A Bolivian Thanksgiving

This morning, my stomach has made noises that I don't think a bulldozer can manage to rev up. Seriously, it's sounds like there's a civil war going on in there, with bombs and cannons and little 18th-century military drums and everything.
P.S. I scattered random pictures of FAI kids throughout this whole thing, in random order and in random places, for the sake of having photos in a text-heavy post. They're cute, huh?

Santiago, 2

Obviously, today is a sick day for me (the Hospital thinks it's salmonella!), and I had to stay home from a workshop with all the volunteers called "Realismo bolivano"... I'll understand what that means when Jordyn, Ashley and mom get home and explain it to me. Today also happens to be Thanksgiving, as I'm sure you're all aware of, unlike everyone else around the world. Because Turkey Day is specifically an American holiday, it's clearly not celebrated in Bolivia, hence everyone is at work or school this Thursday, going about their usual business. That working crowd includes the HOPE team members, who are all desperately craving a day sitting among family, watching parades and football, and stuffing ourselves with pounds upon pounds of good ol' Southern cooking.

Since that's not gonna be the case for today, us patriotic gringos, refusing to let pass a year without an enormous turkey, are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night, and inviting a few close friends to join us and learn about the American holiday. We'll also have a devotional on giving thanks and, I'm sure, tons of long monologues gushing gratitude to what God's done for us in our lives (the best part of any devo). There's a colossal turkey sitting in our freezer and waiting for its doom, as well as cans of green beans and sweet potatoes and those little crispy onion things (what are they called?) stacked in our cabinet. I'm definitely excited about celebrating this awesome holiday with my new HOPE family and Bolivian friends, although in the hearts of every team member here are the cozy family times we're missing back home. 

And for that, a big shout-out to: Candice, Morgan(!), Aunt Renee, Jesse, Paulina, Drew, Marie, Heather, Gabriel, Alea, Aunt Jean, Uncle Bob, Stewart, Garrett, Aunt Pat, Ronnie, Carol, Curt and Delaney, and a kiss on Petey's nose. Also to: Uncle David, Aunt Harriet, Grandma Rita, Uncle Ed, Aunt Jane, Dylan, Trevor, Uncle Scott, Aunt Veronica, Andrea, Jamie, Raymond, Matthew, Randy, Mary, Brendan, Elizabeth, baby Jewel, Kristen, Jeremy, baby Ty(!!!), Alaina, Lexi, Karen, Logan, Uncle Dean, Aunt Elora, and anyone else I'm missing from that ridiculously huge side of the family. Also, to Rachel Bailey, since you're basically blood. I love you all and Happy Thanksgiving! I wish we could be there with all of you!

And in honor of El día del acción de gracias, I was going to write a list of things I'm grateful for (very original, I know) but instead I'll write a list about what I'm grateful for in each HOPE team member! Here goes...

Dad: The big boss goes first on the list, of course. It's so obviously God's doing that Kevin Broyles is my father because my dad has qualities that I desperately need to learn from. The most obvious one being his  dedication to hard work. When Kevin has something to do, Kevin does it, no matter how much he may not want to or how inconvenient it is at the moment. My dad is the most disciplined and organized man I know, and the way he sacrifices his time and energy to do the tasks God sets before him blows my mind. I'm so grateful for the example my father sets in what it is to be an orderly and persistent man of God.

Yasmin, 4

Mom: Where can I start with my mother? Her passion for righteousness, godliness, and bringing Christ's love into this world simply oozes out of her every action and word. For those of you who know Noelle Broyles, you'll understand when I declare her to be one of the greatest reflections of Jesus' love to people on this earth. She never compromises or settles when given an opportunity to touch someone's life; she looks them in the eyes, she takes a genuine interest in their welfare, and manages to melt their hearts with her sincere compassion. I'm so grateful for the example my mom sets in what it means to be a living sacrifice; the woman is the world's greatest mom, servant, encourager and "impassioner", and she does it all with one leg!

