United Here

Ugh!

2012-01-08T17:23:00.001-04:00

We are having blog problems, sorry for the mess around here.
Hopeful we can make this space visually pleasing again sometime soon:0)

Blessings,
Carin

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T22:21:00.000-04:00

There is a lot of excitement in the house tonight as we are staying with our friends the Collins' and the kid count is five!!!

We have over eaten, laughed ourselves silly, opened a few early presents and sung some carols....now off to bed.

Paige, Naomi, Ben, Caleb and Rachel

...snuggling under the mistletoe....

Friends are family you choose....Carin with Rebecca and Daryl :0)

Miss Rebecca aka Auntie Rebecca

May your Christmas be filled with the love and peace of Christ,

Bendiciones,

Carin

Advent Greetings

2011-12-20T21:02:00.000-04:00

Well our tree is up, advent readings are being read, the ginger bread cookies are made and decorated, Christmas gifts are bought and wrapped.
I think it is safe to say that Christmas is in full swing.
May your Advent and Christmas season be merry and joyful, may the peace of Christ fill your heart and your home and may the coming of Christ be all the reason you need this year to give thanks and celebrate.

Duane serving up BBQ to some of our Bolivian friends

Caleb getting down to business.

Blessings,
Carin

Spirit Week

2011-11-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

Paige and Caleb have returned to school upon our arrival back to La Paz.

This week is Spirit Week at Highlands International School.

Today is bible character day, so the kids dressed as a young David and Naomi.

Blessings,

Carin

Long overdue update

2011-11-21T10:19:00.000-04:00

So for those of you who don't know, our family is back in La Paz, Bolivia now.
We finished our whirlwind trip to Canada on Nov 8th when we flew out of Victoria, BC to start our journey south to our home in Bolivia.
We spent lots of time with family and close friends but we also did a lot of travelling and speaking in different supporting churches around western Canada with a few churches in Toronto.
The support we received and felt as we met with believers in Canada was inspiring, heart warming and God sent. We want to thank all the churches who hosted us, listened to us, laughed with us, fed us and sent us off lifted in prayer.
As we are settling back into life here in La Paz, we often reminisce of our trip to Canada and are thankful for the time we had there. We feel ready to face this next term with renewed vigor, purpose and inspiration.
It is not easy coming back for many personal reasons, but this is the path we are on for this season and we are embracing it and ready to see what God will do in us, through us and sometimes despite us :0)
Our Bolivian friends and co-workers have welcomed us back with warmth and sincerity and for that we are very grateful!
So as we end that chapter and start this next one, we thank God for his love and provision and we ask that he be that lamp unto our feet.

Blessings,
Carin

Los Whittle's

2011-09-29T19:38:00.000-04:00

We spent 7 wonderful nights with the Whittle family this past week.

We first met the Whittle's in Edmonton before we left for Bolivia, they hosted us for a dinner while we visiting in Edmonton raising awareness for our ministry.

They also came to Bolivia during our first year of service in Bolivia to volunteer for one year at a CBM project called Casa de Amistad.

They became, and still are, fast friends to us as. We miss them dearly in Bolivia, we along with a group of friends who are still in Bolivia.

We celebrated holiday feasts with them, birthdays, anniversaries and we spent vacations with them as well.

God has called them back to Canada and they are serving him in Edmonton and they are continuing to serve the Casa in Bolivia from Canada.

They are coming down to Bolivia in January as part of an STM to the Casa, so saying good-bye to them yesterday was not tearful :0)

Brian and Norma - your love and hospitality to us, as always, went above and beyond what we could have asked for. Your care for us and your friendship to us has not changed since our time in Bolivia, for that we are so grateful!!

Brian and Norma Whittle

You are forever friends to us and nuestra casa es su casa!

May God bless you and thank-you again for all that you do for us.

Love,

Carin and Duane

3/2/1 Tour

2011-09-27T16:25:00.000-04:00

This past we Sunday we visited three churches, in two cities, in one day.

What a day we had!

We arrived back to Norma and Brian Whittle's house, who our putting us up right now, after 14 hours of visiting and travelling in Edmonton and Red Deer...what a day.

We had a lot of fun...and then we slept really well:0)

We started our day at Laurier Baptist Church having breakfast with their congregation, then Duane preached and Carin spook to a group of kids in Sunday school.

Laurier Heights Baptist Church.
Brian Whittle praying for us during our first church visit of the day.

Duane Preaching at Laurier Heights.

We then headed across the city of Edmonton to First Baptist Church Edmonton. We shared about our ministry during their service and then we went for lunch with Pastor Ryan Sato and their STM team that is preparing to leave for Bolivia in October.

Our second church we visited was First Baptist Edmonton across the city of Edmonton from Laurier Heights Baptist Church.

First Baptist Edmonton has incredible quilt banners hanging at the front of the sanctuary.

We went straight from lunch with First Baptist Edmonton all the way to Red Deer, and we had dinner with First Baptist Red Deer....we talked and ate all day :0)

Duane presented to them about the work we are doing in Bolivia and had a good time of laughter and fellowship.

We want to thank Pastor Steve Simalagrant, Pastor Ryan Sato and Pastor Chris Wilson and their congregations for opening up their churches and their hearts to us.

We want to thank Brian and Norma Whittle for all they do all the time for us, and for the incredible hospitality that they shared with us this week!! We love you.

And thank-you to Sherry at FB Red Deer for dinner last night and to the First Baptist STM for hosting us for lunch.

Thank-you!

We hit the road again tomorrow, this time we start moving west again, stopping this Sunday in Cranbrook.

Bendiciones,

Carin

Some fun we have been having

2011-09-24T08:00:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts but we have been enjoying Canada, family, travelling and....life:0) Here is a smattering of our life recently....

Us in Jasper

Enroute to Alberta

John and Justine in Kelowna

Dan and Daryl Collins and us in Oregon

Dan and Daryl whoare such sweet friends and fellow missionaries in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Dan with our kids and his kids at the lake

There are literally thousands more pictures and there are a group of pictures on Face Book if you are friends with us there.

Thanks for all your prayers, hospitality, support and enthusiasm.

Bendiciones,

Carin

First Baptist Penticton

2011-09-23T08:00:00.002-04:00

We were invited to spend time with the congregation of First Baptist Church Penticton last week-end. We were hosted by Dave and Val Fenn who have opened their door to us on more than one occasion and for that we are very thankful:0)
We had an opportunity to meet and talk with their STM team that is coming to Bolivia in one years time, we had quite a long and interesting conversation and we look forward to seeing them when they come to Bolivia

These banners were made by a woman in this congregation and they represent the biblical narrative from beginning to end. Absolutely stunning to look at.

Two of the banners close up

Here is a picture of some of the people who will be coming to Bolivia in 2012. Val Fenn, our host, is on the far left.

On Sunday the congregation held a fundraising lunch, to raise funds for the Bolivia 2012 team and Duane talked about the work being done in Bolivia.

Monday, Carin shared with the Missions circle about our life in Bolivia.

Thanks First Baptist Penticton, we had a great time and look forward to visiting again!

Bendiciones,
Carin

First Baptist Kelowna

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

George and Leone Rempel

We recently visited Kelowna where we had the chance to reconnect with a sweet couple, George and Leone.

We met George and Leone in Cochabamba during our first year in Bolivia. They are relatives of one of the teachers at Carachipampa Christian School.

They hosted us in their home while we were visiting their church Sept 17 and spoiled us with such sweet hospitality. We were invited to speak to a group from their church at a breakfast gathering, and boy was the breakfast good :0)

Thanks George and Leone! We look forward to next time.

Bendiciones,

Carin

Remembering Mildred Goulding (1917-2011)

2011-09-22T16:11:00.000-04:00

Remembering Mildred Goulding (1917 - 2011)

Born in Toronto, raised at Century Baptist Church, a graduate of Northern Vocational School and Toronto Bible College (now Tyndale University College and Seminary), Mildred served as a Canadian Baptist missionary in Bolivia from 1941 until her retirement in 1982. Among her many responsibilities in Bolivia, Mildred was the administrator of the Baptist Theological Seminary in Cochabamba where she also taught, headed up the seminary’s Women’s Department, directed the Inter-Mission Language School in Cochabamba, and served as the field treasurer. Mildred was one many single female missionaries who fearlessly traveled through the mountains and valleys of Bolivia, teaching, discipling and encouraging the men and women who have gone on to give outstanding leadership to the Bolivian Baptist Union and its many churches.

