News from the Hughes - AND NOW, THE REST OF THE STORY!

Thanks for your patience!  So, as most of you might remember, after my 5-week visit to Spain and Connor's wedding, the last blog was just about all of that -- You Gotta Let a Mom Gush a Bit....  But, I also wanted to give you an update on whats been going on in Bolivia the weeks prior to Connor's wedding and the weeks since getting back to Bolivia.  SO,  NOW HERE'S THE REST OF THE STORY....

I'm going to rush this update a bit so I'm sorry for the many typos and grammer stafus....

The English Convention...

I had originally planned on spending more time in Europe (3 more weeks) to visit with friends and spend more time with my son and new Daughter-in-Law. But, when we got the date of our English Convention in Bolivia -- we wanted to get back for that.  So, I cut my plans short to arrive back in Bolivia the Wednesday before the convention.  This is my 3rd English convention in Bolivia, and I still get so touched that the Bethel Branch hosts this for the English-speaking Need Greaters.  

Most of our friends had already heard the program in English and so we knew it was going to be wonderful and amazing and emotional.  I had actually heard the program in Spanish last September, but it's just wasn't the same.  What can I say, English is the language of my heart and watching the videos (now in English), hearing the talks (now in English), singing the songs (yes, in English), well it had the same impact on me that it had on you.....

The preaching in Bolivia seems to be really escalating.  More and more towns that had been preached to for years are turning into groups which are turning into congregations.  Everyone you go there seems to be this explostion of activity and growth here.  But, the Bethel Branch is always doing what they can to invite and encourage more Need Greaters to come.  The convention was just another way to do that.  The Bolivia Branch even hosted a Pioneer School (the first ever) in English that took place right after the convention.  

And next month we have our annual special meeting where a member of the New York branch (usually one of the Committee members) visits Bolivia and we get a 4-hour program where all of Bolivia gets tied in. At least 2 of the talks are usually in English (translated to Spanish).

Last, Bolivia is hosting a Special Convention next year and some congregations in the US were invited.  I know some in Ohio and Texas were invited.  Originally, we didn't think our congregation could go, but the Bolivia Branch sent a letter to all congregations asking for the names of English-speakers who could possibly attend.  Our family was added to the list so we're all waiting now to see if we get an official invite to go.  If we do, I'm totally dressing like a Bolivian (at least 1 day).  If you want more information check out the Branch's website at https://bo.jw2017.org/

OK, I degress...... BACK TO THE CONVENTION.....  It's just a cool time to meet friends that are serving all over Bolivia from all over the world.  It's a time to exchange contact information and plan trips to visit them -- and for them to visit us.

There is a beautiful comradre among the

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friends here because they understand the challenges you face, the adjustments you've had to make, and the sacrifices involved in leaving your family and friends. Don't get me wrong, the spiritual blessings far out-weigh the challenges. But for 3 days (really longer because we usually visit 2 days before and a day or 2 after) you're with friends that totally understand the changes your life has gone through coming to Bolivia. So, you get and give many invitations to visit other areas around Bolivia.

These are a couple of sisters we became friends with who are here from England for 3 months.

And because Bethel is located in the large city of Santa Cruz -- it's a time TO EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY! 

And of course we couldn't help but act a little crazy!  I blame the Kiwi sisters (New Zealanders), they always bring a fun and positive spirit to things....

A Heart-Wrenching Good-Bye

So, we had 3 wonderful days of encouraging spiritual food and had made plans to stay a couple more days to spend time with Ben and Dawn.  I've talked alot about them  over the last 2 years -- a couple that served in Bolivia for 3 years from England, lived next door, and became family for us.  Dawn is pregnant and after much prayerful consideration the couple decided it was best to go back to England for a bit to start their new family.

