A Season for Everything

Ecclesiastes 3 speaks about a time and season for everything, and these words from Scripture are guiding us through this season right now. Knowing that ministry opportunities are few as a result of Covid, our Spanish speaking ability, and the adjustment necessary when adapting to a new culture, we have recognized that this is a season of preparation and learning. We are anxious for more opportunities, but God has not opened those doors just yet. So patience and perseverance have been our themes as we continue to prepare ourselves for further ministry here. We choose to see this as a necessary season and a blessing as we cultivate our 9 month old marriage and even younger life together here in Bolivia.

This season has brought us various opportunities to build community and get to know some of the new teachers and fellow staff members from school. A couple of new teachers have arrived at the start of the new year, and other former teachers have returned, including my former roommate Mark and his new wife. It has been cool to see Mark again and walk this familiar path together. With new people comes new opportunities to build relationships through exploring the hidden treasures of La Paz. Many hikes and lookouts have been ventured upon these last couple weeks, as well as a "low stress" game of catch atop a mountain.

Nothing revs up the appetite more than some good hikes and this has led us to try some new restaurants and new dishes in La Paz. We continue to dive into the cultural dishes and expand our pallets while challenging our stomachs. One of the Bolivian staff members has also shown us two restaurants that offer a unique fusion style take on Bolivian food. One restaurant was a fusion between traditional Bolivian dishes and Japanese sushi, while the other was a three course smorgasbord of innovative Bolivian staples. Needless to say our pallets have enjoyed various parties of deliciousness over the past couple weeks. (click to enlarge view of picture)

Since Audrey's return on January 6th we have introduced many new friends, foods, and words to our repertoire. Learning Spanish continues to be a prayer, but also something we continue to work at during this season. We recognize that learning Spanish will open many more doors for ministry and so Mark continues to grow through his tutoring with Francisco and Audrey has signed up for tutoring online which starts in February. We know this season of growth is necessary and so we embrace it as best as possible as we prepare for whatever the Lord has for us here. We ask that you continue to pray for us as we learn Spanish and utilize this season and whatever opportunities the Lord may bring.

Rumors of going back to school in-person have been stalled since cases are rising, so please continue to pray for the pandemic situation here as well. A reliable vaccine most likely won't arrive until later this year. At times life can almost feel normal again, and that is because people here must be out and earning a living, and a consequence of that is the spreading of the virus. However, we continue in this season a best as possible and know that this is in fact a season, even if it is a season that is lasting longer than we want.