Bright & Sunny La Paz

The Flight
Not much to say. I had a good night rest the night before at Chris and Jessica's place and Chris dropped me off at around 6AM Saturday morning. The flight to Miami was uneventful, but once I arrived I only had about 15 min to walk from concourse E to concourse A. It was at least a mile long. I made it just as they were calling the first groups on the plane, so it all worked out well. On the flight to La Paz, a man asked me if I could switch seats with him, so that he could sit next to his wife. This put me in a middle seat about at the very back of the plane, since I didn't really mind moving. I am glad that I did also, because I sat next to a man named Eric who grew up in Bolivia, but went to Michigan Tech for school and is now living in Vancouver. So, yes, I had the privilege of hearing a TCK's (third-culture kid) story and his helpful advice to stay open-minded to the culture. I found it very interesting that he felt more at home in the U.S. and Canadian cultures then his own. He hung out with me all the way until we both found our luggage and until I was able to meet up with Jason and Sara (my director and his wife).
The Arrival
We packed everything into Jason's vehicle and made for the valley. El Alto (the section of the city where the airport is) was very poor. After driving through El Alto we began the descent into the valley were I got to see the city lights down below. An amazing sight! We saw stray dogs all over the place. They are just a part of the city. At the bottom of the city we arrived at my homestay's place. I had been informed that I was going to be at a different place then I had been shown. It is closer to the school and very close to where Jason and Sara live, so I would be able to hitch a ride with Jason when he goes to the school.
Meeting my Homestay
We were greeted customarily when we arrived. For my part a customary greeting with a woman is to lean to the left and make a kissing sound by their cheek as they do the same on the other side. It honestly wasn't awkward at all. We sat down in their beautiful home and just began talking. Well, I didn't as much. :) They said they would treat me like one of their own. I felt very blessed. After Jason and Sara left, I was able to have some limited conversation with both Alberto and (not sure how to spell this) Charro, as I sat down to have some coca tea to help my stomach and headache as well as some pan (bread) with queso (cheese) and mantequilla (butter). It was different, but delicious! Then it was time dormir (to sleep), after some water and Advil. The weather is about mid-40's here. I love it!
Domingo (Sunday)
After taking a shower, dressing for iglesia (church), and putting some more of my clothes away. I made my way down to the kitchen where I met Joshua. He is originally from California, but going to med school in Boston. He was down in Bolvia for a month working on international medicine. He is also living in the same house and knows more Spanish than me, but is still just below conversational. When breakfast was almost done, Silvia walked in. Silvia is from England, fluent in Spanish, lived with the family for 9 months last year and will be living with them again for a couple more weeks as she is visiting on holiday. It was fun to hear the British accent once again. She has been a great help with translating. I am still a little frusturated, because I so want to understand, but my Spanish is so limited. Anyway, we then walked to La Comunidad, the church, and all around us were mountains on every side. Boy, what a sight to behold! I don't think I will ever get used to it, and that's a good thing. I got to meet Scotty Miser at church. He is a missionary to Bolvia, sent out from Bethlehem Baptist, the church I attended, and he is planting a church close to where the school is. The church plant is affiliated with La Comunidad and my family is actually a part of the plant. Pretty amazing connections, eh?! We went out to lunch afterwards at a chicken (pollo) place called Copacabana. It was pretty much a KFC, Bolvian style. Along with the chicken and french fries, you get fried plantains (bananas). They were pretty good. Jason and Sara should be stopping by later today before they pick up some more of the teachers that are coming in tonight. I think tomorrow we begin the orientation itinerary. All I know so far is that we plan to go to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, on Friday. I hope you are all having as fantastic a Friday as I am! Thank you for all your prayers for safe travel and and an easy transition. They were answered!
A Beginning
I have already had a few comments on the last posting. Not bad! But I think we can do better. I will try to add pictures to spruce up the blog site soon. Until then, I am counting on your comments. I love you all! Thanks again for your prayers!