We've known for months about them leaving but the last few days together was really hard and emotional.  Connor's gone and now these kids (who are also family) were also leaving.  We pretty much just hung out together in Santa Cruz the Monday and Tuesday after the convention, but then it was time to get home.  We'd been gone for 5 weeks and so with much tears and heartache we said good-bye to them.  Yep, we all just all pretty much broke down crying -- and Ben was trying to keep us all from falling apart.  

Sometimes, I  look over at the house next door (still empty) and have to make myself not dwell on being sad but remember how wonderful things are -- Connor has this new and wonderful life with Carla and Ben and Dawn are eagerly waiting the arrival of Little Luna (their new baby girl).  Of course Ben couldn't wait to rub-it-in that they were eating lots of Fish & Chips (I'm a fish-lover).

Oh well, our plan is to see all the kids this Summer.  The girls and I are planning to visit England and Spain for a few weeks to see Connor, Carla, Ben, Dawn and espcially Little Luna!  We're even hoping to visit in time for the English Convention in Liverpool. So, hopefully it will work out for us!  Dawn looks amazing and the kids have settled back into their life in Merry Ole' England and are supporting a Spanish group there.  They've mosed into their new apartments and are getting things ready for the arrival of their little baby girl.

By the time we see them again, Luna will only be a few months old and so we'll be able to enjoy her as a baby and gush all over her.  I CAN'T WAIT!

Update on Connor & Carla....

Connor and Carla are settling into their new life together in Spain.  They suppport the Catalan congregation and Connor was just re-appointed as a Ministerial Servant there.  He gave his first part a few weeks ago.  The kids have bought a ferret (Carla is an animal lover).  And the kids have plans to be in Bolivia by August for a trial run.

I miss them and wish we were closer but maybe that will happen next Summer. Anything can change between now and next August.

Visitors from Around the World.....

Before leaving for Spain we’ve had a fun few weeks.  Ben and Dawn had friends visit from England and they were a lot of fun (Aimee and Kye).  They’re actually trying to make plans to move to Bolivia in August.  They adapted really quickly to our rustic ways and seem to really enjoy their experience.

We also had another family visit with their 2 small children from France for a few weeks.

And the Borg Family arrived a few weeks ago from Sweden.  This is one of the families that was able to visit Barcelona for Connor's wedding (he gave the talk in English).

Last but not least we just got a new couple in our congregation (from Finland) that have plans to live in Bolivia for a couple of years.

The Spanish Convention...

Before going to the English Convention last October, we first had our 3-day Spanish convention in September. A friend had sent me her notes in English and so it definitely helped me to follow along in Spanish.  The Spanish convention was special for our congregation because we had a new addition – Andrea Antello got baptized at 14 years old and so we’re now at 42 Publishers – HOORAY.  


Saturday night we went out to dinner with her family and a couple from Germany who currently live in Chulmani with Madison from Grandview.  Can you believe it?  They are good friends with Madison and his wife.  It really is such a small world in Jehovah’s organization. We didn’t know the couple but became fast friends.

More Pets - What is Wrong With Us???
So, I've talked alot about the 3 dogs we've adopted in Bolivia.  They drive us nuts sometimes but we're enjoying haveing pets here. It's helped to make us feel more like home.  Anyay, we took one of Ben and Dawn's cats named Ramseys.  I know, I know -- and this is honestly going to be the last pet we have here.  As it is we now have to get 4 anmials back to the states when we come back.  

Anyway, Ramseys has settled in realy nicely to the Hughes Home! He's also doing a great job of killing any stray scorpions that make their way into our house -- YUCK!




Then, just 4 days after we got home Pris found 2 abandoned kittens on the road (both girls).  It's common here for the people not to want female pets and so the next thing I know here she comes with 2 babies.  I was a bit un-done at that point.  We have 3 dogs, and had just taken Ramseys, and now we have 2 kittens -- NO WAY!  Pris took them to the vet for parasite and flea medicine, got them eye drops for their eye infection, and 3 days later she had made a cute sign -- FREE KITTENS! Within a day we had found a nice family to take them.  NO MUSS NO FUSS!  OK, I fussed and bit and Aubri fussed alot but in the end, everything worked out OK!

