"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love," (Eph. 3,17)
On the 21st of September 2019 at 7 pm, I separated myself from my family. I knew up to
now a new adventure in my life would begin. Three months away from my family, without
knowing what was expecting me. After a long journey, I landed in Santa Cruz, where a
small person, our missionary Paulina and her tall son Daniel, had picked me up. Although
I was tired from the long journey, I felt wide awake because of the excitement. The
people, the city, nature, everything was new and unknown. I was shocked at how dangerous
and chaotic the traffic here was. Every time I crossed the street, I held M. Paulina's
hand because I was afraid of being run over. It was also difficult for me to understand
Bolivian Spanish.
The English classes gave me a lot of joy and it was my main occupation. I liked to watch the
students doing exercises in pairs and how they were improving little by little. I am very proud
of my students and thankful that they participated with such commitment.
Maybe I didn't come to Bolivia at the most ideal time. But the peaceful citizen strike against
the fraud of Evo M. showed me a side of Bolivia that I could not have experienced otherwise. The
solidarity of the people touched me very much. And during this time I had more time for myself,
additionally, I could spend more time with the children from the church.
My prayer topics were that I could get to know my own self more deeply and that I could
strengthen my relationship with God. I and my friends were asking us if I would return as a
completely different person. I can already answer this question now: I will definitely return as
a different Hanna because my perspective on the world and life has widened. I no longer have
only the comfortable Swiss life in my mind, I have seen another side of our world.
I also think that I have become more mature and independent. I have learned how to be more
involved in the household. And now I know that I can take care of myself. Going to a small shop
alone and buying something cost me courage. Calling a taxi cost me 15 minutes to overcome. I
know it sounds very banal and a 7-year-old child could do exactly the same but for me,
everything was new and unknown.
Thanks to God I didn't miss my home too much. I had regular contact with my family. My father
also sent me the German DB every day. And with my mother, I had a Bible study every Friday.
The weekly group Bible study about Romans, the regular testimony writing and reciting, the daily
bread devotion and other church activities kept me very close to God. Here I could study God's
Word more intensively. I also loved to get to know new Christians, the personal and individual
faith always inspires me very much. God has given me the desire in my heart to become a servant
of God. I strongly believe that God will take me to a great woman of faith.
Now, looking back, I can say that I have become more courageous, independent and self-confident
and have once again come out of my "princess bubble". I now understand Bolivian Spanish better
and have also learned new Bolivian expressions such as 'Está buenango' or 'nos cheque.' And I
can confidently cross the streets alone, call a taxi alone, drive a micro (bus) alone and
maintain the household.
I can't believe that the time in Bolivia has come to an end. I have had a very nice time here
which I owe to the people here who made my stay more beautiful. I came as a stranger, but I was
directly lovingly accepted by the community. I really appreciate the work in this church. I
would especially like to thank the missionaries Paulina and Esteban Cho for welcoming me into
their house like their own daughter and providing me with delicious vegetarian dishes. I thank
each one of you who prayed for me, chatted with me and spent time with me. I have all been very
fond of them and will miss the people and Santa Cruz very much. I will never forget this trip,
it was a great change in my life.
This verse especially encouraged me to search even more for God and every time I was worried,
this verse calmed my heart.
I continue to pray for my faith and my identity and that God will protect me during my stay in
Brazil and Argentina so that I can learn and see more about God's works in South America.
