New Year, New Resolution

Greetings from La Paz!

Summer has flown by quickly, and the start of a new school year is just around the corner! Although my time in the States was short, it was packed with the fun of seeing family and friends, relaxing, road-tripping with Bennett, and getting engaged! :) I honestly didn't feel ready for the summer to end when I packed my suitcase and headed to the airport last Friday evening...After all, summer is relaxing, and goodbyes are hard. Nevertheless, it was time.

Summer Recap:

This map pretty much sums it up…Bennett flew into Fort Lauderdale where we spent the week enjoying the summer sunshine, kayaking on Biscayne Bay, celebrating Grandma Teddy’s birthday, and eating Chinese with friends (And yes, the boys dominated in Pictionary). From there, we headed north through Tallahassee, North Carolina, and Ohio, all on our way to the lovely Lake Michigan. We had the privilege of visiting with several incredible friends on the journey and celebrating at Tom and Becca’s wedding. Finally in Michigan, we were ready for a few days off of the road. Time to relax. Our week in Michigan was filled with many games, sand and shore Frisbee, family, stargazing, and a sunset proposal. I am excited to marry the man of my dreams. :)

The next stop on our adventure was Yorkville, Illinois. We spent several days at the Parkhurst farm, playing more games, watching movies, exploring Starved Rock, and enjoying being together. And then, it was home-again-home-again for me. I stopped to see Sidney, the Swartzes, and Madison (+ Emily!) along the drive home, and entertained myself with audio books, phone calls, and a little car dancing during the 24 or so hours of road time. I also had some spontaneous and exciting mini visits with Arisha, Celeste, Andrei, and Grammy, and Alex and Caleb.

I got home with 5 days to spare and procrastinated packing as I visited/celebrated with family and friends, checked out some wedding reception venues with the parents, and did some wedding dress hunting.

Before long, it was Friday, and I packed my suitcases, headed to the airport, said a few tearful goodbyes, and tried to sleep on the overnight flight to La Paz.

Back in Bolivia:

All was quiet when my taxi pulled up in front of 198 Sebastian Figaroa early Saturday morning. I spent the morning reading 1 Timothy, praying, and missing my family and Ben. Although the goodbyes are difficult, I have been reminded of God's call to La Paz and refreshed by that knowledge. I have been thanking God for the opportunities he gives us to give back to him - as Elisabeth Elliot has said, God gives us material for sacrifice. I have recently been reading about Paul's suffering for the gospel and his encouragement to Timothy to "join in his suffering." While I recognize that my "suffering" is small compared to many, I also acknowledge that there are often costs in following God. And yet, they are all, always worth it. What else could I chase after in this life that would be better? There is nothing else that can satisfy. There are many wonderful things in this world that God has given us to enjoy, but none of them can be the goal, the ultimate aim of my life. If they are, they will soon crumble away. Even good things that are made "ultimate things" leave us empty in the end.

I like this definition of sacrifice - "the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim." Whatever it is that I prize, it is always better to offer it to Him.

I am thankful for God's call and for another chance to grow as a teacher here in Bolivia. My week has been filled with joy as I was welcomed back into my church community here and spent several days getting ready for the new teachers to arrive. It has been fun getting to know our new staff and showing them around La Paz. Last night, we had a game night with old and new staff, and it was great to catch up with friends who we haven't seen all summer. As it turned out, we talked for so long, we only ended up playing 3 rounds of Catchphrase!

So that's that. Tomorrow starts "real" school work. We have a week of teacher prep days and then...the kids are back!

Please pray for...

1) Our new teachers - Laura, Kelly, Sara, and Samantha - We will all be busy getting started with a new school year, and they are all making the adjustment to life in La Paz.

2) Health and energy for all of our teachers starting a new year

3) Passion for our students to know the gospel + wisdom and intentionality in building relationships and sharing the love of Christ with them

4) Whole-hearted service and commitment - That my heart will be fully here and that my investment in my students will be joyful and willing

5) That our students will learn to make following the Lord the goal of their lives. That they will recognize that he is worthy and that they will develop his perspectives.

6) My roommate, Lindsay, who is having some medical tests done before coming back to La Paz.

7) Wisdom and discernment as Bennett and I make plans for the future together. Where shall we go?

And last but not least...my resolution. This year, I resolve to write at least 2 blog updates per month. I know I've been terrible at staying up to date with this blog. :-p I thank you all for your faithful prayers, in spite of my unfaithful updates.

With love from La Paz,
Joy