Totora

Totora, the campo village we visited

A few weekends ago, Charito (my pastor) invited me to go with her psychology class to the campo, where they were going to do a study of the indigenous Quechua culture there. She thought it would be a good chance for me to practice my Quechua, but for both of us, it was just a good chance to spend the day together, and to grow in our friendship.

more of Totora

Charito is in her mid-30's, and was widowed about 5 years ago. Además, she is Bolivian, through and through, but that doesn't seem to keep us from connecting on a deep level. Charito is becoming my closest friend in Bolivia, and it has made an incredible difference to have someone here who gets me, who wants to spend time with me, who will listen to what's going on in my heart, and who will encourage me/hold me accountable in my faith. If I do indeed stay after this next year, we've even talked about living together. God's grace and provision in my life is overwhelming and fulfilling.

Our time in the campo was good, too. I am advancing a lot in my Quechua, although it is still hard to talk. When we were in Totora, I understood about 70% of the conversations Charito and Julieta had in Quechua with the campesinos. I practice several times a week with my Bolivian friends from church who speak Quechua, and am able to have basic conversations. Qheshwata yankashani!

Julieta (Charito's friend), Charito and me

The year is coming to a close, with less than 2 weeks left. I love my kids, and I have enjoyed being a teacher this semester, but I am really ready for a break. I'm told that I will be teaching second grade next year, alongside my housemate Ann. I'm trying to hold it lightly, as everything here seems to change on a whim, but I'm looking forward to teaching my favorite grade, if it does indeed work out.

my kiddos right before a concert at school

Speaking of things changing quickly, it's not looking so good for my visa. I was supposed to go with my lawyer almost two weeks ago to submit my paperwork to immigration. When I talked to her a week ago, she said there were still 4 more steps I was unaware of, but she assured me I would have my passport in to immigration by Monday. It's Thursday, and still no word. I have 3 weeks left until I had hoped to fly home, and my paperwork will take a minimum of 10 days in immigration once submitted. Mathematically, it could still work, but it'd hard to know when things don't seem to be moving forward.

I'm ok. I feel at peace with whatever doors open or close for my summer, and would be content to stay in Bolivia this summer. Even though I'm ok with either option, I think I'm supposed to come home this summer. There are several compelling relationships and reasons to come home, but I have to trust that if it doesn't work out, God will give me other opportunities to work on those relationships. Just pray that God's will will be done.

I'd also appreciate prayers for my friend Rosalia. She is the mature 13-year-old that I've been friends with for 3 years. Rosalia is going through a rough patch in her life, and has chosen to confide in me and no one else. I feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of guiding her through some difficult choices, but would run the risk of losing her trust if I looked for outside help. Pray that God would speak through me, and would give her wisdom.

me and Rosalia at church

I am grateful for your presence in my life. My community at home is what frees me to be who I am here, and gives me the foundation to build on in my new community. Praise God for creating us as relational beings!

Kati