Saturday Post -- 29/01/11

(written on Friday -- another delayed post due to continued internet problems)

Hadn’t been expecting to post this weekend due to our impending departure to Santa Cruz for a few days’ in the city but, this being Bolivia, a couple of things have happened which we weren’t anticipating. Firstly, this week has seen the first day-off-nobody-warned-you-about of the year (to be fair, it’s taken them four weeks). The Beni department, in their wisdom, opted to declare a Paro, i.e., an enforced shutdown, in order to allow us all to, literally, get our houses in order. This is due to the recent spate in the region of Dengue, the deadly virus carried by mosquitoes, fairly prominent during rainy season. So today, everyone has the opportunity to well and truly ditch the mosquito welcoming mat in their homes. Have to say, I have approached the crisis by watching tennis (Come. On. Andy.) and, looking out our window, it doesn’t look like many families are overly-concerned. Mind you, our side of town is a little less affected by the whole thing.

The second reason for writing is that, on Wednesday, we got our Interpol certificates, about a whole two months sooner than the office had been anticipating – with hindsight, they were probably protecting their own backs. Anyway, we had included this as a prayer point, so we thought we should update you on that. Visa-wise, it’s the tip of the iceberg (and one that would cause the Titanic's conqueror to blush), but a significant first step and the green-light to proceed with the remainder of the visa documentation when we return from Santa Cruz.

At work it’s been a productive week all round. Jessica proceeded with various nursing support tasks and on Tuesday afternoon had the chance to observe the first surgery session of the year at FT and, like many young health students/professionals who come here, came away having seen lots of stuff she’d never experienced before. Amanda started putting her new-found audiology skills to practice at work, really feeling the benefit of the course. And I put the finishing touches to preparations for the first few weeks of Community classes, which resume on Monday, 7th of February (the day we come back to work after our break).


Jessica fishing last weekend (Maicol in the background). The excursion was short-lived as a torrential downpour turned up five minutes later. Buckets were required.

So we’re looking forward to a relaxing few days in Santa Cruz. Jessica flies home on Tuesday and we’re planning on staying one more night before returning here on Wednesday, which really means Thursday. Long-distance bus travel in Bolivia mostly takes place at night, as it minimises the risk of engines overheating and tyres getting damaged. Sensible, though it doesn’t really chime with my complete inability to sleep on anything that moves.

Prayer
• For safety in our travels to and from Santa Cruz, and Jessica’s flights home on Tuesday.
• For a relaxing time as we enjoy our first real break since September.

Praise
• For a productive week for the three of us at work.
• For the successful granting of the Interpol certificates.

¡Que Dios les bendiga!

Craig & Amanda