We've Become Farmers...

One fun new thing we've started is a large vegetable garden. To be honest, a brother in our congregation started the garden for us.  We've been in our house for 2 years and thought, "Hey, we need to have veggies and fruit too." So, he's helped us get all kinds of good things planted and we even have have some watermelon and strawberries.  I feel so nature-girl!  

Inches and Inches of Hail.....

One of the weird things that happened when we got back was a big hail storm that poured down inches of hail all over everything.  The climate here is pretty mild and keep in mind it's our Spring. So, it was weird to have the temperature drop and within minutes all this hail coming down.  We were running around trying to get potted plants to safety while not getting hammered.  At one point a little river started on my front porch and we scrambled to get the water of the porch before it flooded into the house.  

Yep, it's times like these when I miss having a man around but all in all, us girls did OK -- in your face Mother Nature!

Preaching Moments...
The preaching continues to be wonderful and our congregation is going quickly.  We were recently notified that the Bethel Branch is building us a Kingdom Hall and so the Elders have been diligently working to find land for that. But, we've heard from several other families who have plans to hopefully come and support our congregation.  So, alot of amazing things are happening in San Lorenzo.

The girls are doing well and Aubri put in her application to start Regular Pioneering again next month.  Both of the girls have lots of Bible Studies and Pris has 3 that are coming to meetings. Speaking of which, I finally conquered my fear (with the help of good friends) and started my own first Bible Study in Spanish.  I've always had lots of return visits but have been scared with my limited Spanish to study with anyone.  But, after alot of encouragement and help, I did it. So, that's been pretty special for me.

The girls and I are planning a trip to the Beni for 2 weeks in March to check it out (it's the area that was featured in the November broadcast (maybe it was October's).  Anyway, there is a huge need in the Beni, and we have some friends serving there and thought we would see what it's like.  We know it's hot, hot, hot and humid, humid, humid.  

We've also heard the preaching is more amazing than in Tarija and people progress quickly to Baptism.  Our congregation is only 1 year old and so we defintely want to stay put for at least another year but who knows, maybe in the future we might have a Beni adventure!

Last but not least, I made a video of preaching and other fun moments from the last few months.  Hope you enjoy!  Just copy and paste the link below to watch it.

https://youtu.be/8gprOwhr13Y

So, that everything for now. Just a reminder you can also mesage me on Viber or WhatsApp!

News from the Hughes

Hi Everyone:

Connor married Carla Conca Rodriguez on October 8, 2016. So much has been going on the last 2 months and I was trying to just write one blog that included everything.  But, it’s taking too long.  To speed things up I decided to just do a blog about the wedding, and then later I’ll fill you in on everything else we’ve been up to the last 2 months.

So, this Blog is going to be all about the wedding, and our whacky adventure in getting to Spain and being a part of the celebration…. Thanks again to everyone for your wonderful words of congratulations, the cards, and a special THANK YOU to those friends that were able to come and the US to share this wonderful event with us. You helped make it extra special!

NOW, ON WITH THE SHOW….. 

First, I wanted to share with you what was done with all of the messages and signs you sent us for the kids.  The video was put together by her family and given to the kids as a fond memory of the friends and family who love them. Just copy and paste  the link below to see the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy3l0g_3DjU&feature=youtu.be

The Girl’s Can’t Fly to Spain…

So, like any other International trip the girls and I had spent the weeks prior to leaving getting things organized around the house.  We have 3 dogs and a friend of ours offered to house sit and take care of them for the 5 weeks we’d be gone.  There were dresses to get made and fitted for (the girls were in the wedding and I just wanted to look nice), packing to do, and all the other plans that go along with being gone from home for 5 weeks.  But, everything came together and it was finally time to leave. 

