Psalms 71:5 “For thou art my hope, Oh Lord God;
thou art my trust from my youth." |
All of
these graduates were students in Rumi Rancho over the last twelve years. Most
had computer classes with Chuck and Juan, and all the girls were in my Bible
and cooking classes. Many also were in our Quechua Church Sunday School and
youth group. The local school in our community finally had enough qualified
teachers this year to add the senior year of high school, making this the first
class to graduate from the community school. But, from their youth they have
been taught God’s Word in Rumi Rancho. We were privileged to be asked, by the
director of the school, to participate in the graduation ceremony on December 2,
2011.
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The government university is free, but other expenses are a sacrifice for the parents. All of the families in our area are dairy farmers and depend on their kids to help with the
work. To send them to the university is not only a hardship financially, buying books and clothes, transportation fees, etc., but also, it is more work for the parents to
handle all the daily chores, cutting alfalfa, and feeding and milking the cows.
Vania’s brother graduates from the university this year with a degree in engineering. The family continuously thanks us for the computer classes he had here at Rumi Rancho, making a
difference in his life’s direction. What a joy for us to see God using Rumi
Rancho to change lives, spiritually and educationally.
Chuck received a certificate of recognition from the director for all he has done for the school, his physical labor, spiritual guidance and financial contributions. We both were honored to be a part of handing out diplomas. It was an emotional day for us as we watched these kids receiving diplomas, knowing they now are going out into the world. We are thankful we have had the privilege of being in their lives, teaching and guiding them, and helping them through their childhood. We are blessed! We pray that what they have learned academically through the community school in Alba Rancho, and spiritually through our ministry here in Rumi Rancho will "stick" for the rest of their lives.
It seemed as though no one else noticed that strong gust of wind but me. Half way through the ceremony a storm kicked up and blew down the backdrop and the flowers. The rains blew in and everyone was frightened. They thought it was another tornado like we had two weeks before, just a few miles from us. Within fifteen minutes it calmed down and we went on with the festivities. I am sure a lot of prayers went up during those fifteen minutes.
Vania's family has been a blessing to us over the years. Her dad, Imilio, is the president of our community and advises us about happenings in the village and the country. Her sweet mom, Miteria, sends us eggs, milk and bread regularly. We are always included in their family gatherings and meals, oh, the delicious meals. You have never tasted chicken like this, cooked in a mud oven, unless of course, you have a mud oven. Smile.
We thank God every day for the many opportunities we have to serve Him. As we get closer to Christmas we look forward to our mountain trips, taking the gospel to those who haven't heard the Christmas story yet. We continue to spread the gospel, both here in our valley, and to the highest mountain tops of Bolivia.