What an exciting day. We did a traveling clinic to an old people’s home. It was about an hour long drive out there, but it was totally worth it. This is one the most unique ministries I've ever come across. Their unofficial motto is: "Preparing people for heaven". This facility has a clinic, garden, outdoor bread oven, a full kitchen, and even a sugar cane press. They don't have any housing yet, but are in the process of building a very nice one. We got to eat fresh tangerines, lemons, and even fresh cane juice. There are probably about 120 people who travel in from surrounding villages to be at this ministry. From the minute we arrived we couldn't get away from the people. They were that nice and inviting. They all called me, "Dr. Stephen", which deepens my desire for my future. I was also met with sloppy wet kisses from all the teethless old women. It was wonderful... The retired people actually come to work every day here. They pick fruit, tend to the gardens, and make sugar cane juice. Their background in farming and very hard work ethics makes this place very special to them. It gives them meaning again. It makes them feel valued and useful.
As far as the clinic went today, we got to see goiters, numerous high blood pressures, arthritis, and even another case of Chagas disease. These people were truly grateful for what they received today. One man broke down in tears during our clinic. He told us that he often feels, "overwhelmed". It almost made me tear up. It was a very trip defining moment and one that I will not easily forget. What we are doing has a great purpose. We are impacting hundreds of lives. Our clinics are officially over. We've seen over 300 patients this week and had 80-90 people come to know the Lord this week. It has been an incredible time. The next two days we will be relaxing and recuperating from a hard week's work.
Tomorrow marks Bolivia's 188th Independence Day. We will be celebrating at the Santa Cruz parade. As I write, I hear many fireworks all around. I first thought they were gun fire (these initial inclinations are common and understandable in 3rd world countries). Hah! President Morales will be at the parade. This will mark the first time Morales will be in Santa Cruz in two years. Two years ago Santa Cruz almost led a rebellion to overthrow the oppressive government that Morales runs. There was massive amounts of tension that caused all the airports across the countries shutting down, which prevented a Bridge Builders team from entering the country then. Even now, there is tension building with the arrival of Morales in Santa Cruz. All it takes is one crack head to take a shot at Morales at the parade and we probably won't be able to leave the country for another week. That probably wouldn't bother me honestly. I love what we're doing here. The next two days we'll be relaxing and sightseeing. I'm looking forward to it. I miss all of you like crazy. God is so good.
Love,
Stephen
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