THIS IS THE LONGEST I´VE GONE IN MY LIFE NOT BEING ABLE TO TALK TO HER! It was great to talk to her!!!!! It felt wonderful...like a healing medicine! I really would like to call my grandparents! But my little chat with my mom COST a bit more than I thought... and I only brought so much money here to Robore... BUT IT LOOKS LIKE GOD IS OPENING THE HEAVENS AND MAKING HIS PLAN AND PATH CLEAR FOR JIMENA AND ME TO GO TO SANTA CRUZ FOR A WEEK OR SO! YEAH! I totally, TOTALLY, was not planning on it... and the school in San Fernando, where I have been teaching English and Art... they will be a bit uncomfortable... as well as the church.... We will be gone longer than we thought... This little trip to Robore came about rather quickly. We had not planned on leaving San Fernando with Greg in the airplane until a few months from now... but God´s plans are higher and better. So, a few days ago, I was having breakfast with a lady in town who had come to the church a few times and had asked for a Bible. I was visiting with her, and a man who we know came up and had to tell her something... then very off-the-cuff, he invited Jimena and me to go to Robore with him and his mother-in-law, just to have a little break from San Fernando. Both Jimena and I were very glad for the invite. This man had been coordinating the construction of our house, and has good connection with Greg and other missionary men, so when he invited us to go on the 8-hour ride in his large pickup truck to drop off his mother-in-law, we both felt good about it. This morning, as we were visiting with the Bolivian missionary couple pastoring a church here in Robore, they strongly encouraged us to go to the annual Baptist Missionary Convention in Santa Cruz. Jimena´s church in Santa Cruz is the headquarters for the Baptist convention in Bolivia. So... I called one of the SAM missionaries in Santa Cruz, and he said it sounded like a great idea. It will be a week of workshops and other events for NATIONAL BAPTIST MISSIONARIES! I´m so curious, and very glad to have a reason to go, to connect SAM with the mission more, as well as for Jimena to have some missions training. So! I will be connected with YOU more these next few weeks: a few days here in Robore... then off to Santa Cruz! Then in September back to San Fernando. Unexpected, but very welcome travel plans.

Updates of life in San Fernando- Yes my wooden bed is made, as well as the kitchen table... they are beautiful! Our kitchen that was dirt floor is now cement! AND NOW WE HAVE A MUD OVEN AND ITS LITTLE TIN ROOF OUTSIDE! I haven't used it yet and soon I'll post pictures! We´ve been using the little two burner gas stove, which has been great. But if we run out of gas (when we run out) and don´t have a new tank yet... or when someone else is living in our house as pastor or missionary, now they have somewhere to cook... like everyone else in San Fernando. The Sunday morning services have been good, and Sunday evening as well. The attendance of the Wednesday night prayer service ebbs and flows. Lots of kids show up in the evenings to play with the new soccer and volley balls we now have, as we are nearly the only ones to have light at night. One store has light at night. They have a generator. Teaching in the school is going well. I have never taught English, but it´s been fun. I´ve never been a PASTOR... well, I wouldn´t call myself a pastor... but it´s been fun to study the Bible and then share what I´ve studied and what God has revealed to me. It's been an interesting and great challenge helping a few different people with some medical problems and then having the complete liberty to share openly about our spiritual health and the reality of the spiritual world. It´s been good getting to know people of the town, and drinking mattee together. I will write more about that later.

It has been INCREDIBLY challenging understanding my dear coworker, Jimena. She is very young and had no training before she came. I think our week of missionary workshops will be VERY good for us. There is another girl who will join us in September for 3 months. Dina is also Bolivian, but is in her mid 20´s and is finishing her seminary studies in theology in a seminary in Santa Cruz. She has felt called to missions for a few years and has been involved with different things SAM has done promoting missions, and is also on her church's missions committee. I´m so looking forward to having Dina working with us in San Fernando.

Well, I will write more later. Thank you for your prayers for me and Jimena. There is another young woman who is here in Robore with us from San Fernando, her nick name is Neca. She is the daughter-in-law of Bella, the church leader in San Fernando. Jimena and Neca are good friends. Pray that we will have a good time. Until now, I underestimated the value of team-building and down-time. Jimena and I have not had either one, and I can feel because of that, there is no basis for a friendship. Pray that we would learn how to understand each other and how to laugh together. Believe it or not, the last two months have been very quiet between the two of us... not much talking and not much laughter... which I´m seeing as a huge weakness in our ability to minister together.

Pray for the believers in San Fernando to be encouraged by God and to have community, and meet together while we are not there.

Pray for our safety in travel here and around Robore and to Santa Cruz and back to San Fernando. I will tell you more, when I know more.

Pray that we would be flexible, and hear God´s voice in all things.

I pray that you would be encouraged to seek and keep seeking God! He has much more for us to see and understand, ways to grow... and so often we are standing still with our eyes and ears closed, so distracted by our physical inconvenience of some sort.
Ephesians 3:14-21. Paul's prayer... for you!

Grace and Peace!
Katie Wells

A Break From San Fernando

2010-08-13T12:42:00.001-04:00

I realize that I just wrote a blog post a few hours ago but there is news and while I have the momentum going, I might as well throw this up here too. (Don't get used to this efficiency :)

Katie sent out a message that she was doing well but needed someone to contact her. It was a good trial of the system that Tom, our SAMair leader who just returned to the field a few weeks ago, explained to me was a way for Katie to contact us if she needed us. If there ever was an emergency, she could send out a message that has been programmed to a few emails and phones and we would be able to respond by heading to the hanger and finding out what was going on via the radio. I have to say that I am happy to hear this as I had wondered what would happen if she needed us and no one was at the hanger. Maybe you had wondered this as well.

So, the news that Katie wanted to pass on was that there was a truck headed to Robore and she and Jimena would be hopping on and heading out of San Fernando for about 4 days. The 8 hour drive will land her in a bigger town that contains Internet cafes and she will at least be able to call her mom. I hope that she will also be able to update her blog and fill in any gaps that have been missed as well as any new information. I am sure that you also would like to hear directly from her.

Now we can pray for a safe trip, a restful break from small village living, and powerful Internet access.

Lots of Visits

2010-08-13T09:56:00.001-04:00

Because Katie has never read our mission blog, she does not know what you are now learning. When my life gets busy or overwhelming or otherwise occupied, my ministry blog writing takes a back seat. Outsourcing for this blog has occurred to me and I had a willing body offer to summarize a couple letters a few weeks back but that was given back to me while ministry blogs was very low on the to-do list; however, I do have a couple people giving visit accounts soon and I will give a mini-update now.

A view of the church (right side) and home (left side)

Katie has had 3 visits within 2 weeks.

Adreana and Greg along with Jimena's mom and sister flew out arriving on a Saturday morning and leaving after church on Sunday.
The Throssel family flew out a week ago Tuesday to encourage Katie.
Two days later, Greg flew out with the Pastor and his wife from Santa Corazon

These visits were a great joy and encouragement to Katie. I think having fellow native English speakers and good friends were uplifting. The plane also brought mail and goodies from missionaries and the last plane took out gifts from Katie's mom as well as a portion of American candy that a recent missions team left for all the missionaries here to split.

Katie and Jimena in the kitchen which now has a cement floor.

Arranging food

Drawing water

Working in the garden

Hello to the outside world

As always, keep praying. Your prayers are sustaining the work and ministry of Katie!

Cold Days in San Fernando

2010-07-16T21:09:00.001-04:00

I am wearing sweats, a long-sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, a wool sweater, 2 pairs of socks, and a heavy blanket as I write. I have not wanted to leave my ice box of a home and brave the outside; however, David offered to come home and get me this morning so that I could talk with Katie. So we made our way to the hangar and the radio.

I learned that it is also cold in San Fernando. Katie has been wearing the same 2 sweaters for a couple days and I can relate. I did question if she needed me to collect more warm clothing but she let me know she was good for daytime as well as night. The cold is having the same wanting-to-stay-home effect on her there, too. It has been raining today in both our areas which just adds to the fun.

So as far as news-to-pass-on goes...

Katie found someone willing to construct a table, chairs, and a bed. She paid half of the cost and is hoping in a few weeks to have her new furniture ready.

