En Cochabamba

Saturday night at 9pm, I finally arrived in Cochabamba. I saw God´s hand in each leg of my journey... thank you for all your prayers! I should´ve missed my connection in Miami to La Paz, Bolivia, as I arrived at the airport slightly after my plane was scheduled to depart, but by the grace of God, I made it in time.

My flight to La Paz arrived 3 hours late, and I missed my connection to Cochabamba. As I was waiting in line in customs, a man came running up and down the line, calling "¿Cati Estewart?" He had two meal vouchers, and a new reservation on the next flight to Cochabamba at 7pm. I talked with lots of other people from my same flight who also missed their connection to Cochabamba, and none of them had the same experience. In fact, most of them had to buy completely new tickets, and several had to wait until the next morning to fly out! Even though it was frustrating to be stuck in the La Paz airport for 14 hours, I was grateful for all the little ways that God cared for me. Plus, I didn´t really mind having extra time to stare out the window at the incredible and striking mountains shooting up out of the altiplano.

Life in Coch has been incredibly powerful, as I have been able to reconnect with so many people and parts of Bolivia that are deeply rooted in my heart. My first day here, I was able to spend the whole afternoon with my dear friends Reina and Alejandro, as well as see their now almost two-year-old son, Josías. Later in the week, I was able to spend some time tutoring the kiddos in the second orphanage that I helped build two years ago. It was deeply moving to meet all the kids who live in the place I labored over, and to have the chance to love on them and build them up in the hope of Christ. Last night, I also got to reunite with my good friend Pachy at the weekly motorcyle club meeting I used to go to two summers ago. It was fun to see some old friends there, and to drive around the city again on the back of a motorcycle.

Here´s a link to a video tour of the Hacienda (where I stayed last time in Cochabamba, and where I will live for the next 6 months) that one of the other interns put together: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Lymybm6NEkQ

As for my heart, I´m still adjusting to the newness of being on my own. At times, I´ve felt lonely and incapable. I´d love prayers that I would be confident in what God has called me to do, and that I would seize every opportunity to initiate with Bolivians around me. Pray also that God would put Bolivian girls my age in my path so I can build on more mutual relationships here.

Tinkuna cama,
Katie

"And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

still in the States...

My goodness.  The last few days have been a full whirlwind, but not the kind of whirlwind I was anticipating.  I was supposed to fly to Bolivia on the 9th (Monday), but was turned away from my flight when I learned that the yellow fever immunization was required in order to fly and I didn't have it.  The yellow fever vaccination was only a recommendation days earlier when I double checked, but the laws changed suddenly, and I was caught in the middle!

I am learning the discipline of patience and trust as I wait for my yellow fever shot to become valid (a 10 day wait period).  I spent most of the last 36 hours running around Chicago, getting my shot and a new flight out on the 20th of June.  As many of you know I am not a city girl, and it is uncomfortable and stretching for me to travel alone in an unknown city.

At one point, I was miles from downtown Chicago, in an unknown area and had spent the last hour and a half wandering through concrete and noisy traffic, trying to find a travel office.  It was my breaking point.  I found a graffiti covered pay phone in an abandoned parking lot and called my mom.  As I talked and sobbed, she reminded me of God's promise to never leave me.  I felt desperate, alone, and deeply disappointed, but somehow, God inserted Himself into the mess and drew me to Him.  I pulled myself together and by His grace, I was able to navigate the metra, bus, and train system safely the rest of the day.

As it stands right now, I am going to spend the next 10 days (9 days now!) in Elgin, IL, where International Teams is based.  I still feel alone and isolated, even though I'm surrounded by an incredible support team here.  It feels almost impossible to be still, yet that is the only option I am faced with.  I am certain that God has many things to teach me, but my stubborn desire to be in Bolivia NOW is getting in the way.  Please pray that the days ahead will only serve to deepen my understanding of God's calling on my life, and that I will be present.  Present in each moment.  Present in the loneliness.  Present in the disappointment and frustration.  Present in His daily grace and life-saving mercy.

Hasta Cochabamba, Bolivia,

Katie