The girls and I arrive at the Santa Cruz airport on 9/26/2016 at 5:30 am. Except as we go through Immigration, we’re told that Priscilla can’t fly to Spain – I PUT THIS UP THERE WITH ONE OF THE TOP STUPID AND FRUSTRAING THINGS WE’VE BEEN THROUGH THE LAST 3 YEARS. 

It was one of those surreal moments that you make you question “Why of why did I come to another country to serve? Why does it feel like this world is always messing with us?  Why does life have to be so complicated sometimes?”  I just wanted to scream, pull my hair out and yell ACK.  Except what good what that really have done?

Come to find out Bolivia had recently in-acted this new law where minors need a special document to leave the country from whatever spouse isn’t with them – in this case Andy!  Had she been going back to the US, it wouldn’t have been a problem, but because she was trying to visit Spain – that wasn’t allowed.  Keep in mind that Pris turned 18 just 2 days later.

Anyway, me, Aubri, and Pris tried everything to get that girl on the plane – we begged, pleaded, cried – nothing would sway the powers that be.  Finally Aubri (always the cool head) turns to me and tells me to get on the plane.  How could I leave them like that at the airport?  But, Aubri tells me Connor needs to have at least one parent at his wedding and her and Pris would figure something out.  So, with a heavy heart I board the plane, turn to the window and start crying.  Pris and Aubri head back to my friend’s apartment in Santa Cruz – also now crying. 

DO YOU EVER HAVE THOS MOMENTS WHEN YOUR LIFE FEELS LIKE A CRAZY SOAP OPERA?

Anyway, I get to Peru (my first layover) and desperately try to contact the girls only to find that we have to buy 2 new tickets after Pris turns 18 (again just 2 days later).  They did give us credit for the first tickets bought (which we can use next Summer to visit Connor), but we now have to come up with another $2000 – it was awful -- and it looked like the girls weren’t going to be able to come. 

Anyway, I show up at the Barcelona airport without my girls – feeling a bit down -- and there to meet me are Connor, Carla and her mom.  All the stress and cares of the last 30 hours (yep, my trip was that long) just melted away. We leave the airport, I’m exhausted and jet-lagged, and Carla and her mom decide to take me for a bit of shopping for the wedding.  Again, another one of those surreal moments!  But, in their defense they just wanted me to be a part of everything.  It turned out to be a wonderful afternoon.  We did a bit of shopping for stuff, drank chilled wine at one of their pretty outdoor cafes, and I had another special, bonding moment with Carla.  I even got to help her pick out the pretties for her hair on the big day.

Later that night Carla, Connor, and I have a nice, quiet dinner at a pub in Segur de Calafell.  I SURVIVED THE ORDEAL – DAY 1, I CLIMB INTO BED, IMMEDIATELY CRASH, KNOWING I CAN JUST CHILL THE NEXT DAY.

Day 2 – Carla arrives at 9:00 in the morning (which for me is still 3:00 am Bolivia time) and invites me to go with her to do a trial run for her hair for the wedding.  It was honestly so sweet and I love this little gal and her efforts to include me – BUT MAMA IS SEMI-CATATONIC.  But, I quickly get dressed, grab some coffee and it’s off to the salon for a practice run.  It was nice and the salon gave me yet more wonderful coffee. We were even able to make appointments for Aubri and Pris to get their hair and make-up done the morning of the wedding.  Later we head for dinner with Carla’s family.  DAY 2

The next few days were spent helping to get things ready.  Connor and Carla have this adorable, little apartment about 4 blocks from the beach, and they were busy getting it ready for their move.  So, the next few days were just spent running errands for the wedding, working, and just enjoying being back in Spain.  Barcelona is really such a city.

Could I picture myself renting a cute apartment by the beach in Segur de Calfell – you betcha! I could definitely see myself sitting on the balcony of a cute place, sipping my coffee, watching the ocean tide come in.  The only challenge is that the preaching isn't good -- I think it's worse than the states. And for now, I’m still really lovin’ Bolivia – but who knows what the future holds?

