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Answers to Most of Your Questions

Q: If I were to come down, would I be working all the time? I mean all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...

A: No, we don't expect you to be working all the time. As was mentioned on a previous page, the work here is harder due to the mental, physical and spiritual pressures. It would be expected that you 'work' 4 to 6 hours a day. Of course there will also be time for recreation, outings and general touristy type things.

Keep in mind that the cost of living/using our facilities is way cheap; it's meant to be that way to accommodate mission trips, not tourist trips. If you want to come for tourism, the price is different.

Q: What sight seeing things are there to see?

A: Well, Cochabamba isn't exactly the tourist capital of South America. However, we are about five hours from the Jungle region and that's always way cool. You could also consider a weekend trip to Lake Titicaca and Tiahuanacu. Other than that, experiencing the life here is enough to stun most people.

Q: Do I have to speak Spanish or some other funny language to come?

A: No, you don't need to speak Spanish to work here. However, depending on your length of stay, it's strongly recommended that you take some lessons while here. And, of course, you'll have a tremendous opportunity to practice as the girls speak very little English.

Q:Are there any clothing restrictions?

A: Absolutely. Modesty is the name of the game here. Most people can logically figure out the rules: No tank tops, short shirts, short shorts or lycra. If there is any question, Linda is the judge. If you come with the wrong type of clothes, no problem: there is a great used clothing market here where you can pick up some nifty T-shirts. See the What-to-Bring page.

Q: What about Internet and phone service?

A: There is no Internet service on site however there are dozens of Internet Cafés in town. The connection speed is acceptable and it's cheap; about 40 US cents an hour. Most Internet Cafés also have long distance phone service for a very reasonable rate: about 15 US cents a minute.

IF you need to use the phone from our homes (for example, you must call at 10pm) it's about $1/minute. Yes, it is expensive.

Q: So, seven bucks a day, what does that cover?

A: The seven dollars/day covers the basic expenses. It's for a room, hot water, electricity and two meals (lunch and dinner) per day. You'll have access to a small kitchen so you can purchase what you need in the market for a simple breakfast and snacks. By the way, $7/day is cheaper than the least expensive hotel in any of Bolivia's cities or tourist areas. We don't wanna hear any complaints, eh?

Q: Speaking of food, I won't have to eat anything weird will I?

A: Lamb's head soup is common in the country... When you eat meals here on site, the menu is pretty basic: potatoes, rice and (known) meat. You will have the opportunity to eat some meals with the girls; they eat pretty basic. In town, you'll find every sort of delicious meals including Pizza and Hamburgers.

Q: What about good, clean drinking water?

A: We have a RO water filter that we use here. In addition you can buy bottled water in town at about any store. You do need to be careful where you eat and drink as typical, third-world country diseases are common here.

Q: Diseases? What types of diseases?

A: Hepatitis and Typhoid are fairly common. Yellow Fever is common in the Jungle region. There have been 5 cases of human rabies (from dog bites) in Cochabamba in 2004. Yes, there is a risk here that you should be aware of and prepared for. You can get Hepatitis and Typhoid jabs in the States. You can get a Yellow Fever jab here for free. You MUST be careful of street dogs.

Q: What about living accommodations?

A: We have a couple cabins here. They are rustic but (we think) acceptable. There is a bathroom and shower next door. They are not heated but most of the time you won't need it. During the Winter months, May through August, you'll need a couple extra blankets.

Q: What's Maracuya?

A: Um, in English, I believe it's called “Passion Fruit”. It has nothing to do with passion though and tastes pretty good.

Q: I read your website and it has a real Conservative Christian feel to it. What's up with that?

A: Yup, sure does. God is what's up. We are trying to live what Jesus spoke of: Love for God and Love for Man. It's all about Jesus Christ; the only true way. It's weird to some that we seem so 'social' and yet conservative. Like those don't mix? Maybe not in the main stream, but Jesus sure mixed them.

Q: Can you help out with the travel plans?

A: Sure, no problem. Actually it would be our preference for us to give you some input. Flights to Miami are no problem, but you need to be careful how you choose the flight from Miami to Cochabamba or you may end up paying much more than normal and be inconvenienced beyond what you can tolerate. You can book the flights, but please let us give you some advise.

Q: Your Q&A is directed to the Yanks... Would you let a “foreigner” come visit?

A: Yeah, sorry about that. The info is directed to the US folks as it seems as though that is where the response/questions come from. However, we would delight in visits from our mates from Australia, our lovely English friends or our Canadian neighbors (eh?). Actually, anyone who is willing to walk the line with the Lord and become a servant to the children is welcome. The missionary community in Cochabamba is made up of folks from 15-20 nations with one common link: Jesus Christ.

Q: How much money should I bring and in what form?

A: That really depends on how much you will want to spend on 'stuff'. You could probably count on spending $20-25 per week on transportation around town, snacks, Etc. You'll need to bring $20 for eating during the trip down and back (the airlines don't serve the great food like they used to) and $25 for exit fees when you leave. What you spend beyond that is completely up to you. There are ATMs here where you can get cash with a major credit card but the charge to use them is quite steep. It is most convenient to bring US Dollars and avoid travelers checks as they are difficult to cash and you will pay a fee.

If you have any additional questions, please email us.

If we print your question, we will treat you to a (1) free Maracuya Milk Shake after you get here.

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