No, I'm not in America yet, but in Nova Odessa neighbor city Americana. The owner of this internet cafe is a very talkative Palestinian from Bethlehem! He says that I should move here because there are many people from my country in Brazil and I could be one them. He says, that Brazil is a free country, that's why people should live here. All Brazilians want to talk whenever they have a chance.
So yesterday we arrived in Nova Odessa. I praised God from all my heart when I could finally get off the bus because it was like a freezer. I had 5 layers on during the night and I was covering myself with a coat, I tied the hood tightly and covered my face with a scarf. It was TERRRRRIBLY cold! Ondina had a hat, she pulled it down under her nose so it would be warmer. And she put her bag on her knees so they wouldn't freeze so much. I had never been so cold in a Latvian winter as I was that night. But now I'm staying at Ondina's home and she started the heater. Last night was wonderful!
Now we are at a neighbor city Americana. Ondina showed me her former work place, we went to several shops. I bought a dress! It's such a wonderful feeling when you have something new and feminine :) I'm enlightened by supermarket shelves that are full of choices. For a while I only dreamed about this. I start to remember of benefits of civilization and sometimes I catch myself smiling about the fact that city life is nice.
We rode Ondina's Volkswagen TL from 1974. Who would have thought that Ondina is such a good driver! She said she'll let me drive too!
I saw some Latvians yesterday. Everyone wants to talk to me, to tell me something, they invite me for lunch, invite me to stay with them. It was a real adventure to talk to Ondina's brother Nil. His Latvian is SO wise and intellectual, maybe few college professors talk as wise as him! I really had to think to find the right words that would match his wording. I got used to very simple Latvian in the jungle.
We will go to Ondina's sister-in-law for lunch. Her name in Nancy, she also speaks Latvian. Just think about it, it's so interesting that SO many people speak Latvian here on the other side of the world...
I'm really happy about this week in Nova Odessa. They call me firefighter because I'm rushing to leave... :D But it's better to visit a little bit then don't visit at all, isn't it?
And in a week I will be in America with my sister and other loved ones.
By the way, our dear bishop Peter Sprogis will attend The Brazil's Latvian Baptist Congress. And our Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis will come, too! It's a pity I can't stay but I will meet him another time.
HUGE thank you to those who texted or called me. I can receive everything but I can't call or text myself. Every word I received both orally or in writing was fantastic!!! I almost felt at home! My dears, I love you so much!
And I love my time in Nova Odessa!
OK, Ondina is waiting for me. She finished her shopping and we have to go to have lunch :)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Corumba
I'm sitting at a dark and suspicious looking internet cafe in Corumba, Brazil. Ondina and I were running errands all day long and we devoted a bit of our time to sightseeing, too. Quite pleasant city with a historic touch that gives you a cool look. I liked it.
We were at Puerto Suarez consular office at 8:00 AM because the office was supposed to open then. The manager arrived at 9:00 AM and started to talk to us at 9:10 AM. And in 2 hours I had gotten another Brazilian visa and we could start to look for a taxi that would take us to the border. It was nice to return to the unique Bolivian office once more, the same officer worked there. 3 months ago he had really long nails. He had cut his nails this time and he was wearing a black glove with red flames on one hand. A great look. Of course, all Bolivian heroes still looked me from the pictures on the walls. I got the necessary stamp that let me out of Bolivia and we walked across the border to the next office to bet Brazilian stamp. Everything was OK. We bought the bus ticket for our 24 hour ride to Nova Odessa tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
I'm really sad that my phone is still not working. It shows that I have coverage but I can't call of text anyone. So sad... I was SO excited that I would return to civilization and thus to the wonderful world of cell phone connection... I'd really appreciate if anyone could give some advice how I could communicate via cell phone again.
It's really wintery here. I'm wearing 4 layers and I kept my arms in the pockets most of the time so they would not freeze. I didn't expect it to be this cold here.
Thanks to God, everything is good.
I want to go home SO much. More every day...
I send you all my love from Brazil! Every day I am closer to my home :)
We were at Puerto Suarez consular office at 8:00 AM because the office was supposed to open then. The manager arrived at 9:00 AM and started to talk to us at 9:10 AM. And in 2 hours I had gotten another Brazilian visa and we could start to look for a taxi that would take us to the border. It was nice to return to the unique Bolivian office once more, the same officer worked there. 3 months ago he had really long nails. He had cut his nails this time and he was wearing a black glove with red flames on one hand. A great look. Of course, all Bolivian heroes still looked me from the pictures on the walls. I got the necessary stamp that let me out of Bolivia and we walked across the border to the next office to bet Brazilian stamp. Everything was OK. We bought the bus ticket for our 24 hour ride to Nova Odessa tomorrow at 8:00 AM.
I'm really sad that my phone is still not working. It shows that I have coverage but I can't call of text anyone. So sad... I was SO excited that I would return to civilization and thus to the wonderful world of cell phone connection... I'd really appreciate if anyone could give some advice how I could communicate via cell phone again.
It's really wintery here. I'm wearing 4 layers and I kept my arms in the pockets most of the time so they would not freeze. I didn't expect it to be this cold here.
Thanks to God, everything is good.
I want to go home SO much. More every day...
I send you all my love from Brazil! Every day I am closer to my home :)
Hello from Puerto Suarez
We have arrived in Puerto Suarez. Don Silvio drove us out of the jungle in 3.5 hours. Sometimes the car shook so much I thought I will lose all my wisdom that I accumulated in the past 6 months... but I think something is still left in my blond head.
The last morning was so weird. Last breakfast, goodbyes, last look at my dear room, Velta's special wish when we parted... and we're gone.
We just had a delicious chicken. It was the thickest and widest chicken breast I have ever had! It was really good. Celebration for my stomach. Thank you to Ondina for caring for me and feeding me.
It's winter here. Really cool weather. I will wear all my warm clothes I have with me.
I plan to SLEEP IN tomorrow! For the first time in the past 6 months!
Everything is ok. Now when home is so close, I wish I was there sooner though...
When I left Rincon the only thought on my mind was how VERY thankful I am to God for this time. Golden time of my life!
Talk to you later!
The last morning was so weird. Last breakfast, goodbyes, last look at my dear room, Velta's special wish when we parted... and we're gone.
We just had a delicious chicken. It was the thickest and widest chicken breast I have ever had! It was really good. Celebration for my stomach. Thank you to Ondina for caring for me and feeding me.
It's winter here. Really cool weather. I will wear all my warm clothes I have with me.
I plan to SLEEP IN tomorrow! For the first time in the past 6 months!
Everything is ok. Now when home is so close, I wish I was there sooner though...
When I left Rincon the only thought on my mind was how VERY thankful I am to God for this time. Golden time of my life!
Talk to you later!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Last night
I know I have said it before but I really can't believe it's over. I have never had 6 months pass by so quickly.
I'm at Jansons' home with my five dear Texans. We will have a little goodbye party. We making popcorn and drinking Coke.
Velta will try to get the earliest taxi possible to come to Rincon. Ondina and I have to ready to leave at any moment. Ondina is thoroughly preparing for that whole week long.
I'm glad that my kitchen duty is over. Several papaya cakes, carrot cake, grapefruit dessert, meatball soup, pizza lo macho, crepes with meat filling, delicious cookies and other delicious things. It was our menu this week. Eaters were smiling and satisfied. Such a joy!
A local Ayoreo woman came to visit me for the last time with her handmade jewelery. I gave her my last 20 Bolivians. Surprisingly she gave me a discount, which is not common to Ayoreos. She gave me a wide toothless smile and promised to give me some more jewelery when I return.
I visited several Ayoreo families yesterday. I had a 7th grade student Velta with me, she's an Ayoreo but she perfectly speaks Spanish and she helped me communicate with the locals. They all were very hospitable, asked me several questions about my parents, my husband (!!!) and about returning. The oldest Ayoreo Iyadate let me record her wonderful song, I saw how men made turtle soup and then ate it. Ladies made the typical bags on the ground. An excellent afternoon.
I finished packing an hour ago. I looked and marveled how all my 6 months fit in two suitcases... Please pray for Ondina's and my trip. They are forecasting rain and fog on our route. There have been several car accidents. May God clear the foggy roads and help drivers be really alert. To my surprise I'm still receiving some parcels. I want to say a big thank you to Tanya for the special letter and beautiful pictures! It was a nice surprise. And a special thank you to Janie for valuable reading material i received last week!
