Unknown

As the days in the Northern hemisphere lengthen and jackets and scarfs are replaced by shorts and flip flops, those of us in the Southern hemisphere are enjoying the beginnings of winter. So, I snuggle deeper into my cozy sweater, drink a warm cup of coffee and watch the afternoon light fade to night. I’ve never been in Bolivia during the heart of the winter. And, I’ll admit, it hasn’t been easy. For the sake of my emotional stability, I think I need to stay off facebook, where pictures of camp trips, late summer nights and family barbeques, run rampant. I’m only joking. Well, sorta. J

So, yes, I miss my family, my friends, my beautiful Idaho. But. I am well. Because I know that God has called me to this season and His Presence is with me. What an awesome, yet difficult, reminder that He is truly all I need. The school year ended well with many fun events and great moments with students and families and then slowly trickled to a close as we packed up classrooms, apartments, said goodbyes and accompanied one another to the airport or to departing taxis. Since the HIS staff left, I’ve had plenty of time to spend with Bolivian friends and catch up with other ex-pats in the area. The break has also given me time to rest, reflect and pack up my apartment. Now here I sit on the cusp of something new and unknown. In just 2 days I will get on a bus headed for Cochabamba, a large city to the East of La Paz, to attend a full immersion language school. I will be in Cocha for 7 weeks and will live with a Spanish speaking family during this time. I feel so blessed by this opportunity and pray God will give me a great aptitude to learn the language well and will allow me to deeply connect with the family I will be living with. The family consists of Grandma, Dad, Mom, 2 young girls and 3 dogs. Should be an adventure. J From one adventure to the other: after my time in Cocha, I will be moving to El Alto and will begin my internship with Word Made Flesh, working among women and children who are affected by prostitution. But, one thing at a time. J

An author I like aptly describes the process of faith and stepping into the unknown: “The way of trust is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. The next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of God acting in the present moment. The reality of naked trust is the life of the pilgrim who leaves what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walks into the unknown…Why? Because God has signaled the movement and offered it His presence and His promise.” How comforting to know that NOTHING can separate us from His Presence, even the unknown.

 Psalm 139:7-12

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.^”

Whatever “unknown” you may be facing (and there are so many), I pray you will know God’s presence and promise in the midst of it. For the less we know, the more we know, as we are fully found in HIM.

May you have a blessed summer. I am deeply grateful for your love, support and prayers. 

Hope you enjoy the following pictures are some of my favorite end of the year moments!

Roomies!

I will miss this lovely view from our school courtyard.

My Upper El Team and an amazing group of people.

With some of my guys (former students)!

Ice cream Friday-keeping the tradition going!

End of the Year Park Day

Upper Elementary

With my sweet Alejandro

Last day of school. My babies.

Saying goodbye to my friend at the corner store. She's sold me many a Coke!

Brother and Sister. Ashely was in my class in 2013/2014 and Dennis in 2014/2015.

Last roomie night. "Family Photo" with our crazy cat. I wouldn't say that getting a cat was our best idea,
but it sure brought us together. :)