God is incredible.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Belated 4 Month Anniversary, Safe arrival to Miami, Visas, & Many spiritual things in between
The 12th marked yet another momentous occasion here in Bolivia (However, I am writting this from Florida). 4 months in Bolivia! How incredible. The best part is that this last month proved to be even more of a challenge than the previous months.
Month 4 Highlights:
-Beginning to work at Carchipampa Christian School full time. I teach elementary (grades 1-6) Art and PE. All those summers of Camp Counseling have paid off
-Officially beginning small groups at CIC. My small group is a group of young women from ages 12-15 ish
-Succesful wisdom teeth removal
-I extended my trip by 5 months (My new come home date will be early to mid june after school is out)
As many of you have heard or read, I had to head back to the States for 12 days in hopes of fixing my visa and returning quickly. I arrived safely after quite a few hectic days of travel. I am currently staying with Aunt Suzi and Uncle Tony in Florida. Staying here has been a blessing in so many ways. Allowing me to stay with them for such a long time and their wonderful hospitality (And the pool doesn't hurt :) ) Admist a bit of turmoil in my visa process and in spiritual frustrations I have found great strength in the oppurtunity to relax, refresh, and begin to refocus on ministry in Bolivia.
As for my visa. Well, that is a tale that I am nervous to tell. Upon arriving, getting a visa seemed nearly impossible. Everyone around me expressed their doubts and concerns, in right. However, upon leaving Bolivia, those closest to me were in prayer that God would give me people along the way, in this process, to guide me. God has been incredibly faithful in this request. When I called the embassy in DC on Monday, I recieved wonderful news about my visa and sent my application out that afternoon. A few ups and downs later, I think the end is in sight. I was told today, Wednesday, that my visa was in route back to me here in FL. However, please keep in mind and prayer that a number of things could still go wrong with my visa and so this is not yet a guarantee. Yet, if I recieve my passport tomorrow and all is well, I imagine you will find quite a joyous blog by mid-day tomorrow :)
What does this all mean for my faith? This may possibly be the most honest blog I have written, as this has been the greatest struggle I have faced since arriving in Bolivia. All of you have been present in my process in getting to Bolivia this last May. I spent the better part of the year being mentored by Pastor Judy, Paul, Rich, and the staff at NP. I spent a great deal of time fundraising and working to raise funds to support my stay. And I spent the most time, in deep prayer. The process was not easy, not then nor in retrospect, however there was not a doubt in my mind that this was exactly where God was calling me.
Why then, a short four months into my stay did things begin to shift? Several times in the last month I have come across the verse "God giveth and God taketh away." And so when this issue of returning to the states to fix my visa rose, I was pretty sure God was preparing me to not return. As political tensions rose I was certain that God was preparing my heat to return to Chicago. Goodness was I angry. And confused.
I love Bolivia. I love being a servant there. But what was it all for? God-certainly. But my focus was lost. (This is where the brutal honesty comes in...) Although I continued to serve God and continued to think of myself as a disciple, I found myself farther and farther from why I came. And when Bolivia was being taken from me, I suddenly did not want to serve in Chicago. I have grown to understand and love God deeper in the last few months than I have in my life. Yet, why was I serving? The night Andrea and I arrived in Bolivia we laid in bed talking about the day we would arrive back in the states. The way that our families would embrace us and the stories we would tell. Suddenly, I was back in Miami and I was alone in many forms of the word. This was not the plan.
In retrospect, God has given me several oppurtunities to learn this lesson in the last four months. Three times, that come to mind, God has 'said' to me "fully rely on Me." And I thought I was. When my Aunt had surgery a few months ago now, I found myself leaving camp early driving over an hour to the closest phone only to nearly yell at my Uncle for his lack of communication. Where was my faith? I knew she was in God's hands. I knew he was caring for her. Yet, some how that was not enough. Sadly, I have more tales just the same. Which brings me to Miami.
I have been stripped of all of my securities. And finally, I have no choice, but to FULLY rely on God. When everyone around me was saying how impossible getting back to Bolivia was, God said no it was not. And so for four days, I prayed. I prayed in a way I haven't in years.