Mildred is known in Canada and Bolivia as a warm and gracious woman who was wonderfully supportive and affirming. However, CBM Director Gordon King recalls that to young missionaries like himself, just arriving in Bolivia, Mildred was initially viewed as a tough examiner who held to very high standards of language proficiency before permitting them to launch into their assigned ministry. Despite that challenge, all her colleagues deeply appreciated her support and encouragement and quickly regarded her as a highly esteemed co-worker. As they became involved in the challenges of cross-cultural ministry, they also appreciated her high standards for language learning.

Rev. Yolanda Oropeza de Flores, Executive Director of the Bolivian Baptist Union, writes of Mildred: The Bolivian Baptist Union sends words of praise to the Lord for the life on earth of Miss Mildred Goulding. She has been an outstanding leader among us, supporting many people in their preparation to become pastors, teachers, and other functions. I had the privilege of working with her at the Seminary in Cochabamba. Her departure brings us thoughts of sadness but also of gratitude for her service in Bolivia. Now she is enjoying the very beautiful things with the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven.

Pepe Caballero, a former President of the Bolivian Baptist Union, writes:

I was one of thousands of friends of our beloved Mildred in Bolivia. As an ex-President of the Bolivian Baptist Union, we always have excellent development of the Lord's work in my country by the extraordinary life of Mildred. God did many wonderful things for Bolivians using her life. I want that my words sound like a song giving thanks to our God. Mildred was accepted as a good servant in the presence of Jesus Christ! Her life was one with a lot of fruit that are permanent (John 15).

Dr. John Keith, former General Secretary of CBM writes: Virginia and I are among those who have admired the gentle grace with which Mildred always carried herself. We give thanks for the beauty of this life lived for our Lord Jesus, and we give thanks for her dedication.

Just two weeks before being hospitalized, Mildred was at her church, Blythwood Road Baptist Church, to hear Carin Guthrie, current CBM Global Field Staff in Bolivia, and was so interested in Carin’s presentation and so affirming of the ministry that she and her husband Duane are involved with in the La Paz area. Mildred was hospitalized just 3 weeks prior to her death, and continued enjoying visits from family and friends right up to the time the Lord called her home. Her family, friends and church family stayed with constantly in her hospital room and ensured that she was not alone in the final days of her life.

A funeral service for Mildred will be held at Blythwood Road Baptist Church, 80 Blythwood Road in Toronto on Saturday, September 24^th at 11:30 am. The service will be preceded by a time of visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am. Tributes to Mildred may be e-mailed to Blair Clark at CBM: bclark@cbmin.org.

Calvary Baptist, Chemainus

2011-09-22T15:58:00.001-04:00

Duane with Pastor Edgar Unrau

On Sept 11th we had the privilege of speaking in Chemainus at Calvary Baptist Church.

The Pastor, Edgar Unrau, was a cohort of Duane's at Carey Theological College.It was great to catch up with him and see him using his gifts and talents in this great congregation.

We were treated to a potluck luncheon afterwards and had a great time of fellowship among the congregation.

Thanks to everyone at Calvary Baptist for a lovely morning of fellowship,

Carin

New Life

2011-09-22T13:28:00.001-04:00

We had the privilege of speaking at New Life Church, our home church, on Sept 4.

This church is located in Duncan, B.C and they are so supportive and loving to our family.

We want to thank them publicly for being our family and supporting is in the ups and the downs, laughing with us, praying for us, giving above and beyond financially, getting dirty with us and loving the Lord with us on two continents.

Thank-you!!!

And all God's people say...Amen!!

Bendiciones,
Carin

Our first church visits

2011-09-04T01:13:00.000-04:00

Our first church visits were to Blythwood Baptist Church where Carin talked about our work in Bolivia and Duane visited Centennial Park Baptist to talk to them about our work in Bolivia as well.

We were treated to a BBQ potluck at Blythwood...mmm!

The group at Blythwood Baptist Church

Thank-you all for your hospitality and interest in our work in Bolivia

Furlough(Home Assignment)

2011-08-13T08:05:00.001-04:00

We are about to board a plane heading for Canada on Sunday.

We will be in Canada for three months visiting our families, our Mission headquarters and visiting a lot of churches.

We will do our best to update the blog, documenting our travels and our adventures.

I believe there will be a link here for you to find out where we will be speaking and when.

Please keep us in your prayers for safe travels and for blessed reunions while we are in Canada.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Canada Day 2011

2011-07-02T13:01:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we celebrated Canada Day while the snow was falling in El Alto and we also celebrated 1 year of living in La Paz.

Our Canada Day cake.
We used licorice because of a lack of food colouring.

Caleb made his own Canada flag.

Our beauty all decked out for the day.

Carin sporting a tatto as well.

And Duane...well what can we say...

God Bless,
Carin

Ixiamas

2011-07-02T12:44:00.001-04:00

Where is Ixiamas? I had to google it :0)

We just returned from a week away in the jungles of Bolivia.

Bolivia is such a beautiful and diverse country.

Narrow dirt roads made up Highway 3 and Highway 2

Our journey took us 15 hours from the city of La Paz into the department of Beni where we stayed the night in a place called Rurrenebaque.

We journeyed over "highways" that rival back country logging roads in British Columbia, Canada.

A view of Rio Beni in Rurrenebaque

The guys enjoying the view

We crossed the Rio Beni, which took us back into the departmentof La Paz, and headed another three or so hours to the community of Ixiamas.

Crossing the Rio Beni

Duane and Caleb posing with our travelling companions, Santos Quispe(The area minister) and Rueben Cruz(Vice-President of the La Paz Association for the UBB)

We travelled with the area minister for the department of La Paz and his boss, and our objective was to celebrate a first anniversary for a church in Ixiamas.

Driving off the ferry

One of three Bolivian Baptist Union churches along the way

The second of three churches visited along the way

the third church visited along the way

Duane leading a workshop in the church in Ixiamas

Where all our meals were cooked.
The women cooked alot of food for the crowd that was participating in the anniverary over 4 days!

We were blessed to be a part of this celebration, to experience more of this countries diversity and also take part in 7 baptisms, 8 baby dedications and a reconciliation between offended parties before partaking in the Lord's supper. We witnessed the commissioning service of a Bolivian missionary and his family who had just moved to this area to serve three communities.
Truly a blessed occasion and a grand adventure.

Sunday afternoon at home

2011-06-19T19:49:00.000-04:00

It happens to be Canadian Father's Day as well, so why not indulge in a long game of Risk.

This is the ultimate in relaxing...our Pippin.

Duane's Birthday

2011-06-15T17:44:00.000-04:00

We celebrated Duane's ___ birthday yesterday.

We invited David, Suzannah and Sophia Nacho for dinner, unfortunately David was sick but the rest of the Nacho's were up for a fiesta:0)

Requested birthday food.

This was the best high altitude cake, from scratch, so far!!

Sophia was Duane's partner in crime

Slide show

2011-05-15T19:53:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to a slide show Duane made, it was played at New Life church this Sunday to let people know what was happening with the trades team. Enjoy

Some photos of the Canadian Trades Team

2011-05-14T16:13:00.000-04:00

The kitchen getting a face lift

All the lights had to be assembled

This has to be the only wood construction done the whole time

Channels being hand cut to work on the electrical

A happy light installer

The team visiting with one of the micro-credit beneficiaries

Such a blessing having these guys here,

Carin

Canadian Trades team

2011-05-11T10:06:00.000-04:00

From the Left: Mike, Blair, Dave, Chad and Kevin

This week we are hosting our first STM solely to El Alto and the first team from our church, New Life Church in Duncan, British Columbia.

What a blast to have them here!

They are here to officially start the renovation on the Integral Mission Centre. They will tackle the electrical system and some plumbing.

They are being paired up with a team of Bolivian trades people who they will work side by side with for the week that they are here.

Please pray that the altitude will not overcome them, as altitude is quite a powerful force when you come from sea level.

Pray for good relationships between the Canadians and the Bolivians.

Pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all who are involved in this endevour.

Bendiciones,

Carin

Aptapi (Aymara Pot Luck)

2011-05-04T10:45:00.000-04:00

Monday was Labour Day here in Bolivia and also Day of the Pastor.

We were invited to spend the day with the La Paz Association Pastors at Lake Titicaca.

They were having Aptapi and we were to bring meat and something to share.

I need to buy an Aguayo( the material they carried the food in) for our next Aptapi

There were alot of potatoes and lima beans

Apparently pot luck is a Baptist thing after all :0)

This was a good way to celebrate our 2nd anniversary in Bolivia.