The first week of Prayer Meeting brought 5 adults and 10-12 kids, but this week there was only 1 adult and a handful of children. Katie is not discouraged as the cold keeps people away. Keep the Wednesday night meetings in your prayers as this is still new for them.

This Sunday she will be sharing from Ephesians 3 and in the evenings she is sharing a random Psalm. Getting ready to teach is taking lots of preparation which she has time for each week right now. We can pray that those hearing will have open ears to what God is teaching them and that they will then share what they learn with others in the community.

She is visiting and making friends. Often they drink a common tea and sometimes will share bread or she might leave with a couple eggs. She enjoys this chatting time and needs to talk.

I am sure that most of you reading this are enjoying the warm weather that the northern hemisphere allows this time of year. Enjoy! I have been told that Santa Cruz and probably San Fernando, too, are looking at another week of cold. UGH!

July 7TH Chat

2010-07-07T13:48:00.001-04:00

So, I went this morning to talk to Katie and to show Joy, a short term missionary who is here for about one month, the hanger and what SAMair is about. I thought I would try to get the information that we talked about up asap this time.

This is what is going on in the remote life of Katie:

- The garden is showing signs of life as some of the plants are peeking out of the ground. She has peas, beans, gourds, and other stuff. She mentioned a plant that Jason, see previous posts, had given here that she had been able to fry up and eat like spinach which was tasty.

- TONIGHT, they are starting a prayer service for the 1ST time. She was headed to talk to one of the ladies at the church about possibly leading the service, pray for this as it seems they want Katie to lead everything.

- Two nights ago she and Jimena played Chess and Checkers and had a great time. Keep praying for unity as they learn to cross cultural bounds and work together.

- She mentioned that this was the BIGGEST culture shock that she has experiences to date. I have been there and I imagine that this is very true! Pray for her each day that God would sustain her!

- Sunday she was exhausted from speaking in both services as well as playing soccer. Unfortunately, she played without shoes and ended up with painfully large blisters.

- Each morning she is able to go to the neighbors to buy milk. The other morning the lady broke down crying and Katie was there to console her. As we talked, we discussed what is culturally appropriate in occasions like that and we are not sure. I plan to ask around and told Katie that she can always ask my husband for help as he is Peruvian. Please pray that God's love will transcend cultural differences and for Katie to have wisdom when these opportunities arise.

- She mentioned that San Fernando is mellow, beautiful, and about 85 degrees most days. Tomorrow, they are hoping to visit a nearby ranch if they can get word to the owners to send horses as transportation.

Lastly, she took a photo of herself chatting with me so I will post that in the future.

Also, I was able to chat with and encourage Jimena. I am hoping to talk to her each time I go to the hanger to radio Katie so that we can love on her with words and a listening ear too. She seemed positive and happy. David, my husband, called her brother who will come Friday to talk to her too.

That is all for now.
Blessings!

Here is Katie painting one of the bedrooms during her first few days in the village.

Chatting With Katie

2010-07-06T14:31:00.000-04:00

So, this is what I look like talking to Katie in the very manly hanger office. I was under the false impression that the radio that Greg will be installing at our home would give me a direct link to Katie anytime we wanted; however, Greg recently corrected this misconception telling me that the radio is for flight following and that Katie is on a different radio. Ugh! This means that I will make my weekly pilgrimage to the hanger to hang with the fellows while I chat with Katie. Good thing one of those airplane men is my husband. I am not looking forward to telling Katie that I was wrong.

I have talked to Katie a couple times since I last posted. She asked for specific prayer regarding the following:

Unity with her and her co-worker
Sharing at all the services which she did not expect, pray for her to have wisdom in what to share.
Interaction with the town
(This one I am adding) Pray for her spiritually, mentally, and physically that she will have what she needs, lean into God and find rest as she goes about this new and very different life.

So far, she is having meals mainly with one of the Christian families. She has not made contact with a meat man, but did find a place to buy bread and another place for milk. It seems to be about who you know.

She is staying daily in the Word; personally studying Isaiah, Colossians with Jimena for devotions, and on Sunday morning and evening is sharing from Ephesians.

May God's word sustain her and you, her readers and friends, as well.

Blessings,

Katie is in San Fernando

2010-06-20T17:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Family and Friends of Katie,

This is Amy logging in on behalf of Katie who has now been in San Fernando for ten days. She flew out a week ago Friday with Greg while Jimena flew out on Monday with Dan and Alonso. The planes returned on Tuesday with a letter for me to summarize onto her blog. Please forgive my tardiness in getting this on here as my family is in the process of moving homes and there has been little time.

The first few days that Katie spent in San Fernando she spent the night in the back room at Bella's house as Greg was staying in her apartment. She composed her letter sitting under a palm branch at the outdoor kitchen table while waiting for Greg, Dan, and Pastor Cesar to arrive at Bella's Tuesday morning before they took off for Santa Cruz. They had breakfast together next to the mostly enclosed dirt floor space that they use for a kitchen with the mud oven nearby.

Greg took pictures while there and Katie was hoping that I would get copies but that has not happened yet and he is gone now for over a week on a medical boat trip, so perhaps when he returns.

Katie mentioned that her house is great! She could not stop saying "Wow!", when she first saw it last Friday morning upon arrival. The curious little kids crowded around parroting her excitement. The house is now fully enclosed with locks on all the doors including bedrooms, 2 solar panels that get sun from 9AM to 4 PM which seems enough to light the apartment and church. The lights were installed in the back house, bathroom, bedrooms, kitchen/dining area, and sanctuary. The radio is in place and working as well and both girls were schooled in how to use everything including keeping the water tank filled.

Katie mentioned that the first bedroom has been sealed and painted a tan color. Several of the little kids have already been pitching in to help which has included Katie cleaning little painty hand prints off the wooden frames to the doors. With the curtains that Katie hand-painted from sheets given to her, the finished product of Jimena's room looks cute.

Katie's bed frame, oven, kitchen table, chairs and whatever else that is needed will be made there over the next few weeks.

As they plane was getting ready to take off, Katie scribbled down some prayer requests:

for the town as a whole to accept them
for their transition
to reach the people at a heart level
to learn how to live there
that God would help them be an encouragement
to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit

She is reading Isaiah 43. God has chosen us and will provide! Fear not!
In Christ Alone,
Katie Wells
(she signed her letter but please remember that I completely summarized her sentiments.)

Greg told me as he shut the plane door and glance back, Katie had tears slipping down her cheeks. Remember to pray daily for this very new and different adventure that she is on. My husband talked to her yesterday at the hanger while he flight followed and said she seemed to need to talk. I hope to go tomorrow or soon to get the latest update. I look forward to keeping you informed.

I keep up our family antics at Mozos on Mission if you click on the link, you can see a few recent photos from our trip that Katie joined us on to San Fernando.

Blessings,
Amy for Katie

Meet Amy and Lily

2010-06-09T01:26:00.003-04:00

Well, here I am with Amy and her daugher Lily. Amy, her husband and their 3 children came down here to Santa Cruz to be missionaries with SAMAIR about eight months ago. David, Amy's husband, is an airplane mechanic. He works on the airplane that will take me to San Fernando FRIDAY MORNING! YES, FRIDAY MORNING! GREG WANTS TO LEAVE BRIGHT AND EARLY!!!!! I WILL GIVE HIM MOST OF THE REST OF MY BAGS OF THINGS ON WEDNESDAY. THAT'S TOMORROW! He wants to pack the airplane on Thursday, so Friday morning all we have to do is get in and go. AUH! HERE IT IS!!!!! I'M ALMOST THERE! In the last month I've had the opportunity to visit San Fernando. But THIS time when I fly in, I will not be flying out again in a day or so. Yes, someone asked me recently about how I will feel when Greg, the SAMAIR missionary, pilot flies out... and Jimena and I stay...Yes, I'm bound to feel something. I'll let you know in a few months when I come back to civilization and "internet land"... WHICH BRINGS ME BACK TO AMY! She is going to update my blog for me!!!! I will radio in to the airport mission hangar and check in once a day with the hangar guys, but once a week Amy will come to the hangar in Santa Cruz to talk to me. And then she will update this blog accordingly. I NEED YOU TO READ THIS AND PRAY FOR ME! I AM NOT ALONE IN THIS. YOU ARE SUCH A HUGE PART IN THIS!!!!!!! PRAYER IS REAL AND I NEED IT.

