Bolivia: ''I did not just fall; I ricocheted off the wall onto the ground'' - Julie Engelsman

Anna. Sara. Cristian. Lorena. Baleria. Alajendra. Marielo. Blas.

Yes, some of these names look funny or are difficult to pronounce. But these are the children who are impacting our team--the ones who have impacted me. We can only hope and pray that we our impacting them as well. We have been blessed to realize that many of them are familiar with the Easter story. When asked ''¿Donde está Jesucrísto?´´ (Where is Jesus?) two children responded ''En mi corazón'' (In my heart). What a humbling blessing to be ministered to by the very people to whom we are to ministering.

Most of the work we have been doing at the orphanage has been painting, playing games, coloring, math and crafts with the kids. This has been a great way to see that these children really do have individual talents and are often showing us up in those. Not to mention they have the advantage of a better air supply. You see, we´re up in the mountains which means air is thin and our bodies are weak. There is no exception; not even our football players. Nevertheless, they are patient with our lack of Spanish skills and weak bodies. As long as we know how to player soccer and catch, they´re happy.

Beyond the orphanage, our times with the team have been far more encouraging than expected. It could not be more obvious that the Lord hand-picked this team for our mutual edification as we serve alongside one another. During team meetings we have been sharing our testimonies as well as debriefing and worshipping together. What has proved to be the most beneficial during this time has been the vulnerability displayed by many members of the team and willingness to share about their personal issues. Please keep praying that as the week goes on we will continue to open up to be more affective in our ministry.

Learning to appreciate the culture of Bolivia even more, a group of us had the opportunity to spend time with some of Dan Saldi´s friends (Dan´s family is from Bolivia so this is home!), ate at their home, drove around a different part of the city of La Paz than the more run-down areas we have been used to seeing around Alalay Orphanage. The evening included some great Pollo Copacabana which could roughly be described as a KFC but suprisingly healthier! We also got a taste of what people our age experience when they drive. Let´s just say they would be described as offensive drivers in the U.S. and might not be too fond of our friend, the stop sign. The highlight of the night was attending a worship service with Dan´s church that an AMERICAN actually spoke at. He was part of IHOP (International House of Prayer) and spoke blessings on Bolivia to wrap up a retreat he had just spent with the youth group. Some would call him a prophet which was quite an experience for most of the Taylor group. Despite reservations, it was a blessing to hear an American speak to us in English and we were truly blessed by his message.

Thank you for your continued support and prayer for our team. We are still seeing the Lord work in the lives of these children and know that through the power of prayer, the Lord can accomplish great things. Pray that our perspective will be eternal and that we will not limit the capabilities of God. He is a great God. We are but the work of his hands. What a blessing that he would choose to use us.

By His Grace,

Laura Bobbett

p.s. the quote is from our team leader. she may or may not have completely wiped out in front of several Bolivian woman and then, i quote, ''ricocheted'' off the wall. word of advice: avoid flip flops on roads in Bolivia