Bendiciones,

Carin

2nd Anniversary

2011-05-02T09:37:00.000-04:00

I can not believe we have arrived at our second anniversary in Bolivia.

Where has the time gone?

We have lived in both Cochabamba and La Paz.
We have learned Spanish (ok we are still in progress)
We have/are learning the Bolivian culture.
We just received out two year visa's, which means we can stay here for another two years.
We have survived many minor health issues and are all in good health.
We have only had to go to the hospital twice in two years, once for my sprained ankle a year and a half ago and more recently for Duane with an infection.
The kids have attended two different schools.
We have made many new friends and have already said good-bye to some of them.(This is our new reality as expatriots)
Duane has learned to navigate both La Paz and El Alto.
The micro-credit project has grown and has been a source of great blessing to us.
We have grown to love our co-workers in the micro-credit program they are truly a blessing to us.
We are woking on a renovation at the Centre for Integral Mission, nothing new for us except that it is in another culture and language. Pray please!
We have had two family visits to Bolivia which were so fun. Both my Dad and Caryl and more recently Daune's parents Lynn and Rick.
My brother and his wife had there second child while we have been here...we get to meet him soon!!
The kids turned 10 and 11 here.
We have celebrated two Christmas' here.
We just celebrated our second Easter.
Duane turned 40 :0)
We are planning our first trip home to Canada in the fall, again where did the time go?

Thank-you for your continued support and prayers. We could not be here doing what we are doing without all of you!

God is so gracious to us for bringing us all together through this mission to Bolivia, you bless us daily with your continuos support.

We humbly thank-you...

Quinoa

2011-04-25T13:45:00.000-04:00

During our drive to Cochabamba last week we were dazzled by the vibrant colours of the quinoa that grows on the Alti Plano this time of year.

Red quinoa

The stark contrast between the brown and the coloured quinoa

Yellow and red quinoa

The driver :0)

*Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.
This crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest. Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration manned spaceflights.

Micro-credit El Alto

2011-03-23T10:29:00.000-04:00

Since January 2009 the The Sharing Way's micro-credit program in El Alto has been lending outside the church with the percentage of non-Christian participants increasing every month and currently lies at 17% of the total recipients. The program is lending in denominations other than the Baptist Church as well and the majority of the churches we are working with are not part of the UBB and as such we are beginning to see a softening of the relationship between the denominations (albeit a small one). At the current time the percentage of Baptists as compared to total recipients is 55%.

This is Hermana Wilfreda Maria Silvestre.

Wilfreda makes candles and sells them in Oruro and Potosi. She used the micro loan to purchase paraffin to make more candles to export to the other cities. Her husband was involved in a vehicle accident and is unable to work and the family has had many medical bills. With the increased income, Wilfreda has been able to support her family and pay the increased expenses.

New church plant in Mercedes E

2011-03-18T13:06:00.000-04:00

The new church building

Prayer and commissioning

We spent Sunday afternoon in a neighbourhood called Mercedes E, our church Iglesia Josue has been working on planting this congrgation since the fall. They started coming out here in October and holding Sunday school for the kids in the area. Well this Sunday they officially started the congregation for any age and stage to participate in. The building was donated by a family that lives in the neighbourhood and had space on their property to build the room. The congregation is called Shekina which means the radiance, glory or presence of God dwelling in the midst of his people

Singing and dancing on the futbol field

More prayer

Drama by the youth

The youth had a couple of dramas to perform and they danced for us as well. Drama is such a normal activity for the youth to do here. I find it intriguing but at the same time very foreign as well. They did a fantastic job!

Pastor Daniel, Pastor Williams and Duane all spoke and proclaimed the word of God over the location, claiming the area and the people for God.

Preaching the word, claiming the neighbourhood for Christ

Such an honour to be included in this day and to be part of this church family.

Please pray for this new congregation, that it can get a foot hold and love the people of this area.

Blessings,

Carin

Bread making at altitude...

2011-03-16T12:38:00.000-04:00

So I thought you may want a glimpse into life here at 11,000-13,000 feet.

I made bread this morning, my grandpa's recipe, but I am still learning how bake things at this altitude and in this climate. The chemistry of baking is very different here than at sea level!

One thing I know about making bread, is that you need to make it in a warm environment.

Our house is anything but warm, so I have been playing with ways to create a warm environment.

I have figured out that if I partially fill my sink with hot water and then place a bowl upside down in the warm water, I can then place the bowl with the bread dough on top of it and cover the whole sink with a couple of dish towels in order to keep the heat in.

The dough rises beautifully!

I started making bread because the bread here is nothing like what we eat at home in Canada, and we miss it. So I thought I would try my hand at making it so we could enjoy a good sandwich or piece of toast again. We sure have been enjoying this beautiful home made bread!

Sorry I can't reproduce the aroma :0)

Blessings,
Carin

Ministry Update March 2011

2011-03-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to our latest ministry update, go here to check it out.

Blessings,
Carin

Lenten thoughts

2011-03-11T18:05:00.000-04:00

Spiritual Update Mar_2011[1]

Latin American Team 2011

2011-03-10T15:09:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a Latin America team retreat in Tiquipaya, just outside of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

We had the pleasure of having Gord King from The Sharing Way lead us in fantastic reflections of four parables. Duane and I are still ruminating over these reflections.

We had two students from Tyndale university who ran wild with our kids so we could fully participate.

David and Suzannah Nacho from Argentina were there as was Joyce Hancock from Brazil.

Ivan Gutierrez is mssing from the photo as he was with his family due to a death in the family.

Please pray for the Latin American team as we all discern the Lord's leading in our ministries.

11th Birthday

2011-03-09T21:41:00.000-04:00

Pancakes were the birthday kids special order

This is what you get when you give these kids books as gifts...a silent house for a good chunk of time:0)

Me and my man child

Little lady and I

Chocolate on chocolate ...of course

I think Caleb beat his sister to it ;0)

Happy birthday my sweet ones,
I can not believe you are starting your second decade.
You bring such joy and meaning to our lives, you are both truly gifts from God to us.
May God bless you richly in your eleventh year like he has all the years so far.
You are both growing into such fine young people, it is such an honour to walk this journey with you.
God bless you both.
Love, Mom and Dad.

Centre for Integral Mission in the rough

2011-02-14T15:38:00.001-04:00

Free photo collage made with Smilebox

family gratitude....

2011-01-17T21:28:00.000-04:00

Hi dear faithful readers, I know I have been absent again...
We had four wonderful weeks of family time with Duane's parents here in Bolivia.
They flew away from here this morning at 4 am (personally 4 am is an inhumane time for anyone to go anywhere)
So emotions are high, energy low and we are looking for our bearings again.
I thought that I would post some gratitude here in hopes of doing just that, so here it goes.

parents

good long visits

grandparents

a new nephew :0)

new memories

promises to see each other again sometime this year

sweet bonds of love

prayer warriors with a very long list of needs to pray about

god working in some big ways

home schooling(yep, we are back at it)

our generous supporters

may your day be filled with abundant blessings and rich new memories of God's creation.

In his name,
carin

New Years blessings

2010-12-30T22:55:00.000-04:00

To all our family, friends and ministry supporters we pray your New Year is filled with new discoveries, grand adventures, precious memories, and the love of God and family. Many blessings from our family to yours in the New Year.

Christmas morning with Duane's parents

Turkey dinner

Thank-you for all your continued support and prayers, you are all precious to us.

Bendiciones,

Carin

Feliz Navidad 2010

2010-12-25T14:11:00.000-04:00

Duane's parents, Rick and Lynn, are here for a four week visit and of course to spend Christmas with us. We are having a wonderful time with them and sharing familiar Christmas traditions. We have a few trips planned with them starting next week but for now we are enjoying just being together.

Grandma and Paige playing a duet.

Gingerbread cookie decorating

Candle light carol sing with Rebecca Alward accompaning on the piano.

We pray that your Christmas is filled with the peace of the Saviour and the joy of his coming to earth to become a tiny baby and to be a bridge between us and our God who desires relationship with all mankind. Merry Christmas.

Bolivians and Canadians together in the spirit; language need not be a barrier.

Merry Christmas,
Carin

foto friday...

2010-12-03T12:15:00.000-04:00

We had a chance to escape the city last week, during the American Thanksgiving break at school.
So we went with friends to the Yungas jungle in the department of La Paz. this foggy view was incredible as we drove through the high mountain passes in order to get to the jungle.

When we finally descended down out of the fog, this was our view.

