Tarija

Central Plaza in Tarija, Bolivia

This is the entrance to the guest house where we slept

Sharing a dream

Rosario is teaching about love language to a pack house of couples.




We are back after two very full days in Tarija, which is located in the southern part to the country, near Argentina. We flew from Cochabamaba on Tuesday morning. The weather in Cochabamba was pleasant when we left, but our friends warned us that down South they were expecting a "suraso," which is similar to Santa Ana winds, but they come from the South Pole. It is summer here; therefore, we did not pack warm clothes; furthermore, we just took one suitcase and left the largest one and a carry-on at the hotel here because we were coming back. The flight is only 50 minutes on a big 727. The moment we got off the plane we felt the cold wind! We knew we were in trouble. 

From left to right: Carlos, Rosario, I, John, Elizabeth and Luis

Our friend Luis was waiting for us. John met him in 2004 when he visited Bolivia, and they have kept in touch. Luis is a missionary who lives a very simple life. I truly expected very rough accommodations, but I was in for a big surprised. He drove us to a place about 5 minutes from the airport. In this country there are big tall walls surrounding the homes, so you can't really tell from the outside. We walked into a very large, beautiful European-style home. Our hosts were a Swedish couple. He is the son of former Swedish missionaries. This couple has lived in the country for 25 years, but they are not missionaries, but business people, although they are involved in a lot of local ministries. We were taken to one of their guesthouses: two large bedrooms connected by a small kitchen with all the necessities and a large European style bathroom. We dropped our suitcases and went downtown for lunch, which was at a beautiful restaurant. Luis and his wife Elizabeth took us on a tour of the town and some of his ministries. This town is about the size of Escondido, but with wide main avenues, which gives the appearance of being larger. 

Because most people work and churches have different activities, what was going to be a two night event was reduced to one night. We were taken back to the house to rest for two hours before the evening activities, but I had to work on my presentation to reduce it to 1 1/2 hours instead of three. Carlos and Rosario also had to change their five hour workshop to two hours. I had a hard time changing things, so I was barely ready when they came back. 


I had crafts and a length of rope to hand out to the attendees, but did not have enough. The church holds 80 people. I think there were more than 80. It was literally standing room only. We don't worry about fire code here. Since we were so pressed for time, we did not have time for questions; nevertheless, some women came to talk to me during the brake. Then it was time for couples' workshop with Carlos and Rosario. Some women who were there without their husbands left, but the couples filled the room again. Carlos and Rosario do a great presentation for couples. They cover all areas. Again the response was great.

Since the room had been so packed, we were not cold, but when we went outside, my teeth were chattering. This has not happened to me for many years because I always bundle up. We simply were not prepared for near freezing  weather. Our hostess attended the workshops, so Rosario and I went home with her. She served a delicious cold supper and lots of hot tea for everybody. Even John had some to warm up. She also gave us all extra comforters. We went to bed at midnight. I was actually too warm under all the comforters, but I rather be too warm than too cold. Speaking of colds, John woke up with a cold. After breakfast at nine, people started arriving for individual appointments. These appointments had been made ahead of time. All of us had counseling sessions. Rosario does therapy with women. I can't explain exactly what she does because I have never been present at one. They take at least two hours per person; therefore, we are always doing something else during her sessions. 

I am tired right now, so I will talk about the rest of the day tomorrow. 

Until then...From Down South...