When I moved in with Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob almost 7 years ago no longer did I think I NEEDed God in the way that I do. I had friends and family taking care of me. But I am not in Bolivia to serve my friends, my family, my church, my college, my home. Simply my God. God literally stripped me back to the basics. Brought me away from my distractions and even away from my servitude (Even after all those sermons on Sabbath at F.U.M. of PR. I still was not even practicing this idea). It was the only way I could hear. And boy, have things become clear.
Not a day goes by that I do not think and pray for each of you. I miss home quite often. But this year is more than that. It's about shaping my future and the future of those in my life. It's about being a leader and a servant. By no means do I think I have figured any of this out, but it is certainly much more clear.
I have been faithfully reading Psalm 46 as prescribed by a dear friend and leader in my life in Bolivia.
Month 4 Highlights:
-Beginning to work at Carchipampa Christian School full time. I teach elementary (grades 1-6) Art and PE. All those summers of Camp Counseling have paid off
-Officially beginning small groups at CIC. My small group is a group of young women from ages 12-15 ish
-Succesful wisdom teeth removal
-I extended my trip by 5 months (My new come home date will be early to mid june after school is out)
As many of you have heard or read, I had to head back to the States for 12 days in hopes of fixing my visa and returning quickly. I arrived safely after quite a few hectic days of travel. I am currently staying with Aunt Suzi and Uncle Tony in Florida. Staying here has been a blessing in so many ways. Allowing me to stay with them for such a long time and their wonderful hospitality (And the pool doesn't hurt :) ) Admist a bit of turmoil in my visa process and in spiritual frustrations I have found great strength in the oppurtunity to relax, refresh, and begin to refocus on ministry in Bolivia.
As for my visa. Well, that is a tale that I am nervous to tell. Upon arriving, getting a visa seemed nearly impossible. Everyone around me expressed their doubts and concerns, in right. However, upon leaving Bolivia, those closest to me were in prayer that God would give me people along the way, in this process, to guide me. God has been incredibly faithful in this request. When I called the embassy in DC on Monday, I recieved wonderful news about my visa and sent my application out that afternoon. A few ups and downs later, I think the end is in sight. I was told today, Wednesday, that my visa was in route back to me here in FL. However, please keep in mind and prayer that a number of things could still go wrong with my visa and so this is not yet a guarantee. Yet, if I recieve my passport tomorrow and all is well, I imagine you will find quite a joyous blog by mid-day tomorrow :)
What does this all mean for my faith? This may possibly be the most honest blog I have written, as this has been the greatest struggle I have faced since arriving in Bolivia. All of you have been present in my process in getting to Bolivia this last May. I spent the better part of the year being mentored by Pastor Judy, Paul, Rich, and the staff at NP. I spent a great deal of time fundraising and working to raise funds to support my stay. And I spent the most time, in deep prayer. The process was not easy, not then nor in retrospect, however there was not a doubt in my mind that this was exactly where God was calling me.
Why then, a short four months into my stay did things begin to shift? Several times in the last month I have come across the verse "God giveth and God taketh away." And so when this issue of returning to the states to fix my visa rose, I was pretty sure God was preparing me to not return. As political tensions rose I was certain that God was preparing my heat to return to Chicago. Goodness was I angry. And confused.
I love Bolivia. I love being a servant there. But what was it all for? God-certainly. But my focus was lost. (This is where the brutal honesty comes in...) Although I continued to serve God and continued to think of myself as a disciple, I found myself farther and farther from why I came. And when Bolivia was being taken from me, I suddenly did not want to serve in Chicago. I have grown to understand and love God deeper in the last few months than I have in my life. Yet, why was I serving? The night Andrea and I arrived in Bolivia we laid in bed talking about the day we would arrive back in the states. The way that our families would embrace us and the stories we would tell. Suddenly, I was back in Miami and I was alone in many forms of the word. This was not the plan.
In retrospect, God has given me several oppurtunities to learn this lesson in the last four months. Three times, that come to mind, God has 'said' to me "fully rely on Me." And I thought I was. When my Aunt had surgery a few months ago now, I found myself leaving camp early driving over an hour to the closest phone only to nearly yell at my Uncle for his lack of communication. Where was my faith? I knew she was in God's hands. I knew he was caring for her. Yet, some how that was not enough. Sadly, I have more tales just the same. Which brings me to Miami.