It's over... I'm leaving Rincon tomorrow. What will I take with me besides 2 suitcases? A heart full of love to and from my girls and my special Rincon's friends. Many blessings and wisdom from God... and many colorful memories...
Brother Janis told me today that he will stab the tyres tomorrow so I can't go anywhere...
I love this place! From all my heart. But on the other hand I'm really happy that I will be home soon! I can't wait to be back... Oh well... I don't know when I will write the next time, it won't be Rincon for sure... at least for a while...
Thank you for your prayers. And keep praying please!!! There is SO MUCH power in prayer!!!
Love,
Liene
I'm at Jansons' home with my five dear Texans. We will have a little goodbye party. We making popcorn and drinking Coke.
Velta will try to get the earliest taxi possible to come to Rincon. Ondina and I have to ready to leave at any moment. Ondina is thoroughly preparing for that whole week long.
I'm glad that my kitchen duty is over. Several papaya cakes, carrot cake, grapefruit dessert, meatball soup, pizza lo macho, crepes with meat filling, delicious cookies and other delicious things. It was our menu this week. Eaters were smiling and satisfied. Such a joy!
A local Ayoreo woman came to visit me for the last time with her handmade jewelery. I gave her my last 20 Bolivians. Surprisingly she gave me a discount, which is not common to Ayoreos. She gave me a wide toothless smile and promised to give me some more jewelery when I return.
I visited several Ayoreo families yesterday. I had a 7th grade student Velta with me, she's an Ayoreo but she perfectly speaks Spanish and she helped me communicate with the locals. They all were very hospitable, asked me several questions about my parents, my husband (!!!) and about returning. The oldest Ayoreo Iyadate let me record her wonderful song, I saw how men made turtle soup and then ate it. Ladies made the typical bags on the ground. An excellent afternoon.
I finished packing an hour ago. I looked and marveled how all my 6 months fit in two suitcases... Please pray for Ondina's and my trip. They are forecasting rain and fog on our route. There have been several car accidents. May God clear the foggy roads and help drivers be really alert. To my surprise I'm still receiving some parcels. I want to say a big thank you to Tanya for the special letter and beautiful pictures! It was a nice surprise. And a special thank you to Janie for valuable reading material i received last week!
It's over... I'm leaving Rincon tomorrow. What will I take with me besides 2 suitcases? A heart full of love to and from my girls and my special Rincon's friends. Many blessings and wisdom from God... and many colorful memories...
Brother Janis told me today that he will stab the tyres tomorrow so I can't go anywhere...
I love this place! From all my heart. But on the other hand I'm really happy that I will be home soon! I can't wait to be back... Oh well... I don't know when I will write the next time, it won't be Rincon for sure... at least for a while...
Thank you for your prayers. And keep praying please!!! There is SO MUCH power in prayer!!!
Love,
Liene
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Last week
Rincon is like desert now. Not that it lacks green but because it's totally quiet and there are probably a dozen people here. So weird...
But it's my duty to feed that dozen. Velta left me all Rincon's keys and other things I have to manage. So I cook good meals together with Edna and Marta who live here. Ondina and I are going to drug store and helping those who are sick. I sell phone cards, feed and cure dogs.
It's so good to have friends from Texas here. Totally our own people.
Oh, I finally got to go to the famous "Aguas calientes" that is a lake where hot water comes from underground. A paradise-like place! Warm, clean, blue water in the middle of jungle. We spent few fantastic hours there.
Velta will come home from Corumba on Saturday. Ondina and I will leave in the same taxi Velta will arrive in. We will got o Puerto Suarez where we will stay at pastor's house until Monday morning when I have to go to Brazil's consular office to get Brazilian visa. Then we plan to go to Corumba on Monday where we'll spend one or three nights. It depends on whether Ondina will have an appointment with her dentist or not. If she goes to see her dentist we will go to Nova Odessa on Thursday. I will spend several days there. On July 6th I will fly to Texas to see my sister and other dear Texans!
I can't stop wonder that this is my last week. My heart is full! I wish I could turn on an audio device and tell you everything but oh well... let's wait until Latvia...
I still need courage until the very end to finish well! I keep thanking God every day!
And I want to say a BIG thank you to Kristine for the parcel I finally received after two months. Thank you to everyone who had written letters to me!!! If you knew how I smiled and rejoiced! I laughed and cried. My friends, my gold! I can't wait to thank you and hug you in real life!
OK, I have to go kitchen to cook dinner!
But it's my duty to feed that dozen. Velta left me all Rincon's keys and other things I have to manage. So I cook good meals together with Edna and Marta who live here. Ondina and I are going to drug store and helping those who are sick. I sell phone cards, feed and cure dogs.
It's so good to have friends from Texas here. Totally our own people.
Oh, I finally got to go to the famous "Aguas calientes" that is a lake where hot water comes from underground. A paradise-like place! Warm, clean, blue water in the middle of jungle. We spent few fantastic hours there.
Velta will come home from Corumba on Saturday. Ondina and I will leave in the same taxi Velta will arrive in. We will got o Puerto Suarez where we will stay at pastor's house until Monday morning when I have to go to Brazil's consular office to get Brazilian visa. Then we plan to go to Corumba on Monday where we'll spend one or three nights. It depends on whether Ondina will have an appointment with her dentist or not. If she goes to see her dentist we will go to Nova Odessa on Thursday. I will spend several days there. On July 6th I will fly to Texas to see my sister and other dear Texans!
I can't stop wonder that this is my last week. My heart is full! I wish I could turn on an audio device and tell you everything but oh well... let's wait until Latvia...
I still need courage until the very end to finish well! I keep thanking God every day!
And I want to say a BIG thank you to Kristine for the parcel I finally received after two months. Thank you to everyone who had written letters to me!!! If you knew how I smiled and rejoiced! I laughed and cried. My friends, my gold! I can't wait to thank you and hug you in real life!
OK, I have to go kitchen to cook dinner!
Chiao chicas!
It's Tuesday, June 21. It's the official beginning of winter here. But it doesn't mean snow and cold weather. It +30C (+86F) here and sun is shining brightly.
The biggest and saddest memories of my life are behind me. Friday and Saturday was not easy. We had good-bye dinner at the dorms on Friday night. We baked a big, colorful cake, made juice. Each room had prepared a song, poem, drawings, speeches, gifts and cards for me... so, so special. Girls were singing dashingly... until it was 5th room's turn. The oldest girls with the strongest voices live there. They began the song very powerfully but it became quieter with every line because girls started to cry... and many other joined them... next performance was from rooms 6 and 7. Fabiola said a long speech who cried the whole time... more girls joined the crying crowd.... and then I had to say something... I was totally wet too. And then there was a moment when ALL 60 of them cried... I had never experienced anything like that! It was a very sad moment on one hand but on the other had... it was such a moment on love... I LOVE all my 60 girls SO much and they have accepted me like their own. I'll be bringing so many memorabilia home in my suitcase...
We had breakfast at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning. At 7:00 AM first parents arrived to pick up their dear girls. They gave my their last good-bye hugs. Some had tears in their eyes, some couldn't grieve because their had their moms beside them they hadn't seen for a long time. Soon Velta, too, left. She left me her brown bag with all the keys and phone cards locals come to buy every day... and Rincon's kitchen and other household duties are under my responsibility...
When all girls were away my dearest friend Lady Laura was still here. She helped me make dinner and clean up everything. Then we took a nap in her room. She blew her plastic whistle for the last time. She remembered our beautiful farewell moment from last night... after lunch we went to sit in a nice shade behind the dorms where bamboos and palm trees grow. We sang together... cried... and talked about Jesus, about Heaven, tried to understand whether she is going to Heaven. Lady Laura hadn't accepted Jesus in her heart yet, even though Velta had had talked to her about it several times. I asked her what keeps her from making that decision. She said she couldn't live without sin... Then I calmed her down that even out pastor doesn't live without sin. We all are sinners... only by God's grace we are forgiven... and she said that she'll write me a letter when she accepts Jesus. I continued and said that it's one of the decisions you can't delay for whole life... some more questions, some more answers, my testimony... and she asks me with sparkling eyes - what about this moment? Can I accept Jesus in my heart right now? Of course! And that was a very beautiful moment... it seemed like this moment alone was worth coming here! Bamboo leaves gently rustled, sun was shining on our cheeks through the branches... and Lady Laura hugged me tightly and asked Jesus into her heart... We decided that it would be very nice if our houses were next to each other in Heaven!
