Wednesday was kind of a blur, as I still felt rotten and weak and couldn’t get out to do anything. Certain aspects of this thing just wouldn’t let up. Couldn’t figure out what the problem was and was beginning to suspect a parasite of some kind. Everyone was worried. I just wanted to be able to preach, and not have my gut hurt!

In the morning, tract distribution was scheduled, and Pastor David had prepared about 3000 to send out. I heard them when they left, and when they came back. They were pretty excited. All 3000 had been given out in about an hour, and they came up to see me and tell me how people crossed the street to come and get a tract, how eager many were to receive one, how exciting it was, how they wished people in the States wanted to hear about the good news of Christ with the same determination. They had a good time.

The afternoon was free time so the team could go out and do some shopping. They had been looking forward to this for a long time, and I was very sorry not to go with them. I stayed in bed, feeling marginally stronger and wanting to keep it that way. It was very quiet during the afternoon, and I slept it away. Meanwhile, they were busy! They enjoyed exploring the Witches’ Market area and finding their own places to buy gifts of thanks and remembrance for people back home. By the time they returned, they were pretty tired, but showed me the stuff they bought like warriors returning in triumph. And, some of them did really well in the bartering – others, well, let’s just say they were a little too soft-hearted!

I tried eating a very little before the service, but it didn’t set very well, so I quit. One of the church members came up to the office about a half hour before the service – he was helping conduct the opening parts of the service – and started talking to me about my symptoms. He’s a dentist, a very fine man, and was quite concerned for me. His name is Victor, and a good friend. Anyway, after hearing what was going on, he said it was clear to him that I had an intestinal infection, not a parasite, and he knew what I needed. He and Roldan took off to a local pharmacy and were back in a few minutes with some strong antibiotics and some other things, including an instant Bolivian version of Gatorade, and got me going on it. I was ready to try anything.

The Lord helped me through a long, emotional farewell service, and the message went pretty well. Started slow. Ed told me it took about 5 minutes for the engine to start running properly, and it felt that way. But the Lord gave the strength, and the preaching seemed to go well. I usually am a little on the longish side anyway, and these messages are all translated – even though I shorten them a bit, it’s still twice as long due to the translation, so we go about an hour. It was a long time to stand, but I hardly felt it once I got going. The Lord was good. I’ll admit I was ready to sit down, though!

Well, Victor’s prescription worked. I slept through the night for the first time since Saturday, and woke up feeling alive again. So well, in fact, that I spent the day with the team walking (slowly!) around La Paz through a museum and in some nice parks with views of the city, even doing a little shopping with them. Was pretty wiped by the end of the day, but it was great to be out again, and to spend our last day in Bolivia in fellowship with more than my pillow.

It was a beautiful, warm day, and the museum we went to was a great way for the team to get to know the history and culture of the area. It even had rooms full of silver and gold from the Inca days, and lots of dioramas, costumes, weapons, etc., from a the various eras of La Paz’ history. It’s located in a preserved area of old colonial La Paz that takes you back a couple of hundred years to what the streets were like then. The parks are perched on top of ridges that overlook the city, and have a lot of big toys (concrete and steel, not wood like here) and play areas for kids. My particular favorite thing to do in Laikkota Park is to spin the kids around on the merry-go-round until they scream for mercy, and then they laugh and want me to do it again. Once I start with a few of them, any kid within sight comes running to jump on. It’s fun. The girls and Pastor David slid down a giant slide, and Ed and a few others allowed themselves to be swallowed by a giant alligator. The locals must think we’re crazy.

After lunch it was time to finish up the last minute shopping before heading back to the church for a special farewell meal. It was a feast, and Gloria and Gonzaga worked all day preparing it. My only regret was that I couldn’t hardly eat anything. But no one else seemed to have that difficulty, and the food was delicious. They had even obtained a cake from a local bakery and we had a wonderful celebration. Gloria and Gonzaga have worked so hard throughout our time here, with absolute joy and a determination not to let us do anything for ourselves that they could do for us. They are very special people.

So the day ended with last minute packing – had to get up at 3:30 in the morning or so. Rachel and Liz were determined to just stay up all night, which they did, and I think regretted doing the next day! The Quisberts and Irustas all came the next morning with us to the airport, and patiently waited while we got checked in, guarding our carry-on stuff. We all went to breakfast at Burger King in the airport before tearfully saying goodbye. These are good friends, well-met, and it has been a trip that no one will quickly forget. Thanks for your prayers. After about 20 hours of travel, all are safely home!