Thank you for your prayers as I run around and buy what I have to buy and visit who I have to visit.
Today I bought a lot of medicine that the town of San Fernando may need for emergencies. Tomorrow I have to go buy more. (All advised by my missionary doctor friends.)

God is faithful. Let's rest in him.
Katie

a week from today i'll be in San Fernando... for good.

2010-06-04T18:23:00.003-04:00

Hello Friends. Thank you so much for your prayers. This last week has been full of preparations. I have been running around from the dentist, to the opthamologist, to more conversations with missionary doctors making a list of the medicines I should take, to buying sealant and paint for the walls of my house. Yesterday I took "my" cats to get some vaccinations, and I went to an orphanage to have them help me dye/paint my FREE curtains. I also used some of the free material given to me by another missionary to make a bedspread. Today I met with my director to go over my goals of life and ministry in San Fernando. It is so real and so exciting, FINALLY GOING out to this village to show them JESUS. There are so many things that go into making life possible out there. I have less then a week to get the rest of what I need and to see the folks I need to see, and have the needed meetings. Please pray that I would know how to use my time. I am presenting Saturday night, Sunday morning, and Sunday night at my Bolivian church - they feel as though they are sending me off. They want to be part of this mission to San Fernando. It's cool! Thanks for your prayers.

LESS THEN A WEEK! AUH! ISAIAH 41:8-10.

BIG PURCHASES!

2010-05-30T01:40:00.003-04:00

Hi Friends.

Yesterday after my morning was spent with a missionary doctor talking about possible illnesses and other things I need to know about country living ;-)....I went to buy a few big things. I bought my two-burner gas stove-top and gas tank, $69. Those will not be for every day use. I also bought my foam mattress, $35. It is thicker than something you would take camping, but it can fold in the middle and is not as heavy as any other normal mattress.

Today I picked up the rectangle-iron-top with two round openings that will be built into my mud stove to cook on top of. That was $50!!!!! I guess iron is expensive. I also bought A HAMMOCK,$40! It's mostly off white, but has thin orange and yellow lines woven in; it is bright and happy. After walking around the biggest market in Santa Cruz today I finally found a kitchen table cloth I like. It has a white background, with large orange, yellow and bright green flowers with bright green leaves! I could not help but get orange place mats, knowing that most of my plates and other kitchen things are BRIGHT GREEN, as well as the coffee cups ;-) I didn't know I liked orange until... yesterday. It goes well with bright green, white and yellow ;-). In my past rooms/ apartments that I have lived in, I have always surrounded myself with things that transmit peace, harmony, and joy. I have never had such a colorful collection of things as I do now ;-) But I have never lived in the woods, with a dirt floor in my kitchen ;-) So with my color choice and attitude I choose JOY! For the Joy of the Lord is my strength. And I can not wait until our kitchen is all together, so that Jimena and I can have women over. Our purpose is the bless others. What is your purpose?

5/17-5/25 Thanks for your prayers.

2010-05-28T00:52:00.005-04:00

It was an impromptu ministry trip that got put together just 2 days before it all happened.

All the forms of transportation I took over that week went well, Praise God; train, bus, jeep, van, motorcycle, tractor (no kidding) and small air plane.

All forms of housing: hotel with missionary ladies, back guest house, one room house with Bolivian girls under a mosquito net, 2 nights in my tent under a tree chickens and roosters called HOME, AND Bella's house.

5/17 I took the train to San Jose, where I met some missionary friends and stayed in a hotel.

5/18 Outside the town of San Jose east of Santa Cruz 5 hours, we spent the day in an Ayore Indian village, helping a missionary well-drilling team. We interacted with the people some. I was able to talk with the Bolivian school teacher who comes in to teach every day. Late in the afternoon another missionary and I were able to give a short Bible lesson to the few children and sing to them, as they colored a hand-out we gave them. It was a moment of beauty in their dark and dirty lives. The Ayore people are still very primitive in their practices and customs. The are a very hard people group. Missionaries have been trying to reach them for MANY years, with projects and other initiatives, but real change is slim-to-none. Pray for the Ayore people: that God would soften their hearts and they would respond to his love.

5/19 I traveled alone on a bus east to Robore. I had lunch with a Pastor and his wife whom I had met the previous year. Immediately afterward, I became violently ill. I threw up many times. I do not know what caused it. Later that day I traveled up to Santiago de Chiquitos in a little van, where I got sick again. But later I felt better, Praise God, that it left me quickly. I was still able to have a good visit with Katherine Whittacker, a North American who lives with her family in Santiago where they have a small dairy farm. I met her in 2007. It was good to visit her, as I wanted to encourage her and her family. Pray for their family, schooling for their kids, and the evangelical church in Santiago. It has had a sad fall, as their single pastor got a teenager pregnant, then left town. The church is not only hurting from that, but the believers do not trust each other and are very divided. Harsh and divisive things have been said, and many are not going to church at all. It really is a mess. Pray for a mature pastor and wife to be called to Santiago.

5/20 I was able to meet with other key believers, Pray for Elena Manacho, that she would forgive.
For Isabel and Jose that they would forgive others and continue to be involved in the church. Pray for Roxanne who is directing the music with her husband. They are faithfully leading, but some folks told me they don't go to church because of how the music is.... AUH! The devil is living and active, there was so much discord among the believers as I went to them and listened individually. Pray for unity, and peace in Santiago. They all begged me to stay. I listened to them, prayed with them, and ask you to join with me in prayer for them. I will always visit them, but only God knows if I will ever live there.

5/21 Friday I went back down to Robore, I spent the evening with Natile and Anna, sisters from Santa Corazon. At age 16 Natile was leading the church in Santa Corazon. But with time and distraction, went down the wrong path for a while, and has been through some VERY hard things. Pray for restoration for her. She wants to seek God again, and be found in him. She has a heart for missions, and wants to be a missionary. She is 21 now and considering getting married. Pray for her life. That evening I spent with her and her younger sister I showed them the LOVELY book El Cordaro, that Joanna Siebert from Hope Community Church sent me. It captured their attention, and that of their 2 teenage male cousins who were over. The book has bright clear pictures and a description of GOD, CREATION, THE FALL, SIN, SALVATION, REDEMPTION, and Reunion with God! It is clear and lovely. The book is meant for kids, but held the attention of 4 teens/young adults who later I learned are not all Christians! Praise God. Pray for them.

5/22 I flew to Santa Corazon. It was a joyful time with those believers. They were celebrating their church anniversary; it was the first time they celebrated it. They had not had a pastor in years. I had been there before, and it was sweet to see familiar faces. The children are bubbly and bright. The girls are talkative. And the youth are smart. In the anniversary service the church youth performed a drama, it was clear and poignant that we should not just be "Sunday Christians". The young pastor and his wife are energetic and lovely. They are Bolivian Baptist missionaries, sent by the Baptist convention. Pray for Pastor Eric and his wife Jessica. Their congregation has MANY children and youth, and a hand full of adults. The town has a generator that runs for 2 hours every night. Pastor Eric has great speakers and great praise music until the service starts then he plays guitar and sings with the congregation and the children sing strong. It is SUCH a joy to hear. And to see them attentive in the service. They belted out the songs, JESUS IS PROCLAIMED AND IT IS SO SWEET TO HEAR. Eric and Jessica have suffered being out there - it was a larger town than San Fernando but is still isolated. The town phone broke and Eric and Jessica were without pay from their mission for while, and Jessica got sick... They went by land to Robore in the rainy season (a half an hour flight) that took them four days.

5/23 It was lovely spending time with Jessica preparing for meals and cleaning up with her later in her make-shift dirt-floor kitchen. We got to know each other more. They will be my closest "ministry/missionary" friends. Santa Corazon is about 5 hours by land south of San Fernando. I talked to Eric and asked them to please try to visit me in San Fernando. I would appreciate his preaching and encouragement. I am not going to be the preacher in San Fernando, but an encouragement and support to the believers, as we pray and study the Bible together and as I facilitate a church leadership course for them. But I know Eric's male leadership and preaching will be appreciated by all. And I will visit Santa Corazon when I can. They are a joyful bunch.

