"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who labor labor in vain."
The South America Mission Guesthouse was built aproximately 40 years ago on the out-skirts of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. At the time people wondered why they were building so far out of town. However, the city of Santa Cruz has grown dramatically in the past few years and now the "SAM" guesthouse sits relatively close to the center of the city.
The guesthouse sits on about 1/4 of a city block. Our address here is: 639 Nuno de la Cueva. The guesthoue/ SAM base consists of a building which houses the "sala" what Americans would think of as a living room, a dining area, kitchen, computer room and our apartment. There are two buildings on the grounds that house our guests. All total we have seven rooms which our guests live in. Each room is made differently, but the majority of our rooms have a full size bed and a set of bunk beds in them. There are communal bathrooms, (with locks for privacy), which have a shower, stool and sink. In total we can accomodate aprox 22 people comfortably, depending on number of each sex and whether there are families being housed. We also have a library with a variety of reading materials. At the back of the compound is a pastors training center called the "El Atrio." It is just one of many ways that SAM reaches out to the community, training potential leaders for God's work.
The SAM guesthouse was created primarily for our SAM missionaries. There are times when our missionaries are traveling through the area, or are in a time of transisiton and need a place to stay. Often missionaries are in periods of "limbo" when they are preparing to leave the mission field to go back to the states on furlough, returning to the field from the states on furlough, have have family and friends that are visiting Bolivia which need safe, comfortable housing.
Another important focus of the guesthouse is to house work teams that come down from the states to provide support to the missionaries, and work in areas of construction, medical support, evangelism, musical ministries, Christian education and much, much more. These teams stay at the guesthouse where we provide a clean, comfortable bed to sleep in, and delicious, nutritious meals that are safe to eat. Our busiest times are in the summer months, June through August, when churches in the states can organize missions trips to the area.
Another focus of the guesthouse is to be a meeting place for SAM missionaries in the area. Each Wednesday afternoon the guesthouse becomes a hub of activity where missionaries come for their weekly meeting to pray together, study the Bible, and to offer emotional support to one another. Following the meeting we sit together for a communal meal and fellowship together.
Important meetings and activities are centralized at the Guesthouse as well. It is an important aspect of the South America Mission ministries here in Santa Cruz.
Dan and I are often up at the crack of dawn working on meals. The days can be very busy and very long. Although we do have employees, (Nancy, Rosa, and Zaco), who work week-days, our work can be tiring. We are a support ministry, and that support does not have regular work hours, or a job description. Every day is a surprise and we try to be as flexible as possible. That is where our trust in God and His provision keeps us strong and helps us through the day. We serve a great God who is control of all things. Praise God for that!
Below is the offical document we keep at the guesthouse for visitors to help them should they have questions. Perhaps reading through the document will help our readers understand the guesthouse, the rules, how we financially operate, and our functioning capacity:
Welcome to South America Mission Base and Guest House
We hope that your stay with us is pleasant, relaxing and encouraging. In order to make your stay as comfortable as possible, please read the following information:
Security: Upon your arrival you will be given a room key, a key to the living/dining area, and two keys to the gate, one for the small door and one to open the paddle locked double doors used for vehicles. The gate is locked at all times so please keep your keys with you. We suggest that you lock your rooms when you are off the base premises. If you get locked out of your room the base hostess has extra keys. If you are locked out at the front gate, please ring the doorbell. If you leave the city for a period of time but plan on returning to the base, please leave your key with the host family. Please return them to your hosts when you check out. Please understand that lost keys can cause major concern. A fine will be assessed accordingly. Parents please do not let children answer the doors.
There is a full time guard at the “El Atrio,” which is the big building at the rear of the compound. Be mindful that we do have a 24 hour guard and he does walk through the property occasionally.
Quiet Times: Please observe a quiet time from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am nightly.
Telephone and E-mail: Please keep your calls short and record “all” phone calls on the phone log in the sala. Be sure and document the time prior to dialing and the time after you hang up. It is necessary to do this because often guest’s guesstamate their time and the guesthouse must eat the cost. Rates are posted in the front of the phone log. The expense of using the phone will be added to your base bill. There is a computer available to guests at no charge for the purpose of e-mail/ internet use. Ask the base hosts if you have any questions about e-mail. This is a Christian facility and we expect out guests to use wisdom as they surf the web.
Bathrooms: Please do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. The plumbing system here in Bolivia does not function in the same way it does in more modern countries. Put all paper and sanitary products in the trashcan. Please ask your hostess or maid for another garbage bag when you need one. The maid will dispose of garbage for you.