And this beautiful view is all the way down at the bottom of the mountainous passes and the view from our room at the hotel!

The kids and I were enraptured by all the beautiful nature, birds, flowers and such. Here they are with their binoculars checking out the predator birds, they were majestic!

View from the breakfast table...

My beautiful daughter....

oohh the water slides were fun!

Paige and Naomi enjoying.

The building we stayed in :0)

Blessings,
Carin

2010/2011 Gift Catalogue

2010-11-22T17:16:00.000-04:00

Each unique gift from this catalogue provides a life-changing opportunity for children and families in need around the world. For you, it’s an opportunity to show your love to friends and family in a way that is truly meaningful – by giving a gift that brings hope. A gift that will be treasured.

The new CBM Christmas Gift Catalogue is available here.

Busyness...

2010-11-15T11:42:00.000-04:00

Things are gearing up here right now.
Duane has to present a strategic plan this week-end in Cochabamba to the Directiva.
He is writing a paper, a sermon, and a workshop as well.
Come Dec 13th we settle back down again until Duane's parents arrive on Dec 18th for their Christmas visit.
The weather is warming up and the days are a bit longer now, Spring is fully here.
Caleb had two sick days last week but he is now back to his lively self :0)

609. Skype chat with Rebecca

610. Caleb feeling better after 2 sick days

611. family movie night

612. warm sunny mornings

613. a walk in the valley of the moon.

May your day be filled with gratitude and searching out joy.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Remember...

2010-11-11T13:07:00.000-04:00

Thank-you to all the men and

women that went before us

and served and sacrificed

for our great nation and for

all the men and women currently

serving and sacrificing for our

great nation I say " Thank-you

and God bless."

Prayer

2010-11-09T13:14:00.000-04:00

In my last post I mentioned a missionary couple named Scotty and Lisa and their little preemie son Zion.
Well God answered their prayers for healing their little man and this morning the Lord took him home to be with him.
Their faith is strong but their sorrow is huge, please pray for their family and God's peace that surpasses understanding.
Thanks for standing with us in prayer at all times.

Bendiciones,
Carin

gratitude in the clouds...

2010-11-01T09:51:00.000-04:00

As I was walking in the earliness of the morning, the city just waking up.

I noticed that the clouds were mingling with the hills, they had lowered themselves to the city.

At first I thought it was fog, but the longer I observed the more I noticed the movement of the clouds.

I was reminded of being a child and laying on the grass and watching the clouds as they moved by.

I was struck by the realization that we live among the clouds here in La Paz...

We read a description of La Paz from our pastor Mark Buchanan who was visiting this past week, the description is quite fitting and I thought I would share it here:

"If you saw me, you’d scarce believe I’m in the poorest country in South America. I sit in the middle of a wide boulevard paved with patterned tiles, filled with manicured gardens, leafy trees, sculptures and monuments, street lamps atop iron columns. The people walking by are mostly well dressed and certainly well fed. The cars passing by are, many of them, later models. And the city is a geological wonder. It’s like Barcelona built in the Grand Canyon in view of the Rockies.
But La Paz isn’t El Alto. That’s 20 minutes up the hill, sprawling across a wide barren plane that stretches toward the wild snowy peaks of the Andes. La Paz is where Duane and Carin Guthrie and family live, but El Alto is where they work.
El Alto is a frontier town: dusty, bustling, dangerous."

He goes on, but I thought his description of our neck of the woods was great.

Please pray for fellow missionaries Scotty and Lisa, they have a beautiful son who was born two months early and his lungs are struggling to keep up with the work they are supposed to be doing. We will be swapping houses with them on Wednesday in order for them to be considerably closer to the hospital where their son Zion is staying.

592. prayer

593. pruning

594. waiting

595. living up in the clouds

596. home made pizza

597. family day

When we state our gratitude to God, we are saying thank-you for the gifts he has given.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Cool water

2010-10-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

Part of our life here in the field is to host short-term mission teams.
These STM's can range anywhere between a few days and a few months.
As Global field staff on the ground here in Bolivia, we have the privilege and the challenge to host some of these teams.
Right now we have a team of Canadian pastor's here on a learning trip, they are here to learn about integral mission.
Integral mission is the combination of word and deed, the great commandment and the great commission.
Where we attempt to not only care for the spiritual needs of people we minister to in El Alto, we also attempt to care for their physical needs as well.
We as a family have had fun getting to know these Pastor's and to show them El Alto and La Paz. We have had the privilege of introducing them to people we work with, worship with and minister to. God is good.
One of the pastor's on the team is very special to us, he is our pastor from our church in Canada.
He spent one night at our place this week and we talked late into the night, he was cool water to these desert dwellers.
We thank God for the blessings he has given us through these pastor's, including our own pastor, and also for all that God is doing in each of the pastor's on the team.
The pastor's head home to Canada tomorrow, but they leave behind some great memories, challenges and blessings.
We pray travelling mercies for their journey tomorrow.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Full house gratitude...

2010-10-18T15:02:00.000-04:00

Wow, it is Monday again...

We have three very cute kids staying with us for part of this week, while their parents get a much needed rest.

We are busy planning for an STM that arrives into Bolivia on Thursday and arrives here on Saturday evening.

Our kids are straight A students, we are very proud of their hard work.

Our pastor is heading to Bolivia this week on our expected STM team, we are very excited to see him.

We are grateful for this gift of time in Bolivia, God is good.

My list to 1000 continues here, feel to free to join in if you want:

568. an invitation to eat in the home of an El Alto co-worker...marvelous...

569. friends kids staying with us for a few days

570. good friends getting the chance to rejuvenate and be inspired

571. kids happily playing

572. Mozart in the background

May your hearts be inspired today to seek peace and unity among your community.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Dia del acion de gracias (Thanksgiving Day)

2010-10-11T10:09:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our family, friends and supporters in Canada.
Bolivia does not celebrate Thanksgiving, so today is a normal day around here.
We had a Bolivian family over for dinner last night, we are making new traditions here.
Our oven is not working right now, so no turkey....
However, we decided if we could not have turkey, we would BBQ.
So we still ate too much, but it was beef instead of turkey :0)

I am thankful for:

557. a Thanksgiving meal with Bolivian friends

558. honest and frank conversations

559. watching our kids be brave.

560. words from home.

Have a blessed day.

Carin

Spring gratitude...

2010-10-04T10:50:00.000-04:00

Spring has arrived to La Paz.

There are new leaves on the trees, flower buds, bird song in the morning, refreshing(but cold) rain showers, Spring festival at school, hot afternoons, and more fruit variety.

I find it fascinating to learn what newness each new season brings here in Bolivia, there are similarities to Canada like new growth but there are also differences. It is like a continual treasure hunt :0)

Here is some more gratitude quietly slipped in here on a Monday morning:

545. a love note from my daughter

546. a safe homecoming for Duane

547. feeling whole again after 5 days of single parenting

548. catching up with friends after their recent adventure

549. a friends new baby

Thank-you for your continued prayer and support, we appreciate it immensely.

Bendiciones,

Carin

foto friday...

2010-10-01T10:49:00.000-04:00

our not so tiny anymore, Pippin.

that would be Russian...

Caleb's room

family room

our garden/front walk

Just "cause"

2010-09-27T10:35:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of spending the week-end with two friends from Cochabamba and one beautiful 15 month old.

They called us up last week and asked if they could come spend two days with me, just "cause".

They wanted to bless me and just spend time with me.

Aren't friends great, especially those that like to spend time with you because you are you.

Do you have friends like that?

Could you be that to someone else?

Do you have someone in your life you could call up this week and tell them you want to come and see them and or help them in some way, just "cause"?

My sweet daughter is home sick today so I get to play nurse while she rests.

I continue to count gratitude here with you today:

535. spring birds chirping

536. that spring brings the need for less layers worn.

537. money raised in Canada for a far off land.

538. being there for my little ones in the wee hours of the morning

539. lungs learning to breath during exercise in the high altitude.

Tomorrow is not promised to us, so lets go and bless someone today just "cause"

Bendiciones,

Carin

foto friday...

2010-09-25T21:47:00.000-04:00

the effects of the week, but ultimately I think ultimate frisbee did him in...

there is s new student in the house

Just one of Paige's many books

do both well...

2010-09-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

Life keeps on ticking away for us down here.

Great things are forming, being done, changing and all of these things are growing us...

We had a great visit with one of our missions director's, Terry Smith, last week.
He was a great source of encouragement to us and of direction for us as well.
We serve with a fantastic mission, full of anointed, talented and caring people; CBM rocks!

