Day 7 | Sunrise, Swimming & Sweet Goodbyes
Our last full day in Bolivia started bright and very early—at 5:30am we laced up our shoes and headed out for a sunrise hike. We climbed up to an old abandoned church perched on a hill, and when we reached the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view over the city below. There’s something about watching the sunrise with people you’ve served, prayed, and laughed alongside all week that makes you pause and say, God, You are so good.
After we hiked back down, we circled up for one final morning devotion, giving thanks for all God has done here and for how He’s used us, ordinary people with open hands. Then it was breakfast and back to work. We threw ourselves into the gym project one last time, determined to get as much done as possible before the day swept us away. Paintbrushes moved fast, bolts were tightened, corners were touched up, with every swipe of paint was a prayer for the boys who will grow stronger in this space.
One of our sweetest traditions is “Park Day” on the last day—time set aside just to be with the boys. This year, we took it to the next level with a trip to an indoor pool. There’s nothing quite like watching boys cannonball into clear water, splashing away any worries for a few hours. Some of us traded swimsuits for volleyball on the open-air court, while others gathered for snacks, card games, or even a cat nap in the warm Bolivian sun. Some of us braved the water and splashed around with the Pequeno’s helping them enjoy the freedom of the water and helping them swim. It was simple, silly, and exactly what our hearts needed.
For dinner, we had a taste of home — hamburgers. It was the perfect comfort food to fuel us for one last push.
After dinner, we couldn’t resist heading back to the gym. We wanted to finish what we started and for a final round of work we installed the dip bar, the pull-up bar, painted the last details, and added the Scripture that will live on the walls, reminding the boys daily of who God says they are.
We ended this last night exactly as we should: gathered around a crackling fire and hearts full and wide open. One by one, we took turns speaking life over each other, calling out the good we’ve seen, the ways we’ve watched each person step up, serve bravely, love deeply. Tears mixed with laughter, hugs were shared, and the warmth of the fire matched the warmth of the love we felt for this little team God pieced together for such a time as this.
It’s hard to believe tomorrow we pack our bags and say goodbye (for now) to this place and these people who’ve stolen our hearts. But we leave changed, more aware than ever that when we show up, He shows off.
We can’t wait to come home and tell you every story. Until then, goodnight from Bolivia, with hearts full to overflowing.
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With love from Bolivia!
2025 Storyhill Bolivia Team
