Goodbye & Hello

The last two weeks have been crazy, but also great! It is hard to believe that two weeks ago I was anxiously waiting to see if my visa for Bolivia would come or not! I haven’t done a great job of updating you all since then because everything happened so fast, but I will try to give you a quick summary. (Just kidding, this is probably the longest blog I have written.)

Two weeks ago, I got word that my visa would come in on time to leave the 22^nd, and the next day I was fully funded and able to buy a plane ticket. Obviously God’s timing was much better than mine, and He has been so gracious in the way He has provided through all of you! So thank you!

By the time I had a plane ticket, I was four days out from leaving. At first I thought I was crazy to try to leave that soon, but as soon as I started saying goodbyes I realized that four days might have been perfect. Because I had left the country for long periods of time before, I didn’t really think it would be hard to do it again. But two years is a lot longer than 3 months, and so I was very thankful for the way God allowed the time of goodbyes to be short and sweet.

My Homegroup and church has been so supportive, and they prayed for me, and sent me off with encouragement and lots of sweet notes. I got to meet up and have a LOT of coffee and great meals with friends, and I could not be more thankful. Some friends came and had possibly the weirdest going away event ever, where they celebrated all of the birthday's, Christmas' and even weddings I will miss over the next few years. I got to spend time with my family, and wrote a ton of thank you notes. So many of you called, texted, and emailed me to let me know you were thinking and praying. Each time I teared up a little, so know that you are loved and appreciated.  I know I have said it before, but I am reminded again and again of God’s love and faithfulness through all of you, and I am so thankful.

On Tuesday my family took me to the airport, and several friends came as well. We prayed before I walked through security, and I felt this strange peace all the way to Bolivia. The flights were super smooth, and I didn’t get sick in La Paz!

First Flight from Dallas to Miami

Flying from La Paz to Cochabamba is a short flight, but I have never sat by the window. This time I got to look out at the mountains all the way. There were little villages scattered throughout the mountains, and I began to get so excited for how God might work over the next few years.

Mountains from La Paz to Cochabamba

I spent my first few days going back and forth between the girls house, and the school I will be working at. I was so excited to see the girls, and they were excited to see me….  for about three minutes. And then the wanted to play Temple Run on my phone.  We know where their priorities really are. J  It has been so good to see how they have grown over the last year. Several of the girls  have started to read, and they have all grown in different ways!

Some of the girls at Casa de Amor

I have really enjoyed getting to know people at Carachipampa, the school I will be at, catching up with friends here, and learning what it will look like to live here long term. The first question everyone asks is, “How long are you going to be here?” I have loved being able to tell everyone that, God willing, I will be here for two years. At least. I am excited to see how God will work, and so thankful for your support, both prayer and financially that makes that possible.  

View from my window on the school property