I have been stripped of all of my securities. And finally, I have no choice, but to FULLY rely on God. When everyone around me was saying how impossible getting back to Bolivia was, God said no it was not. And so for four days, I prayed. I prayed in a way I haven't in years.
When I moved in with Aunt Debbie and Uncle Bob almost 7 years ago no longer did I think I NEEDed God in the way that I do. I had friends and family taking care of me. But I am not in Bolivia to serve my friends, my family, my church, my college, my home. Simply my God. God literally stripped me back to the basics. Brought me away from my distractions and even away from my servitude (Even after all those sermons on Sabbath at F.U.M. of PR. I still was not even practicing this idea). It was the only way I could hear. And boy, have things become clear.
Not a day goes by that I do not think and pray for each of you. I miss home quite often. But this year is more than that. It's about shaping my future and the future of those in my life. It's about being a leader and a servant. By no means do I think I have figured any of this out, but it is certainly much more clear.
I have been faithfully reading Psalm 46 as prescribed by a dear friend and leader in my life in Bolivia.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Details about Miami
It's finally official, I am really heading to Miami.
9/14/08: I will leave Bolivia at 11am and arrive in Miami at 5.30pm
9/25/08 I will leave Miami at 11.20p and arrive in Miami at 6am
Thankfully I am able to stay with my Aunt and Uncle in Florida while I am getting all of my visa settled.
Although things are quickly falling into place there are still a number of concerns in my travels. Both in my departure and in my arrival. Over the next 3 weeks, please keep me intently in your prayers.
I'll update as soon as I arrive in Miami. Thank you for the love and support.
9/14/08: I will leave Bolivia at 11am and arrive in Miami at 5.30pm
9/25/08 I will leave Miami at 11.20p and arrive in Miami at 6am
Thankfully I am able to stay with my Aunt and Uncle in Florida while I am getting all of my visa settled.
Although things are quickly falling into place there are still a number of concerns in my travels. Both in my departure and in my arrival. Over the next 3 weeks, please keep me intently in your prayers.
I'll update as soon as I arrive in Miami. Thank you for the love and support.
Friday, September 5, 2008
I'm heading to Miami -Just for a bit
My loves at home
Forgive me for this information being on facebook, however I feel this is the best way to reach the greatest number of support at home. At some point today, I will also be updating my blog for those of you keeping up with that.
There are a number of changes that have occurred in the last month and I am sorry for my lack of communication home with these changes. I was waiting for things to settle before I passed many of these on. However, this week has taken a different turn.
Since arriving I have heard God more clear than I have in my life. Living here without distraction and living in God to the fullest, everyday, has created a very open line of communication. The message I hear most frequently is no different than I was home. "Have faith." And rightfully so, who is a missionary without faith? I am at that point again. I am fully relying on God. He has called me to Bolivia for a purpose. He did not call me here to leave me. He called me in service, discipleship, and faith.
I am no longer a part of International Teams. I am praying that I am still able to be a part of their ministries but no longer did I feel I could confidently represent them with all that I am. God has reassured me of this decision each day since I have made it. I am living with the Youngblood's, the family that I have adopted here and spent so much time with previously. Currently, Rehanna, another missionary looking for housing, also lives here. We live in a village and I love it.
This week I officially started working at Carchipampa Christian School. It is an international school that focuses on both the future and the important. Each of the teachers are missionaries who have a pure passion to lead and serve. I have been teaching elementary art and PE. Words could hardly begin to express how much the children and I love one and other. Each morning the staff has daily devotionals, the students have chapel once a week, and there is not a moment that goes by that someone at Carchi isn't praying for the well being of the staff and students. It is incredible.
Upon arrival in May, I found out that I came down with the wrong visa. This is an error that occurred in the states due to a miscommuncation between International Teams and myself. In order for me to continue to work at Carchipampa, I need to be legal here in Bolivia. Normally, this would mean a 'border run.' However, the US is in deeper than ever with the Bolivian Government and I have been told I have to fly to Miami to fix this. This is where my faith is coming in. I have to do this within three weeks.