A Bridal Shower for Carla…

Aubri and Pris arrive in Barcelona (4 days before the wedding) and still NO REST FOR THE WEARY.  The girls and I had planned on throwing Carla a Bridal Shower (not a custom in Spain) and last minute we turned it into a Guy/Gal Welcome to Barcelona/Bridal Shower party for our friends and Carla’s Family.  Aubri, Pris, and I pulled it all together and it turned out to be a really fun and nice day.

The first part of the party was Guys and Gals, we ate, drank, and were merry.  Then, we shipped the guys upstairs to the pool while we did the actual shower. Big surprise, they were fine with sitting by the pool, sipping on chilled lemon beer and doing guy stuff.  Check on the video on You Tube…..

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDsyLvqU8zQ&feature=youtu.be

The Big Day Is Here… If I had to sum up in a few words the wedding event (as you know it's hard for me to say anything in just a few words) I would say LOTS OF ENERGY, LOTS OF GOOD FOOD, AND LOTS OF DANCING = 11 HOURS OF FESTIVITIES.

   

Connor and Carla decided to have a wedding that combined the customs of both Spain and the United States -- they had a Bridal Party, which is not the custom in Spain.  Carla’s sister was her Maid of Honor and her other sister along with Aubri, Priscilla and a family friend were Bridesmaids.

 We had 28 friends come for the wedding from Sweden, Bolivia, England, the U.S., and Poland – some friends we hadn’t seen in years.  It was sooooooo special to have all of them with us in Spain for such a happy event.

The girls all looked beautiful and the guys were handsome. 

Then, Carla walked down the aisle with her father.  She looked so stunning and her dress was absolutely beautiful.  It’s hard to see the detail from the video, but it was really beautiful.

Her uncle (Andras) gave the wedding talk in Spanish, and a friend of ours from Sweden translated the talk into English.  He compared Connor and Carla’s marriage to a ship voyage where he’s the captain who needs a supportive crew.  He compared each part of the ship to each part of marriage, and how it all is needed to successfully reach your destination (life together in the new world).  Then, at the end of the talk he gave Connor and Carla a model ship to remind them of their journey together.  SNIFF, SNIFF!

Then, Carla’s father (who doesn’t speak much English) gave a closing prayer in English.  In his prayer he says that Connor’s father isn’t in his life right now, and while he’s not Connor’s father, he views Connor as his son (he has 3 daughters but not a son).  SNIFF, SNIFF!

The kids took the time to take photos with everyone that wanted a personal photo with them and it gave everyone a personal momento of the day (one of many).  Now, it was on to the Reception…..

9 ½ Hours of Fun with Friends & Family….

So, the wedding talk and photos took about 1 ½ hours and then it was on to the reception for another 9 ½ hours of activity – About this time me and my girls slip into some flats!

The reception was a 20-minute drive to a beautiful venue on the beach. First, they had appetizers, wine and champagne for 110 guests (close friends and family). I couldn’t believe how much food and wine they put out for everyone – was this really just snacks? 

Next, we head inside for a formal dinner….The food was really good and the kids sat at a table with their parents (I sat next to Connor & Carla on the left and her parents were to the right).

In Spain it’s common for the meals to have a first and second course. At the reception our first course was this amazing seafood salad followed by beef iN a puff pastry with sliced potatoes and vegetables.  Everything was really  yummy! AND OF COURSE, THERE WAS MORE WINE.  each course was welcomed with music, clapping, and everyone waving their napkins in the air – LIKE I SAID, VERY FESTIVE!

The kids had made gifts for each family (a glass bottle with sand and a personal note from them to each family.  Then, the gals got another gift of fingernail polish that matched the color of the girl’s dresses in the wedding.