I have the great blessing this week of having two friends from Cochabamba come and visit me this week-end, we should be able to find some fun(trouble)to get into I am sure:0)

We are looking forward to an STM of Canadian pastors who are coming down here to learn, because one of those Pastors is our pastor from Duncan!!!!

Again and again we are being blessed with wonderful relationship with the team in the micro-credit program in El Alto, God is so good. Thank-you for all the prayers!

I want to continue the gratitude here if I may:

519. learning a new way

520. scripture that is moving me and changing me

521. feeling uncertain but knowing who I am certain about

522. being stretched and knowing it is for God's glory

523. being a student once more..

Love God. Love other's. Do both well.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Fiesta gratitude....

2010-09-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

We had a fiesta on Saturday night with all our co-workers from the micro-credit program and their families...there were 19 people.
We served BBQ beef, salads and buns along with chocolate cake or brownie and ice-cream.
It was a feast and there was not alot of food left, no one left hungry!
We were grateful for the opportunity to bless those we have come to serve with, it was a lovely time.

I am also grateful for:

512. mattresses for everyone in the family

513. indoor bathroom

514. medical and dental coverage

515. a fiesta with new friends who all belong to a different continent than I

516. worship

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2010-09-10T14:36:00.000-04:00

Bendiciones,
Carin

Compassion

2010-09-08T17:35:00.000-04:00

Duane and I were in El Alto today making a visit to a beneficiary of our micro-credit program. What a delight to meet Raul and see his new butcher shop and meet his family. Such a great part of this new life we live is meeting the wonderful people that God has placed in this program.(Sorry no pictures)
Afterwards as we were travelling back to the office, we came across a church, which we thought was part of the denomination we are partnered with. So we stopped to take a look.
Well, it was not a Baptist church but we didn't care, because what God led us to was wonderful! We came across a Compassion project that is being run out of this church. The Pastor's showed us around, introduced us to some of the 200 hundred children that benefit from this program.
I love to see God's people loving on children!!LOVE IT!
I follow a wonderful blog by Ann that you can see here, and it just so happens that Ann is in Guatemala this week meeting her Compassion child.
I have seen first hand what Compassion does here in Bolivia, it is truly wonderful.
If you want to check out thier sponsorship plan you can go here.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Quiet moment gratitude...

2010-09-06T13:30:00.000-04:00

I have been given the privilege of taking life slow, breathing deeply, finding my bearings here in La Paz.
I am an introvert and as such I crave time alone in solitude, in order to re-charge.
Duane is an extrovert and thrives on being among people, in order to re-charge.
I am the anchor in our family right now, trying to bring order to our new life, lay down some family roots, be available when needed; be a constant.
Duane is out forging new routes, making strong relationships, finding his way into ministry here.
Both jobs are important, both jobs are very different.
I am grateful...

505. for futbol that makes my son smile.

506. a little girls anticipation of the first dance class.

507. my husband having time to rest.

508. the good food on our table.

509. the warm house we live in.

510. water from our tap.

May you be richly blessed today in all the blessings that surround you, maybe there is someone in your life that needs to have words of blessing spoken to them...

Bendiciones,
Carin

He sees...

2010-08-25T11:20:00.000-04:00

The buses and the taxi's seemed to jam themselves together tight.

The sounds of horn's blaring, voices raised, engines running filled the air thick.

My eyes staring out the window, trying to take El Alto in, to make sense of something out there.

Then my eyes settle on a sight, so very different from the rest.

A woman, under a bridge.

She sits quietly and gently with two small children.

The traffic moves right past her feet, one wrong move and tragedy could befall this quiet gathering.

She looks to be surrounded by all that she holds dear.

Life and traffic, pass on by.

I loose sight of her through the din.

My minds eye has not lost sight of her though.

God does not loose sight of her.

God is here, and he sees.

Agradecimiento(gratitude)...

2010-08-23T11:42:00.000-04:00

When we entered the gates to the little El Alto church we were met with great big smiles, warm hugs and words of welcome and blessing.
We had never been to this little church before, but that did not matter to them. They were happy to welcome visitors, to offer hospitality, to make us feel at home and bless us if they could.
They had us introduce ourselves, they sang songs of welcome and then they all greeted us before the pastor came to open up the word to all of us.
Then, they tell us that God has blessed them and encouraged them, all because we were there, because we bothered to come and worship with them.
This encouraged them and they were grateful.
But I have to say, it was us that were blessed, encouraged and moved.
God worked in all our lives with our decision to go and worship and experience God in that place that morning.

The gratitude continues:

494. watching Caleb play futbol

495. asking for and receiving forgiveness from my children

496. to be almost at the point of not avoiding language situations because of a lack of vocab(Carin)...almost...

497. fresh inspiration

498. to be able to lift others up in prayer

499. my children's giggles

500. creativity

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday (finally!)

2010-08-19T20:26:00.000-04:00

Some of the funky terrain around La Paz

Two of our associates Pastor Williams and Yuri

Our first parade road block while travelling back from Lake Titicaca

our little girl, who is not looking so little anymore...

... and we don't look so young anymore ;0)

Blessings,
Carin

Begging forgiveness....

2010-08-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

I seem to always be asking for forgiveness at how little I am posting these days...so sorry.
We have been in La Paz close to 7 weeks now and it has been a whirl wind of activity, between learning the city, hosting three sets of guests, school starting for the kids, visiting different churches, Duane starting to work in El Alto and everyday life.
We pray we can now start to find a bit of normal, however I am not sure what that would look like ;0)
It has been very cold here at night and in the mornings, so we have been trying to adjust to cold temperatures. Here in Bolivia there is no central heating, so even though as Canadians we can adjust to the cold while we are out and about, the being cold in the house is taking the most adjustment.However, I have noticed that it seems to be warming up a bit recently. This is all part of learning a new place, the seasons are no exception. While I was walking to other day I noticed cherry blossoms, so Spring is upon us.
May I offer up some gratitude with you today, it seems like such a long time since I did, feel free to offer yours here if you wish.

480. date night plans

481. date night :0)

482. prayer

483. fresh air and exercise

484. solitude

485. Lake Titicaca and nature

486. little country churches full of excitement over visitors

May your day be full of treasures just waiting to be found and if your day just seems void of treasure please stop long enough to find one in nature, your children, your pets or whatever you have near by.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Visitors

2010-07-28T15:14:00.000-04:00

Last Friday we said good-bye to some very sweet visitors from our church.
Doug and Suzanne Perkins were here in Bolivia to speak and pray at a retreat for a magnificent ministry called IJM, International Justice Mission. Afterwards they came and blessed us for a week.
I wanted to publicly thank both Doug and Suzanne as well as New Life Church for sending them here to love on us and encourage us. We are all extremely grateful!!!!
Doug and Suzanne are the kind of visitors you want to have come stay for a week, they are cheerful, helpful, adventurous, prayerful, good listeners, game for almost anything and are genuinely interested in people.
We look forward to seeing you again in Canada in the future, God bless.

Bendiciones,
Carin

Gratitude from 11,000 feet

2010-07-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

We now live in La Paz, Bolivia.

For those of you that have been following this blog since it started, you know it has taken us about two years to get here.
I do not think the enormity of this has sunk in yet, we are a tad overwelmed at the moment.
We have many photos and I will try to get as many as I can up on the blog in the next little while.
I am excited to be able to start to share stories and ministry highlights as we go because we are finally here and starting to do what we were called here to do.

God is mighty to serve.
God is mighty.
God.

Can I limit my gratitude today to one subject?
OK it is my blog so yep, I am limiting it.

WE ARE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK I don't even think I will give this gratitude a number:0)

Thank-you God and thank-you to all our supporters, friends, family we literally would not be here in La Paz without you.

Your prayers are coveted right now because this transition is proving to be as challenging as the last one. We can't do this job without prayer covering, please add us to your prayer list if you would with our deepest appreciation!

Please stop right now and count your blessings and utter your gratitude on high, it is life changing to dwell on gratitude regularly!

Bendiciones,
Carin

The packing begins :0)

2010-06-27T21:06:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow morning the movers are scheduled to arrive at the house to start packing our things. They figure they should be done and have us moved out by Wednesday.
Please pray that all goes well, and we are out of the house by Wednesday.
Looks like we will be celebrating Canada Day on the road to La Paz.
Thanks for all your support and prayers for us this year, we are finally setting out for our final destination.

