Growing Roots

As I sit down to write I found myself struggling to describe all that has happened in the last month. Though much has taken place, life is very much beginning to feel “normal” here and I find the everyday moments and events of life beginning to feel common, in a very good way. So perhaps, though far from earth shattering, that is the biggest piece of news: Life here is beginning to feel normal. In other words, God has helped me to settle, begin growing roots, and find “home” in La Paz.

I am getting into a routine with my students and gaining more of God’s heart for them. As they begin to trust me, they are sharing more and more of themselves with me. We have started a correspondence program with a 5th grade class at the school in Idaho that I used to teach at. Pen Pals! The kids are beyond excited! Our first Parent Teacher Conferences are this Thursday and Friday and I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with the families of my students; I would also love your prayers that these meetings would be fruitful and constructive.

My kiddos!

Last Saturday we hosted a Spring Festival at the school. The normal silence of a Saturday at school was broken by dozens of children running and playing, parents eating and laughing and teachers frantically scurrying to make sure everything was in place. The festival consisted of a sports tournament (soccer, volleyball and dodgeball), games (inflatable balls, fish pond, darts), delicious food (gyros off the spit, menudito-Bolivian soup, anitcuchos-cow heart, saltenos) and payback for teachers and friends (dunk tank, pie in the face, “wet jail”). The day was beautiful, blues skies and sunshine and in spite of the busyness I found plenty of time to talk with parents and hang out with students. I managed to stay dry until about 1:00 and then found that my way had been paid to the “wet jail”. I willingly entered, but not without paying for two of my students to go with me. My attempts to stay dry by using them as a shield were futile, however. :) It was such a fun day and I truly enjoyed being a part of an event that was such a great blessing to our school and community.

It's not a festival without cotton candy!!

Manning the "inflatables station" and having a little fun while doing so!

Gyros off the spit!

Anticuchos (cow heart)

Wet jail!

With 3 of my students

Great friends and teachers

Beautiful Bolivian sky for a wonderful day!

I’ve also found a church here that ironically reminds me much of my church back home: small and quaint with a strong family feel. I really love it and have been able to get better plugged in by attending a weekly Bible Study of 20/30 somethings; looks like I will also be taking over the job of working the soundboard during worship-something I have no idea how to do. Ha!

Every other week my roommate Katie and I get to meet with 5 high school girls for a discipleship group. We spend this time getting to know one another better, praying for each other and studying God’s Word. It is such a rich time and always a highlight of my week. Each of these girls has a very different “faith story” and most of them aren’t quite sure what they believe about God. I love discussing their questions, listening to their concerns and sharing God’s heart with them. I am praying that each of these young women will come to know Jesus personally as their Savior and Best Friend. I am simply in awe and humbled that I get the opportunity to “do life” with these wonderful ladies. Please be praying for the salvation of them and their families.

As the 1^st Quarter of school comes to an end, I am feeling the need for a bit of a break! Luckily, myself and a couple of friends are planning a weekend get away to Coroico in the Yungas (jungle).  As taken from Lonely Planet “Coroico is derived from the Quechua word coryguayco meaning ‘golden hill.’ The town’s biggest attraction is its slow pace, which allows plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing and hammock-swinging.” Sounds about perfect; I can’t wait to explore and experience the Bolivian countryside! This Idaho girl needs to get out of the city! :) Look for pictures soon!

Coroico!

I am continuing to feel the grace and peace of God in good moments and in hard moments. As always, He is faithful and good. I don’t fully understand all His purposes and ways (especially when I am deeply missing family and friends!) but I trust His heart and His leading. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and investment in my life. I pray your Autumn days are full of warm cups of coffee and hills covered in fall colors. :)

P.S. Sorry this one is so long! (That's what I get for not posting for a month!)