Getting there was not without it's struggles. I had to apply for a visa here, and get a notarized and legalized letter that allowed me to travel with Eliana without her daddy. I spent a week standing in lines and visiting different offices (getting pictures that were the right size and background, buying little stamps, getting signatures from the right people - in other words, jumping through all the hoops) and by the end of all that, was wondering if it was even worth it to go. That is the only time I have ever said to myself - "I hate Bolivia!"
In addition to all that, the airline we were flying ended up cancelling our flight, so we had to leave 2 days early just to get to Brazil. The ladies organizing the conference were wonderful - they let us ride with them to the hotel, and put us up there for the extra 2 nights.
The hotel we stayed at was on a beautiful beach - I was surprised by the homesick feelings it gave me for Kenya. I felt a little guilty being there without Josh and Michaela.
The conference itself was designed perfectly with our needs in mind - we had time for contemplative prayer, time in small groups to share about every important aspect of our lives, classes that touched on everything from our emotional needs to cultural adaptation to team dynamics, and singing in English! They even provided a baby sitter for Eliana. And I think I gained 5 pounds from the great food.
I went away feeling spiritually refreshed - and it was good bonding time for the ladies on our team, not to mention I enjoyed the new friendships I made with some of the other ladies from other mission points.
However, getting home was as big of an ordeal as getting there. They cancelled our flight again, so we ended up taking another airline from Sao Paulo to Santa Cruz. We waited all day in the Sao Paolo airport and were delayed because President Bush was flying out the same time we were. We got to Santa Cruz at about 3:00am and discovered our flight for the next morning to Cochabamba had been delayed again till the afternoon. As we were checking in that afternoon, we almost got caught in an angry crowd who were upset that they had been waiting for their flight for almost 24 hours. But we made it home finally - to the great relief of our husbands, who I think were a little concerned we might never get home!
Growing up in Kenya, the ladies retreat every year was a highlight for my mom, and I I now understand why. I felt like I do when I'm around a bunch of missionary kids - at home.
Eliana's first time in the pool! She loved it!
The 4 Cochabamba ladies
Josh had the initiative to get Michaela's hair cut while I was gone! Cute huh?
2 comments:
Dearest Julie,
I got a little lump in my throat when I read your comment about how much I enjoyed the women's retreats in Kenya. I'm so glad you were able to enjoy that with me one time. The comraderie, the singing, the prayer times, the sharing times, the tears and the laughter, and the sweet sweet fellowship were a little taste of heaven. I'm SO glad you got to go and that Josh was willing to send you. When does Josh get to go on a men's retreat! Lots of love, Mom
Glad you had such a great time. And I love Michaela's haircut! What a cutie! Love -- Laura
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