Thursday, January 17, 2013

Learning Through Trials...


 When I left you last blog it was with optimism that it would be a better week ahead... Well it wasn't... It was actually worse. Thursday afternoon I came home from Spanish class and went straight to bed with the worst achy flu I can remember having in six years. It was a long and sore weekend. One by one all the rest have gotten sick with the exception of A. and baby L. Thankfully, Rudi waited to get sick until after I was back on my feet, in a wobbly sort of way, Monday! He wasn't hit as hard thankfully and is recovering faster. I think it has to do with my amazing concoctions I have been giving him.

 Below Emily took a picture of me giving out some of my narly health tonics! The one below has lots of fresh crushed garlic, crushed onion, ginger, apple cider vinegar, and honey. It is sure to cure what ails you... if you live through eating it!!!
 In the blue cup is the "potion" and in the little cups water and peach yogurt. First you eat a spoonful of the potion, followed by a water rinse, and then the spoonful of sugar that makes the medicine go down, yummy yogurt. Want some?

A now for a series of reactions from Emily!
Primero!


Segundo!

Finalmente! Not so bad!

I think this face says it best!!
 And as if being terribly sick was not enough our water system failed this past week also. This means that we did not have water Monday through this morning. (With the exception of Tuesday afternoon!) We figured out that we could pull water up out of our tank to flush toilets, wash dishes, and even take a "camping bath"! It was not the most convenient, but we were thankful to have any water at all. Our laundry has stacked up nicely and boy did a shower feel great today!
Ruth and Paula on "Bucket Brigade" duty!
Myles our main water gatherer!
 We are so thankful that Tia Techy was here all week to make food for us and clean, and clean, and clean! She is such a blessing to us everyday! Don't let the serious face fool you, this gal has a great sense of humor!
Our favorite Tia!
 Our little girls on loan and little boy continue to grow and do super well! We have lots of fun with them and are thankful to be here to serve them. Baby L. is always commented as being "gordito" and is sleeping through the nights like a champ! Now that he has begun to smile we are given lots of these every day! A. and K. love to sing songs and play with puzzles and are generally busy little girls all day long! I still love to hear them laugh!
Happy Baby L.
This past week two different women, who I appreciate very much, sent me these verses as an encouragement... I really felt that this is what the Lord wanted me to think about and attempt to learn through these trials.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 " For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."
I know that I am beginning to learn just a little to lean on the never ending resources in Christ Jesus. I am thankful for the "stretching weeks", especially when they are behind me!!!!

5 comments:

  1. Thank you Carla for keeping us all updated! I'm sure a good sense of humor certainly helps during your continuing trials. We can definitely relate to being glad when the trials are in the past! It is so special for us to have your inside scoop on the details of your lives in Bolivia, your rejoicing in Chist in the middle of difficult circumstances is a real encouragement and inspiration to us. Your children on loan are so beautiful! What precious gifts from our Lord. We pray often for you all, and particularly for The Lord to keep the sickness away for a while.

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    1. We love you very much and thank you for praying for us! His strength is made perfect in our weakness! What a great promise!
      Hugs and Kisses to you all,
      Carla:)

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  2. Carla, you must eventually put all your blogs and photos together into a book! It is so great to read all of them and smile and laugh over the photos!

    Your medication method is perfect! That first drink is a killer! (for bad germs, that is!)

    No matter what happens, we know that God's grace will see you all through this amazing time of your lives! He is ever faithful!

    Love to all,

    Mother/Grandma B

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  3. Wow, a what a week! You guys seem to be trying to catch every aliment, germ and parasite in Bolivia! Maybe if you get them all now you'll be healthy the rest of your time there! :)
    Carla and Emily, your facial expressions are hilarious.
    I also enjoyed the pictures of all the children, so sweet!
    We've been praying for you all and will, of course, continue to.

    Love, Lauren

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  4. Though one must admit that the things which are seen (and felt) sometimes SEEM eternal, eh? :D Praise be to God that they are not! We surely have prayed for you a lot; God must have given you the "recipe" for the gnarly health tonic that has, thankfully, done its work.

    It is really good to hear that your water is available now.

    Oh! What fun to see little L's smile. It was worth waiting for.

    May God continue to heal you and encourage you!

    Lovingly,

    Mother/Paula/Grams

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