Blessings,
Carin

Slide show

2010-06-23T13:57:00.000-04:00

We have made a slideshow using pictures from our first year in Bolivia, visit over here to see it.
Hope you enjoy it.

Blessings,
Carin

End of May gratitude....

2010-05-31T21:18:00.001-04:00

Can it possibly be the end of May?
Well our kids are done grade 4 and they did an amazing job all year, we are very proud of both of them!
We spent all last week under the teaching of Rene Padilla, a Latin American theologian from the Kairos Foundation in Argentina. I am so inspired and ready to find our way in El Alto, please pray for God to go ahead of us and pave the way for us.
We have a little calm this week, however it is calm before the storm. The winds of change are starting to stir...

I will continue to count my gratitude here and pray to the one who can calm storms:

405. visa's that were finally granted to us!!!

406. oranges picked straight from my tree

407. steaming hot bath

408. a fort built in the boy's bedroom

409. talking about body changes with my girl-child

410. pure joy on friends faces.

May you be blessed with Shalom dear readers: fullness of life with God, fullness of life with your neighbour, fullness of life with creation.

Shalom,
Carin

Visa update and hair colour

2010-05-20T13:41:00.000-04:00

Duane and I received our visa's on Monday and I go into immigration this afternoon to supposedly pick-up our kids visa's, what a long arduous journey this has been!
But they are finally finished...now onto our identity cards and national drivers license...

Today I decided to take the plunge and try a new hair colour. I have never coloured my hair before but my greys are coming in, in abundance, so I thought I would try a natural Henna dye.
Here is the result, the colour will take about 3-4 days to oxidize and find it's final colour.

All three pictures are of day 1:

Outside in the sun

Inside on a sunny day; all those streaks are my henna'd grey hairs

Taking my own bathroom foto :0)

Blessings,
Carin

New home gratitude....

2010-05-10T19:46:00.001-04:00

Well we had a very productive week last week. The four of us went to La Paz to find a new home for the Guthrie clan and we were successful.
A huge thank-you to all of you who were praying for us last week, God fulfilled our needs and even granted some wants :0)
We intend to move to La Paz in the second half of June and we now have a home to move to, praise God.
My gratitude list continues:

366. we found our La Paz home!!

367. our children are excited to move into their new rooms

368. our ministry is starting to take shape

369. we celebrated our one year anniversary with some great new friends

370. the prospects of new friendships

371. paint colours to choose ;0)

372. dreams taking flight

373. a forever family soon to have their forever daughter

Grace and peace to you,

Carin

Gratitude on a Monday...

2010-05-03T15:56:00.001-04:00

Things are gearing up here, lots of plans being made, lists have started to grow, anxiety is growing as well.
We are set to move again next month.
Today our family flies to La Paz to go house hunting, our prayers center around finding our new home there.
So I will drip gratitude here, in preparation for the looming unknown:

360. healed mouths after surgery.

361. good memories of home-schooling.

362. a nesting instinct

363. a beautiful healthy family.

364. missionaries in La Paz that are very excited about our arrival.

365. people around the world praying for us.

I pray gratitude comes to mind as you read my gratitude, God's work is all around us just ready for the noticing.

Blessings,
Carin

One year

2010-05-02T14:48:00.000-04:00

So today is our one year anniversary here in Bolivia.
This first year has been a grand adventure and it has flown by incredibly quickly!
I thought we would mark this day by interviewing our children, they are great adventurers and great sports in my opinion!
So without further ado, here is Caleb and Paige:

What are your favourite things to do as a family?
Paige: have movie night, play card games or just go to the park.
Caleb: watch movies, play board games and Wii.
What are your favourite books you have read?
P: Lassie come home, The Dear Canada series, Pipi Longstockings, Little women......
C: Dragons in our midst, The city of Ember, Tom Swift series.
What do you like to do with your friends?
P: play in the playground at school, water fights and art.
C: play Star Wars, soccer(futbol), and tether ball.
What is your favourite memory of Bolivia so far?
P: driving way up into the mountains of Cochabamba.
C: going to Las Cabanas (a thermal hot spring/hotel) where we went canoeing and swimming
Is there anything you don't like about Bolivia?
P: the litter is gross.
C: the garbage spills over the garbage bins and I don't like all the stray dogs either.
What do you like about your school?
P: library, P.E, the teachers are nice, the playground is big.
C: my friends, my teachers and P.E.
Other than family and friends, what do you miss most about Canada?
P: the beaches, Shawnigan lake, Tim Horton's.
C: McDonalds, Tim Horton's, the big swimming pool in Duncan, beaches and Shawnigan lake.
We are moving to La Paz soon, what are your thoughts about this?
P: scared and excited; I don't know anyone there.
C: scared and happy, I am hoping this will be the last move for a couple of years. This is an adventure!
Do you like living in Bolivia?
P: Yes.
C: Yes, eventhough I miss my family and friends.

Well there you have it, I hope you enjoyed this interview.
Our kids are amazing and they have very similar answers to many of the questions.

Thank-you for your prayers for our children as well as for us, they do make a difference!

Blessings,
Carin

Gratitude...

2010-04-26T08:46:00.000-04:00

Wow does life fly by sometimes!
March was a blur, which led into April and trying to catch up on rest and work.
May is now shaping up to be a blur as well and then in June we say far to many good-byes and then we move!
Pray, if you would.
We seem to be on a roller coaster these days.
I want to continue counting my gratitude here with you, so without further ado:

335. the purr of our cat

336. successful dental surgery for both the kids

337. almost a year in Bolivia

338. eleven months of language training

339. a great visit with my Dad and Caryl

340. many English books from Canada :0)

God bless you in all you do today!

Blessings
Carin

Ministry update

2010-04-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

Our new ministry update is fresh off the presses, if you want to read it go here or you will find a link down the left-hand side of this blog called " Ministry Updates".
Enjoy, and may God bless you richly for all your support both financial and otherwise; we can not do this without you!

Blessings (Bendiciones),
Carin

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T13:35:00.001-04:00

Nana with Caleb and Paige

Well we are enjoying our first Easter in Bolivia, however it is very different than I expected.
First of all my Dad and step-mom Caryl are here visiting, we are so excited to have this time with them. They have both been sick on and off, but all in all just hanging out with them has been wonderful.

Grandpa giving Caleb a lesson in sharpening kitchen knives.

Second, today Bolivia is having municipal elections. This means no public gatherings with more than 10 people, so no church services. Also, there is no driving private vehicles and consuming alcohol.

The view from a look-out heading up to the top of the Cochabamba mountains

So it is peacefully quiet and we are hanging out at the house. Later this afternoon we will have an Easter BBQ with friends Rebecca and the Whittles.

We pray that you are enjoying the celebration of the Risen Lord today.

Many blessings,
Carin

La Paz

2010-03-24T12:02:00.000-04:00

Duane and I spent 4 days in La Paz this past week-end with Brian and Sharlene Craig.
Sharlene is the director of member care and human resources for CBM.
We walked the city, we drove all around the city, we ate a lot, we saw some extremely old cathedrals, we saw a 3D movie, we shopped and we talked alot :0)
What a fantastic trip, Sharlene and Brian are an amazing couple, very wise, they ask great questions, they listen, they love to laugh and they are so easy to spend time with.
Brian is a Pastor and he currently teaches leadership and encourages Pastors in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. He was exactly what Duane needed a dose of.
Sharlene is very good at asking very pointed questions, probing questions, ones that make you think and ones that give her insight and boy can she listen.
We were able to pinpoint three neighborhoods we think we can live in and we certainly feel more familiar with the city.
Can I say that I say my first mall in almost 11 months and we saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D in a theatre that has 14 theatres!
Thank-you for all your prayers as we approach in increasing velocity, our move to La Paz.
My parents arrived today from Canada, and we are so thrilled to have them with us.
My kids asked me why I was crying as they got off the plane and I had to explain that sometimes you cry when you are happy, not just when you are sad :0)

Blessings,
Carin

March update...

2010-03-03T12:31:00.001-04:00

For Lent I have given up spending my time reading blogs and using my time in more fruitful ways. However, in doing this I have totally neglected this blog...so sorry.
Much has and is happening in our lives right now, and I will endeavour to update you on these things right now.

* we survived our first Bolivian carnival and I only managed to get hit with water twice :0)

* Duane and I visited a great pre-school ministry that is run by new friends Gwen and Marcos Quinteros, we are very interested in it for the Integral Mission Centre in El Alto

* The kids both ran in a 3000m race at the school and did a fantastic job. Go green team!