5/24 Monday we flew to San Fernando (originally when I realized there was space on the flight from Robore to Santa Corazon, I thought that's all the flight included, but no...they were going on to San Fernando for a night and day). We had a church service by candle light with the small group of believers: 3 men, 4 women, 5 children, the missionary couple and their children who came with me, and Greg the missionary pilot. He spoke on God's Glory. God spoke to me that evening - God wants all the glory. Greg read passage after passage. It was clear, and a clear check on my motives. I always have to check my heart's motives: am I stealing glory from God, for myself? That evening I spent in Bella's house (the church leader). We stayed up and talked for a while, until I could not stay awake (a week of travel had taken it's toll on me). But we had a lovely talk. I believe she is in her late 40's. She became a Christian at age 11, while at a missionary-run boarding school in the jungle. She was baptised the following year. In 2004 her family moved from that small town called Rincon del Tigre (Corner of the Tiger) to San Fernando. Her husband bought 1000 hectors of land to farm. In 2007, because of a drunken dispute, he and his two oldest sons were shot and killed. I can not imagine Bella's pain. But still she stays in that town with her youngest son and his wife. She is leading the church as best as she can, and teaches in the small government-run school. She is sweet and joyful, and more lively than I remember from a year ago. Pray for our friendship, well all of us - the believers from San Fernando, Jimena and I. Bella tells me there is much idol worship in the catholic church in S.F, and witchcraft in town as well, and much drunkenness.

5/25 Tuesday Greg and others brought the things in from the plane that they brought for MY HOUSE!!!! MY BATHROOM AND KITCHEN SINK! IT WAS SO THRILLING TO SEE!!!!!! But there is still much construction to be done to enclose the kitchen, and to put in two more doors to make our house enclosed and safe, plus much screen has to be added. We passed by the school and there are many children. They are much more standoffish than Santa Corazon children, but they are very curious. I met a group of women in the street and I introduced myself. They were all smiles and glad I was coming to live in their town. I even got an invite to come over to one of their houses already. In the afternoon we came back to Santa Cruz, I was so tired.

Bueno, if you read all of that, thank you! Please pray for all and any of it. God desires to hear us pray. These next two weeks will fly by! I do have ONE MILLION THINGS STILL TO DO. Today I met with Steve the SAM $ man. We need to meet again and talk about transferring funds. I need to talk with Dan about my ministry monthly goals and objectives. Today I went to the dentist for a cleaning and check up after a year, but need to go back to fill 3 cavities: boo! This evening I went to Cristo Viene girls home with my friend Mara, to see the little girls. Oh, I want to adopt them all! Tomorrow I will go meet with Dr. Placido Mercado, Missionary Doctor, about practical medical things I can know and do. Also tomorrow I think I will go pick up a foam mattress and gas tank and gas stove top burner. This evening is the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center High School graduation. Auh, I had the graduating class as 7th GRADERS! That makes me feel old. I'm still in transition of my role: I'm no longer part of the school but I knew the students so well. That feeling goes for my Santa Cruz church as well. I have been traveling and speaking at different churches AND I'M ABOUT TO LEAVE THE CITY so I have not been as involved as I used to be, so it's a weird transition that way, too. This Saturday night I will speak at a different church about my call to missions as a child, and my call to San Fernando now.

There are more things I need to buy and meetings I need to have. Please pray that I would think clearly, and ALWAYS PUT GOD FIRST/ SEEK HIM FIRST! That he would calm and order my thoughts as I step into this new ministry.

Thank you SO MUCH for your prayers. I felt prayed-for this past week as I traveled. Even as I was sick I felt God with me. As I was talking to one believer in Santiago on Friday who said she is surrendered to God's leading, I felt God speaking through me to encourage her to reach out to members of the church who have been hurt: believers who have distanced themselves. Everything just clicked into place and God used me to speak into people's lives. I want to be a tool in God's hands. Pray that I would be sensitive to his Spirit, so I can be useful in his hands; moving with Him.

I'll put on more pictures when I can.

HEALTHY REMINDER:

Isaiah 40:28-31

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youth grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength."

Mission Journey

2010-05-17T15:34:00.001-04:00

Well, Saturday morning I took a crowded bus part way around the third ring of Santa Cruz, to Grigota. As I walked the few blocks up the road before I entered into a nice housing community to attend a house sale of a missionary friend to buy some house fixings, I got a phone call on my cell phone from Toni Mercado, a SAM missionary doctor who works with the Ayore Indians. Toni told me about a team of missionaries going to a far away community. The team would be all men except for one young lady, Marcee from Canada. Toni wanted to know if I would go along. Sure, why not? I had a few things planned but they could be moved. I said yes. They were planning to go by land, in Jeeps. Marcee would need to leave San Jose by Tuesday night, but knowing how close San Jose is to Robore and Santiago and Santa Corazon (relatively) and having the desire to see people in those towns, I put together my own little trip... I know that when I fly to San Fernando on JUNE 14TH I will stay there for months and only come out briefly, so this time right now is my window of freedom, so to speak. How could I not take advantage of it to visit a few Believers in these towns and encourage and maybe teach them? Here is my itinerary. Please pray for the logistics and ministry to the Bolivian Believers, even if it is briefly.

Today, Monday May 17th, I'm in Santa Cruz. I will take the train to San Jose (due east)
Tuesday. We will be in an Ayore village all day. In the evening I will travel to Robore (east) by bus.
Wednesday I will travel to Santiago, spending some time with Robore and Santiago Christians.
Thursday I will visit with disheartened believers in Santiago. They have gone through a very hard time.
Friday I will come back to Robore and seek out more Believers that I know to visit and encourage.
Saturday I will meet up with the missionary pilot who is flying others to Santa Corazon. Santa Corazon is having their church anniversary, which is very exciting. They are a village that is only a bit larger than San Fernando, but they have a couple who is pastoring the church and doing a lovely job. They are Bolivian missionaries, which means they are paid by Bolivians in Santa Cruz to live out in Santa Corazon. I want to encourage them as well as the people of Santa Corazon.

Thank you friends for your prayers.

please do pray for me, for God to protect me and speak through me.

garden, glasses, sheets, rugs and a large box of cake mix

2010-05-15T16:28:00.002-04:00

Garden

On Thursday I had lunch with Gina Justinao and her husband. Gina is the mother of one of my students from a few years ago. She is an artist as well, and as been teaching a few art classes at SCCLC. We wanted to catch up with each other. At lunch our conversation ended up being an informational session about San Fernando. Gina's husband Heromus is the head of 2 natural conservation societies. San Fernando is in the region of land with which Heromus works. He knows all about plants and animals of that area, and controls logging, to preserve the forest. Well, he told me that about 8 years ago there was a large garden project in San Fernando, to help with the people's nutrition. He said the soil is sandy, but with natural fertilizer and much regular water, the plants did well. There was lettuce, tomatoes, and a few other things. He said it was a large garden, and when the conservation foundation people were not there any more to keep it going, and to motivate people, that the people did not keep it up.... It was interesting, and good to know. And now you have new things to pray about.

Last week I spent the day with the SAM missionary agronomer and his wife out at their house near a town called Pilon. Their names are Jason and Jenna Weigner (who are both from Syracuse, New York and actually went to Faith Heritage, the same school I graduated from... small world). I learned how to use a machete and a hoe. We made a raised garden. They are good for areas that get alot of rain. I learned many other things. Here are some photos.

Air Layering- a way to make a branch make roots, so you can cut it off (a month later) and plant a small tree. (And not have to start a tree from a seed.) I would use this if I wanted a tree in the village to be by my house.