It was just the two of us on Saturday and we started to cook dinner. She said she'll make rice. Then all of a sudden I heard such a happy and excited " Mammii!!!" and we could forget about rice. Her long awaited mom could finally arrive in Rincon. Few minutes later Lady Laura returned to me with tears in her eyes and we took leave almost without words... tears and the gentle hug said everything...
When Lady Laura left I finally felt emptiness in my heart...
I couldn't believe that it's OVER... girls were gone... Of course, I don't know how mother s feel but somehow during these moths I felt a little bit like their mom... I'm so grateful for this opportunity to get to know my 60 chicas. I will never forget them!
Please pray that they remember about Jesus not only here but also at their homes and further lives!
The biggest and saddest memories of my life are behind me. Friday and Saturday was not easy. We had good-bye dinner at the dorms on Friday night. We baked a big, colorful cake, made juice. Each room had prepared a song, poem, drawings, speeches, gifts and cards for me... so, so special. Girls were singing dashingly... until it was 5th room's turn. The oldest girls with the strongest voices live there. They began the song very powerfully but it became quieter with every line because girls started to cry... and many other joined them... next performance was from rooms 6 and 7. Fabiola said a long speech who cried the whole time... more girls joined the crying crowd.... and then I had to say something... I was totally wet too. And then there was a moment when ALL 60 of them cried... I had never experienced anything like that! It was a very sad moment on one hand but on the other had... it was such a moment on love... I LOVE all my 60 girls SO much and they have accepted me like their own. I'll be bringing so many memorabilia home in my suitcase...
We had breakfast at 6:00 AM on Saturday morning. At 7:00 AM first parents arrived to pick up their dear girls. They gave my their last good-bye hugs. Some had tears in their eyes, some couldn't grieve because their had their moms beside them they hadn't seen for a long time. Soon Velta, too, left. She left me her brown bag with all the keys and phone cards locals come to buy every day... and Rincon's kitchen and other household duties are under my responsibility...
When all girls were away my dearest friend Lady Laura was still here. She helped me make dinner and clean up everything. Then we took a nap in her room. She blew her plastic whistle for the last time. She remembered our beautiful farewell moment from last night... after lunch we went to sit in a nice shade behind the dorms where bamboos and palm trees grow. We sang together... cried... and talked about Jesus, about Heaven, tried to understand whether she is going to Heaven. Lady Laura hadn't accepted Jesus in her heart yet, even though Velta had had talked to her about it several times. I asked her what keeps her from making that decision. She said she couldn't live without sin... Then I calmed her down that even out pastor doesn't live without sin. We all are sinners... only by God's grace we are forgiven... and she said that she'll write me a letter when she accepts Jesus. I continued and said that it's one of the decisions you can't delay for whole life... some more questions, some more answers, my testimony... and she asks me with sparkling eyes - what about this moment? Can I accept Jesus in my heart right now? Of course! And that was a very beautiful moment... it seemed like this moment alone was worth coming here! Bamboo leaves gently rustled, sun was shining on our cheeks through the branches... and Lady Laura hugged me tightly and asked Jesus into her heart... We decided that it would be very nice if our houses were next to each other in Heaven!
It was just the two of us on Saturday and we started to cook dinner. She said she'll make rice. Then all of a sudden I heard such a happy and excited " Mammii!!!" and we could forget about rice. Her long awaited mom could finally arrive in Rincon. Few minutes later Lady Laura returned to me with tears in her eyes and we took leave almost without words... tears and the gentle hug said everything...
When Lady Laura left I finally felt emptiness in my heart...
I couldn't believe that it's OVER... girls were gone... Of course, I don't know how mother s feel but somehow during these moths I felt a little bit like their mom... I'm so grateful for this opportunity to get to know my 60 chicas. I will never forget them!
Please pray that they remember about Jesus not only here but also at their homes and further lives!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Back to reality, that is, Rincon's home
June 13
It's been almost a week since I returned from my trip. And you might think that I'm talking like a granny but I only remember major events from our trip. Details have remained in photos and videos. Returning to daily duties make you forget. But it's OK!
Three more Americans have arrived in Rincon - they flew in yesterday. 3 kids from Dallas. Even though we met yesterday, today at the dinner table we laughed and chatted like we had known each other for years. They all are 19 - Hannah, Elise and Ben! They have taken Spanish classes at school so they can say some sentences. Some :) But they are very determined to learn the language till August. Both girls are staying in my room. So now I have some company. One of them is slightly... bigger... therefore the bed and toilet seat broke within first few hours. But brother Janis can fix anything! Dalia, one of my chiquitas, approached me and whispered in my ear: Tu amiga is very, very big! (Your friend is very, very big) :D They are surprised to see... a bigger girl. But girls are very nice and happy. And it is so interesting to see how they talk and are surprised by the very same things I was surprised about 5, 6 months ago. Now I have the honor to show, explain and teach them everything... And it's a very extraordinary feeling.
Hannah no. 1 will take over my English classes. She is coming to my English classes and watching and helping me... Panfila told her to come with me and learn how it should be done :) I also show her my kitchen duties... Hannah no. 2 and Elise will stay in my dorm room and I'm showing them things they'll have to do when I'm not there. It is very interesting that I have to gradually give my responsibilities over to next workers... a huge thank you to God that there are girls who will be able to help until August! Girls and I are counting days we still have together... very little. We have only one more Sunday together ahead of us. They hug me more frequently... (and unconsciously add more inhabitants to my nitty head :D but I will get my head clean soon:) ) We're starting to plan what we will do on our last night together. Girls are asking for a big cake and offering a concert :) And every day I'm feeling different... I can't believe that it's going to be over soon. Where did these 6 month go?
This morning I shrieked with excitement! :D I ate my liver pate sandwich as Velta brought in 3 parcels!!! A thick envelope from Houston, sweet and very special letter from Jelgava home and a little mysterious postcard from Rome! A fantastic beginning of the day!
God is GOOD! And such is the time He has given me.
Please pray for Velta's and Ondina's health. Velta's arms and legs are hurting really badly often. Ondina is still recovering from flu she had quite a long time ago. Pray for new missionaries, who could come and stay here for a longer time! Pray without doubt and it will happen :)
P.S. In a month I will be in Texas with my sister and other loved ones! I saw my niece Adele in a dream last night. She was so, so beautiful I couldn't take my eyes off of her!
Love and miss you!
It's been almost a week since I returned from my trip. And you might think that I'm talking like a granny but I only remember major events from our trip. Details have remained in photos and videos. Returning to daily duties make you forget. But it's OK!
Three more Americans have arrived in Rincon - they flew in yesterday. 3 kids from Dallas. Even though we met yesterday, today at the dinner table we laughed and chatted like we had known each other for years. They all are 19 - Hannah, Elise and Ben! They have taken Spanish classes at school so they can say some sentences. Some :) But they are very determined to learn the language till August. Both girls are staying in my room. So now I have some company. One of them is slightly... bigger... therefore the bed and toilet seat broke within first few hours. But brother Janis can fix anything! Dalia, one of my chiquitas, approached me and whispered in my ear: Tu amiga is very, very big! (Your friend is very, very big) :D They are surprised to see... a bigger girl. But girls are very nice and happy. And it is so interesting to see how they talk and are surprised by the very same things I was surprised about 5, 6 months ago. Now I have the honor to show, explain and teach them everything... And it's a very extraordinary feeling.
Hannah no. 1 will take over my English classes. She is coming to my English classes and watching and helping me... Panfila told her to come with me and learn how it should be done :) I also show her my kitchen duties... Hannah no. 2 and Elise will stay in my dorm room and I'm showing them things they'll have to do when I'm not there. It is very interesting that I have to gradually give my responsibilities over to next workers... a huge thank you to God that there are girls who will be able to help until August! Girls and I are counting days we still have together... very little. We have only one more Sunday together ahead of us. They hug me more frequently... (and unconsciously add more inhabitants to my nitty head :D but I will get my head clean soon:) ) We're starting to plan what we will do on our last night together. Girls are asking for a big cake and offering a concert :) And every day I'm feeling different... I can't believe that it's going to be over soon. Where did these 6 month go?
