Venturing

Tonight I ventured out into the city center alone. Some people I met at church were hosting a Bible Study and usually Katie, my roommate would go with me; however tonight she was sick. Normally it wouldn’t be a big deal to go by myself, but the study was being held in a different area of town than I’m used to, at a place I wasn’t completely sure how to get to, and being that I don’t speak the language yet, I was a bit intimidated! But I knew I would be glad that I went so I pushed myself to go. (Well, actually I prayed that God would make me go. :)) Everything turned out great! The taxi driver and I had a bit of trouble finding the place initially (I ended up knocking on the wrong door and it was actually answered by someone I had met last week-random!) but eventually I ended up in the right place. Of course then I had to figure out how to ring the doorbell on the gate (who would have thought that would be an issue!)? I was standing in the dark, shining my cell phone on the gate, trying to find the bell; I’m sure I looked crazy! Once I got through the gate I was quickly introduced to a few people, one of whom was an American (better yet, a Texan in cowboy boots). I’m always a little unsure of how to greet Americans here. Sometimes it’s the traditional American handshake; other times it’s the Bolivian cheek-to-cheek kiss. Well I went for the handshake, but quickly realized he was going for the kiss and we basically ended up slamming our cheeks into each other. Super awkward! But it made for a good laugh, anyway. We studied John 18 tonight and it was a great time to study the Bible, pray together and just be in God’s presence with one another. I take great comfort in knowing that despite our different backgrounds and cultures, the commonality we have in the Lord is powerful enough to instantly make us feel like family. I’m grateful for this Bible Study and this group of people welcoming enough to invite me! I’m also grateful for silly little adventures in La Paz!

Blessings friends and family! I miss you all and love you deeply! Thank you for reading.

Can you see why I was intimidated?!