Back in Bolivia Again

Hello friends and family and faithful blog readers that I have never met, but would fall under the friends category anyway! We arrived back in Bolivia last week, after another series of flights and a night spent sleeping (kinda) in the Lima airport! What a joy to see "our" babies S. and A.! Thanks, Hannah, for bringing them to the airport! Also, a big thank you to the many friends who came to greet us, welcoming us back to Bolivia!

Not much culture shock this time. It just seemed business as usual, to jump into our old van and drive down Blanco Galindo, to the sound of horns honking and dust flying everywhere! Some of the road construction has gotten done...hooray... and more messes, I mean road construction, has started! A little unnerving for me, was trusting that all of our bags would stay on top of our van without being tied down. They all made it just fine, I am glad to report!

We have been able to settle into our rented home outside of the city. We feel like kings and queens in our new location. Pictures to come later... However, we would like for you all to feel sorry for us suffering down here in Bolivia, so I do not know if I should show you the palace we are living in!! Truly, we are super blessed to be in this quiet, beautiful place.

Today we began the adoption process. This morning we were able to meet with our fantastic lawyer. We were also able to get two of the many steps needed out of the way! We are excited to be in process and pray that all will go smoothly and well... Already our lessons in patience these past two years are coming in handy. If you just expect things to take twice or three times as long as they "should", you aren't stressed when they do. You also are pleasantly surprised if it takes less! Also, be sure to plan for all government offices to close for lunch and you won't be disappointed when they set your schedule back by a couple hours... again!

It has also been great to see all of the other babies at the Hogar. Rudi just brought Daniel, our heart surgery baby, in to say hi to me. I cannot believe how much he has grown. He sprinted in a crawl to attack my computer. Definitely not the baby we left just two and a half short months ago! It doesn't look like he lacks for appetite anymore either!!

These verses have been on our hearts, as we return to Bolivia to adopt and serve here again. They are from Isaiah 43
¹ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

² When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.³ For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.⁴ Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.⁵ Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;⁶ I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;⁷ Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

As always we covet your prayers and are so thankful for each one of you.