This morning I shrieked with excitement! :D I ate my liver pate sandwich as Velta brought in 3 parcels!!! A thick envelope from Houston, sweet and very special letter from Jelgava home and a little mysterious postcard from Rome! A fantastic beginning of the day!
God is GOOD! And such is the time He has given me.
Please pray for Velta's and Ondina's health. Velta's arms and legs are hurting really badly often. Ondina is still recovering from flu she had quite a long time ago. Pray for new missionaries, who could come and stay here for a longer time! Pray without doubt and it will happen :)
P.S. In a month I will be in Texas with my sister and other loved ones! I saw my niece Adele in a dream last night. She was so, so beautiful I couldn't take my eyes off of her!
Love and miss you!
Back in Santa Cruz
We got out of our beautiful bus at 7:30 on Monday morning. We were a little tired and sleepy and hopped on a bus which's doors open and close faster that in Moscow underground! We were happy to take a shower and sleep in a read bed. We cleaned up and went to downtown where Panfila had an appointment at eye doctor's. While we were waiting in the line I made a very beautiful purchase - a dress to wear at Karlis' wedding :) When my friends wrote me letters to read in Bolivia at my good-bye party, he had written me something. One of the things was a reminder to think about something to wear at his wedding. So I took it seriously and found something :) That was such a wonderful feeling to try on one beautiful dress after another... and it was even more wonderful to have one of them in my shopping bag :)
Then Panfila surprised me, she took me to a beauty salon and I had manicure and pedicure! It was like a dream come true... I felt a little uncomfortable to show my interesting looking hands and feet... but... it's her job...mmm...I hadn't had such soft feet in a LONG time...
SOme more shops, parks, meals, taxis , crazy Santa Cruz traffic, local boys' comments and remarks, some curious looks, a night spent at Jansons' home... and we went to the airport in the morning to go back to Puerto Suarez. I have forgotten many things but one thing I remember VERY well. The way our taxi driver 'flew' us to airport. All traffic signs, lights and other cars 'backed off' to him. I don't know what was the speed but I had a feeling that we will take off soon. But he was perfectly calm. He was talking on his phone or humming a tune. And he changed radio channels often. He changed it very quickly when a Beatles song came up. I guess he cant stand it :D
The airport was tiny, tiny. We met Aaron and Hannah there and they went to Puerto Suarez with us. They are from Dallas and they went to Rincon to stay there until August. I really wasn't surprised when they opened our gates at 1:25PM and our flight was scheduled at 1:30PM. It took just an hour to take off. My favorite part is that metal detector wasn't working. Panfila had a knife in her carry-on, I had all kinds of liquids. Several person's had 4 or even 5 carry-on bags. Two security persons inspected our bags manually. The little lady who checked my bags opened my newly bought glue stick and thoroughly snuffed it :D When she didn't smell anything suspicious there, she let me through. Security level - crushing :D But it fits Bolivia so well. Something started to drip from the overhead bins during the flight. A flight attendant came and put bunch of napkins in the gap. She gave some to the passenger who sat under the dripping bag so he can clean up himself :D We didn't hear the usual security announcements. We landed in Puerto Suarez airport. I loved how checked-in luggage was distributed. All bags were put in a pile by an airport window. The window was opened and then all Bolivians started to shout which bag they want. The one who shouted the loudest, got the bag first. We stood at the side and laughed - if they distribute the bags just like that, we might ask for the biggest :D
Then I had the joy to go to Rincon on the mission's plane together with the Americans. A young, very pale and thin couple :) Their Spanish is as good and my knowledge of tractor motor structure - almost nonexistent :) But both of them are very determined to serve and do everything that is needed.
There days passed by so quickly. Almost like and unbelievable fairy tale! I am SO thankful to God and Panfila for the chance to see a little bit of real Bolivia :) An exciting country that doesn't stop surprising you!
Then Panfila surprised me, she took me to a beauty salon and I had manicure and pedicure! It was like a dream come true... I felt a little uncomfortable to show my interesting looking hands and feet... but... it's her job...mmm...I hadn't had such soft feet in a LONG time...
SOme more shops, parks, meals, taxis , crazy Santa Cruz traffic, local boys' comments and remarks, some curious looks, a night spent at Jansons' home... and we went to the airport in the morning to go back to Puerto Suarez. I have forgotten many things but one thing I remember VERY well. The way our taxi driver 'flew' us to airport. All traffic signs, lights and other cars 'backed off' to him. I don't know what was the speed but I had a feeling that we will take off soon. But he was perfectly calm. He was talking on his phone or humming a tune. And he changed radio channels often. He changed it very quickly when a Beatles song came up. I guess he cant stand it :D
The airport was tiny, tiny. We met Aaron and Hannah there and they went to Puerto Suarez with us. They are from Dallas and they went to Rincon to stay there until August. I really wasn't surprised when they opened our gates at 1:25PM and our flight was scheduled at 1:30PM. It took just an hour to take off. My favorite part is that metal detector wasn't working. Panfila had a knife in her carry-on, I had all kinds of liquids. Several person's had 4 or even 5 carry-on bags. Two security persons inspected our bags manually. The little lady who checked my bags opened my newly bought glue stick and thoroughly snuffed it :D When she didn't smell anything suspicious there, she let me through. Security level - crushing :D But it fits Bolivia so well. Something started to drip from the overhead bins during the flight. A flight attendant came and put bunch of napkins in the gap. She gave some to the passenger who sat under the dripping bag so he can clean up himself :D We didn't hear the usual security announcements. We landed in Puerto Suarez airport. I loved how checked-in luggage was distributed. All bags were put in a pile by an airport window. The window was opened and then all Bolivians started to shout which bag they want. The one who shouted the loudest, got the bag first. We stood at the side and laughed - if they distribute the bags just like that, we might ask for the biggest :D
Then I had the joy to go to Rincon on the mission's plane together with the Americans. A young, very pale and thin couple :) Their Spanish is as good and my knowledge of tractor motor structure - almost nonexistent :) But both of them are very determined to serve and do everything that is needed.
There days passed by so quickly. Almost like and unbelievable fairy tale! I am SO thankful to God and Panfila for the chance to see a little bit of real Bolivia :) An exciting country that doesn't stop surprising you!
Cochabamba
The night ride was freezing because several bus windows were open. So we weren't very sleepy. We reached our destination at 6:30 AM. And we saw an even fuller, louder and more colorful bus station. We were exiting the station as I reached in my bag for cameras because I wanted to take a photo of the place. And... the bag was empty! Both my valuables were missing! Can you imagine how I felt... hundreds of photos and videos ran through my memory that I had taken before. Thank God we had enough wisdom to find the bus we arrived in, we got on the bus and searched around our seats. My joy was endless when I saw that my treasures are still laying on the ground. They had slipped out of the bag during the night. Thank God! We grabbed a taxi and looked for a coffee house. Coffee is like fuel for Panfila - you have to fill up the tank time after time. We got out of the taxi at a nice cafe. I was the last one to get out so I had the honor to close the mistrustful taxi doors. And I have no idea where was my sense, reason and reaction... I clammed the doors with all my strength. Guess what stopped that clam? My thumb! I smashed my thumb. OUCH! Tears popped out of my eyes immediately. So did blood. My finger turned big and blue/red. But after giving my thumb a hot saltwater bath I was able to laugh about my clumsiness. I felt quite awkward the following days though. Who would have thought that life without a thumb is so hard? But as I said earlier - slowly I began to use my thumb again.
