Day 55

A couple days ago, Courtney and I went ziplining through the jungle. We started by taking a gorgeous 15 minute boat ride up the river. Then you have to walk several kilometers (which means nothing) through the the jungle to get to the zip lining platforms. All I know is that is was serious hiking and we were dripping with sweat! But it was cool because along the way the guides would point out animals or plants and what they are called. He showed us a lot of plants that they use for medicine and even a tree that you can cut open and drink from the inside. It reminded me that if stranded in the woods, I would have no idea what to do with any tree or plant haha. But then we finally got to the platforms and got to zip line across 9 cables. It was super fun with some very pretty views! Then we hiked all the way back and then took the boat back to Rurre. It was a fun trip because not only did we get to zip line but we got a little jungle tour in as well.

We are flying to La Paz tomorrow at noon. Today is our last full day in Rurre. It's a little sad to leave our new friends but we are also very excited to be home soon :)

Day 51

Last night we were invited over to a brother and sister's house for pizza and movies. But the best part, was their couch haha. It seems that hardly anyone here has a couch, including us. So we seriously miss being able to lounge around on something comfortable. All we have are wooden chairs. But this couple has a couch, and it was fantastic! I'm also missing pretty much any food you can find in the States. The major meal they serve here is fried chicken, rice, and french fries. With ketchup and Mayonnaise, they dip everything in that. But I could go for a good hamburger or pasta or deep dish pizza!

Also, good news on the basic needs of life front. Last night we finally got running water, for the first time since we got to Rurre. Its amazing how nice it is to just turn on a faucet to wash hands or do dishes. And no more bucket showers! So I think this means we have everything back to normal, too bad we're leaving in less than a week.

Ixiamas

Randoms from Rurre

Day 49

Over the weekend four of the five of us girls took a trip to Ixiamas which is straight north of Rurre. It is about a three hour drive in normal conditions. So we set off on Thursday with all our stuff and extra food and literature for the brothers there in a taxi van. We drive for three hours on rough road, crossing many rivers, literally. Until finally we get to one river that is too deep to cross. We had no choice but to turn around, huge bummer. But we came back the next day to try again and made it successfully all the way.

Ixiamas is an independent group of about 20 brothers and sisters. They have a couple special pioneers and several brothers and sisters who have moved there to help. We went out in service with them and to the meeting. They were such an unbelievably friendly group of people, and you could tell they were all very close to each other. The average meeting attendance is in the 50s, so they have many progressive studies. Then, on Monday, we helped build a fence for the Kingdom Hall. Their Hall, by the way, was built only on the meager donations of that small group, but they have a dignified place of worship. Finally Monday night, the whole group and many studies got together at the house of family for dinner and Spanish dancing. When saying goodbye, many were grateful that we had come to visit.

We are back in Rurre again, but only for one more week. Then we fly back to La Paz and then Santa Cruz for one more week!

Santa Rosa

The Great Gas Frenzy