A Special Surprise for Connor & Carla…. One of the families that came to the wedding are friends of ours that live in Bolivia 6 months and Sweden 6 months - The Borg Family! Not only did Stefan translate the wedding talk in English, but Evita’s father planned a special musical treat for Connor and Carla…..

Next, Carla loves ABBA and her parents and good friends of theirs put together a video of her favorite ABBA songs -- it was hilarious and really touching. They gave the video to them at the wedding. The video is about 15 minutes long, but here is just a sample....

Gifts for Family & Friends…..

One of the customs at a Spanish Wedding is for the Bride & Groom to give out gifts to close family and friends. I was given a large bouqet of my favorite flowers and a beautiful necklace that I saw my first day in Spain, had decided not to buy (because of the price), and then to my surprise the kids gave me the necklace at the wedding.   

Presents were also given to Carla’s parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends. ALL TO DANCING -- LOTS AND LOTS OF DANCING.  I honestly don’t know how Connor and Carla found the energy to keep up the pace. Oh, to be young again!

Next We Have Dancing Cake…

Then, the cake is brought out – again to music!  

AND I DON’T EVEN REMEMBER HOW OR WHY THIS DANCE GOT STARTED!

Let’s Get This Party Started…

After the Dinner the kids had invited 80 more guests – other friends -- who were served finger foods and drinks and then all of us head downstairs for dancing…











   AND MORE DESSERT.....

The truth is it doesn’t take much to get Spanish people to dance.  I learned it doesn’t take much to get all Europeans to dance – JUST THIS….  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68lVE6GsQYE&feature=youtu.be

After the kids got in they all went and grabbled their parents or friends and dragged them out onto the dance floor. Connor came and got me.  The rest of the night the dance floor was packed, and 11 hours later the day had ended, the first of my children was married, and the next few days the girls and I enjoyed spending time with the friends who had come (the kids were on a 10-day honeymoon in the Canary Islands).

Because there hadn’t been much time to visit before the wedding, we tried to make the most of our last few days with everyone. Ann and Jasmine were the last to leave and the girls and I felt some sadness and a bit of homesickness as they got on their plane and headed back to Indianapolis.

Photo Fond Memories…..

One of my other gifts from the kids was my own Wedding Album and professional photos, but I had to leave before they were ready.  Connor is trying to get me on-line access but I might have to wait to get them when I go back to visit in July. In the meantime, a lot of friends sent me these photos.  HOPE YOU ENJOY!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHFimHDUuHQ&feature=youtu.be

The Trip Home and our English Convention

The girls and I left Spain and headed back to Bolivia just in time for our 3-day Convention in English at the Bethel Branch. I had attended the convention in Spanish and a friend had sent me her notes in English (which helped me so much to follow along). But still, so much was missed and now we got to soak up each and every precious minute of the program.

It’s such a loving gift that the Bethel Branch gives to us. They even hosted a Pioneer School in English the week after the convention.  It’s those things that helps keep us all here and keeps us going.

We left for Tarija the Tuesday after the convention and got home safe and sound.   When I’m back home with our friends and the San Lorenzo congregation, it's hard to  imagine being anywhere else, and the thought of leaving our congregation and our friends is just hard.  We got back just as a family in our congregation was having to leave for Argentina.  Their 5-year old daughter needs heart surgery and there is a chance the surgery will be done for free if they can go to Argentina.  So, we got back and then scrambled to help the family get ready for their trip. We’re all waiting right now on pins and needles to see what’s going on and if she’s alright.  

So, while I treasure the wedding in my heart and always will, it’s time to jump back into our life here in Bolivia, trying to do what we can to encourage and in the process also be encouraged.

We miss all of you and I hope you enjoy the blog.  I’m going to try and finish up the other blog that’s more about Bolivia and what we’ve been up to the last 2 – wait make that 3 months??????

Love Tracy

 

News from the Hughes

Message from Tracy….