Lin ("Titi" to me): Many of you know Lin and I'm sure all of you that do have been moved by her in some way. Titi's whole life has been declaration after declaration of God's glory and power. She's the kind of woman who constantly reminds everyone around of just how fiercely and deeply God loves us all. Titi's a true inspiration all around the world; her and her husband, before he passed, planted and strengthened churches in various corners of the globe, and her love and passion melts hearts wherever she goes. What I'm grateful for most about Titi is her impact on contact, just like Jesus', with every person she meets. Whether it's a new face or her oldest friend, Titi's love warms the soul and leaves you wanting to do the same with others. I'm so grateful for the example my titi sets in her overflow of the Father's powerful love.

Jordyn: Here's another person that's a little too incredible for description. God gave me Jay as my best friend, surely, because we are "perfect counterparts", in her words. Jay, like my dad, has a standard of excellence and a sense of utter godliness in her work that takes my breath away. She never takes "no" for an answer, she never settles or compromises with any task set before her, and she also never ceases to bring a party wherever she goes. Jay is loving, compassionate, kind-hearted, hilarious, and completely enchanting. Jay understands me (and puts up with me) in a way other people in my life don't (or won't). I'm so grateful for the example Jordyn sets of an intensely loyal, steadfast and lifelong friend.

Gwen: This woman is one of those people that totally stops you in your tracks with her utter gentleness and kindness. Gwen has walked with the Lord for many years, and it's very clear that each year has impressed in her a profound love for God and wisdom in His word. Gwen is incredible, in every sense of the word. She gives her whole heart to everything set before her, whether it be work-related, church-related, people-related... lo que sea, she's always whole-heartedly loving and giving. What's more, Gwen has this certain peace that just radiates from her; it's very clear she walks with God, and closely. I'm so grateful for the example Gwen sets in servitude and gentle love.

Matt: I claimed to adopt Matt as my big brother the moment I arrived in Bolivia, but there was no need--he has fulfilled the role completely on his own! Matt's love for people and passion for righteousness are made obvious through his kind words and thoughtful actions. He's graciously taken up the role of a kind of bodyguard with Jay and I, whether that be escorting us home in a bus or even walking to the grocery store with me, he's ready to protect us from even the silly paranoias we have. Matt's very gentle, easy-going, and humble, which are all such stellar qualities for brother in Christ to have in this arrogant world we live in. I'm so grateful for Matt's example as a young man of God that walks righteously, with integrity, honesty and wisdom.

Yocelin, 3

Ashley: I can't even begin to explain how much I've come to cherish Ashley so deeply in my heart these past couple months! Ashley's one awesome combination of humility, tender-heartedness, kindness, compassion, deep love and tons of fun. She is always positive-minded, sees the good in people, dwells on the lovely things of the world and is passionate about the godly things. Ashley has become a beloved big sister to me in this short time (...which will hopefully be extended... hint hint...) and I have loved every minute of goofing off with her, learning from her, watching her profound love for others in action, and always laughing with her! I'm so grateful for the example Ashley sets of Philippians 4:8--always thinking of the noble and lovely and admirable, and always acting in truth!

So there's my two cents about the team, and what an awesome team it is, as you can hopefully see. And today for me is an extra special holiday: I turn 3 years old! Three years ago today, my Father and Creator snatched me from the dark grime of the world, wiped me completely clean, and poured His Spirit into me. For three years I have walked hand-in-hand through life with the living God, just like Adam walked through the cool of the garden with Him, and every day fighting to know Him has proven to be the greatest adventure of my life. I have a constant Shepherd, Guide, Counselor, Protector, Encourager, Helper, Source of strength... there are no adjective in any dictionary in this world that could accurately describe my gratitude for the ability to know my real Father. The one who knit me together in my mother's womb continues to mold and shape my hard heart, by His grace, and pull be closer to Him in new ways every hour of my life.