* Paige entered a written prose, a piece of artwork and cookies in the school talent show, called Carachipalooza. She won first place for Elementary prose writing and an honourable mention for "Grandpa's ginger cookies". We are very proud of her.

* Duane is in La Paz currently, with a team from Canada and our Associate General Secretary, Blair Clark.

* Last night I was introduced to some good new contacts who live and work in La Paz, we are very happy to have three contacts in La Paz now :0)

* today is the 12th anniversary of our daughter Gillian's death/birth and the grandparents have taken flowers to the grave for us today.

* we are having a country-wide transit strike today(and possibly tomorrow)so school is closed and we are walking anywhere we need to go today.

* I am planning a 10th birthday party for the kids, they have chosen bowling as their choice of celebration:0)

* Our CBM director of Member Care, Sharlene Craig, arrives next week from Canada with her husband Brian and the whole team is excited about this! They will be facilitating a team retreat while they here, among many other things.

* We are heading to La Paz with Sharlene and Brian the following week and we are also excited about that as well, I anticipate some good talks about some real issues that we have and about what life may look like for us in La Paz.

* The following week my Dad and Caryl arrive for a three week visit!!!

* oh and a 4 week old kitten has set up residence here, his name is Pippin.

So just a few things happening around here...oh and we are still in language classes...

Blessings,
Carin

Praise Report

2010-02-11T20:59:00.000-04:00

1. For those of you that know my Dad had surgery in October to remove cancer of the bladder, I just heard from him that his three month cancer check-up was clear. He is still cancer free!! Praise God and thank-you all for your prayers for him.

2. Because my father is cancer free....he and my step-mom Caryl are currently booking tickets to come to Bolivia for Easter break (insert huge grin here), they are our first visitors from Canada and we are so thrilled. (insert huge grin here)

(insert huge grin here)

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2010-02-05T16:20:00.000-04:00

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2010-01-29T14:33:00.001-04:00

Life is good, the weather is cool and we are trying to find our groove here :0)

Blessings,
Carin

Gratitude and some fotos

2010-01-25T14:21:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been negligent here on the blog - this is a combined gratitude journal/foto friday post.

I hope you enjoy :0)

I have been absent here, but I have still been grateful daily, here is the continuation of that gratefulness:

284. cool rainy days

285. my kids drinking tea

286. my kids devouring good books

287. respected ones speaking blessing over us

288. iron sharpening iron

289. date nights :0)

Blessings to you and drop us a line if you have the time. We would love to hear from you,

Carin

Multitude of thanks...

2010-01-11T08:31:00.000-04:00

Wow, it is Monday again.

We have officially ended Christmas break, because Caleb and Paige returned to school today.

As I start this new week, I still feel energized and set on achieving my goals for the year. With my back to the wind, jaw set, sights set on the goal, I have set out and am soaring :0) Thanks Ann!

Gratitude to 1000 and beyond:

261. Skype call with Shelly

262. coffee with Angie

263. candle light dinner with Duane

264. laughter of my children

265. witnessing childhood pursuit of God

266. how proud I am of Duane

Be inspired this week to pursue God, pursue excellence and to love one another.

Blessings,
Carin

New Year gratitude

2010-01-04T10:19:00.001-04:00

Well I have been negligent in posting my gratitude to 1000 here on Monday's, however I have been counting the gratitude in my gratitude journal.

This new year is promising to be a big year for us, almost as big as the past year has been. We have approximately 4 months left of our language learning, we plan to travel to La Paz 2 or 3 more times in order to further orient ourselves to the city and figure out where we may want to live and start to meet and make contacts with people there.

Our children will be finishing grade 4 in Cochabamba, before we move.

Then we need to pack up house again, move, settle again and start our ministry there.

Please pray for us, as none of this is particularly easy.

Gratitude to 1000 and beyond:

246. CBM colleagues

247. reflection and planning

248. rest

249. a monumental 2009

250. 2010

251. pancakes on Saturday mornings

252. a day full of possibilities

May this new day, new week and new year be ripe with possibilities.

Carin

Planning for 2010

2010-01-01T16:45:00.000-04:00

In my last post I listed many questions to consider when reviewing the past year, I am providing a link here to questions to consider for the year we have just entered.
If you are not a planner...sorry, this post is not for you.
If you are a planner, enjoy.

Many blessings,
Carin

New Year blessings

2010-01-01T12:50:00.000-04:00

This is what I am working on today:

Reflection Questions for 2009
1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2009.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).

8. What were the best books you read this year?

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you.

Next I am working on looking forward into this new year.
I'll post on that next.

May you and yours be blessed this year, may your year be filled with abundant joy, simple faith, more love than you thought you had, given to everyone and anyone and may the God of the universe in turn give you peace that surpasses understanding.

Blessings,
Carin and Duane

Foto Friday

2009-12-26T19:50:00.000-04:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

CBM Christmas party

2009-12-23T10:50:00.000-04:00

Last night we hosted a team Bolivia Christmas party, we had a blast, ate a lot of food and met some team members extended family visiting from Canada.
Please go here to see pictures on Rebecca's blog, she took some fantastic shots!

Blessings,
Carin

As we forgive

2009-12-17T08:16:00.000-04:00

Forgiveness.
Here is a thought for you to ponder today, if you click here it will take you to a trailer for an award winning documentary called "As we forgive"; about the difficult road that the country and people of Rwanda face.
I am often shocked and horrified at what we as humans can do to our neighbors. Our God redeems though!
Be inspired, please pray for these beautiful people.

Blessings,
Carin

Ministry update

2009-12-17T07:45:00.000-04:00

Our Christmas ministry update is ready, if you click here or look down the left column of this blog and click on the button that says " Ministry update", you can read it.
Thank-you so much for your continued suport of us and our ministry, please drop us a line anytime and we would love to get to know you better.

Merry Christmas,
Carin

Our first package in the mail!!!!!!

2009-12-14T19:50:00.000-04:00

Today was the first time we had to go to the post office to pick up a package, we are soooo excited!!!!!!!!!!

Thank-you sooo much Qualicum Community Baptist Church and the Williamson family, your thoughtfulness has filled our hearts to over flowing!

Blessings,
Carin

Advent gratitude...

2009-12-14T07:59:00.000-04:00

JOY.
Yesterday we lit the Joy candle, and our friend Brian preached about joy at our little English service.
Being filled with Joy, joy vs. happiness, bringing joy to someone else's life, choosing joy.
Joy in the coming of the Christ child, the reason we are preparing our hearts during Advent.
Isaiah 9:2-7.

Gratitude continues to 1000 and beyond:

214. Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness. (Mother Teresa)

215. Christmas secrets :0)

216. boy-child making his own nativity scene

217. familiar Christmas carol's

218. the smell of baking

219. my children's imagination

220. my niece who turned one yesterday...

Gratitude breeds Joy.

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2009-12-11T07:46:00.001-04:00

Blessings,
Carin

Christmas in a foreign land

2009-12-09T14:10:00.000-04:00

Last night we had our first Bolivian Christmas party.
The staff of the Bolivian Baptist Union and CBM(Bolivia) got together, to sing carols, eat turkey and exchange gifts.
The songs were sung in Spanish and English, the food had a Bolivian twist to it and the gift exchange was chaotic :0)
Fun was had by all.

Blessings,
Carin

Advent gratitude...

2009-12-07T15:21:00.000-04:00

Peace.
Yesterday we lit the peace candle and had a small devotional at home, because Bolivia had a Presidential election yesterday; which means no driving and no public gatherings.
We were relieved that peace prevailed in the country before, during and now after the election. Praise God.
Today, back to normal, I continue to count gratitude to 1000 and beyond:

205. our children

206. seeing the world through my children's eyes

207. candles flickering

208. peace.

Many blessings to you,
Carin

Prayer....

2009-12-03T18:14:00.000-04:00

This coming Sunday is election day in Bolivia; Presidential election day.
The country is extremely peaceful and I ask that you pray with us that it stays that way and that the right person for the job is elected on Sunday.

Blessings,
Carin.

Advent Gratitude...

2009-11-30T08:19:00.000-04:00

Well the Advent season has started and we are reflecting on Hope this week.

We are using our Christmas tree as a Jesse tree, everyday the kids will hang one new ornament on the tree that corresponds to the reading about the story of Jesus' coming, starting in the book of Genesis.

In Romans the word says "The root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." So we prepare our hearts.

