Wonderful Winter

I am sitting here inside the kitchen nook looking out as the snow falls and holding a cup of tea. The aroma floating through the house is of freshly baked cookies. So, I have some sense of accomplishment as I sit to just watch. It has been a couple years since I have had snow at winter time and it is mesmerizing - funny how something so simple can be so captivating.

Glad to be Here

Walking home under the stars last night made me so happy. There was something peaceful about seeing the universe stretch through the depths pinpointed by small lights. The cold and quiet also encouraged this moment of peace and ponder.
Being back in Central Oregon, I have to remember to bundle up or hold a warm drink tight in my little hands. But even these necessities have become a delight. My culture has a sentimental value this year, and I am enjoying the sounds of the holiday and smells of mixed spices.
Other moments of quiet gladness for me this last month have been attending and exiting the cinema together as family, sitting next to a crackling fire, and hunting a Christmas tree in the softly falling snow. And Stillness is the warm embrace that I am glad to be here in.
Thank you God, Bend and family for wrapping me in warmth.
Merry Christmas!

Date with my Grandpa

 Today while looking for a box of cereal, I found a couple tins of sardines and and a box of hash-browns (the freeze dried kind that you can prepare super quick.) Both of these foods I love! -Not because they are particularly good, but more because they remind me of my grandfather. I was even more pleased to see these things hidden away because my grandmother hates them, but also kept them as a reminder of my Poppy.
When we were allowed to eat sardines, it was only because we were outside, where the fresh air would blow the smell away. My grandfather loved to rail my grandmother and would ask for a kiss following our smelly fish consumption. Hehehe
Tomorrow, if it is not raining, I think I'll sit on the back porch with my Poppy and enjoy the last tin. - It's a date!

Photos for the last few weeks

View from Anna's window

My Anna

Monument walk

Watcing the salmon with Sarah

Oregon coast

The short list

I am SO thankful...
for American plumbing
for my now expanded wardrobe
No more suitcase living
Varity of foods
No ants
And for just being with my family.
I am SO greatful for home.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Somethings are too much.

No, I don't have my life figured out. Well, I do have somethings checked off my list now having lived in South America for four months. No, I do not have plans to return. Though I would for tourism. My skills are lacking for any real work. And I need to feel purposeful in what I do so, perhaps with more training in language or as a dental assistant or nurse I would feel an actual help to the community. But for now I will simply cheer for the local church that is moving towards mobilization and the curriculum of Uncharted Waters that was greatly welcomed in its practical as ease of use. That was a home run!

Farewell Bolivia

Breakfast of Papaya. Lunch at Tuesdays (Yes, through off of Fridays.). Dinner at Kebabs. Dessert at Moderna. Fantastic food send off. 

Blockades

 Blockades in the past did not have much effect on our teams daily schedule. We just slept in a little longer and then went about our plans after lunch. Well, this last month there have been several more. The one most recent prevented any traffic from driving the whole day. So, not wanting to be cooped up, I decided to adventure out. My journey took me about an hour to walk from my host families home in Tiqipaya to Cochabamba proper. It was wild to walk down the middle of the street and not have to fear for my life. Well, I did have to avoid a couple motorcycles. Anyways, it was a new great perspective of the city. Below is a phot of one of the three blockades I passed.

Guatemalan paparazzi

Thank you Lord for my friend Ely. Over the last several weeks, Ely has been my connection between the US and Bolivia. We have shared meals, explored the city and surrounding parks, and enjoyed many laughs while watching episodes of Friends. Ely has lived and worked in Bolivia for about two years. Her passion is for the poor and children in orphanages. Having grown up in both the Latin culture and American culture, Ely easily laughs her was into the heart of every person she meets... And then she snaps a picture!

The Great White Tourist

What a pleasure to visit Uyuni, Oruro and Lake Titicaca, La Paz
The last two weeks, I spent traveling with two different groups affiliated with my language school. Now not only was a white person traveling about, but a white person in a group of WHITE people all speaking... GERMAN!
None the less, I had a great time once again meeting people, trying new food and seeing the diversity that is Bolivia. (Yes, in case you are curious my rest is "GO.")

Living in The City of Flowers

For you Mom. Love ya.

Is this My will?

When I make decisions. Am I serving him or am I still independently committed to the service of self? 

CHANGE

God, you search hearts minds and you know truth. We hide our hearts, we guard our minds and keep our will to our-self. And I don´t think we see things always quite as accurately the way they are. Our motives run us from behind so that we don´t always see them. In all this we need you

Life is always going to be in flux.

God moves, has will, leads into the future, compassion, redeems, reconciles, pursues, changes, uses us to serve his will.

Dream in love.

Get excited about joining in God´s redemptive plan of eternal life for those that know Him.

My reading over these last months of God´s character and of the various authors and stories in the bible has been incredibly encouraging. god uses people and reveals His character through these people. 
Daniel- call to pray 

David- speak to God honestly

Job- trust God

Nehemiah- Encourage the body, restoration

Paul- speak the gospel to the nations, have a high standard of faith, trust, ethic, encourage the church

John- what is the gospel

Jonah- do what God says, do not be scared of the unknown, God's character is gracious, patient, slow to become angry

Cain & Abel- Have a pure offering

Joshua- God is with me

Ester- Faith in God, strength in prayer and calling on her community to pray

Timothy- youth moving

Crazy Critters

Bolivia´s wildlife has surprised many times. This country not only is diverse in climate but creatures as well. And yes I saw all of these in the wild: flamingo, sloth, scorpion, blue macaws, toucans, pink dolphins, parrots, butterflyies

Community

Gylindo our fishing guide and second mate

Good times start with Good people and include Good food.

Gabi caught four fish this night

Pose with the Largest pineapple ever!

Mariam was our cook for the trip

I was successful this time

Manolo was always fishing when he wasn´t driving the boat

Cups of coffee with Tom and Patty every morning were wonderful

I had to try the coco milk and Kaite provided the means

It is sweet!

Mixing Masaku is a family event

Fried bananas mashed with cheese