We visited Cochabamba market. It's like the face of the city because you can see all levels of society. Wherever I looked I saw ladies with long, black braids wearing full skirts. They don't like if you want to take a picture of them, they put their hands in from of their faces to ruin your picture. But I managed to take several photos of them. Because I want to show them to you, my dears! Cochabamba has it's of Jesus sculpture, like Rio de Janeiro. You can take a cable car to see it. We were lucky to climb up to Christ's arm - you have to take small, shivery stairs and it costs 1.50 Bolivians, which is very inexpensive. From Jesus' hand you can have a fantastic view of the hilly city. Beautiful! Of course, the place was full of tourists who took pictures at the statute. When we went down by the cable car, 3 local Bolivian men were riding with us. They started to ask where these beautiful women are from. When they learned that I am from Latvia, they asked if Russia is delivering gas for Latvia :) An excellent question! Some more questions, comments, remarks. Our ride was over soon but it seemed that one of the men wished it was longer... when we got off the car, he grabbed my hand to thank me and show his joy about meeting me. His joy was so big that he gave me a kiss on cheek before I even knew it. Panfila and Nayeli laughed and wondered why didn't they get a kiss :D But it's totally normal and even polite here... However we got away from those men quickly.
Cochabamba was full of poor people but they had big shopping malls too that were full of shops and restaurants. We entered one of them and what did we see? A movie theatre!!! I hadn't been in a movie theatre for such a long time... And the greatest joy was that we had enough time to watch a movie! :) I bought tickets for all of us and we saw Pirates of the Caribbean 4 :) It was so interesting to find things that reminded of Rincon's people... for example, their teeth :D I was very, very happy to go to a movie theatre.
Then we got on a bus that took us back to Santa Cruz. Another 12 hour ride. But I give all my respect to the bus companies - seats were very comfortable and suitable for long rides!
We visited Cochabamba market. It's like the face of the city because you can see all levels of society. Wherever I looked I saw ladies with long, black braids wearing full skirts. They don't like if you want to take a picture of them, they put their hands in from of their faces to ruin your picture. But I managed to take several photos of them. Because I want to show them to you, my dears! Cochabamba has it's of Jesus sculpture, like Rio de Janeiro. You can take a cable car to see it. We were lucky to climb up to Christ's arm - you have to take small, shivery stairs and it costs 1.50 Bolivians, which is very inexpensive. From Jesus' hand you can have a fantastic view of the hilly city. Beautiful! Of course, the place was full of tourists who took pictures at the statute. When we went down by the cable car, 3 local Bolivian men were riding with us. They started to ask where these beautiful women are from. When they learned that I am from Latvia, they asked if Russia is delivering gas for Latvia :) An excellent question! Some more questions, comments, remarks. Our ride was over soon but it seemed that one of the men wished it was longer... when we got off the car, he grabbed my hand to thank me and show his joy about meeting me. His joy was so big that he gave me a kiss on cheek before I even knew it. Panfila and Nayeli laughed and wondered why didn't they get a kiss :D But it's totally normal and even polite here... However we got away from those men quickly.
Cochabamba was full of poor people but they had big shopping malls too that were full of shops and restaurants. We entered one of them and what did we see? A movie theatre!!! I hadn't been in a movie theatre for such a long time... And the greatest joy was that we had enough time to watch a movie! :) I bought tickets for all of us and we saw Pirates of the Caribbean 4 :) It was so interesting to find things that reminded of Rincon's people... for example, their teeth :D I was very, very happy to go to a movie theatre.
Then we got on a bus that took us back to Santa Cruz. Another 12 hour ride. But I give all my respect to the bus companies - seats were very comfortable and suitable for long rides!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Santa Cruz
I'm writing this post a week after our trip. I hadn't had time for writing earlier. Now I successfully found a 30 minute gap. Before I return to my 'foreign' adventures I would like to mention that I'm writing with especially 'decorated' hands :D My left thumb has a blue nail and a black arc below it, it's a bright memory from Cochabamba, I'm starting to use my poor thumb now. I have two skin burns on my right arm. I got them a week ago when I tried to save a puppy from drowning in hot porridge. Unfortunately I didn't save this lovely, black puppy's life... and the unsuccessful life saving operation left 2 burns on my arm. The porridge had just been taken off stove. Even though I used a special rubber glove for hot things few boiling drops left some marks. But now a week later they're almost gone. I just have ugly scars. And I 'like' my fingertips that have lost their pattern due to laundry soap, dish washing liquid and chalk. My hands are speckled... but my fingers are still moving fast and thank God I can work!
Now about both Bolivia's cities. I was very surprised how advanced is Santa Cruz! Few times I felt like I was in Houston because the downtown was very modern and promising! Of course, the moment you're out of downtown, you can see very Bolivian places. The most impressive place was the big market. If I used to thing that Riga Central market is big then now I consider it a small booth. Santa Cruz's merchant paradise is many times bigger. We got to see just a little part of it. They have arranged their goods in two stories. It's a labyrinth or narrow paths that are packed with goods on both sides. Buyers and sellers always bargain. Pretty I learned the skill from Panfila and was happy to save some Bolivians. On one side of the market a girl danced, she was wearing colorful skirts and her tape recorder was by her feet. I had to smile as she reminded me of the old lady who dances in Old Riga. I thought I'm looking at a smaller version of her. There were plenty of beggars who approached you very closely and they almost pressed their begging hands to your chest. Many sellers are kids. 10, 11, 12 year old businessmen who surprised me by their firmness and resistance to bargain. The market was full of Armani, Gucci, Chanel and other brands. I doubt they're originals :) Prices were pretty good. I could afford some souvenirs and other stuff :)
If honestly I don't remember much about Santa Cruz :D We spent most of the day in the market, ate at several places, and walked through parks. I chose to have chicken wherever it was possible because I have had enough beef. Modern, big city, full of contrasts. We left our stuff at Janson's family home and went to the bus that would take us tooooo Cocha-Cocha-Cocha-Bambaaaaahhhh :)
Now about both Bolivia's cities. I was very surprised how advanced is Santa Cruz! Few times I felt like I was in Houston because the downtown was very modern and promising! Of course, the moment you're out of downtown, you can see very Bolivian places. The most impressive place was the big market. If I used to thing that Riga Central market is big then now I consider it a small booth. Santa Cruz's merchant paradise is many times bigger. We got to see just a little part of it. They have arranged their goods in two stories. It's a labyrinth or narrow paths that are packed with goods on both sides. Buyers and sellers always bargain. Pretty I learned the skill from Panfila and was happy to save some Bolivians. On one side of the market a girl danced, she was wearing colorful skirts and her tape recorder was by her feet. I had to smile as she reminded me of the old lady who dances in Old Riga. I thought I'm looking at a smaller version of her. There were plenty of beggars who approached you very closely and they almost pressed their begging hands to your chest. Many sellers are kids. 10, 11, 12 year old businessmen who surprised me by their firmness and resistance to bargain. The market was full of Armani, Gucci, Chanel and other brands. I doubt they're originals :) Prices were pretty good. I could afford some souvenirs and other stuff :)
If honestly I don't remember much about Santa Cruz :D We spent most of the day in the market, ate at several places, and walked through parks. I chose to have chicken wherever it was possible because I have had enough beef. Modern, big city, full of contrasts. We left our stuff at Janson's family home and went to the bus that would take us tooooo Cocha-Cocha-Cocha-Bambaaaaahhhh :)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
To Santa Cruz
Friday, May 27. Rincon's court was unusually full of many, many moms - bigger, smaller, taller, shorter, fatter, thinner, some very loud, some very shy. But something united them all - their love for their children, who greeted them with bright eyes and unique greeting cards they had made for several days.
Of course, the celebration was longer than expected. Poem after poem, songs, dramas, speeches, big cake, some games for moms. Some of the mothers were local Ayoreos who accompanied each drama or game with lots of laughter.It was interesting that they laughed even at the saddest moments. Panfila explained me later that laughter means also compassion and sorrow for Ayoreos. OK, that explains a lot.
As soon as Panfila could get away from her duties we went to Puerto Suarez by the white car. We finished the bumpy, muddy, curvy and sometimes especially narrow 80 km long road in 3 hours! It's unusually fast. After 3 hour ride and good conversations we reached El Carmen asphalt road. Riding on an asphalt road...mmm. what a pleasure! Something so smooth... seemed like that car itself wanted to go further. When we arrived in Puerto Suarez we went to Brazilian consular office to try to apply for my Brazilian visa I'll need soon. Unfortunately the office closes at 2PM, we were a little late but we met kind employees who looked at my papers and said that everything will be very easy and quickly - I just need to come before 2PM. Few hours in Puerto Suarez and then we went to the train station to catch a train to Santa Cruz. Since we were there early we stood by the gate and talked with the guard. Almost everyone knows Panfila there so it didn't take us long to find a conversation partner. I guess this guard didn't know her so well because he asked if we are mother and daughter when he looked at our papers :D I asked: Do we look alike? He said we do... but I think he soon understood how absurd are his words and he walked away in silence. It's hard to find anything alike in us - Panfila is darker than I with short, black, curly hair and totally different facial features. It's unlikely I was her daughter.
