Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

Monday, January 05, 2009

New Year's Day

We had a huge church party here on New Year's Day. Last year, we tried to have it New Year's Eve, but had a cultural lesson that some traditions don't transfer. It turned out to be too late for people - Bolivians are very security consious and don't like being out late at night in a place they don't know very well. Not to mention the fact that public transportation stops running here around 10pm. We had a good crowd, but there were also lots that couldn't make it.

It worked much better this year. We rented a big tent on the off chance it rained - and although the day started out rainy, it cleared up at midday and we had beautiful weather. People started arriving around 11am. We ate around 2 once everyone was here and the meat was done. Josh smoked half a suckling pig, we grilled 4 chickens and 4 lbs of sausage. Everyone brought sides or salads or dessert. Over 50 people came! We had a great time of fellowship: 3 legged races and sack races, lots of games, soccer tournaments, visiting. Everyone stayed till about 6pm. It was a long and busy day, but what a wonderful way to welcome in the new year!


Leticia made the famous Bolivian hotsauce.


Javier helped with the grilling.


Everyone enjoyed their food - we had enough, but just barely!


Visiting together.


Game time!


Soccer tournament


The Bolivian dice game 'cachos'


3 legged race


Sack race

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am happy for you that you had such a great time!

Drew Custer said...

That's wonderful. I'm so glad you had so many people. It looks like you had a great time.

Diane said...

You both truly have the gift of hospitality, among your many others gifts. What a godly example you are to so many new Christians.
Love you, Mom