GLASSES

The glasses I have now are fine. I bought them in July 2005 here in Santa Cruz Bolivia. Yet, I was thinking if something happened to my glasses when I was out in San Fernando, though I have my contacts I could use, it would be rough to be without glasses. So, the first week I was back here, I went to the optometrist to get a new prescription, and I went back just yesterday to pick out frames because I had learned that they were going to get a new shipment in so I waited to pick them out. It will be a week and a half before I can go pick them up. They are very simple, silver frames. The eye oppointment was 30Bs! Which is about 4$. I didn't care that I had to wait 3 hours, it was worth it. The optometrist was nice and smart. The lenses, frames and cost to mount them is a bit more, 250Bs which is about 35$. I think that is a good deal. ;-) And really, the glasses I have are still good. ;-)

Sheets and Rugs

This morning I went to the house of a missionary who is moving back to the States permanently. They were selling all sorts of things. I got a cake pan (which I could use for many things) and a pie pan. Also I got some cute bright flowery sheets for a twin bed. The small flowers are yellow and orange, the leaves are bright green. The biggest purchases were two nice berber rugs. They are mostly tan with a mossy green. I think they will make our rooms look homier...

And a large box of cake mix...

Well, no not really. But cake does sound good.

Thinking about San Fernando.

2010-05-15T12:20:00.003-04:00

I am glad I got to go visit on Tuesday. It was SO good to see MY HOUSE. It is so much nicer than I had imagined. But there are a few things yet to be finished. One of the rooms still needs screen in the windows, as does the bathroom. The bathroom needs the toilet and sink: I WILL HAVE RUNNING WATER AFTER ALL! PRAISE THE LORD! The missionary guys organizing the construction decided they wanted the house to have running water. Whether I live there the rest of my life or not, the house really is a SAM house, so they put in the standards they wanted it to have. Thinking about the future: I still "need" a kitchen sink. But if there is a bathroom sink that might do for a while. Or if there are no sinks for a while, then I will use a bucket of which I have a few. I dropped them off when I was there on Tuesday, as well as pots and pans, mugs, plates, silverware, bowls, a tea pot, a thermos and other kitchen things. I also dropped off things for my garden: chicken wire, a shovel, a hoe, a machete, a hammer, nails, and a saw. You can see my stuff in the photo with these little guys who were my helpers the whole time I was in San Fernando on Tuesday.

Bella, the woman who is in charge of the church, was not in San Fernando when we arrived. She had gone the two-day trip by horseback to the nearest city, San Matias. But I left with her daughter-in-law (who lives at Bella's house) a large bag of rice, flower, sugar and vegetable oil for Bella and her family. This is a picture of Bella and her grandson from my trip to San Fernando a year ago.

The children and adults we met seemed happy that I was coming to live in their village. I am sure everyone has been keeping track of the progression of construction on my house. Jimena and I will be "what is new" in San Fernando.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As we landed on the rancher's field/ landing strip in San Fernando, there was soon a small group of curious boys to greet us. They just watched at first, then came closer. The two boys shown in the photo above came closest. They wanted to see inside the air plane. They were good little helpers all day. While Greg, the missionary pilot, was out checking things on the plane, the boys helped me carry my things. They led me to the church on a path that was NOT frequently traveled. It was almost like they were making the path themselves. But I trust local little boys. They are honest and helpful. As we got to the church, and walked around back to see my rooms, such joy over came me that I couldn't help but smile... "I'm home", I thought. The two rooms are approximately 15ft by 12ft each. They have large wooden frames that make openings for windows and have bars on the windows for security. There is no glass; we will only have screen... When it gets cold... well, maybe it won't get that cold...

As I looked around, more curious kids showed up, mostly staying on the side of the building where the church is. There is a little concrete stage that is great for kids to play on. Kids are kids no matter where you are. Boys will challenge each other seeing who is strongest.

As the rest of my group arrived--Greg the pilot, David the mechanic, Isaiah (David's son), and Jim (David's father in law)--the kids curiously watched us. Greg walked around to see what more had to be done with the construction. Jim walked around taking pictures. He is an older man down from the states to see SAMAIR ministries, and possible future partnership ideas.

We took some pictures at the church. Isaiah is in the front of this picture.Then the little boys led us to the river. After that we went to Bella's house. We visited with her daughter-in-law and other family there for a little while. They offered us cake and hot chocolate. It was good. I will learn from her how to make bread and cake.

Our time in San Fernando was short because we had to also fly to another village, have lunch there, then go back to Santa Cruz. Just as I am sure that the people of San Fernando are happy to have Jimena and me coming to live in their village, I am also sure that they are curious about what we will do there. We will be learners for a while: getting our mud oven/stove made and learning how to cook over/in it, and learning how to clear land.The lot the church/our house is on is nice, but needs work. We will have our beds, chairs, shelves, and tables made, while hopefully learning how to do it as well. We will learn what the people think about things. I want to listen to them. Sure, I have ideas of encouraging and training local believers, but for a while... Jimena and I will be the learners.

Short trip to San Fernando!

2010-05-13T03:07:00.001-04:00

SALUDOS TODOS MIS AMIGOS, Y HERMANOS EN CRISTO!

GREETINGS ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND BROTHERS(and sisters) IN CHRIST!

I PRAISE GOD FOR SO MANY THINGS. HE IS SO FAITHFUL! YESTERDAY I GOT BACK FROM A QUICK TRIP TO A FEW VILLAGES, ONE OF WHICH WAS SAN FERNANDO! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS, KEEP THEM COMING!

There were a few times during the 2 day trip that I was SO aware of God's protection, and know that is strengthened by the prayers of his people!

I would like you to meet sweet Jimena Aguilara

2010-05-05T00:18:00.004-04:00

Jimena Aguilara

She is the 20 year old Bolivian young lady that God picked out to accompany me, and minister with me to the people of San Fernando, Bolivia from June until December, when she will come back to Santa Cruz, then Cristina will be able to come to San Fernando.

This is Pastor Cesar, Bolivian Baptist pastor of a church called El Sembrador, on the north side of Santa Cruz. (Sembrador means "the one who plants") They are a VERY mission-minded church. Pastor Cesar actually has a long standing good relationship with South America Mission, with a shared desire to reach eastern Bolivia for Christ, and to encourage and strengthen the Christians there, with help from SAMAIR to get there.

And then you have sweet Jimena. After the four of us met this morning for our meeting, Jimena and I went to a market and bought more things for our kitchen and life in San Fernando. I've never bought a teapot or pots and pans before. It was exciting.

And lastly here is Dan Striebig. He is the Director of South America Mission in Bolivia. I have known him and his wife and little girls since I first came to Bolivia in August 2004. They actually lived across the street from the first house I lived in. That was way before he was director of the mission. In the last few weeks I have met with him a few times to talk about details of life and ministry in San Fernando. Last week I had a long meeting with him and Greg, the SAMAIR pilot. Previously I had met Pastor Cesar and Jimena and talked about San Fernando, but today it was nice to be official about how we will start ministry and life there. Pastor Cesar had many great ideas. He sees Jimena as a helper to me. Dan said he sees Jimena and I as equals. It was a lovely meeting. I spoke of my hopes for San Fernando, but all of us are open to what God wants to do there. Jimena is open, optimistic, and very winsome.

Things are coming along. Later this afternoon, while looking at green plastic bowls, and everything plastic you could want for a kitchen, I got a call from Greg. He had found a satellite radio. Apparently they are very hard to come by. It costs $1,300. And he found out the solar panel that he wants me to get is in the $800 range... then there were a few other figures. Well, I couldn't think very clearly then. Later back at the SAM office I talked to Dan, and then Sue Post in the SAM home office in the states to talk "budget", (one of my least favorite things to think about). But all LOOKS GOOD. All is A "GO". SAMAIR is going to make some big purchases for me, and "I" will pay them back: Many of you have prayed and given so faithfully, that all the needed funds are sitting in a little pot in the States just waiting to be poured out for these needs for life in San Fernando.

______________________________________________________________

Tomorrow I am sharing in the 2 elementary chapels at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. Pray that God would use me, and speak through me.

Matthew 28:19-20

THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.

Nothing surprises God!

2010-05-01T17:50:00.002-04:00

Thursday morning I met with the SAM pilot Greg and the SAM Bolivia Director Dan at the SAMAIR hangar (which you can see in this photo, right next to our air strip) in San Cruz from 8:00 to 11.30 a.m. to discuss details of my ministry.. I saw a video of MY HOUSE OUT IN SAN FERNANDO!!!! PRAISE GOD! IT'S ACTUALLY NICE!!!! I AM SO THRILLED TO MOVE OUT THERE!!!!! We talked about many logistics.