I was pleasantly surprised by the train. When someone told me we'd be going 12 hours by train, I imagined crazy things knowing Bolivia... but to my surprise - we had very big, soft chairs that were comfortable enough for sleeping. They served us dinner - rise with meet sauce. And then movies started. We were so happy because the beginning of the movie was very promising - ballet, nice costumes, music, wonderful leading actress...but later I had to close my eyes occasionally because the movie got more and more awful. If you want to see something really horrible, then the title is The Black Swan. Panfila and I agreed that it's the worst movie we had seen in a long time. After that we saw something better - Desperado with Antonio Banderas! Comparing to the other movie I loved this one so much I was asleep in 30 minutes...In 12 hours we were in Santa Cruz. We entered the train station and there... total Bolivia! Full, full of people. My attention was mostly caught by round ladies who wore many full skirts, very colorful. They had different smaller or bigger hats. Some had knit hats, a little too narrow for their heads so they barely stayed on the top of their heads. Little, brown babies were tied to their backs. Bus drivers were running through the crowds and tried to gather passengers for their busses. They seek them with loud calls. For example, if they go to Cochabamba then the call is this: Cocha-cocha-cocha-bambaaaahhhh!!! Noise, crowds, colors, voices, competition between bus companies...
Panfila's son Joshua and nice Nayeli met us at the station. We met Joshua's girlfriend Hannah later. Nice, lovely people - one Mexican, one half Latvian-half Mexican, one Korean. Plus me - white Latvian and Panfila from Mexico with Brazilian, Bolivian, American elements in personality... colorful company!
Of course, the celebration was longer than expected. Poem after poem, songs, dramas, speeches, big cake, some games for moms. Some of the mothers were local Ayoreos who accompanied each drama or game with lots of laughter.It was interesting that they laughed even at the saddest moments. Panfila explained me later that laughter means also compassion and sorrow for Ayoreos. OK, that explains a lot.
As soon as Panfila could get away from her duties we went to Puerto Suarez by the white car. We finished the bumpy, muddy, curvy and sometimes especially narrow 80 km long road in 3 hours! It's unusually fast. After 3 hour ride and good conversations we reached El Carmen asphalt road. Riding on an asphalt road...mmm. what a pleasure! Something so smooth... seemed like that car itself wanted to go further. When we arrived in Puerto Suarez we went to Brazilian consular office to try to apply for my Brazilian visa I'll need soon. Unfortunately the office closes at 2PM, we were a little late but we met kind employees who looked at my papers and said that everything will be very easy and quickly - I just need to come before 2PM. Few hours in Puerto Suarez and then we went to the train station to catch a train to Santa Cruz. Since we were there early we stood by the gate and talked with the guard. Almost everyone knows Panfila there so it didn't take us long to find a conversation partner. I guess this guard didn't know her so well because he asked if we are mother and daughter when he looked at our papers :D I asked: Do we look alike? He said we do... but I think he soon understood how absurd are his words and he walked away in silence. It's hard to find anything alike in us - Panfila is darker than I with short, black, curly hair and totally different facial features. It's unlikely I was her daughter.
I was pleasantly surprised by the train. When someone told me we'd be going 12 hours by train, I imagined crazy things knowing Bolivia... but to my surprise - we had very big, soft chairs that were comfortable enough for sleeping. They served us dinner - rise with meet sauce. And then movies started. We were so happy because the beginning of the movie was very promising - ballet, nice costumes, music, wonderful leading actress...but later I had to close my eyes occasionally because the movie got more and more awful. If you want to see something really horrible, then the title is The Black Swan. Panfila and I agreed that it's the worst movie we had seen in a long time. After that we saw something better - Desperado with Antonio Banderas! Comparing to the other movie I loved this one so much I was asleep in 30 minutes...In 12 hours we were in Santa Cruz. We entered the train station and there... total Bolivia! Full, full of people. My attention was mostly caught by round ladies who wore many full skirts, very colorful. They had different smaller or bigger hats. Some had knit hats, a little too narrow for their heads so they barely stayed on the top of their heads. Little, brown babies were tied to their backs. Bus drivers were running through the crowds and tried to gather passengers for their busses. They seek them with loud calls. For example, if they go to Cochabamba then the call is this: Cocha-cocha-cocha-bambaaaahhhh!!! Noise, crowds, colors, voices, competition between bus companies...
Panfila's son Joshua and nice Nayeli met us at the station. We met Joshua's girlfriend Hannah later. Nice, lovely people - one Mexican, one half Latvian-half Mexican, one Korean. Plus me - white Latvian and Panfila from Mexico with Brazilian, Bolivian, American elements in personality... colorful company!
Sweet Tuesday
Several different things happened today (May 17). Not exactly huge sensations but here everything that differs from everyday routine seems special. Velta had to go to Puerto Suarez with pastor to take care of some paperwork at the police station. It was so weird that we had to spend this day without Velta's wise supervision and care. But we managed everything. And we expected to see Ondina again who was away for a week to take care of her teeth. Around 5PM I heard the airplane noise in the sky and rushed to the airfield. I had never ran so fast to greet someone. Halfway there Panfila caught me, she was going there by car to load everything pastor had brought. And yes, my friends Velta and Ondina came out of the plane. Even though we were separated for a short time I was so happy to see them again. After hugs and greetings I found out how they had been doing. Turns out pastor didn't get across the border to Corumba because Bolivians had started a strike on the border. Therefore he didn't get to go to the post office... two letters I had carefully written and prepared with love returned to me and will wait for the next Tuesday. And since the border is closed, Ondina had to walk 2km from Brazil with all her bags. The desire to return back home helped her endure all hardships that happened on the road. She couldn't have survived one more week without us :)
Later my friends gave me some city goods. I was so happy! They gave me rare treats - apples and tangerines :) Ondina had saved a small piece of chicken she had in the city. She had carefully wrapped it in a piece of foil and after few minutes in the oven it smelled great and tasted even better... And they replenished my chocolate stock. And Velta had bought a toilet brush for me... I really needed one. I better not tell you how I cleaned my toilet before. I know, I know - did I really have to write it here... but you know - these items mean a lot here! You can't go to a local Rimi, Maxima or Walmart to quickly buy everything... if someone brings it from the city it's a great joy. Now my toilet shines :)
And again God answered our prayers. We prayed for a successful teeth surgery for Ondina. Doctors said that she couldn't feel her mouth for two weeks... BUT... nothing hurts and she can feel everything. She said that she had experienced a wonderful peace of God during the surgery. I also prayed that Velta could quickly do all the paperwork and have some time for rest if she has gotten to see the outer world after all. And God answered this prayer. Velta came back and told that paperwork went really smoothly and she got to walk through Puerto Suarez shops. Shopping is her therapy :) Praise to God for answered prayers!
I love my big Rincon's friends. And I really hope that they will visit their fatherland one day. For the first time in their lifetime! We have some certain hopes regarding this. Let's pray they come true :)
Later my friends gave me some city goods. I was so happy! They gave me rare treats - apples and tangerines :) Ondina had saved a small piece of chicken she had in the city. She had carefully wrapped it in a piece of foil and after few minutes in the oven it smelled great and tasted even better... And they replenished my chocolate stock. And Velta had bought a toilet brush for me... I really needed one. I better not tell you how I cleaned my toilet before. I know, I know - did I really have to write it here... but you know - these items mean a lot here! You can't go to a local Rimi, Maxima or Walmart to quickly buy everything... if someone brings it from the city it's a great joy. Now my toilet shines :)
And again God answered our prayers. We prayed for a successful teeth surgery for Ondina. Doctors said that she couldn't feel her mouth for two weeks... BUT... nothing hurts and she can feel everything. She said that she had experienced a wonderful peace of God during the surgery. I also prayed that Velta could quickly do all the paperwork and have some time for rest if she has gotten to see the outer world after all. And God answered this prayer. Velta came back and told that paperwork went really smoothly and she got to walk through Puerto Suarez shops. Shopping is her therapy :) Praise to God for answered prayers!
