"Dios te Bendiga" in Bolivia

 

In the early morning light of this day our neice and her husband were dropped at Toronto's Pearson Airport for a looonnnggg flight to Bolivia, in South America. This ain't a tourist trip. They will be living and working in the capital, La Paz, for three years. Both will be employed by the Mennonite Central Committee which is strengthening partnerships with local agencies in various areas of social concern. 

The MCC is an impressive agency which often responds to situations of crisis. When the tornado ripped through Barrie more than 30 years ago they arrived that same weekend providing practical assistance. MCC ran the Ten Thousand Villages stores in North America with the mission of creating opportunities in developing countries to earn income in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trading relationships.

The historical, colonial models of missionary work for denominations has largely ended as the emphasis is now on reciprocity and mutual respect. While they are still a Christian presence in many places,  there is a different understanding of the profound meaning of other religions and the wisdom of indigenous cultures. 

There will be many adjustments for the two of them in their new roles, including developing fluency in Spanish. La Paz is the highest capital in the world, at 3,650 metres or nearly 12,000 feet. They will also need to relearn how to breathe!

We with them Godspeed and "dios te bendiga."