Sandoval Family: March 2006

Thanks to the brethren at Austin Ave. we have been, and will continue to be able to visit the church in Vina del Mar on a yearly basis. Recently, we were able to make this trip, and what a blessing!

South American Airline Blues

We had been planning this trip for some time, but when it came time to actually get our tickets, we were reminded, "Nothing difficult is ever easy!" The main Bolivian airlines LAB (Lloyd Aereo Boliviano) had been having some difficulties for a while, and just when we were about to make our trip, IT GOT WORSE!

First of all, we got bumped from Monday, February 20th to Tuesday the 21st; then from Tuesday to Thursday; then from Thursday to Saturday. Finally, on Friday, we were notified that LAB could not guarantee our flight back to Bolivia and that it would be best to change airlines. This meant total confusion! We did finally leave Cochabamba on Saturday at noon, but didn't arrive in Vina del Mar until Sunday at 9:30 pm. This was the longest 3 hour flight we have ever taken! We went from Cochabamba to La Paz (where we spent the night. See pic.) to Arica (Chile) to Iquique (Chile) to Santiago to Vina del Mar (by bus). As you can imagine, during this time we had "The South American Airline Blues."

Hopefully within the next few months or maybe years, who knows, the local airlines will solve it's problems. Until then, we are recommending to all, "When you come to Bolivia, fly American Airlines."

The Family Visit

While on this trip we took advantage and crossed The Andes (by bus) to visit family in Mendoza, Argentina (See pic of Mt. Aconcagua 23,000 asl). This was a very important trip we had to make since Trish wasn't able to return to Argentina when her father passed away last May. She was able to spend much time with her brothers and sisters, and specially with her mother, reminiscing over past times and some of the details of her father's passing on. This trip turned out being very encouraging for all, and helped to bring some closure for Trish.

The highlight of the trip was her being able to scatter her father's ashes from an airplane, over the foothills of The Andes. This came much to a surprise to her since her family hadn't told her about it until we got there. They waited all of this time so she could have a part in the family's final farewell of their father, grandfather and husband.

While in Mendoza we also got to enjoy one of our favorite passtimes, enjoying a cappuccino in a sidewalk cafe. Mendoza is a wonderful city to visit, and one that stays up pretty late. One night we went for a cup of coffee at 12:30 a.m., and there were still tons of people doing the exact same thing.

We would like to thank all of you who prayed for us while on this trip, and to those who helped make it possible!

An Encouraging Visit to Vina del Mar

During this trip we were blessed with being able to spend 10 wonderful days in our former hometown. It was great to see our brethren again, and we were encouraged by their faithfulness.

The church in Vina has been dealing with different situations, and problems which are typical for any congregation. It was great to see how they have grown and matured through these, and how close many of them have become.
While in Vina, we spent most of our time making the rounds, going from house to house, and enjoying the company and cooking of our brethren. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with:

Geoffrey, Maria Luisa, Macarena and Melanie. They are doing so good, and the girls have grown so much. We were encouraged by their steadfast cooperation with the work of the church and their closeness as a family. Macarena was recently baptized and is a very good influence for others her age.

Angel, Laura, Loreto and Roberto are always prepared to receive us with a wonderful meal and great conversation. Angel has especially been helpful in teaching the Thursday night Bible class.

Brenda and her five kids, Connie, Catalina, Julio, Barbara and Alvaro continue to struggle because of their family situation, but they are now in a new house (apartment), and so happy to be out of such a precarious living situation. We were encouraged how well they work together in order to function as a family and how faithful they are regardless of problems. Just to give you an idea, when Alvaro was born, Brenda was allowed to leave the hospital at 10:45 a.m. She was in church at 11:15, just 15 minutes late. We were also encouraged by how happy they are amid such a difficult life. Connie is now 15 and turning into a fine Christian young lady.

Igor, Miriam and their 2 boys, Victor and Bruno are doing very well. I was impressed with their attitude to work with the church regardless of some of the doctrinal differences they have. Victor was recently baptized, and has made some very important changes in his life. Bruno is on the same track.

Francisco and Magaly continue to serve the church in so many ways. They have such servant hearts, and are truly concerned for the wellbeing of the church. Their daughter Macarena continues to attend worship and Bible class, but still has not decided to put Christ on in baptism. We pray that the influence of her parents lives will lead her to make a decision soon.

Raul and Cruz have proven to be true servants and very hard workers. Raul has been working in Santiago for over a year. This has proven to be a heavy burden for them, none the less, he continues to work very hard with the church, making sure needs are met and serving as a counselor in so many ways. He leaves at 5:30 a.m., and doesn't get home until 10 p.m., yet manages to do so much for the church. He has been a tremendous example to me of "redeeming the time", taking advantage of every minute of the day. Their 2 children, Victoria and Emanuel are growing up so fast.

There are so many others who do so much behind the scenes. Bible teachers, preachers and those who spend time encouraging others. The truth is, we thought we were going to Vina to encourage the church, and we are the ones who have been encouraged. There are difficulties and problems they are dealing with, but that is the encouraging thing; They are dealing with them! Please pray for this wonderful congregation that is trying to do it's very best to represent Christ in Vina del Mar.