Base facilities: The living room, dining room and kitchen are for guests and you are welcome to use them when you so desire. Feel free to use these areas for reading, TV relaxation, or entertaining guests. Children are welcome as well. Please leave the area neat for the next person’s use.
The balcony area above the patio is also a great place to relax. If you use this area at night, remember that sound carries and be considerate of other guests and base personnel. Children under the age of twelve are not permitted on the balcony without being accompanied by an adult. Teens may use the balcony, but this is strictly at their parent’s discretion. Teens should ask for parental permission prior to using the balcony. For the benefit of all, no alcohol or smoking is permitted on the premises.
Outlets: Your room has both 110 and 220-VOLT outlets. The 110 outlets are brown or black and the 220 outlets are white. For the sake of your appliances, make sure you use the correct voltage. We are not responsible for damaged appliances.
Showers: The showers have electric showerheads and the water is heated as the water passes through. Therefore you have a choice of slower running hot water, or quick flowing cooler water. For your safety, do not touch the showerhead or switch on the wall during your shower. This is to avoid electrical shock.
Room Care: Towels and linens are provided and can be exchanged for clean ones by asking the hostess or base maid. The base maid will clean shared bathrooms but will not enter a private room unless asked to do so during your stay.
Kitchen: There are two refrigerators in the kitchen. Guests may use the first refrigerator as you enter the kitchen for storing smaller items such as sandwich meat, cheese, juice, soda pop, etc. You may use the kitchen to cook meals or use the micro wave oven. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans as well as dishes and silverware needed for putting together a meal. We do expect our guests to clean up after themselves and to put back all used items where they originally found them.
Maids and Workers: Please do not ask favors of the employees of the Mission. If you need assistance contact the hosts for arrangements.
Laundry: The Guest House provides laundry service most weekdays. Rosa, the base maid, is responsible to do this. You will find a hamper in your room. When you want clothes washed, put your hamper outside your door in the morning. If you have special instructions, please let us know so we can advise the maid. We ask that guests not use the laundry room except for ironing or hand washing of articles of clothing. Laundry is done Monday-Friday except in case of an emergency. If you need to have something washed on the weekend, please talk to the Base Hostess. Clothes are hung out on the clothesline if the sun is shining. Laundry Cost: $1.50 per load of wash. $1.50 per dryer load. The maid keeps a tally of washer and dryer loads in the laundry room. You will be charged for laundry at the end of your stay.
Children: The base or the base host and hostess do not provide babysitting services. Please be ready to supervise your children or make arrangements for someone else to watch them. Younger children should be supervised at all times. If you need to be away from the base, please make sure that your children have a responsible babysitter. Children may play outside on the playground equipment at their parent’s discretion. If your children play inside the Guest House, the parents are responsible to see that toys and other items are put away. Please do not allow children to eat in the living room area unless otherwise approved by your base hosts. Please let the base maid know if a plastic sheet is needed on your child’s bed. As good stewards, we want to protect the mattresses and assure a sweet smelling sleeping area for the next guest staying in that room. Portable cribs available on request. Children are not to play in the parking area or on the roof above the host apartment. . Children are not to throw the fruit, and fighting with sticks or poles is not acceptable. Children are to respect one another as well as those adults around them.
Water: Filtered water is available at all times. Each room will be provided with a thermos and cups, and cold water can also be found in the big blue igloo located on the counter between the kitchen and the sala. Glasses can be found in the cabinet above. While the water in Santa Cruz is relatively safe, for your health and well-being during your stay we recommend you use the filtered water provided.
Room Privacy: For obvious reasons unmarried males and females should refrain from spending time together in individual sleeping quarters.
Pets and Animals: Please do not bring animals without prior clearance from the hosts. We don’t allow pets inside the guest rooms.
Toy Closet: In front of the kitchen pass-thru is the toy closet. Please be sure all toys are put away in the toy closet when your children are done using them. A variety of games are also available but children using them taking care that the games remain intact. Small children may often put toys in their mouths. If your child is observed doing so, after they are finished playing with the toy, please place it on the kitchen counter for cleaning.
Library: Everyone is welcome to use the base library located at the rear of the base between Room #6 and the bodega. The library is often locked, and a key can be obtained from your hosts. Books and tapes removed from the library should be recorded in the library log on the center library table. They should be returned within a reasonable time, and when returned placed back on the shelf, and a line should be drawn across your name in the library log. Children under the age of 12 should only use the library when there is an adult present and library items can be checked out with the help of an adult.