Then I met my Bolivian friend Mara for lunch. She is a veterinarian who has her practice not far from the hangar where I had my morning meeting. After visiting with her for a few hours, I went to Cristo Viene Girls' Home. The girls are so sweet. Their home had moved and I had not seen it yet. I got back to the SAM guest house at 7ish....

At 8.30pm I was on the bus to the Baptist Seminary to meet with Cristina and her Pastor, to talk about San Fernando. WELL, TO MY SURPRISE, Cristina told me that after much prayer and realization of her responsibilities at her job, and another institute she's involved with, that she could not go to San Fernando until January. She did not have peace about going right now! As I heard that, my eye brows were high and I held my breath... and asked God for wisdom. And God gave me not only wisdom but peace. I accepted it and we prayed.

Then Pastor Cesar introduced me to Jimena Aguilera. She is a young Bolivian lady who went recently to San Fernando with a team to encourage the Christians there, and she was excited about going back some day... Well, things have moved quickly and she feels ready and able to go back to San Fernando with me in June for six months, until Cristina is able to come out and live there with me for a year or more!!!! We talked for about two and a half hours, and I met her family who live at the church, next to the seminary. As quick as it all seems, it does all seem to work. I didn't have my camera with me, but this week I hope to get a picture of Jimena for you. She is a sweet girl of 20 years old. Her parents are the care-takers of the Baptist church next to the seminary. The six of them live in one room. They are humble, but God-filled people. Jimena's father and mother are honored that their daughter would be able to go with me out to San Fernando and be a missionary. Her father is the carpenter who went out to San Fernando to build the house for me (us!). He is the one I heard about months ago: he built in the day time and preached at night!

So friends, nothing is a surprise to God. Pray for Jimena; she is young. Pray that our friendship would grow. I've already told her I would like us to write up not only our ministry objectives, but a conduct statement, and sign it, so that we would be very clear on how we will live and minister out in San Fernando. I felt inspired to talk about that at our first meeting...and to do it because she is very young and she is really a cute girl.

Thanks for your prayers about that! Do continue to pray for Cristina.

Thanks friends...

I took this picture today as I was standing on the bus on the way to the orphanage, as there was no room to sit. People pack into the bus, called a "micro". It's a fitting name because these little busses are NOT made for anyone taller than 5 foot 2. This was my view. :-) This little guy had his eye on me most of the time during the ride. Cute.

yesterday, today, and tomorrow ;-)

2010-04-28T15:11:00.005-04:00

Hello friends.

Well this weekend it was great to see the folks at my church, Iglecia Cristiana Misionara. For their moment for missions they invited me up and I spoke about my time in the states and what God is calling me to do in San Fernando. I think that was the most I have said in any Sunday morning service in that church. It was good. I feel like they are one of my home churches. They support me in prayer and they gave me a financial gift when I left Bolivia in June. That was unexpected. They have a missions heart, which is so neat.

Monday I went to the optometrist. I sat and waited 3 hours, which is fine with me. The doctor was excellent, and it only cost me 30 Bs. to see him (That is about $5.00. Amazing.) I was told that they will have new frames in 2 weeks, so I will go back in two weeks to pick out frames, then a few weeks after that have new glasses.

Yesterday I went to school to visit with students and teachers. In the evening I took a taxi over to the Baptist Seminary to see Cristina and meet her professor, who will be her authority as she goes out ot San Fernando. It was good to meet him. He is very missions minded. He was much older than I thought; must be in his late 60s or early 70's.

Today I spoke at the junior high/senior high school chapel service at Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. It was good to reconnect with the students and explain why I'm not going to be teaching at the school anymore. It went well.

In one hour will be prayer meeting here at the South America Mission office building called "El Atrio". The building houses a Bible Training Center called CIET, but we use it for our prayer meetings on Wednesdays. Afterwards the missionaries always eat dinner together. It's a nice time of fellowship.

Tomorrow morning I will meet with Dan Streibig, Director of SAMBolivia, and with Greg Dahl, director of SAMAIR. We will put a plan of action into place for MISSION:SAN FERNANDO. Tomorrow night, I am going to meet with Pastor Cesar (Cristina's "director") and Cristina. I want to get to know them some more. Then the three of us will meet more offically with Greg and Dan next Tuesday to plan this whole project/ministry.

Ok. I'll tell you more as I know it. Thank you for staying connected and praying for everything. I am SO VERY AWARE of my weaknesses and tendencies. Pray for God to continue to strengthen me as I ABIDE in Him, and pray that we can all be on the "same page" in these up-coming meetings TO GLORIFY GOD in San Fernando!

Thanks BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST!!!! AS YOU PRAY FOR THESE THINGS, IT'S LIKE YOU ARE HERE WITH ME!

LOVE IN CHRIST!
Katie Wells
a very simple jar of clay, 2 Cor.4:7

Cristina Gutierrez

2010-04-23T22:26:00.003-04:00

We met in the plaza in front of the principle cemetery of Santa Cruz at 6pm. Then we walked a few blocks to find a restaurant not far away to sit and have dinner. We found nothing, so we got on a bus and rode until we saw one we both liked, then got off at a simple Chicken place. We had a very typical Santa Cruz meal: fried chicken, french fries, rice and seasoned spaghetti, and Tropi (juice). We talked about many things! It ranged from simple to deep. I was much younger looking and not as tall as she thought. She was taller than I thought.

I learned MUCH more about her every day life, and her background. She was married before. They lived together for 12 years! That is such a long time. Neither of them were walking with Christ when they met, but at some point in the middle of those 12 years, they started attending church, and it strengthened them both. They were very involved in their Baptist church, and even started attending seminary. Then her husband started leaning away from God, and now it has been 2 years since he walked away from the church, seminary, and her. That must be so hard. But she has stayed strong in the Lord.

I told her about South America Mission and about my churches in the states. And we talked about San Fernando A LOT!!!! What life will be like out there, logistics and ministry.

Please continue to pray for logistics of how this is all going to work. Pray for unity, and peace in decision making having to do with ministry and logistics. She needs supporters...FROM BOLIVIA! Also please pray for her heart. Even though she is a busy person, the separation from her husband is still hard. He lives near by her with another woman. I don't think I could stand that.

Tomorrow is a conference for little girls from age 8-12, the Princess Conference. They will hear about how they are children of The King: chosen and loved and how they are to act as Princesses! I will help with leading the girls in a few songs! And I will be one of many other missionary women to be at tables with the girls to have small group discussions.

Next week, I will be in more conversation with Cristina. I need to go to the dentist. I will also go to the optometrist. I need to get a back-up pair of glasses. Wednesday I will share at SCCLC's (the school where I taught for 5 school years) chapel service. I am really looking forward to sharing with my students my story of how God called me at a young age to be a missionary, and about the village I am going to live in. Also I will be connecting with the missionary doctor couple, to see when I can watch them do stitches, and when I could practice! AUH!

OH, I will fill you in more on things that are happening as they come. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!! KEEP THEM COMING MY DEAR FRIENDS!!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL! I FEEL SO LOVED AND SUPPORTED BY YOU! GOD'S HAND IS ON ME! IT'S SO COOL!

seek God.

FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT!

2010-04-23T09:23:00.004-04:00

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

ALL MY FLIGHTS WENT PERFECTLY!

On the long over night flight to Bolivia from Miami, in the early hours of the morning, most people were sleeping. It was dark in the cabin, except for a reading light of a man diagonal from me. It illuminated the back of the seat in front of him, making the simple written message stand out, "FASTEN SEAT BELT". My dialog with God continued, "God, I am yours. I am in your hands. You have provided yet again for me to live and minister to people of Bolivia." Then as my eyes fixated on those words, I felt as though God spoke. "Be alert". That is a direct challenge to me; to be alert in purity, through my thoughts, with my eyes, my words, and my actions. I know challenges will come, for the Bible tells me so ;-)

In my past years in Bolivia I have not always lived a surrendered life, I did not have God's protective seat belt on at times. But I have seen the results, and I praise God for his grace and mercy! And as much as I know Jesus washes my sins away, I know that the Devil is still at play. Please pray with me, "God, in this season of my life, BE GLORIFIED IN ME! JESUS WALK AHEAD OF ME, I WANT TO FOLLOW BEHIND YOU. That I would have the belt of your protective word around my heart and mind, that I would be alert, and that the Holy Spirit would govern and protect me. Holy Spirit give me wisdom and a discerning spirit. My seat belt is on. I know challenges will come.

