A Drive Through The Andes

Cochabamba Bolivia, South America, is a city of about 2 million people. It is spread out in a valley that is almost completely surrounded on one side by the beautiful Andes mountains. In the winter it never rains, so the dust and pollution all hovers over the city, creating a horrible and health damaging atmosphere. Don't get me wrong, I like Cochabamba (okay, I’ll admit to this much, I like it sometimes. We have a love-hate relationship, you see), but it just gets less lovable in the wintertime! 

So last Tuesday, my family and some friends decided to go for a drive to see some of these mountains, and to get up out of the dusty city. We look at them from afar every day, but it’s not the same as getting up close and really enjoying God’s marvelous creation!

As we rode, we sang lots of songs and choruses in Spanish and English! 

We stopped for a few minutes and hiked around at a waterfall. It was beautiful. 

Up and up we went until we came to the spot where we could see for, literally, hundreds of 

miles.

 We could see the tallest mountain in Bolivia, Illimani (i-yē-mawn-ē), and as you see in the picture, the ranges between as well.

The wind was blowing and it was sooo cold!! We stopped at a small lake and took some pictures.

Paula and best friend, Janet

The whole family! Left to right: Daddy, Paula, Clancy, Ruth, Myles, Mama, Clara, me. 

The whole group (minus Daddy)! L-R: Janet, Clancy, Edie, Mama, Myles, Ruth, Danyelle, Clara, Courtney, Joe, Me, Dan, Paula, Franco.

We drove down a little ways and found a nice spot for our picnic. It was at the foot of a small hill which blocked most of the wind. The boys made a fire and we ate some delicious chicken and ham sandwiches! 

After a bit of exploring we all loaded up and headed on down the trail! On the way back we sang most of the songs from “The Sound of Music” and some from “Singin’ in the Rain”. So much fun! 

The winding road! Thankfully there wasn't much traffic. 

La llajta, Cochabamba! 

We all had a blast and made lots of memories! We hope to go on another drive through the Andes again soon! 

Emily Jo 

Side Note/Update: I said it never rains but actually we just had a bout of rare weather and it rained for a whole day! I was so excited to see it raining when I woke up, that I told my mom that it was like waking up to a fresh snowfall! 

The Heavens declare the GLORY of GOD and the Firmament showeth His HANDIWORK. Psalm 19:1 

Promise: Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11