Lian, 5

Here are some snippets of the passages I read this morning that reminded me of how good my God is (and I tweaked some words this morning to make it more personal):

"It is because of God that I am in Christ Jesus, who has become for me wisdom from God--that is, my righteousness, holiness and redemption." -1 Corinthians 1:30

"I was in slavery under the basic principles of this world. But when the time had fully come, God send his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because I am a daughter, God sent the Spirit of his Son into my heart, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So I am no longer a slave, but a daughter; and since I am a daughter, God has made me also an heir." -Galatians 4:3-7

"Because of his great love for me, God, who is rich in mercy, made me alive with Christ even when I was dead in transgressions--it is by grace I have been saved. And God raised me up with Christ and seated me with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to me." -Ephesians 2:4-7

Of course there are thousands of scriptures I would love to share on here, and more of those passages above, but for sake of blog space I'll leave it at that. Basically, I am one grateful, saved sinful wretch. I'm thrilled to celebrate that every day.

I was going to double the length of this post by recounting our whole Peruvian adventure, but I decided this will be enough for now. Next blog post: Machu Picchu! As for today, I hope all you Americans reading this have a special and encouraging Thanksgiving Day, filled with love and family and tons upon tons of juicy turkey! I'm thankful for all of you who are supporting us and praying for us during this time. Please don't forget to include the team, the La Paz church and the children of Bolivia in your prayers! Thanks and much love to you all!

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." -C.S. Lewis

There's a monton of things I want to talk about in this post, but I'm sick again (surprise) and henceforth too lazy to write in an organized and creative manner. So here's a list of things to catch you all up on, in no particular order:

My little girl!

- Mark Ottenweller's in town! For those of you who know him, you understand what a delight it is to have him here in La Paz. For those of you who don't know him, I'll explain a little about the uniquely marvelous kind of man Mark is... Dr. Ottenweller is the father of three incredible (and all married since three weeks ago!) children, a widower of four years, and an inspiration all around the world. He's an employee of HOPEworldwide, specifically overseeing all of Africa concerning HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. He lived in Africa for over eighteen years--Ivory Coast and South Africa, to be exact--and has travelled all over the continent working with HIV+/AIDS-stricken populations, encouraging churches, and being the awesome servant that he is. Basically, before I go on a surely common Mark-O.-is-so-great rant, he's one incredible man of God and ambassador of Christ. And as much as I'd like to say he just came to Bolivia to visit my family (of whom he's a dear and old friend), the purpose of his visit is likely 95% because he happens to be dating Lin. The Mark and Lin Story has, of course, been told all around the world to the delight of every hearing ear, and for good reason. But I won't share it; I'll just say it's a testimony to God's glory, power, infinite plan for our lives and His sovereign wisdom.

Mark and Lin, being those cute
heroes in the faith that they are.

Anyway, he's here and he's encouraging all of us simply by his presence! He preached at church on Sunday about being motivated by God's grace, and later for our weekly HOPE family devotional, he shared about what it means to be Spirit-led, especially regarding working with the poor. Let's just say most of us were in tears at some point; I can't explain how my soul was totally uplifted when I was reminded that I'm not doing any of this on my own... in fact, I'm doing nothing at all! I'm being filled daily with the Spirit of the living God! This week, Mark will be seeing our favorite parts of La Paz with us (aka Lin) and will also be traveling with us to Machu Picchu on Thursday! That's right, MACHU PICCHU! Which brings me to my second point...

- We're going to Machu Picchu on Thursday! :) The whole HOPE team is going (minus James, unfortunately) and we're beyond excited! We fly to Cuzco Thursday morning, have some hikes and tours planned between the city and the site, and we're taking an 18-hour bus ride back Sunday evening. I'll be sure to make a blog post about it when we get back!

Some of the group goofing off, like usual.