I love my big Rincon's friends. And I really hope that they will visit their fatherland one day. For the first time in their lifetime! We have some certain hopes regarding this. Let's pray they come true :)
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Greetings from Santa Cruz!
May 30
Hola my dears!!!
I'm at Jansons family home in Santa Cruz. I have spent the last three nights either on train or bus. Finally we will get to sleep in a real bed! Yes! Panfila and I are pretty tired but it was worth it! I have seen some of Bolivia... something more than the jungle and the borderland mess. I love it so much!!! I don't think I could live here but as a tourist you have a lot of things to admire! Colors, sounds, girls that look like they're from Mexican soaps, old ladies who wear 5 skirts at the time, traffic crazier than in Turkey, many big eyes that stared at me, constantly bargaining with someone, shop owner's sweet lies and overstuffed shelves, taxi drivers everwhere, the brightness of Cochabamba, bloody finger, lost photo and video camera, Bolivian uncle's kiss, underaged seller... and so much more.
Thanks to God for this adventure!!!
I will try to write later about this trip. But generally - BIG HAPPINESS!!!
Tomorrow we go back to the jungle... and then back to civilization on June 25th... and this time entirely.
Viva la Bolivia!
Hola my dears!!!
I'm at Jansons family home in Santa Cruz. I have spent the last three nights either on train or bus. Finally we will get to sleep in a real bed! Yes! Panfila and I are pretty tired but it was worth it! I have seen some of Bolivia... something more than the jungle and the borderland mess. I love it so much!!! I don't think I could live here but as a tourist you have a lot of things to admire! Colors, sounds, girls that look like they're from Mexican soaps, old ladies who wear 5 skirts at the time, traffic crazier than in Turkey, many big eyes that stared at me, constantly bargaining with someone, shop owner's sweet lies and overstuffed shelves, taxi drivers everwhere, the brightness of Cochabamba, bloody finger, lost photo and video camera, Bolivian uncle's kiss, underaged seller... and so much more.
Thanks to God for this adventure!!!
I will try to write later about this trip. But generally - BIG HAPPINESS!!!
Tomorrow we go back to the jungle... and then back to civilization on June 25th... and this time entirely.
Viva la Bolivia!
Great joy!
May 26
Tomorrow is Mother's day in Rincon. And it will be a huge thing for me because Panfila and I will go to SANTA CRUZ and Cochabamba!!! We will go by train, by bus and by plane. It will be a rush but I'm sooooooooo happy, joyful, excited from head to toes. I will talk to you later.
P.S. I received a HUGE parcel from Mary full of Latvian goodies... oh my... I need more time to say how VEEEERY happy and surprised I was. But I just quickly wanted to say it here so that you know that the parcel has arrived. And my mom's cards have reached Ondina and Velta. They were so surprised! For the first time in their life they received something from Latvia that had their name on it! Thank you!
This was a very unexpected and quick internet time. I will write more later...
Tomorrow is Mother's day in Rincon. And it will be a huge thing for me because Panfila and I will go to SANTA CRUZ and Cochabamba!!! We will go by train, by bus and by plane. It will be a rush but I'm sooooooooo happy, joyful, excited from head to toes. I will talk to you later.
P.S. I received a HUGE parcel from Mary full of Latvian goodies... oh my... I need more time to say how VEEEERY happy and surprised I was. But I just quickly wanted to say it here so that you know that the parcel has arrived. And my mom's cards have reached Ondina and Velta. They were so surprised! For the first time in their life they received something from Latvia that had their name on it! Thank you!
This was a very unexpected and quick internet time. I will write more later...
Near future
May 17
The great departure is being mentioned more and more frequently. School break is coming closer when Rincon's court will become much more emptier and quieter for 2 weeks. All students, teachers and most of the missionaries will go away. I talked with a girl named Carol how she will go home. Her uncle will ride here on a horse and then they will ride back home for 10 hours! She says that the road is very nice. Many will go home in horses and donkeys, some will get a 'taxi' at the city, the rich will go by their own cars. They all will go home on June 18th.
Until then we have to celebrate some days, students are preparing songs, poems and dramas. May 27th is Mother's day, June 1 is principal Panfila's birthday that is a major event. Everyone is dreaming how they could pour water on our big leader. I secretly anticipate this honor too. They say she's very sharp-eyed and notices is a water cup is approaching. So you have to be very lucky and crafty to water Panfila. Moreover - she never stays indebt... usually the pourer also gets some water :D Then June 6th is Teacher's day and students are looking forward to this day with great anticipation because they get to parody the teachers. The children manage to find teacher's clothes and then they perform in front of the whole school. Yesterday I hang my t-shirts outside on a rope after washing them. It was a big mistake because my shirts are no longer there. I guess girls made sure they have my clothes for parodying me on June 6th :D
Ondina and I had planned to go to Nova Odessa on June 17th or 18th. But I had a good conversation with Panfila and my plans changed. I agreed to stay in Rincon for one more week until June 25th so Velta can rest from her many duties and go to Corumba, Brazil! There are still some people and dogs that need to be fed so she would not get any rest if she stayed here. So she will go away for a week. Ondina and I will stay here. I will be Velta for a week :) WOW! Huge responsibility and huge honor and happiness at the same time to give Velta some rest! There will be some American youth here at the time who come here to help with practical things during the summer. I'll have to feed them. Two girls will sleep in my room so I will have an English speaking company! Probably some Brazilian helpers will also come and I will have to feed them... So I'll have to do an important job during my last week here! Two local Ayoreo girls will come to help me. Pray that this last week goes smoothly! That the food is tasty, enough and that Velta gets an excellent rest and gains a lot of strength for the next semester! Velta will come back on June 25th and Ondina and I will go away by the same transport (on ground or in the air)... to Corumba, Nova Odessa.... Sao Paolo... Houston... LATVIA!!!
P.S. Big, smiling thank you to Rasa Shtern for the special, Latvian parcel for Ondina, Velta and I! All of us were VERY surprised and happy! Also a big thank you to my big brother who must have read my thoughts in Belgium... I recently thought but never mentioned to him that I wish I would have one more memory card for my video camera so I can film more... WOW! And my brother sent me one! I was so happy! And thank you for exhaustive letter and pictures!!!
The great departure is being mentioned more and more frequently. School break is coming closer when Rincon's court will become much more emptier and quieter for 2 weeks. All students, teachers and most of the missionaries will go away. I talked with a girl named Carol how she will go home. Her uncle will ride here on a horse and then they will ride back home for 10 hours! She says that the road is very nice. Many will go home in horses and donkeys, some will get a 'taxi' at the city, the rich will go by their own cars. They all will go home on June 18th.
Until then we have to celebrate some days, students are preparing songs, poems and dramas. May 27th is Mother's day, June 1 is principal Panfila's birthday that is a major event. Everyone is dreaming how they could pour water on our big leader. I secretly anticipate this honor too. They say she's very sharp-eyed and notices is a water cup is approaching. So you have to be very lucky and crafty to water Panfila. Moreover - she never stays indebt... usually the pourer also gets some water :D Then June 6th is Teacher's day and students are looking forward to this day with great anticipation because they get to parody the teachers. The children manage to find teacher's clothes and then they perform in front of the whole school. Yesterday I hang my t-shirts outside on a rope after washing them. It was a big mistake because my shirts are no longer there. I guess girls made sure they have my clothes for parodying me on June 6th :D
Ondina and I had planned to go to Nova Odessa on June 17th or 18th. But I had a good conversation with Panfila and my plans changed. I agreed to stay in Rincon for one more week until June 25th so Velta can rest from her many duties and go to Corumba, Brazil! There are still some people and dogs that need to be fed so she would not get any rest if she stayed here. So she will go away for a week. Ondina and I will stay here. I will be Velta for a week :) WOW! Huge responsibility and huge honor and happiness at the same time to give Velta some rest! There will be some American youth here at the time who come here to help with practical things during the summer. I'll have to feed them. Two girls will sleep in my room so I will have an English speaking company! Probably some Brazilian helpers will also come and I will have to feed them... So I'll have to do an important job during my last week here! Two local Ayoreo girls will come to help me. Pray that this last week goes smoothly! That the food is tasty, enough and that Velta gets an excellent rest and gains a lot of strength for the next semester! Velta will come back on June 25th and Ondina and I will go away by the same transport (on ground or in the air)... to Corumba, Nova Odessa.... Sao Paolo... Houston... LATVIA!!!
