Back home again... Cochabamba!

God's hands were on each step of my journey back home. From the cheery "Welcome back!" from the immigration officer in La Paz as he stamped my passport without batting an eye, to the ticket from La Paz to Cochabamba bought 15 minutes before my flight left, He provided for each step. There is still much left to be done and many obstacles for my visa. Please keep praying, as I have a 3 week window to get my visa process started before my temporary visa expires.

my namesake
Kati, the parrot

My welcome home from all my friends, church family, and housemates could not have been more beautiful. Friends stopped by and called even while I was still in the air over the Andes on my way home. My closest friends prepared a welcome home/happy birthday surprise, which included this AMAZING cake below. Yum! My friend Henrri even asked me if he could name his parrot after me!

I haven't been able to stop smiling since I arrived. This is home. It was harder than I thought to leave Colorado, my friends, and my family, but the moment I landed in Cochabamba, I felt such a peace, such a profound joy, that I am convinced this is where I'm supposed to be. My church sends their greetings to all of you, and welcomed me home with open arms, laughter, and huge smiles. What a gift to be here.

my Bolivian birthday cake
Second grade is also much more of a fit than 6th grade English. It's my favorite grade to teach, and I am filled every day by the little delights of working with these little ones. I only have 13 kids in my class so far, which is also such a gift. I may get more throughout the next week, but for now, I have a perfect sized class. These little guys are so affectionate, giving me hugs and telling me they love me whenever they see me. My favorite quote so far was by a precocious girl named Gabriela. She looked at me hard and said, "Miss Katie, I like.... your face!" I think she meant to say something else, since her English is still rough, but I got a kick out of it anyway.

3 of my 2nd graders
Gabriela, Flavia, Celeste

Favorite Highlights from this week:
1. a drink my pastor served me with:
-raw egg
-cervesin (a non-alcoholic beer)
-sugar
2. a new Quechua teacher at Calvert!
3. a bedbug welcome home (or NOT so much a favorite...)
4. going to the new Quechua service at my church... and understanding some!

I covet your prayers, and will keep you posted as things unfold with my visa.

Sumaj p'unchay kachun (may it be a good day, roughly translated)
Kati