Core Team meet in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

I've just come back from Santa Cruz in Bolivia, where I had our annual meeting with the Latin Link Core team. It's always a great time together when we can pray for each of our country teams as well as discuss and discern together regarding future direction and plans. It was also great to see some of the Bolivia team based in Santa Cruz (although I forgot to take any photos of them!)

 And we were staying in a wonderful place, where I was able to start each day right with a swim -- which always does my soul good! and gives me energy enough for a day full of discussion and work.

Bogota

I am back from some travels. This time I spent a week in Bogota, Colombia. In Latin Link, we are wanting to get more involved with what God is doing amongst and through migrant movements. Over the last few years Colombia has received more than a million Venezuelans escaping from the crippling political and economic situation there. A few churches and projects in Bogota are learning how to support and accompany them. 

 We did a few visits over the week, as well as spent some time filming a few interviews, with Pastors and the Venezuelans themselves.

 It was humbling to hear their stories, as well as their faith that things can get better. And the local church - although small and without many resources - but with plenty of compassion, can make a big difference for those who arrive. Pastor Ricardo, in Soacha, talked of new families arriving at his church every week, often hungry and sometimes barefoot after the 9 day journey. "It's not enough to pray" he said.

 Another project we visited which supported children in difficult circumstances with daily lunches and homework support. They have received a number of Venezuelan children in the project, who greatly appreciate not only their support, but also the educational opportunities they can access in Colombia compared to what they left behind in Venezuela. The project has also made space for Rebecca - a Venezuelan mum, whose kids have benefited from the project. She is now one of the staff at the project, helping other children get the most out of education. It was a privilege to hear some of her story, and see the joy she has in serving others in spite of the racism she's suffered. She explained how her faith had deepened through this experience.

 During the week, it was also wonderful to spend time with friends, and their family. We had an afternoon or tourism, riding the funicular railway up to the Monserrate church, (and taking the cable car back down) with stunning views over the city.

Harvest chickens

I was visiting the step team last weekend, and the church had a sort of harvest festival. The celebrate this 'first fruits' service at the beginning of spring, with church members bringing their produce. Amongst the baskets on the altar, were tomatoes, coffee, fruits and maize. But half way through the service we also realised that one of the baskets contained 2 live chickens. See if you can spot one!!

 The Easter week, gave the team the chance to hold a kids club whilst they weren't at school, so there was lots of fun and games!

Step arrivals

The last month has been a bit busy - with the arrival of the Spring Step team. It's always a privilege to spend time with the teams in their initial time here in Guatemala -- in the midst of all their questions, and expectations, and exhaustion from the journey. In those first few days, they get used to cold showers (when there's water), and cooking for themselves, and shopping in markets using signs and gestures.

This team are based in one of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala, next to Lake Atitlan. They'll be helping a church with some building work as well as work in schools, as well as supporting a local christian community development organisation.

 From the roof of the church, there's a great view of the lake, but also of the trees behind, which seem to be the local hang out spot for a community of vultures.

The majority in the town are Tzutujil Mayans, and are proud of their heritage, so there are some wonderful street art around the place.

As the team continue there for the next 7 weeks, I'll be visiting them regularly there.

Climbing Volcanoes

At the weekend, I climbed Pacaya Volcano with a few friends, so here´s a few pictures for you.
(Pacaya is an active volcano, but not the one which erupted last June with devastating effect. Pacaya is a national park, with guided tours up to the volcano. Activity is monitored closely and the park is closed whenever it it deemed dangerous.)

From the base of Pacaya, a great view of Agua (water) Volcano in the forground, then Acatanango Volcano, then Fuego (fire) Volcano - from which you can see smoke and ash rise.

 Near the top of Pacaya

 Ready to roast some marshmallows around the hot rocks

 The view on the way back down

Isla Mujeres with Misha

Last week, I took advantage of being in Mexico and had a holiday in Isla Mujeres (off Cancun). It was a pretty rainy week, but I still managed to swim every day and relax!

 The view from our balcony

 The view from our balcony

 After a hour of cycling in the pouring rain to the other end of the island!

 Still spectacular!

 The turtle farm / rescue place