P.S. Big, smiling thank you to Rasa Shtern for the special, Latvian parcel for Ondina, Velta and I! All of us were VERY surprised and happy! Also a big thank you to my big brother who must have read my thoughts in Belgium... I recently thought but never mentioned to him that I wish I would have one more memory card for my video camera so I can film more... WOW! And my brother sent me one! I was so happy! And thank you for exhaustive letter and pictures!!!
Courage
May 17
The longer a person drives a car the more courageous maneuvers he can make. The longer a cook works in a kitchen the more courageous experiments with ingredients he can make. The longer a hairdresser works the more courageously he cuts any hair.
The longer I am in Rincon the more courageous I become in local life.
I have observed my courage for example in the fact that I was quite scared from the pitch black darkness that was here after the generators were turned off. Because all the noises became scarier then. But now I am able to go out of the building to sit on a bench. I sit by myself in complete darkness and it's so good. There is some magic about nighttime. Sometimes the sky is full of bigger and smaller stars. Fire fly cousins fly around and they shine all the time. A toad or a frog jumps past me, the whole grasshopper dynasty play their violins in the same tune... one of the Rincon's dogs finds out that you're sitting there and they come to ask for some love. In the beginning they gently poke your leg. Then they want to crawl in your lap and get more love... then his brothers and sisters smell that someone has been loved on and they all run to you. And then you just hush them and run inside before it's too late.
Then I have become more courageous in spending the siesta hour. I go to explore some new jungle paths on my own - sometimes the jungle is thinner, sometimes it's so thick you can't see through. The further I go the more interesting it is... and then I again believe in the fact that I'm really in the middle of Bolivian jungle again. The strong Rincon's sun and different bigger and smaller insects accompany me during these walks. Little creatures shake the bushes. Some weird birds jump on the tree branches, they have navy blue backs and yellow bellies and they have a mohawk on their heads. They're famous for their theft. They fly or jump from tree to tree. Then sit down and whistle their loud song. And each time they make a sound they lift up their tail. It looks pretty funny! I walked along a little pathway to a meadow. There were bones of a big animal. Ribs were in a nice row but the other bones were scattered around. I guess one of the Rincon's tigers had eaten it. I thought that they are no longer here but Harry told me that they have recently found tiger's paw prints few kilometers away from our village. They don't attack people but they love cattle... I haven't met a tiger here and I think I won't meet him because I don't walk through the very thick jungle! I only take the safe roads and sometimes a local Ayoreo passes me by on his bike. They always wonder how a white person can walk through the jungle when all the normal people are asleep :) But these walks are so important both for exercise and unwinding emotionally. Then my thoughts fly a little higher and further...
I have become more courageous in discovering the girl's lies. Yes... almost all of them can't live without lying. Maybe that's inherited from previous generations. You need a lot of courage and stringency to make them confess their lie and tell the truth. I'm getting better at this. At the beginning I believed in everything. Now I see things more clearly.
Maybe it'll sound funny but I've become more courageous in my style :D In Latvia I loved to make matching outfits, match the colors and styles... but now... oh my! I can wear together almost anything. Because I have grown weary of my 10 t-shirts so for the sake of some difference I wear them together with things I would never wear together in Latvia. I guess I'm influenced by the girls - they always wear ANYTHING together and walk around very confident! So do I :)
I have become more courageous in killing different creatures. I kill cockroaches one after another and I I'll use anything that's there. Recently one was crawling on the kitchen wall and I had a little glass jar in my hands. I didn't think long and hit the beast with the jar. His life fell to pieces and so did my jar :) I'm capable to deal with all kinds of spiders. I can't touch tarantulas but I take care of all the smaller ones... I apologise to all nature lovers but you have to agree with me that there are situations when there little creatures are bothering people, aren't there? For example, if a long legged spider crawls on your bed... To avoid a situation when this spider lays next to you during the night you have to take action ahead of time! I'm not surprised by small lizards at the sink, walls, at my shoes anymore. They seem like my usual 'neighbors'.
So my courage is growing. I'm becoming more 'local' every day! Sometimes I even forget that I've had a different life before.
The longer a person drives a car the more courageous maneuvers he can make. The longer a cook works in a kitchen the more courageous experiments with ingredients he can make. The longer a hairdresser works the more courageously he cuts any hair.
The longer I am in Rincon the more courageous I become in local life.
I have observed my courage for example in the fact that I was quite scared from the pitch black darkness that was here after the generators were turned off. Because all the noises became scarier then. But now I am able to go out of the building to sit on a bench. I sit by myself in complete darkness and it's so good. There is some magic about nighttime. Sometimes the sky is full of bigger and smaller stars. Fire fly cousins fly around and they shine all the time. A toad or a frog jumps past me, the whole grasshopper dynasty play their violins in the same tune... one of the Rincon's dogs finds out that you're sitting there and they come to ask for some love. In the beginning they gently poke your leg. Then they want to crawl in your lap and get more love... then his brothers and sisters smell that someone has been loved on and they all run to you. And then you just hush them and run inside before it's too late.
Then I have become more courageous in spending the siesta hour. I go to explore some new jungle paths on my own - sometimes the jungle is thinner, sometimes it's so thick you can't see through. The further I go the more interesting it is... and then I again believe in the fact that I'm really in the middle of Bolivian jungle again. The strong Rincon's sun and different bigger and smaller insects accompany me during these walks. Little creatures shake the bushes. Some weird birds jump on the tree branches, they have navy blue backs and yellow bellies and they have a mohawk on their heads. They're famous for their theft. They fly or jump from tree to tree. Then sit down and whistle their loud song. And each time they make a sound they lift up their tail. It looks pretty funny! I walked along a little pathway to a meadow. There were bones of a big animal. Ribs were in a nice row but the other bones were scattered around. I guess one of the Rincon's tigers had eaten it. I thought that they are no longer here but Harry told me that they have recently found tiger's paw prints few kilometers away from our village. They don't attack people but they love cattle... I haven't met a tiger here and I think I won't meet him because I don't walk through the very thick jungle! I only take the safe roads and sometimes a local Ayoreo passes me by on his bike. They always wonder how a white person can walk through the jungle when all the normal people are asleep :) But these walks are so important both for exercise and unwinding emotionally. Then my thoughts fly a little higher and further...
I have become more courageous in discovering the girl's lies. Yes... almost all of them can't live without lying. Maybe that's inherited from previous generations. You need a lot of courage and stringency to make them confess their lie and tell the truth. I'm getting better at this. At the beginning I believed in everything. Now I see things more clearly.
Maybe it'll sound funny but I've become more courageous in my style :D In Latvia I loved to make matching outfits, match the colors and styles... but now... oh my! I can wear together almost anything. Because I have grown weary of my 10 t-shirts so for the sake of some difference I wear them together with things I would never wear together in Latvia. I guess I'm influenced by the girls - they always wear ANYTHING together and walk around very confident! So do I :)
I have become more courageous in killing different creatures. I kill cockroaches one after another and I I'll use anything that's there. Recently one was crawling on the kitchen wall and I had a little glass jar in my hands. I didn't think long and hit the beast with the jar. His life fell to pieces and so did my jar :) I'm capable to deal with all kinds of spiders. I can't touch tarantulas but I take care of all the smaller ones... I apologise to all nature lovers but you have to agree with me that there are situations when there little creatures are bothering people, aren't there? For example, if a long legged spider crawls on your bed... To avoid a situation when this spider lays next to you during the night you have to take action ahead of time! I'm not surprised by small lizards at the sink, walls, at my shoes anymore. They seem like my usual 'neighbors'.
So my courage is growing. I'm becoming more 'local' every day! Sometimes I even forget that I've had a different life before.
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