First off...I hope all of our dear friends and family are doing well…. We've heard there have been some really bad storms going on in parts of the US including Indy.  I hope everyone is OK! 

As most of you already know, I just got a new smart phone and finally have Whats App.  So, I’ve been having all sorts of fun sending messages to friends back home – some of you have been getting more messages than you wanted, and you know how I can go on and on and on.  But, it’s been great to hear everyone’s voices again.   I’m really excited because some of you are making plans to either move here or visit us in Bolivia next year – YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE???? 

You know our motto – everyone is welcome….

Lately, I’ve been thinking alot about our friends back home. Part of it is that we've had some family events that in the past would have been shared with you (Pris' Graduation, Connor's Going Away Party, Him Getting Married, etc.).  It’s made me really miss my friends back in the U.S..  I miss the friends at Glendale… the friends at Grandview… the friends at Geist.  Not to mention all the other friends we have that don’t live in Indianapolis – the Powers Family in FL, the Coopers in CO, the Crowders in OH, Jamie in GA – just to name a few!  I would have been living in Bolivia for 2 years this October, and I think it’s time for a visit….  Having said that, I’m really hoping to visit mid-January for a few weeks. I hate Indy winters but it works out really good for my Bolivian residency to come then.  

SO, HERE’S WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TOO THE LAST 2 MONTHS…..

Priscilla Graduates from High School…

One of the highlights for us the last few weeks was Priscilla’s graduation from high school.  Pris graduated a year early at age 17, and it was nice because her school in Indianapolis let her stay in their program, so she was able to get a High School diploma from her school.  The last 3 years for Pris have been packed full of change and challenges (YOU KNOW WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ABOUT)  and yet she somehow managed to rise above it all, and graduate with straight A’s and High Honors. 

Back home, we would have celebrated with all of you, but we weren’t home – WE WERE IN BOLIVIA!  So, what to do?  Well, knowing that we were so far away from our friends and family, the brothers and sisters here went out of their way to be there for us in making Pris’ accomplishment special.

Thanks everyone for all your video messages for Pris!  They were wonderful and she definitely felt the love.

While we did have a Graduation Party for Pris, that didn’t happen until a few weeks after she graduated.  So, closer to her graduation a small group of our friends took her out for dinner at a nice restaurant in Tarija. For some reason we were given the Royal Treatment – even put in our own private Ballroom for dinner.

THEN, A FEW WEEKS LATER IT WAS PARTY TIME….

I’m not gonna lie, I was a bit worried trying to do something like this here in Bolivia – having a party for 100 people is no joke, especially here!  There are no Costco’s, Targets, or Wal-marts where you can buy large amounts of food and party decorations.  Plus, I don’t know nothing about stringing up lights in trees.  The last time I had to do something like this, I had a partner in crime to help.  But now here I was, a single mom, embarking on this massive party in another country. I was feeling a bit stressed – but I didn’t need to worry...

The friends here jumped in to help.  Friends took me around to buy food in their car, then we had lots of help decorating and setting-up. I even had a lot of help with the food. The highlight was when my friend Karen made this really cool Wookie cake.   It all turned out pretty nice if I do say so…. 

Just click here to watch a video of her party on Youtube…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMnXfUAXrag&feature=youtu.be

In true Priscilla fashion it was a hodge-podge of stuff including a Wookie cake from Star Wars, a bon Fire to keep everyone warm (it is our winter here right now), hot soups, a candy display, and lots and lots of dancing. Friends came from all over Tarija, representing Bolivia, New Zealand, Australia, England, and Italy. Aubri & Connor put together this really cool Bolivian dance for her.  Unfortunately, none of the videos we took came out.  Overall, it was a wonderful time and memory~

Connor Left for Spain…

Again, thanks everyone of all the cool photos and signs for Connor & Carla.  So, the last few weeks have been full of highs and lows.  Just 2 weeks after Pris’ party, Connor left for Spain.  It’s bitter-sweet because he’s going to start this wonderful new chapter of his life, and yet we knew we would miss him.  But, we also knew we would be seeing him in just a few short months for the wedding.

