It's hard to believe that I have already spent three months here in Bolivia! Time has gone by so quickly. This has been the longest length of time that I have ever been away from home, and it just doesn't seem real at times. I still find myself as I am walking to and from school that I am amazed over my current whereabouts. I continue to praise God for allowing me to have this opportunity. The feeling of peace and knowing that I am where I am supposed to be continues to be present.
During the last three months, I have drawn a few conclusions:
I have been asked what I miss most about home, and there really hasn't been anything that I have found to be missing in my life. This has gone to show me how much I can do without and still find joy and happiness in life. What I do miss most are my family and friends back home. It's my relationships with the people who have invested into my life that make me miss home the most. There have been some down days, but God has put people in my life here in Bolivia to help fill that void. After I realized how blessed I am with the new friendships that I have made, it has helped me look at life with a more positive perspective. I still have moments every now and again where I get homesick, but I am learning to lean on God in new ways because He is always there and never leaves my side.
I have to say that I am extremely thankful for technology and having the resources to be able to stay in touch with everyone back home. I can't thank you enough for your prayers, support, and encouragement!
Prayer Requests:
During the last three months, I have drawn a few conclusions:
- God provides for our needs, even when we aren't quite sure what we need.
- Living with less "stuff" is less stressful.
- Having a smaller closet (and less shoes to choose from) makes life a little less complicated.
- When baking is your stress reliever and you have your own kitchen, it challenges you in the area of self-control.
- Having little tiny ants in your house forces you to keep your house super clean.
- In order to prevent little sand piles from accumulating on your floors, sweeping and dusting at least twice a week is a must when living in a windy and dusty city.
- Being a teacher challenges you to give up control over many different things throughout a day.
- Learning a new language is a very humbling experience.
- There is no concept of personal space when riding in a public bus.
- Avoid open-air meat markets if you have a weak stomach.
- One must be very flexible with time when living in Bolivia.
- And...I am still not fully cutout for HOT weather!
I have been asked what I miss most about home, and there really hasn't been anything that I have found to be missing in my life. This has gone to show me how much I can do without and still find joy and happiness in life. What I do miss most are my family and friends back home. It's my relationships with the people who have invested into my life that make me miss home the most. There have been some down days, but God has put people in my life here in Bolivia to help fill that void. After I realized how blessed I am with the new friendships that I have made, it has helped me look at life with a more positive perspective. I still have moments every now and again where I get homesick, but I am learning to lean on God in new ways because He is always there and never leaves my side.
I have to say that I am extremely thankful for technology and having the resources to be able to stay in touch with everyone back home. I can't thank you enough for your prayers, support, and encouragement!
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for the Learning Center. The secondary students are struggling spiritually. Pray for revival in their hearts and that their faith would be renewed. Also, there are some teaching positions that need to be filled. Pray for willing and qualified teachers to be found to finish the school year.
- Sickness seems to be going around the school right now. Please pray for good health for the teachers and students.
- Dad and Jessalyn are coming to Bolivia for Christmas and New Years!!