Noise: Bolivian’s love to party and because of this we often have a night or two of loud music. We have found that the best way to handle this is to close the window of your room and turn the air conditioner on. There is however a $2.00 fee per night for air conditioner use per room.
Wednesday nights: Most Wednesdays at 4:00 pm S.A.M. personnel have a Bible study and prayer time in the El Atrio followed by a family meal at the base. Rather than using the kitchen on these evenings, guests are encouraged to join in and participate in the fellowship meal. Reservations can be made with the hosts or kitchen staff no later than 10:00 am the morning of the meal. There is however a $2.50 charge for each adult and children are charged between $1.75 to $2.00 depending on age. Everyone staying at the base is welcome to join us in the El Atrio for Bible study and prayer time as well. If the weather is good, children are expected to play outside during Bible study unless they choose to attend with the adults. Cold water will be provided by the porch swing with cups. Exceptions can be made for those children who need to do homework, and they will be permitted to work on their studies in the sala. If it appears that they are not studying, then base staff can choose to expel them from the sala.
Base property: The fruit, plants, flowers, limbs, etc….. should remain as they are. These things are here for “everyone’s” enjoyment and therefore should not be picked, played with or destroyed.
Repairs and Suggestions: Please let us know of any needed repairs as soon as possible. We always want the rooms and property to look their best. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated and will be thoughtfully considered. Thank you for your help!
Room Rates:
S.A.M. Missionaries: $3.00 for adults, and $1.50 for children
Individual Visitors: $6.50 for adults, and $3.50 for children
S.A.M. Teams: $6.50 for adults, and $3.00 for children
Non-S.A.M. Teams: $8.00 adults, and $4.00 for children
Paying for your stay: Please check with the Base Hostess before leaving, regarding payment of your bill. You will be charged for your room, meals that you may have eaten at the base, phone calls, air conditioning used, and laundry. You may pay in Bolivianos or dollars.
May the Lord bless our fellowship together during your stay. Let us know if we can be of help to you. We are here to serve you and to make your stay enjoyable.
If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to speak to the base hosts.
Guest House Phone Number: 352-2636
Mailing Address: Casilla 2010, Santa Cruz-Bolivia
Street Address: 639 Nuno de la Cueva
Hosts: Dan and Neva Abbott cell# 700-91166
e-mail address: danevabbott@yahoo.com
The South America Mission Guesthouse was built aproximately 40 years ago on the out-skirts of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. At the time people wondered why they were building so far out of town. However, the city of Santa Cruz has grown dramatically in the past few years and now the "SAM" guesthouse sits relatively close to the center of the city.
The guesthouse sits on about 1/4 of a city block. Our address here is: 639 Nuno de la Cueva. The guesthoue/ SAM base consists of a building which houses the "sala" what Americans would think of as a living room, a dining area, kitchen, computer room and our apartment. There are two buildings on the grounds that house our guests. All total we have seven rooms which our guests live in. Each room is made differently, but the majority of our rooms have a full size bed and a set of bunk beds in them. There are communal bathrooms, (with locks for privacy), which have a shower, stool and sink. In total we can accomodate aprox 22 people comfortably, depending on number of each sex and whether there are families being housed. We also have a library with a variety of reading materials. At the back of the compound is a pastors training center called the "El Atrio." It is just one of many ways that SAM reaches out to the community, training potential leaders for God's work.
The SAM guesthouse was created primarily for our SAM missionaries. There are times when our missionaries are traveling through the area, or are in a time of transisiton and need a place to stay. Often missionaries are in periods of "limbo" when they are preparing to leave the mission field to go back to the states on furlough, returning to the field from the states on furlough, have have family and friends that are visiting Bolivia which need safe, comfortable housing.
Another important focus of the guesthouse is to house work teams that come down from the states to provide support to the missionaries, and work in areas of construction, medical support, evangelism, musical ministries, Christian education and much, much more. These teams stay at the guesthouse where we provide a clean, comfortable bed to sleep in, and delicious, nutritious meals that are safe to eat. Our busiest times are in the summer months, June through August, when churches in the states can organize missions trips to the area.
Another focus of the guesthouse is to be a meeting place for SAM missionaries in the area. Each Wednesday afternoon the guesthouse becomes a hub of activity where missionaries come for their weekly meeting to pray together, study the Bible, and to offer emotional support to one another. Following the meeting we sit together for a communal meal and fellowship together.
Important meetings and activities are centralized at the Guesthouse as well. It is an important aspect of the South America Mission ministries here in Santa Cruz.
