News from the Hughes

Back in Bolivia…..

So, after a wonderful trip to Spain, I finally made it back to Bolivia (SAFE & SOUND), and I gotta admit I was a bit proud of myself.  It’s the first time in 27 years that I’ve travelled anywhere alone (Connor stayed in Spain).  And mind you, this was no small trip – 30 hours of travel time total!  BUT, I DID IT! And every time I felt like I didn’t know where to go or what to do, I just smiled and said those three magical words, “Habla Espanol Poquito (I speak Spanish a little),” smile again, and people would take pity on me and give me a helping hand.  All in all, it was a long but pretty smooth trip home.

H*O*M*E – Who would have thought that I would come to view Bolivia as my home?  But, I really missed this place! Spain was exciting, fun, and very comfortable (definitely an easier life), but waking up that first morning in Bolivia -- to the sound of tropical birds chirping -- the sun shining -- and that tranquil pace of life… Getting back into the preaching…..

Seeing old friends again…. I didn’t realize how much I missed it!

ONE WEEK LATER... …..So, my first few days back were focused on getting back into my routine… you know how it goes here…. Losing power 3 times in 3 days, getting bit by some caterpillar with thorns, having 10 mosquito bites – HONEY, I’M HOME! 

So much happened in the one month I was gone.  We got several new families in our group – 1 family from Sweden that use to serve as Missionaries in Bolivia, and now visit a few months ever year – a family from Italy with a 15-year old daughter (her and Pris have become good friends), and a 13 year old son.  

What’s really cool is John Carlos makes all these yummy Italian cheeses like Ricotta, Mozarella, Marzipone and even bacon.  So, our Italian cooking in Bolivia just got a whole lot better.  WE’RE NOW A CONGREGATION AND WE’RE SO INTERNATIONAL!  That was pretty cool!  I wasn’t in Bolivia for the change but as soon as I got back I was excited to be a part of the San Lorenzo Congregation.

Here’s our congregation at our first Ministry School using the new workbook.

So Many New Visitors….

Since coming back we’ve also had 2 families visit us from Sweden.  The first was a family of four with two little girls.  They stayed one month.  Their mom is from Peru and their dad is from Sweden. We enjoyed having them here so much.

The family had two adorable little girls… It’s not Dawn’s fault she’s in all these pictures.  When she wasn’t looking I took them off her phone and e-mailed them to myself.

Bolivia just seems to bring out the crazy in everyone!

Then, the following month we had a Pioneer couple from Sweden who were also really nice….  This is Andrea and Mikal from Sweden and they are really sweet.  We’re seriously trying to brain-wash them into coming here.

And also the visit of 4 Gals from Virgina….  When we first came to San Lorenzo our family and Ben & Dawn were the only Gringos in the group and now we’ve getting so many visitors – it’s really cool!

Lots of Annual Things Going On...

~The First Annual Pioneer Meeting…. One of the first things are new Elder Body of two got started working on was having our very first Pioneer meeting.  Connor was in Spain and didn’t get to go and me and the girls aren’t Regular Pioneering right now.  But, we got to be a part by helping to make gift bags for the group.  We had two Regular Auxilliary Pioneers (Aubri is one and Franklin is the other) and they made sure to give gifts to them also.  Regular Pioneering in Bolivia can be a bit challenging between the intense sun, rugged terrain – it’s a very physically demanding ministry. But, these guys do it!  All in All in was a nice day of encouragement for the Regular Pioneers in our congregation.

~The Annual Zone Meeting…. This month we also had another zone meeting organized by the Bolivian Bethel Branch.  Last year they had arranged for part of the talks to be given in English with a Spanish translator and this year’s meeting didn’t disappoint.  The guest speaker was a brother from the English Branch and his talk was in English – again translated into Spanish!  It’s just a shot of encouragement in English that just seems to perk everyone up.

Girl’s Night….. Connor ended up having to stay another month in Spain to start working on his documents that will be needed for residency and so me and the girls took advantage of his absence to have some sisters over.  We ate pasta, played games, danced, and just had a fun time together.  









But everybody wanted a pair of glow-in-the-dark glasses.

Wedding Update

So, it’s official, Connor is engaged to be married to Carla Conca Rodríguez on Saturday, October 8, 2016.  Their relationship has had to be a bit untraditional in that he lives in South America and she lives in Spain.  So, his 3-month visit to Spain was focused a lot on getting the necessary documents he’ll need to get residency in Barcelona and other really important details.  But, it was important to Connor that he surprise Carla with at least one tradition…..

Her family helped him plan this surprise party for Carla and even though we couldn’t be there, her family made sure we were included via Skype. Carla has also asked Aubri and Priscilla to be Brides Maids.  So, we’re all pretty excited and happy for him.

The biggest challenge for our family and friends is that the wedding is going to be in Spain and while we want to invite everyone, her family has limited space for guests (Carla has a really large family too).  So, we’re going to try and set-up something whereby some of our friends can view the wedding on-line (as it’s happening) and then others can physically come.  So, most of our friends will probably be getting an e-vite to attend Connor’s wedding via on-line.

New Addition to the Hughes Family…There are honestly no words to justify us getting yet another Bolivian puppy except…. SHE’S SO STINKIN’ CUTE.  But seriously, three is going to be our limit.

I’m a little ballerina….  We just couldn’t help ourselves and YES, she’s wearing a little Tutu dress….

Just to wrap up things….

Pris came across a monkey in the ministry and now wants one.....

Tracy got to play with a baby cow while in the ministry.... But she doesn't want one!




Until Next Time.......