Yay for the Bolivian Government!

I HAVE MY VISA!!!  I can't believe it, but I actually have it in my hand.  Some serious celebrating is in order.  The bummer is that the government changed the way they do things, and my one year visa was stamped in December of 2009.  I didn't technically have a visa until this Monday (or actually, the 31st of March, when it was finalized), but the Bolivian government doesn't see it that way.  So, the good news is, it's possible to get a visa!  When my visa expires December 2010, I'll be able to re-apply for a 2 year visa without as much hassle.  Thanks for your almost 2 years of prayers for my visa troubles.  God is faithful, just in His own timing:)

Joana, Jen, me

I also had the tremendous blessing of another visit.  One of my dear friends, Jen, who I used to live and work with as an intern with Iteams, came to visit me (and Bolivia) for a couple weeks.  It was perfect timing, especially since I was going through a series of major changes and big decisions for the future.  God truly knows our needs and responds in His perfect timing.  We were also able to spend a lot of time with my old ministries, including the Center, which continued to confirm my future here.  My favorite was visiting some of the boys from the Villa Israel orphanage, who I have been unable to see in over a year.  They remembered us both, and were thrilled to see us.  What a gift.

Erland (Villa Israel boy), me and Jen

me and the Villa Israel boys

Brandon, Jhoel, Samuel

A few weeks ago, we had a surprise wedding at our house.  Who would've thought that would've been one of the uses of our house when we decided to open it up for church use?!

 the wedding ceremony

me, Daniel (groom), Irma (bride), Oliver

It certainly wasn't the typical wedding, thrown together at the last minute in my living room, with my dining room table serving as the official table for the ceremony and signing of the marriage license.  The beautiful part was the symbol it was for the couple of reconciliation with God, and for recognizing their mistake and choosing to make it right.  They were supposed to get married a long time ago, but cultural norms of just living together as their commitment had kept them from taking the final step.  It was really beautiful to see the gentle ways in which God prompted them to be different, to take the big step of commitment through marriage.  Good stuff.

fun on a motorcycle:)

I'd really appreciate prayers for my heart.  The time I have left before I leave is going to fly by, and there are so many unresolved relational things.  I have no idea when I will be able to return, since I have no way of knowing how long it will take to raise my support.  Church life is getting very difficult.  I suppose it's really no different than the average church, but there are so many grudges, so many broken relationships, so many secrets of hidden sins, and I feel caught in the middle.  Pray for wisdom, pray for hope, and pray for strength and courage to do what needs to be done.  Our Lord is faithful, I just need to practice keeping my eyes fixed on Him.

But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.

Psalm 71:14