Amazing Family, Week 1

There is a family on this team that has really blown me away. They all have such gentle spirits but they aren't at all weak or emotional or followers. Their gentleness seems equally matched with a strength in their relationships with each other. God has shown himself so clearly to me through them this week, through Dad's hoarse confessions of sin and selfishness as he poured his testimony out, through Mom's tears as she pieces together the horrors experienced by the boys and the miraculous healing that she is now playing a role in, and through Daughter's constant play and protection of the boys that endured with big sisterly ease long after the rest of the team and myself had sought quiet places to rest. At the pizza party I took a "family picture" of them with the two boys that they started sponsoring this week. A third boy jumped into the picture and didn't want to leave. I couldn't blame him; I would like to be a part of their family too! They live near me in Florida, and I really hope that I continue to see them after the summer. God is just so clear in them.

Surprise

Sandra never ceases to amaze me. Whether she is giggling and telling me about a text message from the guy she likes or dispersing Biblical truths on the trials that we weather as Christians, she has such a grace and beauty and peace about her. She often says, "God will surprise you" and I am beginning to see just how true that is.

Back in Bolivia for the Summer

I am so happy to be back in Bolivia!! After the easiest airport check-in and flight that I have ever experienced, I slept through the flight and woke up to this beautiful country. Gerson, Sergio, and Pastor David met the other hosts and I at the airport. I was so happy I was literally jumping up and down. Sergio drove the girls and I to the Life Center and we arrived a few minutes ahead of Gerson, the boys, and the luggage. We couldn't drive through the front gate because of work that they are doing there, so we walked through the side gate. The boys weren't expecting this, but it only took a few seconds before we were spotted. My smile was so big that it hurt as little boys from all over the property yelled "Tia Anna!" and began racing my way. I was tackled right there on the soccer field :)