My birthday in Trinidad
My birthdays in Bolivia the past two years have both been special. Last year I spent it with Lidia and we had a special time together and this year I spent it with my dear friends at La Palmera. This is the fourth time I have been in Bolivia for my birthday, but the first time I have spent it in Trinidad. The day started off with the staff singing happy birthday to me after devotionals. Throughout the morning various students came up to me and wished me happy birthday with a hug and kiss (customary here). Then as I was in the lab, one of the classes sang happy birthday to me and in English! I was impressed. In the evening, I decided to throw a barbecue (parrillada) with steak, sausage and grilled chicken for my friends from the project. About 25 people came and we had a great time. I paid for the meat and the birthday committee from the school paid for the sides of rice, salad and drinks.
My birthday spilled over into yesterday as well when the graduating class gave me a card with special messages from all of them. I think at some point my eyes watered up with emotions of being grateful, as I realized what a wonderful community I am part of. Thank you to those of you praying for a great birthday for me.
In other news, I went down to immigration yesterday to inquire about the process for a 2 year visa (the next one for me). The visa requires me to send all of my paperwork to La Paz for processing. However, after speaking with a guy at the immigration office, he was honest with me and said I'd be better going to La Paz and presenting in person because there are people who have sent their papers from Trinidad and haven't heard anything for months, mostly due to laziness on the part of the people at the Trinidad office and mail delays. So, it looks like I'll be heading there in a couple weeks to take care of all of this. However, because there will likely be a delay in processing, I may take advantage and take a trip to Lake Titicaca for a few days, which is just a short 3 hour drive away from La Paz. You can be in prayer for this visa process as I've learned dealing with the official stuff is never straightforward.
My birthday spilled over into yesterday as well when the graduating class gave me a card with special messages from all of them. I think at some point my eyes watered up with emotions of being grateful, as I realized what a wonderful community I am part of. Thank you to those of you praying for a great birthday for me.
In other news, I went down to immigration yesterday to inquire about the process for a 2 year visa (the next one for me). The visa requires me to send all of my paperwork to La Paz for processing. However, after speaking with a guy at the immigration office, he was honest with me and said I'd be better going to La Paz and presenting in person because there are people who have sent their papers from Trinidad and haven't heard anything for months, mostly due to laziness on the part of the people at the Trinidad office and mail delays. So, it looks like I'll be heading there in a couple weeks to take care of all of this. However, because there will likely be a delay in processing, I may take advantage and take a trip to Lake Titicaca for a few days, which is just a short 3 hour drive away from La Paz. You can be in prayer for this visa process as I've learned dealing with the official stuff is never straightforward.
posted by Jimmy Bollinger at
7:07 AM
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