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| Fun with some of our Bolivian Family |
Dear Friends,
Transitions and change, just the words on their own evoke many different emotions and feelings, but as we look at the implications of those words the feelings become much more intense. Many of you are now aware that this is the path we are now taking as we have decided to end our time here in Bolivia. Its not been an easy decision to make after almost 9 years of relative stability and knowing what comes next. And yet we feel that God is now calling us to something new, to a new season, to new challenges and the strengthening of the lessons in which we have learned over these nine years in Bolivia.
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| Pigs wandering the streets squabbling with the local dogs |
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| Aerobics out in the street for the "Dia del desafio" (Day of the challenge) |
Since having made that decision it has been interesting how we now see things differently here in La Paz. We find ourselves reminiscing as we walk around different parts of the city, remembering key moments and events, places we have lived, the clinic where Isaiah was born, and favourite places with amazing views of the city and Illimani. There are also feelings of sadness as we think about the things we will miss, the friendships, the familiarity and sounds of the neighbourhood we live in and seeing the odd sights that only happen in the developing world - farm animals and dogs roaming the streets in packs, buses with people hanging out of the door, bikes and taxis loaded up to the hilt, just this week I saw a taxi with two coffins in the back and three tied on the roof and I thought ‘only in Bolivia.’ All these thoughts go intertwined with thoughts of what is coming. Seeing family for the first time in 4 years, opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to do things together, places, wildlife and foods to share with our children, times of spiritual refreshment, and being at lower altitude and having more energy. And of course there will be the rain of the UK and other challenges.
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| Perfect view of Illimani from the Monticulo |
So this we were we find ourselves as the book ‘Looming Transitions’ by Amy Young says; living in the tension of our current reality and future reality at the same time, trying not to die to soon or too late. Not too soon with shutting down from responsibilities or relationships too early, maintaining our involvement with work, church and friendships. And not dying too late and suddenly disappearing like the rapture. It is a hard tension to live in, but a challenge we want to complete. Finishing well, standing in this tension continuing to serve and encourage, while little by little giving up responsibilities, praying that God will provide new relationships for the friends we have made to help them to keep growing in the Lord.
We do not know what comes next, we have our desires, but the Lord knows best and so we are patiently seeking him and pushing doors where we can.
Thank God for:
- Almost nine years in Bolivia
- Seeing our family grow
- Spiritual growth and character development over these last nine years
- Friendships that have changed lives
- FH transforming realities of so many lives throughout the world.
Ask God for:
- Finishing well with FH and Church.
- For all of us to be able to work through the emotions and strains of leaving Bolivia and adjusting to life in the UK.
- Ed starting year two of his coaching course in August
- Safe travels within Bolivia and returning.
- The right job, housing and a car
Practical details:
- Please don’t send any more post as they can take months to arrive, even if the Post Office says otherwise.
- 29th July - Ed finishes with FH Bolivia
- 20th September - Leave Bolivia
- October to December - Home leave
- December / January - Hope to be starting a new job.
Blessings
Ed, Sarah, Alana, Isaiah & Lucas
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