Rehanna's faith blows me away each day. When I told her of this issue, through my tears :) , she reminded me that all I can do is ask for support and prayer and God will do everything else. And so I go to you. My faithful friends and family who have supported me since I arrived back home last year.
My prayer needs:
-Peace and confirmation that God needs me at Carchipampa
-Confidence to fly to Miami and strength to return
-The $2900 of financial support that is needed to correct this visa error and to fly to Miami
-Wisdom, Strength, and Courage in my faith.
The desire to fix my visa is not only out of fear of deportation and calling to work at Carchipampa, but also in the fact that I am staying in Bolivia until June. I had been prayful about this idea for quite some time and recently received great confirmation in this. (Dont worry Rach, Ill be home BEFORE your wedding!!) My family and I have agreed that this is the best time for me to continue in ministry here. I am here and I have built great relationships. Today, ironically, marks my halfway mark. Well, if I were to have left in December. To think that, is astonishing. I am JUST now, becoming comfortable in my surroundings and in my relational ministries. However, staying until June means that I am only a quarter of the way done here.
God is faithful to me. Day in and Day out. Not a day goes by that the sun does not rise over the mountains here in Bolivia. Why do I then, doubt?
"Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here"
-Chris Tomlin Song GOD OF THIS CITY
Forgive me for this information being on facebook, however I feel this is the best way to reach the greatest number of support at home. At some point today, I will also be updating my blog for those of you keeping up with that.
There are a number of changes that have occurred in the last month and I am sorry for my lack of communication home with these changes. I was waiting for things to settle before I passed many of these on. However, this week has taken a different turn.
Since arriving I have heard God more clear than I have in my life. Living here without distraction and living in God to the fullest, everyday, has created a very open line of communication. The message I hear most frequently is no different than I was home. "Have faith." And rightfully so, who is a missionary without faith? I am at that point again. I am fully relying on God. He has called me to Bolivia for a purpose. He did not call me here to leave me. He called me in service, discipleship, and faith.
I am no longer a part of International Teams. I am praying that I am still able to be a part of their ministries but no longer did I feel I could confidently represent them with all that I am. God has reassured me of this decision each day since I have made it. I am living with the Youngblood's, the family that I have adopted here and spent so much time with previously. Currently, Rehanna, another missionary looking for housing, also lives here. We live in a village and I love it.
This week I officially started working at Carchipampa Christian School. It is an international school that focuses on both the future and the important. Each of the teachers are missionaries who have a pure passion to lead and serve. I have been teaching elementary art and PE. Words could hardly begin to express how much the children and I love one and other. Each morning the staff has daily devotionals, the students have chapel once a week, and there is not a moment that goes by that someone at Carchi isn't praying for the well being of the staff and students. It is incredible.
Upon arrival in May, I found out that I came down with the wrong visa. This is an error that occurred in the states due to a miscommuncation between International Teams and myself. In order for me to continue to work at Carchipampa, I need to be legal here in Bolivia. Normally, this would mean a 'border run.' However, the US is in deeper than ever with the Bolivian Government and I have been told I have to fly to Miami to fix this. This is where my faith is coming in. I have to do this within three weeks.
Rehanna's faith blows me away each day. When I told her of this issue, through my tears :) , she reminded me that all I can do is ask for support and prayer and God will do everything else. And so I go to you. My faithful friends and family who have supported me since I arrived back home last year.
My prayer needs:
-Peace and confirmation that God needs me at Carchipampa
-Confidence to fly to Miami and strength to return
-The $2900 of financial support that is needed to correct this visa error and to fly to Miami
-Wisdom, Strength, and Courage in my faith.
The desire to fix my visa is not only out of fear of deportation and calling to work at Carchipampa, but also in the fact that I am staying in Bolivia until June. I had been prayful about this idea for quite some time and recently received great confirmation in this. (Dont worry Rach, Ill be home BEFORE your wedding!!) My family and I have agreed that this is the best time for me to continue in ministry here. I am here and I have built great relationships. Today, ironically, marks my halfway mark. Well, if I were to have left in December. To think that, is astonishing. I am JUST now, becoming comfortable in my surroundings and in my relational ministries. However, staying until June means that I am only a quarter of the way done here.
