We can only come to know and love God through our experience of the world and especially through its peoples. Our Bolivia expedition was a spiritual journey, our hearts were opened and deeply touched by the daily experience of each other, the challenges faced and the people we encountered on the way.
Our young people were an inspiration as they embraced the challenges, sometimes physical, sometimes emotional. There were tears, but always supported by unity, compassion and genuine care.
Each day there was a lived enthusiasm for the experiences; varied and colourful, as the group formed and shaped the expedition.
Any visit to a developing country can be a scary experience, securities are challenged, comfort zones are breached. The poverty, lack of infrastructure, health issues, the smells, dangerous travel, the noise and hustle, simplicity of living and hard work.
These were met with openness and confidence and apprehension gave way to acceptance and wonder: at the smiles from poor children who really have almost nothing, the treks through the rainforest, pure and majestic, twenty hour bus journeys over dirt roads, ancient civilisation and colonialism.
The inspiration for our trip was the Holy Spirit; the gifts of confirmation must be shared.
Many people were touched by our presence and sharing, they told us so.
There are so many special moments to be treasured: the warm embraces from orphans and deaf children, celebrating mass in a straw hut in the rainforest with the local people, supporting one another as we climbed to almost 5000m through cold and snow, our evening meals at Angelos, the personal growth evident in each person, the friendships made and deepened.
Thank you St Thomas’ for your support and encouragement for this project. Your care for our young people has been overwhelming and because of this we were able to go to Bolivia and give so much. And we learned, it is in giving that we receive.
“Unburden yourselves of your fear of
Your brothers and sisters, go out and meet them
Unarmed and meek.
They need love just like you”
The Journey continues………………..
The Bolivia Expedition was funded by the generosity of the Parish community of
St Thomas of Canterbury, Trinity School and Natwest Bank. Thanks to all who helped