YEP, HE’S BACK IN BARCELONA WITH HIS SWEETIE & OCTOBER 8^TH IS THE BIG DAY!!! 

So, we had a 2-week break in-between Pris Graduation thing and Connor’s Going Away Party!  Again, the friends here went out of their way to make it really special for him. 

We even had a few friends fly to Tarija from La Paz for the festivities! And the brothers in our congregation organized a Bachelor Party-Type thing where they went in the mountains for a cook-out and hike.

Then, the following weekend the congregation had a Going Away party. 

There were fun games……

Dancing…

And one game where we blindfolded people and made them think they had to walk over bottles but there really weren’t any.

Then, more dancing….

He was given a book at the party of helpful but funny advice for both him and Carla including favorite recipes and photos of friends.  But, he wasn’t allowed to open it until they were back together at the airport.  Speaking of that…..  

So, the day finally came for us to take him to the airport.  I was feeling all kind of emotion that morning, and as we arrived, a bunch of our friends surprised us by meeting us at the airport to see him off.  It took what was a sad moment but with good friends by our side, it put a nice spin on things.

The next days was really sweet….  We were sent this recording from our Single Pioneer sisters letting us know they were feeling our pain over Connor leaving.

Anyway, I put together a little movie of Connor’s party – hope you enjoy!  Check out the video on Youtube here..... You may have to copy and paste the link below into your browser...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdSK1sc88GA&feature=youtu.be

 Arts & Crafts for the Guys

There is this really cool sister here from Arizona that is always having people over, helping with the many, many parties we seem to have, and she’s just always doing little special things for our congregation.  One week she made little skirts for all the girls, or she’ll make really cool activity books for the kids using stuff from JW.org.  Anyway, she recently had this lunch for the single brothers, and I thought it was cool that she made them all do arts & crafts.  HOW COULD THEY SAY NO TO THAT FACE?

Memories in Preaching….

So, our territory is definitely beautiful and rugged.  We’re coming out of our dry season = 6 months of no rain and so everything is pretty much brown right now.  But, any day now it will start to rain = 6 months of rainy seaons and the mountains will get really pretty.  Sooooo, this is a pretty normal day for us in the territory…..

Check out this video on Youtube (yep, I also learned how to upload videos for our friends using Youtube...... Again, you may have copy and paste this link....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGJdsUQuCoU&feature=youtu.be

Our preaching has been a bit exciting these last couple of weeks.  One of the legal things the Bolivian people can do is protest by blocking traffic.  Where we live in Tarija, there aren’t a lot of Blockades but they do happen from time to time.  One day my dad and I went into town and when we came home, they had blocked the road to my house.  IT HAPPENS!  So, recently the people in the country held a series of blockades to protest unfair treatment.  They’re typically peaceful -- but ain’t nobody got time for that!

It's August – our Regular Pioneers have to hit it hard to make their time for the year – not to mention those of us Auxilliary Pioneering.  But, what to do when the roads to the territory are all blocked.  Jehovah’s people are nothing if not resilent.  You drive along the riverbed….  It only takes a sturdy SUV and alot of initiative on the part of Fritz & Kathy (our driver and co-pilot)!

In Tarija we get some exotic birds but not very many -- then tend to live in the more tropical parts o Bolivia.  But on this particular day.....  As we're trudging along the river to reach the territory.....  WHAT DO WE SEE?  A flock of parrots heading back to the Beni.  There were probably 40 of them in a tree and it was a pretty cool sight....

Here are some photos of our preaching the last few weeks on Youtube.  Hope you enjoy...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4AoGpjUWUc&feature=youtu.be

So, that everything for now. I sort of rushed this Blog so I'm thinkin there are probably some typos and other grammar issues.  I just wanted to get this posted for everyone.  Miss you and that'