The Fishers in La Paz, Bolivia

It was with fear and trembling that we returned to a Spanish-speaking church for the first time in 3 weeks (last week, I had a stomach thing, so we worshiped at home, and the week before we were lounging in hammocks in Coroico).  Not that we don’t like to participate in corporate worship here; it’s just that, well, only I actually speak Spanish, so it’s kind of hard to not stress out a bit.

Anyway, we tried the other Anglican church today.  Twice, we’ve attended Cristo Redentor, a mere 10 minute walk away from our home.  Today, it was Cristo Salvador, known for being the “charismatic” Anglican fellowship here.  The pastor and his wife send their kids to Highlands, so we know them a little bit.

Well, as I said, fear and trembling.  We knew that today was going to be Avery’s first foray into actually participating in Sunday School with mostly Spanish-speaking children.  So, after arriving and singing some songs (including a Spanish tranlsation of “Trading My Sorrows” if you know it), the time came to do what may be a Bolivian Anglican thing (we haven’t seen it anywhere else): praying over all the children just before they head off to Sunday School.

To my great joy (and minor shock), she wanted to go forward for prayer!

So, after a few sweet minutes up at the altar praying amid all those other kids (I was with her; I didn’t say she went alone!), I was equally surprised to find that she wanted to go to Sunday School (again, I tagged along).

My trembling dissipated and my fear subsided as we spent an hour and a half in the “2s thru 5s” room.  First, the two of us played together as Avery watchfully observed all the other children.  Then she (reluctantly) greeted the first of two young ladies (maybe college-aged) who came in to teach, Graciela.  Usually, even when she won’t say, “Hello,” she will gladly tell you that she is “free” (that’s, um, three).  After that greeting, she finally warmed up.

When play time ended, I was in absolute awe as Avery, after giving Cecy, the second teacher (also barely in college), a far friendlier greeting, started diving into the toy cleanup.  Thankfully, both Cecy and Graciela spoke good a bit of English, so when Avery was asking, “Where does this go?” Cecy was able to direct her.  I began to step back as Avery blossomed a bit, interacting with the teachers and helping as if she had been there all her life.

Then, when all were called to the table (”Todos a la mesa”, which I needed to interpret for Aves), she sat next to Cecy and, eyes glued to her, followed every Spanish direction she gave.  They played a “Simon Says”-type game of body motions, and Avery was the first to repeat after Cecy.  And it just got better from there.

As I backed out the door, I saw Avery making wild animal noises and imitating monkeys, lions and donkeys (they were about to learn about Balaam’s donkey).

As I left, a little amazed that she hadn’t come after me, I marveled and thanked our Father in heaven for how Avery is progressing.  She’s moving forward.  She’s learning her new home, and a new way to communicate with new brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Wow.