What Lovely Feet!

Wow.. where to begin.. so I came to La Paz figuring it would be just a pre cursor to my real work in the orphanages in Cochabamba and Peru. BUT God had different plans for my time in La Paz and now I see things so differently. First, I meet Ron, Ronda, and Sam (6 beautiful feet), I decide to stay in Bolivia and everything is coming together... or rather, I am understanding that the plan God had for me was so much greater than I had ever expected.

A little about Ron, Ronda and Sam. They moved to La Paz last September from Tennessee because they felt God was calling them to mission work in Bolivia. Here is the website for their ministry- http://www.lovelyfeet.org/
How awesome is it that the name of their ministry is lovely feet? We all had big smiles on our faces after coming to the realization we were drawn to the same Bible passage.
Here is a link to their blog- CHECK IT OUT! This is a seriously amazing ministry and I feel so blessed that God clearly crossed our paths.
http://www.esperanzadebolivia.blogspot.com/

After deciding to join the family on a visit a church in El Alto for poor children (one of the 6 churches they support in La Paz) I met with Ron Friday and went shopping for some art supplies. Specifically, sock puppet supplies. We raided an outdoor market and left with colored childrens socks, buttons (for eyes), red fabric (for tongues) and yarn for hair. The rest of the evening I worked on what to say to the children since I was warned in advance that the Pastor would want me to address them. Ron told me to speak about myself, my work and my walk with God... sounds so simple but I was up late writing notes and re-writing notes.

Saturday we arrived to El Alto and were greeted by Gustavo, the other Pastor of the small childrens church- Remanente De Israel. As we drove down a bumpy dirt road Gustavo asked me how long I would be in La Paz. I told him for the rest of August after I return from Cochabamba. I could see his smile in the rearview mirror- He said that God told him that a woman would be comign from the North and staying for the month of August. Gustavo had been praying for more women to come to La Paz to speak to the women of Bolivia.

We arrived at our destination- a gate infront and behind a small outdoor shed like space. Gustavo and Doris started this church for the poor children of El Alto 15 years ago with the very little money they had. They travel from their home to this space to host a church service 4 days a week. On

average there are 40 children who attend. Doris plays music on a small boom box and hands the children who are present tamborines. The music is also a way for the children to know it is time for service. The children (all girls this day) begin choreographed dances with their tamborines. Sam and I got handed tamborines and we stood in the back and followed along. I was instantly reminded of my lack of coordination.Thanks to Ronda, there is a video :)

After dancing for what felt like an hour (yes I was tired even though I was embaressed to admit so), Doris explained that the children were going to pray for me. I kneeled down and Gustavo, Doris, and the girls surrounded me, putting their hands on me.

While Doris and Gustavo prayed for me, Ronda translated. I felt a wave of emotion and immediately I began sobbing. At one point my nose was dripping and I opened an eye to see a hand holding a tissue infront of me attempting to wipe my nose for me. Icould hear that I was not the only one crying. My heart felt like it was going to explode... there was such strong emotion in such a small space. I raised to my feet and was instructed to pray over the children. I walked to each child and placed my hand on their head, shoulder or palm. After the prayers, the children began sharing their prophesies. During the prayer time, many of them had had visions from God. One child said that she saw the children I work with at the hospital in La Paz. She said not to worry, that they will be healed. I lost it again. So many amazing words were spoken from these young girls who held so much faith and truth in their eyes.

I wiped my tears, reached for some composure and joined Ronda and Sam for our puppet show. We made the puppets dance and sing to 2 songs. Then it was time for my words. I spoke and Sam translated for me. I spoke about the path that brought me to La Paz and how God had prepared the way for me from art therapy to missionary work.Ron and Ronda bought the children all Bibles so now they have their own :)

Finally we busted out the puppet making supplies. Two children asked me to help them with sewing on the button eyes.... maybe it was the pressure of the situation, but I was struggling! (Sorry Mom, I know you taught me a million times). Clearly sewing is NOT my gift! Upon completion of the puppets we replayed the puppet songs, this time with everyone joining in with their newly created sock puppet. It was so wonderful to witness the smiles and laughs.

Soon it was time to say our byes to Gustavo, Doris and the children. I have never experienced anything close to what occurred that day at Remanente de Israel. A small space but so obviously filled with The Spirit of God. I am forever changed from the few hours I spent among a faithfully devoted couple and a group of spirit filled children. What a day... in the life of a missionary.