God is faithful to me. Day in and Day out. Not a day goes by that the sun does not rise over the mountains here in Bolivia. Why do I then, doubt?
"Greater things have yet to come
Great things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things are still to come
And greater things are still to be done here"
-Chris Tomlin Song GOD OF THIS CITY
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
100th Day in Bolivia!
Today is the 100th day that I have lived in Bolivia (Vivo Bolivia). Where has the time gone? In celebration of this fun day, Ive complied a list of 100 things that I could not live in Bolivia without. This list is not conclusive or limited to the things on it. Nor are these ideas in any order…. Just a fun thought of things I love here in Bolivia.
(Frutillar)
1. Viviana’s laugher
2. The way Johnny falls to the ground when he laughs really hard
3. Dahlia’s smile (she just lost her two front teeth!)
4. Maribell’s sassy-ness
5. Frankie’s basketball skills
6. The way that Veronica will catch your eye from across the room and smile
7. Rosa’s love for the English language
8. Ariel. Everything about it makes me giggle
(Villa Israel)
9. The amazing ability Roberto has to draw
10. Erlon’s love for prayer
11. Ana is so tough. I think she’s a feminist if I do say so myself.
12. The way that Samuel brings his notebook to Kristen the minute we walk in the door to begin doing homework
13. Joel’s leadership
14. Miguel’s love for climbing trees & peeing anywhere/anytime
15. Frans & Elion and their tender hearts.
16. Bradon’s silent observing
(Life Things)
17. My locket and my cross
18. Camera
19. Ipod. I never leave home without it
20. Sandals with a life time warranty. What a great investment (Thanks Gram and Grandpa!)
21. Bible and journal
22. Brown cardigan from Lins (Its cold in the morning!)
23. Letters from home
24. Photos all around and in my bed
25. Photograph pillowcase of my family
26. Facebook. Okay, lame I know. But it is a really great way to communicate with pals at home
27. Running shoes
(Cochabamba Things)
28. Mountain Skyline
29. Sunrises
30. Sunsets
31. Endless perfect weather
32. The Christo
33. Truffies
34. CIC (My church)
35. The way that everything is written in Spanish
36. IC Norte. Our grocery store. If for nothing else to break big bills for us
37. Hiking in the mountains
38. The Chapari Jungle
39. Clean bathrooms
40. Cheese
41. Fresh vegetables that get so bright when you cook them
42. Fresh juicy fruit
43. Street food
44. Empandas/Saltanas
45. Fresh bread from bakeries
46. Kristen’s home made chocolate chip banana bread
47. Our lemon tree
48. Hammocks at our house
(Hacienda Things)
49. Loving, thoughtful, funny housemates
50. Occasional warm and shock free showers
51. The stereo in our kitchen
52. Lots of space for lots of friends
53. Homemade volleyball court
54. Fire pit
55. The mountain we live on
56. Poptart…. The house dog
57. Our pet birds. They are good entertainment
58. Alpaca blankets to keep us warm
59. Bunkbeds
60. Homecooked meals
61. Katie’s special soup
(People)
62. The Youngblood’s desire to serve and welcoming home
63. The Youngblood’s washing machine
64. The Johnson’s warm heart
65. Spies’ & Johnson’s desire to serve
66. Carola at the internet place
67. Money changers on the street
68. Thomas and Eoin and the ridiculous things they say and do that crack me up
69. Mrs. Youngblood’s courage to be challenged (and Mr. Youngbloods support)
70. Wilson’s for their service within the church
71. Grant’s and their unyielding faith and constant smiles
72. Porter’s leadership within the church
73. Youth girls and their desire to be led
(Misc. Things I have forgotten along the way)