- November 9th was my mom's birthday, and her being the selfless and ever-passionate Noelle Broyles that the world knows, all she wanted was to spend time with the girls in the orphanage (her job anyway!). We spend a couple hours on Sunday afternoon hanging out with the girls, playing with beach balls, playing "Uno", eating lollipops, goofing off, singing Justin Beiber, etc. But this time it wasn't just the normal group that went to visit the home; we were joined by Dad, Lin, and Mark. It was all of their first times meeting the girls, and it was a blast! It was animating to watch our whole HOPE family just being silly with these orphans... I especially couldn't help but laugh when, as always, Matt/"Mateo" was immediately swarmed by tons of teenage girls who always seem to be on the brink of declaring their undying love for him. What's funny is the fact that he lives in the orphanage and probably deals with this on a daily basis.

Ive (left) with two disciple sisters.

- Today Ivelisse left Bolivia. Heartbreak at its finest. That beautiful sister has lifted up the church and the team with her intense passion, sacrificial love, profound wisdom and unceasingly positive encouragement. She planted seeds and God watered them--as a matter of fact, two "seeds" that she planted resulted in baptisms! At the moment Ive is traveling to Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and God knows where else. She is dearly loved and will be severely missed here!


- It's been on my heart to share about the individual kids that I'm working with, with photos and brief biographies and what not, kind of like what Matt did on his blog. I was planning on introducing two kids from CEIKU (the guardería in Casa de Paso) in this post, but due to my lack of pictures and wanting more information on their stories and (let's be honest) laziness, I'll wait until the next post.

- Thanksgiving is coming up and I'm bursting at the seams with excitement about it because it's also my third spiritual birthday. What an appropriate day of giving thanks. Because the holiday is only celebrated in America, no work or school stops around this time in Bolivia. In fact, all the FAI volunteers ended up having a mandatory day-long workshop on Thanksgiving day... even though the talleres are normally fun and enjoyable, the American crew is a little bummed at the choice of date. Nevertheless, the HOPE team is planning a dinner, and Lin brought back pumpkin bread mix from the US! And it's Trader Joe's brand, no less!

- I also want to ramble on and on and list all my mixed feelings about the month of December. But since you came to read about my experience serving in Bolivia and not my teenage girl emotions, I'll simple clarify what's happening. Bad part first: Lin and Jordyn are leaving. I've been dreading their departure since the day we arrived, but now that's it's coming closer and plans are being made and tickets are being bought... ahh! What a loss to Bolivia, the HOPE team, and my own desire for one of my best friends to be by my side all the time! Anyway, since that's not until December 20th, I'll cry about it on my blog after they leave.
And the good (no, GREAT!) news: my sister's coming in the beginning of the month until the end, and I could not be MORE anxious to see her. Alongside her on the journey will be her boyfriend Morgan, Lin's son and Jordyn's brother and basically my big brother, who will arrive with my sister and leave with his family on the 20th. And another recent piece of awesome news: Matt Walker's mom and brother are coming to visit for nine days, including spending Christmas with us! This especially pumps me up since both of them are special to me; Renee is an incredible woman of God who's like another momma to me, and Luke is one of my best friends. In other words, my sister, my casi big brother, my second momma, and my best friend are all coming to Bolivia within a span of four weeks! I'm thrilled and blessed!
And yet another big happening in December: the Basilio family is finally gonna get here! So yeah, yeah, John and Migdalia may be great spiritual inspirations and heroes in the faith and all, but it's their kids I'm most excited about! (Sorry, parents.) I've been craving to hug Gabriela, Ariana and Papito ever since I left the States and now I'm finally going to have them here in La Paz to hug at my disposal! :)

In conclusion, I'm feeling God's showers of blessings pouring down on us here in Bolivia, and I couldn't be more grateful or enthusiastic to be witnessing His miracles. To Him be all the glory, and please keep praying for the La Paz church, the HOPE team, and the city's children. Thanks for reading!