Well, my first day in Bolivia was wonderful. I was greeted with the hot humid air of Santa Cruz, and soon by many familiar faces. My suit cases all made it. My good missionary friend Dana and two girls from my Bolivian church, Cecila and Lauren, welcomed me with open arms. Later that morning I rested, and in the afternoon I went to meet some other SAM missionaries for our monthly small group prayer meeting and dinner. Next Wednesday the prayer meeting will be with all the missionaries.

Thursday I went back to the airport with Dana to pick her Mother up. We later had breakfast together.

After resting I walked over to visit with Felizinda and Cora! I lived in Felizinda's house for the majority of the time I lived in Bolivia. She is like a mother to me and I felt like I was at home in her living room. Cora is Felizinda's grown daughter. We had a lovely visit. I gave them New York t-shirts, gifts from my mom to them. Eventually I walked back through my old neighborhood, greeting neighbors as I walked back to the South America Mission guest house. This city has a charm I can not explain. I love this city. I love these people. Yet, I am gripped with my calling to San Fernando. I love those people too, though I don't yet know them.

TO NIGHT I WILL MEET CRISTINA! THE YOUNG BOLIVIAN WOMAN WHO WILL GO WITH ME TO SAN FERNANDO!

four full days until I fly

2010-04-15T22:15:00.000-04:00

THE COUNTDOWN:

Last night I spoke about God's call on my life, and my ministry in Bolivia to the teens at Syracuse Alliance Youth Group. They were a great group to speak to. They had questions, and I could have fun with them as I presented. I asked them questions and involved them as well. It was neat for me to present to them. When I was in high school I went to the LaFayette Alliance Youth Group, as well as the Syracuse Alliance Youth Group. I feel like I had a kinship with them.

Today I received the ECHO seeds for MY GARDEN IN SAN FERNANDO! That is so thrilling to think about! I called my grandmother in Wisconsin today, who is an AVID gardener, and we talked "garden". It was wonderful. She has multiple gardens that she works very hard on. It was fun to talk and plan. Also today I mowed my Mom's and Doug's lawn. That will be my last time to do that for 2 years or more.

This evening I got together to talk with a group of my core supporters in LaFayette. I talked about many things, and they prayed for me! I am so blessed! So many people are covering me with prayer! It is my armor. The Holy Spirit is in me, and all around me!!! Whom then shall I fear??? I am so thankful for their prayers, and your prayers as I go back to Bolivia.

Tomorrow I will buy a water purification filter pump, and then go to the Alliance Woman's retreat, until Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening I will have dinner with some great friends and supporters, then spend the night at my Dad's house. He and I will go to LaFayette Alliance for the early service Sunday Morning. I will share and sing in both services, and share with the 5 & 6th grade Sunday school class between services. The afternoon is full of visits.

Monday I will polish up the packing I yet have to do, which is not much.

And Tuesday I finally fly BACK TO BOLIVIA!!!!!!!

Please pray for my the flights on Tuesday. I take off from Syracuse at 1:15pm and fly to Chicago to have a 2 hour layover, then fly down to Miami for another two hour layover. THEN I will fly from Miami to Bolivia at 11pm.

GOD WILLING I will arrive in Santa Cruz Bolivia Wednesday morning, April 21st.

Please do join with me in prayer for the flights and all the details that accompany traveling.

Thank you!

SEEDS

2010-04-07T14:31:00.005-04:00

Wax Gourd, Tropical Lettuce, Queensland Lettuce, Smooth Luffa (i guess you can eat it, when it's small), Tomato, Strawberry Tree (yeah, it's not really strawberry, but has berries that are similar... so i'm told), Jicama (not sure, but it was recomended), Sugar Pod Pea, Winged Bean, and Jack Bean.... (I'm really curious about these!!!!)

Today I ordered all these through ECHO check them out on line! http://www.echonet.org/ so amazing! The agronomer missionary, Jason hooked me up with them! They send seeds to missionaries for FREE! YEAH! SO GREAT! Jason will give me Gardening 101 when I get to Bolivia!!!!! I'm flying in 13 days! AUH!

PILOTS, SEEDS, PILLOW CASES, and A PAINTING.

2010-04-04T23:42:00.003-04:00

Hello FRIENDS!

WHAT A GREAT EASTER DAY!!!!!! GOD IS SO AMAZING TO SEND HIS SON! TO LOVE US SO COMPLETELY!!!!!! To not only show us how to live, BUT, TO STAND IN THE WAY OF GOD'S WRATH FOR US, AND SUFFER FOR OUR SIN! Yet, not only to die BUT TO COME FROM DEATH TO LIFE AGAIN! I serve the ONLY Risen Savior!

PILOTS

Well, I talked to the SAMAIR pilot, Greg Dahl, who is in Bolivia this evening. We talked over details of how this ministry in San Fernando is going to get started. He had some good thoughts. Before I move out into San Fernando for good with Cristina (my co-missionary friend) that we should make a short trip out there (from Santa Cruz, Bolivia) to visit and see the house I will be living in, and think what we need out there. Great idea. Continue to pray for Greg Dahl. He is flying alot, being that he is the only pilot in our mission right now. Normally there are 2 or 3 missionary pilots. Pray for God to bring SAM another pilot to help Greg with the flights. Also, please be praying about Greg's financial support. He only has one supporting church. If you would like to support him monthly or with a one time gift let SAM know. Maybe God is calling you to join him in his ministry of flying to remote villages and showing the love of Christ to many people! Pray about it, http://www.southamericamission.org/

SEEDS

Today I also spoke with Jason Weigner, SAM missionary from North Syracuse, now in Bolivia with his wife! They are expecting their first baby on TUESDAY!!!!! Also since he is an agronomer, we were brainstorming on things to grow in my garden in San Fernando. He has some GREAT ideas, and resources! PRAISE GOD! AND PRAY FOR Jason and Jenna ON TUESDAY!!!!

PILLOW CASES and a PAINTING.

Today I did a little more packing for my return to Bolivia. One suit case is nearly full of books and ministry resources I've collected in these last 10 months... then the other will be clothes and shoes. When I was in Wisconsin a few months ago, spending time with my maternal grandparents, my grandmother and I ran across some beautiful cross-stitched pillow cases that my great grandmother had made! They are simple, white cases with lovely colorful stitched flowers on one edge. She said I could have them, since I liked them so much. Well, I love my grandmother, and these pillow cases remind me of her! So today, in packing, I put in the 3 pillow cases. Also, I added a small 8 inch oval painting mounted on a canvas that my great Aunt Mary painted. She is my grandmother's sister. It is a small and delicate oil painting of flowers in a vase. I love it! It's beautiful! And it's coming with me, to the wilderness of Bolivia. I can not take much. And I do not treasure things in general, but just a few things that have come from the hands of those I love, I will bring. Oh, and I have a few of my great grandmother's old, yet lovely flowered hankerchieves. I'm sure I will be able to use them some how ;-)

"God, thank you for loving me enough to send your son to live, die, and come to life again for me! You have blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. God, show me how to love others the way you have loved me. God, help me think clearly on what to bring back to Bolivia. Thank you for paving the way. Lord I trust You! Be my vision.

Teaching my mom and Daphne how to add stuff on here.

2010-03-31T10:41:00.003-04:00

We love Panera so much.

GOD'S PROVISION!

2010-03-29T23:08:00.000-04:00

It's completely amazing really. I was shocked to get the phone call last Sunday morning. One of my long time supporters called. His friend is able to support me for my remaining $400 a month need I had, for the next two years. Wow. Unreal. I did ask God to amaze me. And here I am. Amazed. Some one else said lately to me, I should not be shocked though, because I knew God was going to provide. But really I am in shock. How God calls all those to participate in the great mission. God does provide. Last night I was driving "home" from Ithaca to Syracuse in the rain, in the dark, on the highway, fastish... and I thought... how God not only provides for me but protects me. What a great Heavenly Father I have. I am blessed. God is holding me, protecting me, and showing me the path He wants me on.

