I Made It!

Hey Guys!
   Sorry I didn't give an update sooner- I was hoping to last night but my computer plug in is three prongs and the plug in only has two, so my computer died and I didn't get a chance to find an adapter till tonight. Anyways... I just wanted to give a little update on how my trip went and how my first couple days have gone!
   Well, I made it! Praise God I had three great flights with almost no problems.  The only time I was a little nervous was when I checked in for my flight out of Miami.  They said I was supposed to have return tickets booked, but I showed them an intro letter from Pastor Eldon and an invitation letter from the Hoffmans and they were content with that.  I was nervous also that I may have trouble gettinjg throu customs but they stamped my passport without hesitation and didn't even bother to look through my bags but sent me right through the doors.  I was also a bit surprised but quite thankful to see both my bags there! What a blessing for everything to have gone so well! 
   My first two days here have been tiring, but also quite fun.  My flight arrived on time at 3am, so by the time I got home and somewhat settled and into bed it was just after 5. I slept in till about noon and got ready and joined the Hoffmans for lunch- celebrating the birthday of the daughter of one of the staff memebers.  It was slightly intimidating b ut also exciting to meet a number of the people I will be living and working with this year.  I was aple to grasp just how rusty my Spanish is as I tried to converse with Gabby, who lives in the room next door to mine above the orphanage.  That evening I was able to have dinner with Heather and Kayleen Mickelson, and also their cousin who is visiting from the states. What joy this brought me! And after supper we went to Cristo Viene Girls home, where I spent much time last time I was here. It was exciting to see the new location of the home, as I knew they had been hoping to move for sometime, but it was also a little sad as I only recognized a few girls and they didn't remember me, since they were so young last time I saw them.
  Today was another fun but tiring day.  I slept in a little again and then spent the majority of the afternoon playing with three of the Hoffman children- Ella, Manny, and Willi. They are adorable, and it was so fun to get to know them a bit. Later this evening we went to the seminary where they were holding a conference for the vineyard church.  I got to sing a few songs and listen to the speaker (who was from the states) all in Spanish, which was good practice for me. I've always found gringos (people from the states) are much easier to understand, even in spanish, than native speakers. Probably because we share the same accent.  Afterwards, while waiting for the kids to get out, I was able to have a good chat with Gabby (the girl that lives next to me) about a variety of different things. She is so great and I very much look forward to getting to know her better as I work here!
    I really miss being home but it's also so exciting to finally be back! I've forgotten how much I love this city and the people here. Thanks so much for your support and prayers! If you get a chance, here are a few requests I have- that my Spanish would improve quickly that I would be able to understand and speak it well. - for the Judah Quy home, we are hoping the first baby will arrive by the end of January sometime, and we are hoping to eventually get up to 6 babies at the home. -and one last thing, just that I would be able to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with people, both Bolivians and other missionaries that are here. It's been a blessing to meet many people I hadn't before, and I'm excited to get to know some of them better.
Sending Blessings and Warm Weather Your Way!

Jan 14 2011