74. Comfy sheets
75. Phillip my teddy bear
76. Headscarf to cover dirty hair
77. Sundresses to help clean up a smelly missionary
78. Lucy’s cooking
79. Grass between my toes
80. VIP taxi service….
81. Walks in the park
82. Endless conversation with dear friends
83. Tasty chocolate
84. Bucket List to make sure to do everything
85. Map
86. Yogurt to help stay healthy
87. Acidophilus
88. La Concha. Although I do have a love/hate relationship
89. Los Tiempos Newspaper
90. Tina and her passion to teach Spanish
91. The Center. David and Toti and the absolute love they share for street children
92. Sword fighting with the boys
93. Futbol. Even though I am quite terrible
94. Playing in the park with children
95. The ability to minister to anyone in the town willing
96. Laughter at my ability (and lack there of to speak Spanish)
97. My notebook that has directions to every where I need to be and bus routes
98. Finger puppets
99. My support system
100. My faith in God and desire to be disciplined into a humble servant.
(Frutillar)
1. Viviana’s laugher
2. The way Johnny falls to the ground when he laughs really hard
3. Dahlia’s smile (she just lost her two front teeth!)
4. Maribell’s sassy-ness
5. Frankie’s basketball skills
6. The way that Veronica will catch your eye from across the room and smile
7. Rosa’s love for the English language
8. Ariel. Everything about it makes me giggle
(Villa Israel)
9. The amazing ability Roberto has to draw
10. Erlon’s love for prayer
11. Ana is so tough. I think she’s a feminist if I do say so myself.
12. The way that Samuel brings his notebook to Kristen the minute we walk in the door to begin doing homework
13. Joel’s leadership
14. Miguel’s love for climbing trees & peeing anywhere/anytime
15. Frans & Elion and their tender hearts.
16. Bradon’s silent observing
(Life Things)
17. My locket and my cross
18. Camera
19. Ipod. I never leave home without it
20. Sandals with a life time warranty. What a great investment (Thanks Gram and Grandpa!)
21. Bible and journal
22. Brown cardigan from Lins (Its cold in the morning!)
23. Letters from home
24. Photos all around and in my bed
25. Photograph pillowcase of my family
26. Facebook. Okay, lame I know. But it is a really great way to communicate with pals at home
27. Running shoes
(Cochabamba Things)
28. Mountain Skyline
29. Sunrises
30. Sunsets
31. Endless perfect weather
32. The Christo
33. Truffies
34. CIC (My church)
35. The way that everything is written in Spanish
36. IC Norte. Our grocery store. If for nothing else to break big bills for us
37. Hiking in the mountains
38. The Chapari Jungle
39. Clean bathrooms
40. Cheese
41. Fresh vegetables that get so bright when you cook them
42. Fresh juicy fruit
43. Street food
44. Empandas/Saltanas
45. Fresh bread from bakeries
46. Kristen’s home made chocolate chip banana bread
47. Our lemon tree
48. Hammocks at our house
(Hacienda Things)
49. Loving, thoughtful, funny housemates
50. Occasional warm and shock free showers
51. The stereo in our kitchen
52. Lots of space for lots of friends
53. Homemade volleyball court
54. Fire pit
55. The mountain we live on
56. Poptart…. The house dog
57. Our pet birds. They are good entertainment
58. Alpaca blankets to keep us warm
59. Bunkbeds
60. Homecooked meals
61. Katie’s special soup
(People)
62. The Youngblood’s desire to serve and welcoming home
63. The Youngblood’s washing machine
64. The Johnson’s warm heart
65. Spies’ & Johnson’s desire to serve
66. Carola at the internet place
67. Money changers on the street
68. Thomas and Eoin and the ridiculous things they say and do that crack me up
69. Mrs. Youngblood’s courage to be challenged (and Mr. Youngbloods support)
70. Wilson’s for their service within the church
71. Grant’s and their unyielding faith and constant smiles
72. Porter’s leadership within the church
73. Youth girls and their desire to be led
(Misc. Things I have forgotten along the way)
74. Comfy sheets
75. Phillip my teddy bear
76. Headscarf to cover dirty hair
77. Sundresses to help clean up a smelly missionary
78. Lucy’s cooking
79. Grass between my toes
80. VIP taxi service….
81. Walks in the park
82. Endless conversation with dear friends
83. Tasty chocolate
84. Bucket List to make sure to do everything
85. Map
86. Yogurt to help stay healthy
87. Acidophilus
88. La Concha. Although I do have a love/hate relationship
89. Los Tiempos Newspaper
90. Tina and her passion to teach Spanish
91. The Center. David and Toti and the absolute love they share for street children
92. Sword fighting with the boys
93. Futbol. Even though I am quite terrible
94. Playing in the park with children
95. The ability to minister to anyone in the town willing
96. Laughter at my ability (and lack there of to speak Spanish)
97. My notebook that has directions to every where I need to be and bus routes
98. Finger puppets
99. My support system
100. My faith in God and desire to be disciplined into a humble servant.
Monday, August 11, 2008
It's Our 3 Month Anniversary!