Dan and I are often up at the crack of dawn working on meals. The days can be very busy and very long. Although we do have employees, (Nancy, Rosa, and Zaco), who work week-days, our work can be tiring. We are a support ministry, and that support does not have regular work hours, or a job description. Every day is a surprise and we try to be as flexible as possible. That is where our trust in God and His provision keeps us strong and helps us through the day. We serve a great God who is control of all things. Praise God for that!
Below is the offical document we keep at the guesthouse for visitors to help them should they have questions. Perhaps reading through the document will help our readers understand the guesthouse, the rules, how we financially operate, and our functioning capacity:
Welcome to South America Mission Base and Guest House
We hope that your stay with us is pleasant, relaxing and encouraging. In order to make your stay as comfortable as possible, please read the following information:
Security: Upon your arrival you will be given a room key, a key to the living/dining area, and two keys to the gate, one for the small door and one to open the paddle locked double doors used for vehicles. The gate is locked at all times so please keep your keys with you. We suggest that you lock your rooms when you are off the base premises. If you get locked out of your room the base hostess has extra keys. If you are locked out at the front gate, please ring the doorbell. If you leave the city for a period of time but plan on returning to the base, please leave your key with the host family. Please return them to your hosts when you check out. Please understand that lost keys can cause major concern. A fine will be assessed accordingly. Parents please do not let children answer the doors.
There is a full time guard at the “El Atrio,” which is the big building at the rear of the compound. Be mindful that we do have a 24 hour guard and he does walk through the property occasionally.
Quiet Times: Please observe a quiet time from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am nightly.
Telephone and E-mail: Please keep your calls short and record “all” phone calls on the phone log in the sala. Be sure and document the time prior to dialing and the time after you hang up. It is necessary to do this because often guest’s guesstamate their time and the guesthouse must eat the cost. Rates are posted in the front of the phone log. The expense of using the phone will be added to your base bill. There is a computer available to guests at no charge for the purpose of e-mail/ internet use. Ask the base hosts if you have any questions about e-mail. This is a Christian facility and we expect out guests to use wisdom as they surf the web.
Bathrooms: Please do not flush toilet paper down the toilet. The plumbing system here in Bolivia does not function in the same way it does in more modern countries. Put all paper and sanitary products in the trashcan. Please ask your hostess or maid for another garbage bag when you need one. The maid will dispose of garbage for you.
Base facilities: The living room, dining room and kitchen are for guests and you are welcome to use them when you so desire. Feel free to use these areas for reading, TV relaxation, or entertaining guests. Children are welcome as well. Please leave the area neat for the next person’s use.
The balcony area above the patio is also a great place to relax. If you use this area at night, remember that sound carries and be considerate of other guests and base personnel. Children under the age of twelve are not permitted on the balcony without being accompanied by an adult. Teens may use the balcony, but this is strictly at their parent’s discretion. Teens should ask for parental permission prior to using the balcony. For the benefit of all, no alcohol or smoking is permitted on the premises.
Outlets: Your room has both 110 and 220-VOLT outlets. The 110 outlets are brown or black and the 220 outlets are white. For the sake of your appliances, make sure you use the correct voltage. We are not responsible for damaged appliances.
Showers: The showers have electric showerheads and the water is heated as the water passes through. Therefore you have a choice of slower running hot water, or quick flowing cooler water. For your safety, do not touch the showerhead or switch on the wall during your shower. This is to avoid electrical shock.
Room Care: Towels and linens are provided and can be exchanged for clean ones by asking the hostess or base maid. The base maid will clean shared bathrooms but will not enter a private room unless asked to do so during your stay.
Kitchen: There are two refrigerators in the kitchen. Guests may use the first refrigerator as you enter the kitchen for storing smaller items such as sandwich meat, cheese, juice, soda pop, etc. You may use the kitchen to cook meals or use the micro wave oven. The kitchen is fully equipped with pots and pans as well as dishes and silverware needed for putting together a meal. We do expect our guests to clean up after themselves and to put back all used items where they originally found them.
Maids and Workers: Please do not ask favors of the employees of the Mission. If you need assistance contact the hosts for arrangements.
Laundry: The Guest House provides laundry service most weekdays. Rosa, the base maid, is responsible to do this. You will find a hamper in your room. When you want clothes washed, put your hamper outside your door in the morning. If you have special instructions, please let us know so we can advise the maid. We ask that guests not use the laundry room except for ironing or hand washing of articles of clothing. Laundry is done Monday-Friday except in case of an emergency. If you need to have something washed on the weekend, please talk to the Base Hostess. Clothes are hung out on the clothesline if the sun is shining. Laundry Cost: $1.50 per load of wash. $1.50 per dryer load. The maid keeps a tally of washer and dryer loads in the laundry room. You will be charged for laundry at the end of your stay.
