Day 2 | Red-eye to Reunion
After a long night of travel (maybe 2 or 3 hours of sleep for most), we landed in Santa Cruz. While the airplane food wasn’t anything to write home about, the excitement in our hearts was enough to carry us through the 4am wake up call aka our landing. We faced the customs lines together and it was no small feat. Shout-out to every team member who kept a smile on their face through the long lines and language barriers.. (And even a flagged bag - that’s a story for another time). Even in the midst of airport chaos, there was a calm reassurance that we weren’t walking alone. God was ahead of us, behind us, and right in the middle of every moment.
We had a five-hour layover—plenty of time to stretch our legs, sip some strong Bolivian coffee, and remind ourselves that this mission isn’t about comfort, but about connection. Funny thing about connection.. Some team members did get asked to stop walking around the airport while chit-chatting and learning more about each other because “they looked suspicious…..” YES! that is a true story! Some took naps while some played card games, some read books while others got to know one of each other. We heard our gate call, took our group selfie and dispersed amongst the small plane.. One more flight!!!!
This flight was a quick one. We were down just as soon as we were up in the air… the perfect amount of time for a cat nap for almost every team member; A cat nap so deep, snoring could be heard!
Once we touched down in Cochabamba, the real adventure began. From the airport, we loaded up into a bus and made our way to a nearby market, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of local life. After getting some local snacks, we headed to the orphanage where we’ll be serving this week… aka the BLC. The moment we pulled in, we were greeted with open arms, wide smiles and the most contagious joy… any exhaustion from travel seemed to melt away.
Lunch was simple but delicious, local flavors served with love. After a bit of downtime to settle in and catch our breath, we received a full tour of the BLC. We got to see the spaces where these children sleep, study, and play….spaces that now feel a little more like sacred ground to us. It’s clear that this place is not just a home, but a refuge where God is at work in the everyday.
Later in the afternoon, some team members met the “Plomos” (older boys), and they welcomed us with laughter, incredible soccer (futbol) skills, and that irresistible energy only kids can bring. We played, chased, high-fived, and shared a joy that exceeded every language barrier.
As evening fell, we gathered around a bonfire with the younger boys first (Pequeno’s & Naranja’s), telling stories, introducing ourselves, having belly laughs from their sweet souls, and handing out more hugs than we could count. Later, the older boys (Plomo’s & Grande’s) joined us for their own bonfire time—a little quieter, more reflective, but no less meaningful. We shared a sweet moment that crossed all language barriers when we all worshiped and sang around the bonfire. These moments were the kind that sneak into your heart and stay there long after the smoke fades. These boys favorite things are futbol and basketball, so naturally we end every night playing these sports with them. The joy is contagious and the memories last a lifetime. Your heart strings already pull and start to plan next year's return.
Our feet are tired, but our hearts are full. We came to serve—but already, we’re being blessed more than we ever expected. Stay tuned as we continue to walk in what God is doing here in Cochabamba.
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With love from Bolivia!
2025 Storyhill Bolivia Team