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teachUM in Bolivia - 2004 |
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June
15-29, 2004, Instituto Americano The
truth is there are 11 different stories of this mission
trip because, unlike a work team that mostly works
in the same place, we worked in different classrooms,
on different schedules, with different teachers and
students. There were 11 teachers from 9 churches in
5 states holding 350 years of combined teaching experience
in elementary education, English, geography, Spanish,
math, and Christian education.
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During the day we served in 3rd grade, high school math,
English (elem.— high school), Christian formation
(elem.— high school), social studies (middle— high
school), and as tutors in the after-school program. We
also taught five evening / Saturday adult sessions of English,
geography, and Bible study.
There were very few books available for 1100 students and their teachers in their
library. We took hundreds of pounds of lesson plans, books, and classroom supplies,
and donated $3000 to the school library to purchase books that teachers asked
for. |
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| The Methodist Church sponsors Hasta Crecer, a "supplemental" program
for children of the poorest of the poor. Eight –18 year olds go there when
they are not in classes - for a good meal, hygiene, and tutoring help. Three
of our teachers assisted with the tutoring at least part of the time. During
breaks there were impromptu sharing times – through music and prayer. |
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In our devotion times several team members
of our team have revealed their initial concerns about
going on this mission experience – one woman even
said she waited for a month for a “sign” that
she should not go. We are convinced that we went where
we should and did what we were meant to do. We give thanks
for your prayers & support!
" Though
neither of us spoke the other's language, we both were over-joyed with
the results of our time together. Our cups runneth over!"
" I am a completely different person; more of a risk-taker; more OK with
mistakes; more open to look for, see, and connect the words of Scripture with
life experiences…"
" People everywhere are basically the same and have the same needs."
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“
Our coming here has nothing to do with money – or with
the ‘stuff’ we brought… God expects us to
connect with others, to care about each other…when I
shared a jump rope and yoyo with my students they were delighted … their
reaction to the colored markers was like Christmas morning…there
was such joy! I have been asking God for the opportunity to
see that joy in this world. I am sick and tired of terrorism
and war. There must be a better way…as Christian servants
we are called to connect with others, to share ourselves and
learn from and with our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
“ Our faith
needs hands and feet to practice what Christ commands us. One
of the (Montero) church's banners reminded
me that
John Wesley said, 'The world is our parish.'"
" What a great way to get right with God!"
" I'm glad I didn't let a language barrier keep me from going
on this trip. God supplied people to help me in all circumstances
and situations." |
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