Children: The base or the base host and hostess do not provide babysitting services. Please be ready to supervise your children or make arrangements for someone else to watch them. Younger children should be supervised at all times. If you need to be away from the base, please make sure that your children have a responsible babysitter. Children may play outside on the playground equipment at their parent’s discretion. If your children play inside the Guest House, the parents are responsible to see that toys and other items are put away. Please do not allow children to eat in the living room area unless otherwise approved by your base hosts. Please let the base maid know if a plastic sheet is needed on your child’s bed. As good stewards, we want to protect the mattresses and assure a sweet smelling sleeping area for the next guest staying in that room. Portable cribs available on request. Children are not to play in the parking area or on the roof above the host apartment. . Children are not to throw the fruit, and fighting with sticks or poles is not acceptable. Children are to respect one another as well as those adults around them.
Water: Filtered water is available at all times. Each room will be provided with a thermos and cups, and cold water can also be found in the big blue igloo located on the counter between the kitchen and the sala. Glasses can be found in the cabinet above. While the water in Santa Cruz is relatively safe, for your health and well-being during your stay we recommend you use the filtered water provided.
Room Privacy: For obvious reasons unmarried males and females should refrain from spending time together in individual sleeping quarters.
Pets and Animals: Please do not bring animals without prior clearance from the hosts. We don’t allow pets inside the guest rooms.
Toy Closet: In front of the kitchen pass-thru is the toy closet. Please be sure all toys are put away in the toy closet when your children are done using them. A variety of games are also available but children using them taking care that the games remain intact. Small children may often put toys in their mouths. If your child is observed doing so, after they are finished playing with the toy, please place it on the kitchen counter for cleaning.
Library: Everyone is welcome to use the base library located at the rear of the base between Room #6 and the bodega. The library is often locked, and a key can be obtained from your hosts. Books and tapes removed from the library should be recorded in the library log on the center library table. They should be returned within a reasonable time, and when returned placed back on the shelf, and a line should be drawn across your name in the library log. Children under the age of 12 should only use the library when there is an adult present and library items can be checked out with the help of an adult.
Noise: Bolivian’s love to party and because of this we often have a night or two of loud music. We have found that the best way to handle this is to close the window of your room and turn the air conditioner on. There is however a $2.00 fee per night for air conditioner use per room.
Wednesday nights: Most Wednesdays at 4:00 pm S.A.M. personnel have a Bible study and prayer time in the El Atrio followed by a family meal at the base. Rather than using the kitchen on these evenings, guests are encouraged to join in and participate in the fellowship meal. Reservations can be made with the hosts or kitchen staff no later than 10:00 am the morning of the meal. There is however a $2.50 charge for each adult and children are charged between $1.75 to $2.00 depending on age. Everyone staying at the base is welcome to join us in the El Atrio for Bible study and prayer time as well. If the weather is good, children are expected to play outside during Bible study unless they choose to attend with the adults. Cold water will be provided by the porch swing with cups. Exceptions can be made for those children who need to do homework, and they will be permitted to work on their studies in the sala. If it appears that they are not studying, then base staff can choose to expel them from the sala.
Base property: The fruit, plants, flowers, limbs, etc….. should remain as they are. These things are here for “everyone’s” enjoyment and therefore should not be picked, played with or destroyed.
Repairs and Suggestions: Please let us know of any needed repairs as soon as possible. We always want the rooms and property to look their best. Any suggestions you have will be appreciated and will be thoughtfully considered. Thank you for your help!
Room Rates:
S.A.M. Missionaries: $3.00 for adults, and $1.50 for children
Individual Visitors: $6.50 for adults, and $3.50 for children
S.A.M. Teams: $6.50 for adults, and $3.00 for children
Non-S.A.M. Teams: $8.00 adults, and $4.00 for children
Paying for your stay: Please check with the Base Hostess before leaving, regarding payment of your bill. You will be charged for your room, meals that you may have eaten at the base, phone calls, air conditioning used, and laundry. You may pay in Bolivianos or dollars.
May the Lord bless our fellowship together during your stay. Let us know if we can be of help to you. We are here to serve you and to make your stay enjoyable.
If you have any questions or problems, please feel free to speak to the base hosts.
Guest House Phone Number: 352-2636
Mailing Address: Casilla 2010, Santa Cruz-Bolivia
Street Address: 639 Nuno de la Cueva
Hosts: Dan and Neva Abbott cell# 700-91166
e-mail address: danevabbott@yahoo.com
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