Vintage nativity scene from my mother-in-law

Our nativity wreath with grape vine branch from our grape vine

I continue my gratitude to one thousand and beyond here:

191. a wise husband

192. Advent reflection

193. Christmas set-up in a foreign land

194.childhood anticipation of Christmas

195. the Jesse tree during Advent

196. minimalism

197. buying ripe pineapple, mango and strawberries the same day we start Advent:0)

Advent blessings to you,
Carin

Cross country race

2009-11-26T14:25:00.001-04:00

Caleb and Paige ran in their first ever 5km cross-country race and their times were:

Caleb: 32:18

Paige: 32:20

Such hard work and they applied themselves exceptionally, we are so proud of them both!

Blessings,
Carin

Gratitude...

2009-11-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that this is the last week of November?!

I was struck by a few incidents this past week and the glorious realization that Bolivia has a great lack of Christmas commercialization!

The things that struck me this week were seeing a young boy no older than probably 12or 13, having either a drug overdose reaction or withdrawl symptoms by the side of a busy road. He is only 2 or 3 years older than my own children.(insert tears here)
The next thing was worshipping in church on Sunday and the whole row in front of me was full of cute little girls all dressed up in beautiful sun dresses. Now that in and of itself is just plain fun, however all these girls and one little boy all do not have forever families. (insert tears again)

My heart is all over the map these days, I want to prepare it for Christmas so I am preparing to observe advent daily as a family. While preparing for advent and thinking of Christmas I look out the window and the weather is glorious and the temp soars into the mid 30's, so my internal clock is in shock and does not know what time of year it is. I was struck with a thought the other day though, that when Jesus was born, he would have been born into the heat so maybe this is closer to the reality he would have faced?

I am trying to plan how to provide at least some of our normal Christmas traditions without the usually available ingredients, so re-invention is in abundance at our
house.

I think this week we will pick items out of the gift catalogue as our gifts to others, I always look forward to that.

Here I continue counting the gratitude:

171. honest chats in the evening hours.

172. giggles and smiles.

173. welcoming my husband home after a trip.

174. encouraging words.

175. giving scripture to my daughter.

176. sleeping in with no interuptions.

177.watching y kids cross the finish line at the cross-country race.

178. hot pancakes with syrup.

179. saturday mornings.

180. a group of encouraging, fun-loving and committed missionaries coming alongside some newbies.

Please spend some time counting gratitude this week. You won't regret it, I promise.

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2009-11-20T07:48:00.001-04:00

Blessings,
Carin

Gratitude...

2009-11-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

I know it is not Monday, but better late than never right?
Duane is off to Potosi with a group from Cornwall Ontario today, he will be gone until Saturday.
Would you pray for travelling mercies for him and the group.
Would you pray that this first solo experience for me and the kids will be a good one, I feel nervous...I am out of my element.
I would like to say a word of praise and Thanksgiving, yesterday my Dad heard from the doctor that the tumor was low grade and non-invasive. He needs no chemo and he is free to fly off to New Zealand as planned on Sunday! Praise God.

I continue to count God's blessings to 1000 here:

152. jokes told by nine year old's :0)

153. good news from doctors

154. exciting adventures

155. teams from Canada

156. my language teachers

157. the spark of adventure in my husbands eyes...

Be blessed today and think on gratitude.

Carin

Remember....

2009-11-10T08:06:00.000-04:00

Her hair was up in a pony tail,
Her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school,
And she couldn't wait to go.

But her mommy tried to tell her,
That she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand,
If she went to school alone.

But she was not afraid;
She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates
Of why he wasn't there today.

But still her mother worried,
For her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again,
She tried to keep her daughter home.

But the little girl went to school
Eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees
A dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back,
For everyone to meet..
Children squirming impatiently,
Anxious in their seats

One by one the teacher called
A student from the class.
To introduce their daddy,
As seconds slowly passed.

At last the teacher called her name,
Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching,
A man who wasn't there.

'Where's her daddy at?'
She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,'
Another student dared to shout.

And from somewhere near the back,
She heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad,
Too busy to waste his day.'

The words did not offend her,
As she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher,
Who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back,
Slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child,
Came words incredibly unique.

'My Daddy couldn't be here,
Because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be,
Since this is such a special day.

And though you cannot meet him,
I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy,
And how much he loves me so.

He loved to tell me stories
He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses,
And taught me to fly a kite.

We used to share fudge sundaes,
And ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him.
I'm not standing here alone.

'Cause my daddy's always with me,
Even though we are apart
I know because he told me,
He'll forever be in my heart'

With that, her little hand reached up,
And lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat,
Beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads,
Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter,
Who was wise beyond her years.

For she stood up for the love
Of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her,
Doing what was right.

And when she dropped her hand back down,
Staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft,
But its message clear and loud.

'I love my daddy very much,
he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here,
But heaven's just too far.

You see he is a Canadian soldier
And died just this past year
When a roadside bomb hit his convoy
And taught us all to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes,
it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes,
And saw him there that day.

And to her mothers amazement,
She witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children,
All starting to close their eyes.

Who knows what they saw before them,
Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second,
They saw him at her side.

'I know you're with me Daddy,'
To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers,
Of those once filled with doubt.

Not one in that room could explain it,
For each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her,
Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.

And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
By the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing,
That heaven is never too far.

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada.
May we take a minute of silence to remember those who have paid with their very lives for the freedom we often take for granted.
I would like to extend my heart-felt gratitude to those who are serving in the armed forces today, who sacrifice time with their loved ones and their own safety to go and serve in places that most of us would never dream of going and doing things that we would never dream of doing, so we can live and have peace where we love being with the people we love.

Thank-you!

Please say a prayer for our Armed Forces, our service men and women, their families and for our government today. They need it.

Blessings,
Carin

foto friday...

2009-11-06T08:36:00.000-04:00

Blessings,
Carin

Lovely Lady, Lovely Blog Award

2009-11-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

Angie has bestowed on me a lovely blog award. Thanks, Angie! I am humbled!

Isn’t it pretty? Below are the 5 recipients that I am extending this award to because I think they are lovely ladies!

Ann Voskamp at Holy Experience is a beautiful Canadian sister in Christ who lives on the prairies. She blogs about the experiences of a simple/crazy life, farming Canadian dirt, raising half a dozen exuberant kids, stringing sheets out on the line....
Daily I am inspired by her honesty and her journey. Just a bit of listening,laundry, liturgy... life.

Erica and Aaron Kenny at the Five Kenny's, eventhough Erica blogs with her husband Aaron I wanted to bring recognition to their blog. I think they have an amazing ministry in Nairobi, Kenya. You will be inspired by what God is doing through them and their ministry. They are an inspiration to Duane and myself, they are also running with us for the cause of Christ. So thankful for them!

Kristi at Kristiapplesauce is a missionary gal in South Africa. She is with Oceans of Mercy and her ministry is to feed kids. She is passionate, she is honest and she is inspiring. I am truly inspired by her ministry and her dedication.

Katie at The Journey started a mission called Amazima Ministries, in Uganda. This woman is passionate about children and about what it truly means to live out the Great commission and the Great commandment. I always fight back a lump in my throat everytime I read her stories.

Rebecca at AlwardBound because she truly is a lovely ladie. Her blog is brand spanking new, but she has a beautiful spirit, an intriguing ministry and she is inspirational to me. I know you will feel the same, stay tuned for her adventure, it is sure to inspire you too :0)

You will not be disappointed if you click through on those links. They really are a lovely bunch of gals.

- o -

To accept this award, recipients should do the following things:

1) Save the IMAGE and upload it to display in your sidebar.

2) Present the award to five lady bloggers.

3) Publish a post presenting the award which names your 5 recipients and tells what you like about each of their blogs/websites

Gratitude...

2009-11-02T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have so much to be grateful for, even when I feel unwilling to count, collect, recount or give thanks for them...I have much to be grateful for non-the-less.
This week I have the joy of a week off classes with my kids, the goal is REST!
Here I continue the gratitude list, the goal.... 1000 and beyond, I am grateful for:

135. my children are doing well in school.

136. my dad is healing well since his surgery (thanks for all your prayers).

137. that my brother has picked up more work.

138. team building.

139. Sunday night dinner's with family and friends.

140. country drives to places never seen before.

May God inspire you to count and give thanks for the blessings in your life.
Please drop us a line if you need prayer, we would love to pray for you and with you.

Blessings,
Carin.

foto friday...

2009-10-30T07:49:00.000-04:00

Grasslands of North America, diarama

Pacific rainforest/coast of North America, diarama

Thanks everyone for your prayers for my dad, he had his surgery on Monday. He is resting and recovering this week.

Blessings,

Carin