Hello everyone, Erin here. We have reached our 4-month mark! Can you believe it?!? Some days it feels like we just stepped off the plane into this new world, and other days it feels like we have been here much longer than 4 months. But one thing is for sure; it is time for an update!
Quick Family update:
Christopher - As you can see, Chris’ hair is longer than it’s been in our 8 years of marriage. I think he pulls it off well! He is doing an amazing job helping our family find our new normal. He has done a lot of work in our house to help it feel more like home. His Spanish improves every day. He is a pro at ordering food, getting a taxi and trips to the tienda (store). I am so proud of him!
Asher says his favorite thing about Bolivia is the food! He likes Silpanchos, Pique Macho, Salteñas and Tropical Chicken (a restaurant)…just to name a few! He is learning words in Spanish and likes going to the tienda with Chris and asking for a cold Coca-Cola all by himself! “Me da, una Coca-Cola, fria. Por favor.” He is interested in learning how to play soccer and wants some soccer goals for his birthday. He is a great help around the house and enjoys being our big helper. We are thankful for his tender heart and his desire to be a blessing.
Jace likes our backyard and plays outside every chance he gets. He has grown a few inches since we’ve been here! He also likes the food and has traded out “thank you” for “gracias” and has learned a few other Spanish words as well. He likes the fact that there are parks everywhere. He is quite adventurous and has an endless amount of energy! He loves to talk (as you all know) and enjoys making new friends. We are thankful for his tenacious and loving heart.
Avery seems to get a little taller everyday! She also enjoys the independence of going outside whenever she wants. We have a wall around our house and so she gets a taste of freedom…the only problem is that she likes to play in dirt! She is our tomboy and tough girl. She keeps us laughing with her unique personality and language…not quite English, not Spanish…its just Avery! She is still a Daddy’s girl through and through. We are thankful for her confidence and easy-going personality.
Scarlet is still our girly-girl who likes to wear dresses and skirts. She likes getting her hair done and her nails painted. She attracts lots of attention with her blonde hair and blue eyes! She says she likes “Bol-i-ya”(Bolivia) and our new house. She is so precious and loving. I can always count on kisses and hugs from Scarlet. She talks so much now and likes to “read” stories to Avy and Anna. She is our little “mamita” (little momma) and likes being in charge of snacks or anything else, for that matter. We are thankful for her sweet, loving heart.
Anna Jean is (finally) starting to talk. She used to be so quiet but now she is making her presence known! She is my little shadow and doesn’t like me to get out of sight. She has this certain look that we see often, it’s like she is trying to comprehend something or like she is trying to figure out if she likes someone or not. It’s the “Anna face”. Once you are “in” with Anna, you are in for good. I think her Spirit is very sensitive and I pray it will always be that way. We are thankful for our tiny fireball and her sensitive heart.
Me? Well, I am learning the harsh reality of “culture shock”. It’s not that I want to quit or go back to the states, it’s the overwhelming amount of stress that seems to hit at the most inconvenient times and linger way longer than I would expect. Chris and I have had MANY conversations, sometimes through tears, of just how stressed and overwhelmed we feel sometimes. I have never considered myself to be someone who is easily stressed and I don’t even like admitting when I am stressed so this is very difficult for me. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I have discovered a whole new level of desperation for the presence of the Lord. My soul cries out to the LIVING GOD for grace and strength. Psalm 84:2 "My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." I am so comforted by the promise that when I am weak, he is strong and mighty! 2 Cor. 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." I pray that this journey we are on is one that brings glory and honor to God. As I love him, love my family, and pray for opportunities to love others, I am fulfilling my purpose here. I am confident that this is where I am supposed to be, right here, right now. That is a wonderful thing to know. "The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:22-23 His grace is sufficient and his mercies are new every morning! And I don't feel this way every day, some days are so wonderful. I am really enjoying learning Spanish. I am comprehending more and I'm not afraid to blurt stuff out! I get it wrong...a lot and that's ok. I learn best by trial and error. Haha! I am praying for more Bolivian friends so that I can't fall back on my English as much. So many things to fill you in on, but this will do for now!
Prayer Points:
- For Chris - He still does not have his one year visa due to an issue with his passport. He had to get a new passport and it should be here soon. We are so ready to stop paying fines! Please pray that there are no more complications and that he can get this all taken care of as soon as possible.
- For me – That I would continue to nurture and care for my family with grace and patience.
- That we would continue to learn and absorb Spanish.
- For opportunities to show the love of Christ and serve people here. We may have an opportunity to help a family here with their English. They are preparing to be missionaries in India. We are excited about this opportunity if it is the Lord’s will. We are also praying about starting Bible studies with other English speaking Bolivians until our Spanish is better.
- For more supporters financially.
Prayer Points for the kids:
- That their hearts would be drawn to Jesus.
- For healing and for their bodies to build immunities quickly. Right now we are battling another round of sickness. It seems to come in waves.
- That they would continue to feel secure in our new home and with all the changes.
- That they would learn Spanish.
|
|