Literally, it feels like I just sat down yesterday to write my two month anniversary blog.
Before Stephanie and Andrea left we were all sitting in our living room discussing how quickly time was going. I remember telling them that my time was not going quickly and I could not imagine what that would look like here. Everything is so intentional and often a struggle, I just could not see it. I stand corrected. They told me it would go quick. And man were they right.
So much has occurred in the last month, picking one thing to focus on seems impossible.
-I realized I want this year to be about servitude and discipleship
-Erlon and I have been working on numbers 11-20
-Maria (Maribell now) is beginning to enjoy our tutoring time together much more that previously.
-Dahlia and I have been memorizing Bible verses together.
-I have started a small group of young teenage women who are looking for a more intimate Bible study. The process in this has been incredible.
-The Colorado team left, Jen came, and Adrian is saying goodbyes
-I have made a number of amazing friends that have made Bolivia shine in a new light.
-Katie S. and I hiked part of Mt. Tunari for her birthday
Which I think is where I'd like to spend a little bit more time. Mt. Tunari. As we were hiking up we had a great deal of time to reflect on things occurring around us that often we do not have silence to ponder. I got to wondering what my purpose here in Bolivia is.
I should mention how clear it is to me that I am here as a servant to God. But I'll admit I have wondered why. My roommates all have very clear spiritual gifts here. Be it Spanish or hospitality for the people we always have coming and going. So why am I here? I mean, not as a servant, but why here, in a Spanish speaking culture when I struggle so greatly with that? Why in a house that hosts teams when I often desire personal space? Why HERE instead of a million other places?
I love Bolivia. Fact. And every ministry I am involved in. But when days are tough they are tough and it gets the mind a wondering. So in this time as Katie and I were hiking, enjoying the beautiful life all around us, I began to wonder about all of this. That perhaps in this silence I could find clarity.
I do not really know that I came to a conclusion. I know that my gifts do not fit into a neat box here in Bolivia. But I know they are used. Ive learned that the best thing I can do with my Spanish is be humble. And I am grateful for the humility I have been given. A great deal of my ministry in Bolivia that has become so meaningful to me, occurs in English. But time and time again I am reminded, that Spanish or English speaking -people need to be served.
And one of the biggest gifts I have brought to this table is being a servant. Willing to do work without credit, but for the sake of getting done. Missionaries around us are so busy all the time, I am glad that I am here and able to serve them as well. Serve the Servants. (Just another tidbit I took from Mrs. Youngblood).
Days in Bolivia look different than I expected. I struggle with things that I did not think I would and in ways I did not think I could/should. Time and Time again God is faithful in my understanding. And for that -I'm eternally grateful.
On our way up....
I'm telling you that my reality is better than my dreams.
Before Stephanie and Andrea left we were all sitting in our living room discussing how quickly time was going. I remember telling them that my time was not going quickly and I could not imagine what that would look like here. Everything is so intentional and often a struggle, I just could not see it. I stand corrected. They told me it would go quick. And man were they right.
So much has occurred in the last month, picking one thing to focus on seems impossible.
-I realized I want this year to be about servitude and discipleship
-Erlon and I have been working on numbers 11-20
-Maria (Maribell now) is beginning to enjoy our tutoring time together much more that previously.
-Dahlia and I have been memorizing Bible verses together.
-I have started a small group of young teenage women who are looking for a more intimate Bible study. The process in this has been incredible.
-The Colorado team left, Jen came, and Adrian is saying goodbyes
-I have made a number of amazing friends that have made Bolivia shine in a new light.
-Katie S. and I hiked part of Mt. Tunari for her birthday
Which I think is where I'd like to spend a little bit more time. Mt. Tunari. As we were hiking up we had a great deal of time to reflect on things occurring around us that often we do not have silence to ponder. I got to wondering what my purpose here in Bolivia is.
