Monday, December 04, 2006
An Angel named Nelson and Reverse Culture Shock
Probably the times I have felt most out of my element and the most intercultural stress are the times we have been trying to accomplish paperwork type tasks here in Bolivia. We got all our visa work, Bolivian identity cards, and drivers licenses done in time for Eliana's birth - at which time we had to start all over again - with her papers.
After 2 trips to get her Bolivian birth certificate, we made it down to the Identification Office to get her Bolivian ID card. We stood in line for half an hour (thinking we were lucky) and got to the front at which time they informed us they didn't have the new identity card numbers from La Paz. We'd have to come back later. A week later, we made it back. The line was 4x as long - we probably would've waited the whole day if Josh hadn't gone to the front, explained we had a month old baby, had already waited in line before, and they couldn't help us. A very nice policement let us through to the front of the line (there are times when it helps to be a foreigner, I think!).
We got inside the building and it was a zoo. No signs to tell you where to go, packed with people standing in lines going every which direction. At which point our angel called Nelson showed up. He appeared at our elbows, asked us what we were there to do and then took us step by step through the process. He is what they call here a "tramitador". Basically, his job is to wait in lines and get other people's paperwork done for them. We had plenty of time to chit chat as we waited in several different lines, filling out paperwork. As we were waiting, I took Eliana out of her sling to nurse her. I don't know how many people told me that she was going to catch a cold because she wasn't wearing a hat (now, let me say that in a room packed with 200 people, it was sweltering). At one point, I was sitting next to a lady who kept taking a corner of the sling to cover her head up! (I think I'm going to go crazy if someone else tells me how to dress my baby!) Anyway, at the end of the whole process, we asked Nelson what he was going to charge (thinking that he would probably over charge us, but ready to pay whatever price he asked because we were so grateful!) He wouldn't take a penny (or should I say Boliviano).
The next step was to start her American paperwork. We went to the Amercian consultate - and what a difference. No lines, immediate attention. The consular agent gave us the forms we needed and even signed them so we wouldn't have to bring Eliana back the next day. We went home and filled out the forms and took them back the next day - at which point we ran into the first problem. The passport photos were the wrong size. And we didn't have enough copies of our passports, Eliana's birth certificate, or our marriage license. And he didn't have change for our dollars (we brought $150 dollars - the cost was $147 for passport, birth abroad certificate, and social security card). So down we went to find change and to make copies (Josh went 5 different places before he could find change), and make new passport photos. The next day, I went back, thinking I would only have to drop off the new pictures and the photo copies. Wrong again! This time, the consular's secretary handled our forms. She began to look through them and point out all the mistakes I had made (half of which there were no directions for on the forms), and oh, by the way, I had to fill out a change of name affidavit, because here in Bolivia, they use the mother's maiden name as the last name, and since Eliana was born here, her birth certificate read Eliana Joy Marcum Stephens. If we wanted just Marcum on her American paperwork, we had to request a change of name. She told me I had to take the forms, go buy white out, and bring them back corrected before 12 o'clock, because, by the way, the consular was leaving on vacation and wouldn't be back until Jan., so if we didn't bring them back today, we'd have to wait till then! I was about ready to loose it! I thought this was the US, civilization - this was supposed to be easy! Talk about reverse culture shock (well, a form of it at least)! So down I went to buy white out. I tried to get on the elevator twice and both times I missed it because I had my hands full of papers, a baby bag, and a baby. Then Josh called my on my cell phone. Boy, did he get an earfull. I think he thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I successfully bought my white out and sat down to fill out the forms, at which time I realized our passports (which I needed) were at home. Josh, my wonderful husband, ran home to get them, while I completed the forms. Up we went again, where we waited for the secretary to double check everything and get everything signed.
But - thanks be to Him who gives us strength through all these frustrations - we finally accomplished our tasks. Our daughter is now a legal Bolivian and American citizen.
After 2 trips to get her Bolivian birth certificate, we made it down to the Identification Office to get her Bolivian ID card. We stood in line for half an hour (thinking we were lucky) and got to the front at which time they informed us they didn't have the new identity card numbers from La Paz. We'd have to come back later. A week later, we made it back. The line was 4x as long - we probably would've waited the whole day if Josh hadn't gone to the front, explained we had a month old baby, had already waited in line before, and they couldn't help us. A very nice policement let us through to the front of the line (there are times when it helps to be a foreigner, I think!).
We got inside the building and it was a zoo. No signs to tell you where to go, packed with people standing in lines going every which direction. At which point our angel called Nelson showed up. He appeared at our elbows, asked us what we were there to do and then took us step by step through the process. He is what they call here a "tramitador". Basically, his job is to wait in lines and get other people's paperwork done for them. We had plenty of time to chit chat as we waited in several different lines, filling out paperwork. As we were waiting, I took Eliana out of her sling to nurse her. I don't know how many people told me that she was going to catch a cold because she wasn't wearing a hat (now, let me say that in a room packed with 200 people, it was sweltering). At one point, I was sitting next to a lady who kept taking a corner of the sling to cover her head up! (I think I'm going to go crazy if someone else tells me how to dress my baby!) Anyway, at the end of the whole process, we asked Nelson what he was going to charge (thinking that he would probably over charge us, but ready to pay whatever price he asked because we were so grateful!) He wouldn't take a penny (or should I say Boliviano).
