Grand opening!

At the end of August, we officially celebrated the opening of the new MCC center in Charagua Station!

The MCC Bolivia directors, Cesar and Lizette Flores, together with Hans and Elma Schroeder (Low German Mennonite program coordinators), Irina and Jerry Hiebert (LGM staff from Santa Cruz) and kids came for a few days to mark the event. We were open for usual business on the day of the open house, but also had prizes, refreshments, and lots of terere. Ramont and I were pleased with how many folks came by--mostly Mennonites, particularly from Durango Colony--and how long they stayed and visited. Colony Mennonites are our biggest customers generally, but we've been pleased with how many Bolivian community members (especially school kids) use the library. It's a good way for us to meet people and connect with them in their interest areas. The center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which allows us time to visit the colonies and do other work as well.

A few more scenes from the grand opening:

Observing a few moments of [something] before a dedicatory prayer in the morning.













A common scene in front of the center.

Visiting in front of the center, on our town's main street.

Durango Colony leadership in a lighter moment with Jerry Hiebert and Ramont.

Irina Hiebert checking out books for the women.














Irina, Elma Schroeder, Lizette Flores, Elisabeth.















The group stayed at our house for several nights, so we had some good visiting time as well. Here finishing up breakfast, while below Cesar and Hans are heating up to make giso for dinner.