I should mention how clear it is to me that I am here as a servant to God. But I'll admit I have wondered why. My roommates all have very clear spiritual gifts here. Be it Spanish or hospitality for the people we always have coming and going. So why am I here? I mean, not as a servant, but why here, in a Spanish speaking culture when I struggle so greatly with that? Why in a house that hosts teams when I often desire personal space? Why HERE instead of a million other places?
I love Bolivia. Fact. And every ministry I am involved in. But when days are tough they are tough and it gets the mind a wondering. So in this time as Katie and I were hiking, enjoying the beautiful life all around us, I began to wonder about all of this. That perhaps in this silence I could find clarity.
I do not really know that I came to a conclusion. I know that my gifts do not fit into a neat box here in Bolivia. But I know they are used. Ive learned that the best thing I can do with my Spanish is be humble. And I am grateful for the humility I have been given. A great deal of my ministry in Bolivia that has become so meaningful to me, occurs in English. But time and time again I am reminded, that Spanish or English speaking -people need to be served.
And one of the biggest gifts I have brought to this table is being a servant. Willing to do work without credit, but for the sake of getting done. Missionaries around us are so busy all the time, I am glad that I am here and able to serve them as well. Serve the Servants. (Just another tidbit I took from Mrs. Youngblood).
Days in Bolivia look different than I expected. I struggle with things that I did not think I would and in ways I did not think I could/should. Time and Time again God is faithful in my understanding. And for that -I'm eternally grateful.
On our way up....
I'm telling you that my reality is better than my dreams.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Just a bit...
I am still adjusting my new schedule and looking to find time to communicate home. So I thank you for your patience in my lack of response, but I think I have found a routine about it. There is not a whole bunch of new things... but Ill write a few updates. The 12th is my 3 month anniversary with Bolivia. Later in the month is my 100 day mark. And a bit later is my half way. I wrote blogs for each of these... so stay posted.
Yes, I am getting my wisdom teeth out. I was scheduled to get them out on Monday, but because of elections occurring today (Sunday the 10th) it was canceled. I do not yet know when I am rescheduled, but I will be sure to write about it before and after to keep everyone at home posted. Thank you very much for all your well wishes already.
So, the elections today. Although we are not in direct danger, we are still taking precautionary measures. Today their is an unconstitutional vote to keep or throw out the current president Evo Moralis. Many are for Evo. Many are against Evo. The only danger would be getting caught between the two. We are staying in today as suggested by our home government and sending organizations. I am staying with the Youngbloods, likely one of the safest places in the country.
This week we had a number of birthdays and even more celebrations. Its fun to see the small family we have created and the love that is amidst it all.
Praise: It's been an absolutely wonderful couple of months. I have made wonderful friends and created a fun circle of family. I have fallen in love with Bolivia and my life here.
Prayer: Peace and safety in the country during the turmoil. Also peace in my heart about a number of things I've witnessed here.
There will be an additional blog on the 12th -its a good one :)
With love and blessings for home
Yes, I am getting my wisdom teeth out. I was scheduled to get them out on Monday, but because of elections occurring today (Sunday the 10th) it was canceled. I do not yet know when I am rescheduled, but I will be sure to write about it before and after to keep everyone at home posted. Thank you very much for all your well wishes already.
So, the elections today. Although we are not in direct danger, we are still taking precautionary measures. Today their is an unconstitutional vote to keep or throw out the current president Evo Moralis. Many are for Evo. Many are against Evo. The only danger would be getting caught between the two. We are staying in today as suggested by our home government and sending organizations. I am staying with the Youngbloods, likely one of the safest places in the country.
This week we had a number of birthdays and even more celebrations. Its fun to see the small family we have created and the love that is amidst it all.
Praise: It's been an absolutely wonderful couple of months. I have made wonderful friends and created a fun circle of family. I have fallen in love with Bolivia and my life here.
Prayer: Peace and safety in the country during the turmoil. Also peace in my heart about a number of things I've witnessed here.
There will be an additional blog on the 12th -its a good one :)
With love and blessings for home
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