Back to Bolivia, April 20th. To Santa Cruz to reconnect with so many missionaries and Bolivian brothers and sisters. I will plan for ministery in San Fernando, and get to know Cristina Gutierrez my co-missionary friend who will go out to San Fernando with me. God Thank you for all that you provide.

Rain in Santa Cruz and flooding in San Fernando, Bolivia

2010-03-24T22:59:00.001-04:00

This morning I was able to Skype with Dana Wilson, South America Mission Missionary to Santa Cruz Bolivia for 11 years, and one of my best friends in Bolivia! It was raining there today. January to April is the rainy season in Bolivia. There is usally flooding to some extent in northern, central and eastern Bolivia. When it rains... it down poors and life in very complicated in Santa Cruz... I remember not being able to get in to school on time a few days last year. Busses don't stop, and taxi's don't run, or are very late to come to your house.

Two nights ago I talked shortly to the South America Mission pilot, Greg Dahl about life and ministery. He tells me when it rains out in San Fernando things are more blique. They can not get out. The only road to the nearest small city, that supplies them with daily necesities, is flooded. Every year it floods. They need food. They want rice and floor, and the basics. I wonder if they even have matches. He has been unable to fly out there for different reasons. When I am living in San Fernando my ministery funds I raised... you helped to raise, will pay for monthly flights, and hopefully that will help the town as well. I don't know how it will all work as far as Greg flying food in. I know there is a little shop, and a man who first buys things then sells to the people... but Greg tells me he marks things way up, and doesn't like to pay Greg to fly in. So he is crooked... Well, this man is making money. Greg says this happens every year. Rainy season comes and they don't have any food. He questions them as to why they can't store it up and prepare for rainy season. Well, I guess I will find out. Pray for people in San Fernando. Pray for another missionary pilot to come and help fly with Greg. Usally there are two are three missionary pilots, now there is only one.

Last weekend I spoke at Skaneateles First Baptist Church. But more then speaking, I listened to the advice and stories of the Cochran Family. They pastor that church, but before that spent 20 years in Venezuela as missionaries in the bush, with New Tribes Mission. They had so many stories and pieces of advice that I am holding on to. I feel like I'm going back in time to move out in San Fernando. But yet, I also feel like I'm pioneering too. AND I'M NOT EVEN OUT IN SAN FERNANDO YET. I am sitting in the lovely home of my Mom and Step Father in Clay New York, very comfortably.

Oh God give me wisdom. Lead me in this venture to live in San Fernando and encourage the Christians and build the Church. God let me glorify you in all things. I know this is not going to be easy. And honestly I do see it as an adventure, but God let me not just see problems and challenges of living, let me hear your voice and reach people who you love, dispite the cost to my comfort. Let my motives be pure. God I want to be faithful and to reach out to people you love. Help me as I prepare. I am greatful for my family here in the United States. I am blessed. Help me go bless others, in Bolivia, people isolated from the world. God show me what I NEED from the states, and what I do not need.... solar panels, a pressure cooker, vitamens??? God lead me, I desire to glorify your name. Help me tonight, and tomorrow, to bring your name praise in the Heavens, with my thoughts and things I do. Help me be faithful with the small things.

preparation and prayer

(These 2 pictures are from a 2 week long ministery trip in northern Bolivia. In the first Dana and I were checking something we were given for our trip. In this second one, this man is a Military/Naval Capton who we found and he invited us onto his naval base. He was a Christian. He told us about much spiritual oppression, and solgers hearing and seeing things that did not exist. We prayed over him and his site in June 2008)

preparation and prayer matter, in all things big and small.

Auburn High School and Skaneateles First Baptist Church

2010-03-20T23:14:00.000-04:00

Friday was so amazing! I spoke all day to MANY classes, mostly but not only, Spanish Classes about Bolivia. High school kids are fun and interested in what you have to say if it relates to them or is funny or shocking! I had a lot of fun presenting Bolivia, what I've done and what I will going to Bolivia to do. And I LOVE to challenge younge people to think outside of their own lives TO OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD THEY CAN GO, AND THE PEOPLE THEY CAN HELP! To dream, to listen for their purpose in life, and to GO! Obviously in public Schools I can not outrite tell them GOD LOVES THEM AND HAS AWESOME PLANS FOR THEM, BUT THEY NEED TO TURN THEIR LIVES OVER TO HIM FIRST! But I sure can give them many peices of the puzzle, Jesus spoke in parables, so can I. I was so physically drained by the end of the day. The is right up there with some of my most favorite speaking opportunities, along with speaking at Delta Lake Youth Camp this summer for a week and speaking a few sundays ago at Tully Hill-Chemical Dependancy Rehabilation Center.

Tomorrow I'm going to speak at Skaneateles First Baptist Church. I'm excited to go there. It is my first time. Who will I meet. I pray God raises some up to join me in the awesome ministry to reach San Fernando Bolivia for Christ.

ideas...

2010-03-18T01:45:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! Welcome to my blog if this is your first time. It' mine too... really blog world is new to me. If you have suggestions for me, or see a HUGE grammer error, please TELL ME!!!! While I have a little time here in the states to tweek this.

This evening I called Bolivia again, but called a Vantage phone, which some missionaries have. It's some sort of state side hook up and deal so when I call it from the states it's like calling the States! So you don't get charged like your calling Bolivia! And when I'm in Bolivia, to call from one is FREE because at our mission base they pay some cost once a month, that is pretty cheap for unlimited calls. Yeah it's cool. When I'm in Santa Cruz for about a month, I will be able to use that. I love it, and I think there is wireless at our Mission Guest house where I will live, i think, for a month while getting ready to move to San Fernando.

I talked to Adreana Sprouce this evening. She is a North American Missionary friend, who started as a SAM missionary teacher to Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center.... now she is an independent missionary sent straight from her church in the States and she runs an orphanage! Oops, I forgot to ask her what the girls need. She was telling about a recent move the Girls Home had to make, and how they have 3 staff! for 19 girls!!!!! Oh Pray for Cristo Viene!!!! And my friend Adreana!!!! for peace and wisdom.

thanks, let me know you are reading this.

Thanks.

CRISTINA GUTIERREZ

2010-03-16T01:11:00.001-04:00

I JUST TALKED WITH CRISTINA GUTIERREZ ON THE PHONE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR, I'm sure that really was not cheep. Sorry Mom. I should pay for that. BUT, it was SO good to finally connect with her. PRAISE GOD. Yes, she is great. She sounds grounded. Like not exciteable like me, but solid. I think she is really pure Gold. She is 32 years old, 33 in April. She is so involved in ministry and her seminary classes sound awesome. And though her heart broke 3 years ago, as her husband left her, she continued with following God and His call on her life! AMAZING! But so hard. She works for COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL during the week, it's ministry, but it's a paying job as well. And in the evening she takes an hour or so bus ride in to Santa Cruz for Seminary classes. And in church she is the director of the Sunday School program at her Baptist church! Wow, HOW THRILLING THAT SHE FEELS CALLED TO SAN FERNANDO! SHE WENT LAST YEAR IN APRIL FOR A FEW DAYS. And she wants to go back. I have a feeling we are going to balance each other out. PRAY FOR CHRISTINA. PRAY FOR HER AS SHE IS SOOOOO BUSY. EVERY NIGHT, AND DAY WITH LITTLE TIME TO BREATHE. SHE IS POORING HER SELF OUT. San Fernando will be breathing time for her. She lives alone, so at home there is much time to think... maybe that's the house where she lived with her husband. Pray for her heart. maybe.... pray for a miracle, pray for him, who ever he is where ever he is. And pray for God's perfect timing.

Ok. thanks friends.

Ticket to Bolivia

2010-03-13T15:07:00.000-05:00

On Thursday I bought a ticket back to Bolivia. All on faith. That the rest of the 450$ a month would appear. I feel like I am stepping out on the water.

First Post

2010-03-13T13:20:00.000-05:00

Hello Friends!

Welcome to my BLOG!!!! THANKS FOR COMING! MORE COMING SOON!!!!