We made it to La Paz! The flight went well and all is good. Jarred got stopped at both security checkpoints because he is a pretty suspicious person, but other than that no troubles getting into the country. Woke up at 4 am on the plane to catch the sunrise, it was amazing. We flew over the mountians while the sun was coming up and all I can come up with is that Gods pretty big. The city is very interesting, even as I type I can barely think because of all the car horns and yelling from buses. I think we are going to a soccer game tonight so that should be fun. Keep us in your prayers. Miss and love you mom, dad, tay, cars, boo, and cam.

Mucho amor,

Addison

Jarred Griffin and Addison Shock are flying to Bolivia today. They will be serving in our internado in Ixiamas as interns for three months. While in Ixiamas, they will be posting to the blog to keep everyone updated about their experience. Please check regularly for their posts.

As I packed for the three-month trip last night, I hit a wall when my bag was completely full and I still had several things left to put in it. At first I was frustrated, and then I smiled and thought to myself, “Jarred, you are such an American.” I began to see things as not as important as they were fifteen minutes prior. I decided I didn’t need four pairs of shoes, or seven shirts, or a bulky bottle of peroxide. Before I began packing, I was positive that one of the most important “items to bring” were my steel toed boots. “These are a must-have,” I thought to myself. Before I was finished, I was somewhat mad at myself for putting so much emphasis on something so huge, heavy, and uncomfortable. Through this packing experience, I was reminded of something Donald Miller writes about in Through Painted Deserts. In his book, Miller tells of his experience with overpacking for a hike into the Grand Canyon. He compared it to life in that we often times weigh ourselves down with things we think are important but in the end turn out to be a hindrance. Nevertheless, I am excited about leaving today and I am ready to get to work.

Jarred

Yesterday, Marie attended Pinson UMC‘s mission night. Pinson invited several agencies and organizations through which their members participate. We look forward to helping Pinson’s members become more involved with SIFAT.

On Wednesday, Jan. 9, Marie will be speaking at the Golden K Kiwanis‘ monthly meeting in Carrollton, Ga. She is looking forward to introducing this organization to SIFAT and helping its members find ways to engage in SIFAT.

Would you like to schedule a SIFAT speaker for your group? Call the SIFAT office at (256) 396-2015, or e-mail Marie or Haley.

The Learn & Serve (L&S) section of our website received a facelift! Check it out at www.sifat.org/learnandserve.

L&S is SIFAT’s summer experience for mid-high through senior high students. Both youth groups and individuals can attend. If you are interested in becoming a counselor or attending, contact L&S director Jamie Waldhour, waldhourj@sifat.org.

Sessions begin on Sunday afternoon and end Friday morning.  L&S 2008 starts June 1 and finishes August 1. We hope to see you for “Three Sixty”