Navidad en Bolivia

mis alumnas in their Santa outfits

Rosalia and Reynaldo decorating the tree

For the first year in my life, I won't be trekking through the woods on skis, searching for the mother-of-all Christmas trees.  I won't smell the fresh pine every time I come into the living room, and have the joy (and also sometimes the frustration and stress) of decorating our tree as a family, while listening to George Winston's December album.  But, I did the next best thing.

 

                      me and Rosalia with the final product

I invited a few of my friends to come over and help me decorate my tiny little juniper tree as we listened to George Winston's December album.  We made popcorn chains and hung the two handmade ornaments on it that we made in honor of what I used to sew with my grandmom when I was little.

hand sewn Christmas ornaments (my grandmom taught me how)

with my 2nd grade

My first semester as a second grade teacher has come to a close.  With the relief of the 3 week break comes a new set of decisions and a new door opening.  3 weeks ago, I was invited to join a team of Bolivian missionaries to work at the Center, the after-school program I've been volunteering at for the last year and a half.  I was asked to be one of their teachers, to teach English, other core subjects, and encourage them in their spiritual growth.

After a lot of prayer, I have seen God fling the doors wide open to this opportunity to serve Him in a new way.  This is a chance for me to take the amazing education I had at Whitworth and the gift of the English language and put them to use for those who would never have access to them otherwise.  I can teach the kids at the Center (who come from poor homes with little opportunities) in the same way that I am teaching the wealthy at Calvert, who have all the opportunities in the world.

That's not to say that this next step isn't without its hard parts.  I'm scared to death to step into the role of a missionary, to raise support, and to need to surrender aun más my life to Him.  It means stepping out into His provision and not relying on myself for ANYTHING.  I suppose I've had to do that in areas of my life right now, but this commitment means so much more.  It also means committing to two years more in Bolivia, beginning September of 2010.  I guess God's not done with me here yet.

Elias and me

A quote from a letter Elias wrote to me:

Kati 2

Money isn't important.  What's really important is the love each person has.  

That's why I love you a lot with love.  

Don't forget me and I won't forget you... I say goodbye with a hug and a kiss.  

Elias

Elias, and kiddos like him, are the reason why I am going to pursue working at the Center.  They inspire me, bring out the best in me, and teach me so much about Christ's love.  I see Him in them each day. 

me and Elias walking thru a field in his card

(note my pigtails!)

So, my dear friends, as you enjoy the snow, eggnog, caroling and all the other season's delights, may you be reminded of the most incredible gift that we were given.  May we never take for granted our Lord's deep, deep love for us, demonstrated in the gift of His Son.

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.

Isaiah 9:2

Sonqoy kusisqa kasan (my heart is content)

Katie

P.S. Merry Christmas to me, the scorpion count: 4