Cochabamba Bolivia or Bust!

It is here. What is here? It, the trip, the excursion, the "mission". On Thursday July 9th, the Poulin clan heads south to Bolivia to have less of us and more of Him. Sure, you know who I am talking about, Jesus. Why go to Bolivia? Why think I will have more of the Lord Jesus down there?

Good questions, it's not that Cochabamba, the provincial capital that we will be based in, has the tallest "Christo", or that God loves Bolivia, therefore hangs out there more that makes me say that. It really is all about making ourselves available. You see, here in comfortable Durham North Carolina, I have things to do. You know like "test the pool water", dig mud trenches, spread dirt, mow lawns, paint fences, pay bills, walk the dog, answer the phone, catch up on the news .... etc. etc. etc.

By removing myself from my life, I.E. flying to the second poorest nation in this hemisphere (second only to Haiti), I make myself available. Available to listen, pray, work, love, be Jesus with skin on for those who don't know of Him. Something about holding an orphan in your arms, smiling at the toothy children and lovin' on them that just refreshes the soul.

This refreshing is different, cause this time I'm taking my two youngest and my beloved. (Yes, Lucie, I mean you!) We also get to meet up in Miami with our NH church family from BCC, so we will be able to spend time in laughter and fellowship as we go down to serve our Bolivian brothers and sisters.

No cell phone reception, computers or normal contact with civilization. The International Orphanage Union was started by the Timmers. This missionary family from the mid-west has been ministering by serving the orphans of Bolivia. I believe there are eight (8) orphanages in various states of completion. Some of course are finished and occupied, some have land purchased, and others are under construction. They are scattered within a days travel from our base in Cochabamba, I'm not exactly sure of what the itinerary will be, but whether we are painting, shoveling, doing a brick brigade, whatever service we render will do us more good than them.

This will be my second trip to Bolivia, the last one I was accompanied by Liz. This one will be different, with Bek, Rachel and Lucie, so pray that we all are touched and moved by what God is preparing for us. Saturday, July 11th, around sundown, we will be in a public square with other missions teams, getting ready to provide "leche", "pan" y "fruitas" (milk/bread/fruit) to indigent families. Along with a medical team to screen infants for disease, two tents will be set up with warm water, soap and basins and the girls will experience washing babies who will get their one free bath for the week. New clothes will be given, and the babies will be off to their momma's care until the next week. Pray that Bek and Rachel will be moved with Christ's love for His children who have nothing. OK, I'm being selfish here, as soon we will be dealing with malls and back-to-school shopping, and I'm hoping that they realize how blessed they are to have everything they do have. To read about Viviana, the little girl in the photo, click here.

Pray, if you can, that everyone's health holds up. Specifically for Lucie, who is prone to kidney stones. But in general for the whole team to not get Montezuma's revenge and (for some of us) avoid semi-centurion aches and pains!

Mémère update!

My Mom is doing phenomenally .... she is no longer even using a cane! Said goodbye to the walker, and tomorrow, July 7th, she goes to tour a new apartment that Dad has moved into. My sib's were able to get them a larger apartment in the same complex, so instead of the first floor, they will be on the third floor, with a bigger bathroom and living area. Folks, I'm so amazed, Mom is actually preparing to be discharged from the Rehab to her home. Kudo's to my siblings and their spouses, they have worked hard to make this happen, makes me proud to call them family!

The Parkinson's medication has all but alleviated the tremors she was experiencing. She is now swallowing with much less difficulty, she even got to go on an excursion to the "Yokohama" Polynesian style "Japanese" restaurant in Gorham. She ate two Kushi's (a skewered chicken/onion/pepper dish). Friends, I was really thinking back in May that Mom's time was drawing to a close, but apparently, she still has something more to accomplish! One of Mom's favorite sayings while we were growing up was that if we learned something new that day, it wouldn't be our day to die. (OK, head trip right, like "pay attention in school ... or else" ... but she always had an appetite to learn things).

As far as the Lewy Body disease, the only true diagnosis is with an autopsy, so she does experience times of confusion, so we aren't out of the proverbial waters yet. The great thing about being home is that she won't be lonely, as Dad will be with her 24/7. Wheels on meals will be stopping in daily, along with my brood of siblings checking in and making sure that all is well. Rehab has had Mom doing household chores, like setting the table and doing dishes.

Please continue to hold my folks up:
1.) That the Lord will show her what her work is, that He is restoring her for
2.) That she remain safe in her new environment
3.) That Mom and Dad can recharge their batteries from this strain / ordeal of the past few months.

So, this week promises to be busy (I haven't started packing) but I'm expecting good things to happen. Know that I truly appreciate your prayers, and remain amazed at God's grace and sustenance.