The next step was to start her American paperwork. We went to the Amercian consultate - and what a difference. No lines, immediate attention. The consular agent gave us the forms we needed and even signed them so we wouldn't have to bring Eliana back the next day. We went home and filled out the forms and took them back the next day - at which point we ran into the first problem. The passport photos were the wrong size. And we didn't have enough copies of our passports, Eliana's birth certificate, or our marriage license. And he didn't have change for our dollars (we brought $150 dollars - the cost was $147 for passport, birth abroad certificate, and social security card). So down we went to find change and to make copies (Josh went 5 different places before he could find change), and make new passport photos. The next day, I went back, thinking I would only have to drop off the new pictures and the photo copies. Wrong again! This time, the consular's secretary handled our forms. She began to look through them and point out all the mistakes I had made (half of which there were no directions for on the forms), and oh, by the way, I had to fill out a change of name affidavit, because here in Bolivia, they use the mother's maiden name as the last name, and since Eliana was born here, her birth certificate read Eliana Joy Marcum Stephens. If we wanted just Marcum on her American paperwork, we had to request a change of name. She told me I had to take the forms, go buy white out, and bring them back corrected before 12 o'clock, because, by the way, the consular was leaving on vacation and wouldn't be back until Jan., so if we didn't bring them back today, we'd have to wait till then! I was about ready to loose it! I thought this was the US, civilization - this was supposed to be easy! Talk about reverse culture shock (well, a form of it at least)! So down I went to buy white out. I tried to get on the elevator twice and both times I missed it because I had my hands full of papers, a baby bag, and a baby. Then Josh called my on my cell phone. Boy, did he get an earfull. I think he thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I successfully bought my white out and sat down to fill out the forms, at which time I realized our passports (which I needed) were at home. Josh, my wonderful husband, ran home to get them, while I completed the forms. Up we went again, where we waited for the secretary to double check everything and get everything signed.
But - thanks be to Him who gives us strength through all these frustrations - we finally accomplished our tasks. Our daughter is now a legal Bolivian and American citizen.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Familia Marcum
Familia Marcum“
The earth is yours and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” Ps. 24:1
Things are under your care O Lord. The surety of your presence has “been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Rom. 1:20 Ever since you stooped down, gathered dust, and breathed you likeness into man we’ve had your imprint left on us. How come we’ve received such attention from the Divine? But you are our Maker and we your most esteemed creation. Forgive us for falling short of your all perfect design. Thank you for believing in us –for the tender and gracious extension you’ve medae to restore us and breath in us anew.
Now that I’ve been directly gifted with two of your precious works –Michaela and now Eliana –my heart vacillates between emotions of extreme blessedness and deep responsibility. O heavenly Father, is this an accurate portrayal of the tension within your own heart? Is this what you feel daily for your own children?
This child turns now to you in thankfulness for you love and constant provision. As the Psalmist exclaimed, truly “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”Ps. 16:6.
Please help me along. Give me your child, the courage to live entirely for your praise alone. The intentions of my heart as guided by your will are to guide my family in righteousness, creating a home filled with your peace and presence. I commit also to your church, to serve her, and those with whom you given me to work. May my love, service, and leadership only pour down from the vantage point of your amazing grace.
Thank you for hearing the prayer I offer on this Thanksgiving Day!
submitted by Joshua Marcum
The earth is yours and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.” Ps. 24:1
Things are under your care O Lord. The surety of your presence has “been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” Rom. 1:20 Ever since you stooped down, gathered dust, and breathed you likeness into man we’ve had your imprint left on us. How come we’ve received such attention from the Divine? But you are our Maker and we your most esteemed creation. Forgive us for falling short of your all perfect design. Thank you for believing in us –for the tender and gracious extension you’ve medae to restore us and breath in us anew.
Now that I’ve been directly gifted with two of your precious works –Michaela and now Eliana –my heart vacillates between emotions of extreme blessedness and deep responsibility. O heavenly Father, is this an accurate portrayal of the tension within your own heart? Is this what you feel daily for your own children?
This child turns now to you in thankfulness for you love and constant provision. As the Psalmist exclaimed, truly “the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.”Ps. 16:6.
Please help me along. Give me your child, the courage to live entirely for your praise alone. The intentions of my heart as guided by your will are to guide my family in righteousness, creating a home filled with your peace and presence. I commit also to your church, to serve her, and those with whom you given me to work. May my love, service, and leadership only pour down from the vantage point of your amazing grace.
Thank you for hearing the prayer I offer on this Thanksgiving Day!
submitted by Joshua Marcum
Friday, November 17, 2006
Team Time
Although the pace of life is really picking up for all the families here, we still make a point to have some fellowship time together. Every other Tuesday, we get together for some praise time (in English!), some prayer time, and a meal. Here's a picture we took last time of our growing team!
Reflections
Actually, with 2 kids under the age of 2, there hasn't been much time for reflections lately. But I know some have asked about the labor and delivery experience here - and also many are just wondering about the adjustment to a new baby.
The doctor here told us that my labor and delivery was like a "parto de campo" (delivery in the country!), which for his clinic is a little unusual as most of his deliveries are done with cesarean. I wanted to have Eliana like I did Michaela - as natural as possible. And I probably enjoyed the labor experience a little more here than in the States. I wasn't strapped down to fetal monitors or IVs. I was able to walk and use different positions to help me through the contractions. There were a couple of unexpected moments - when they took me into the delivery room, they stuck an oxygen tube up my nose (I was a little put out at first, until I discovered how much it helped during the pushing - I didn't realize how the altitude was making me so breathless). And they weren't going to let Josh in at first (I guess it's unusual for fathers to be present at the actual delivery here)! We put a stop to that line of thinking real fast. I also wasn't expecting that all my knowledge of Spanish completely went out the window - which is probably a good thing, because at one point while I was pushing, the nurse told me (in Spanish) that I didn't have to yell! She probably would have got a smack in the face if I had actually heard her! But again, like with Michaela, the whole experience is worth it when you're handed your baby for the first time and get to see the perfect little life that God has helped you bring into the world.
We only stayed at the clinic for a day - and definitely got better sleep there than I did in the States. It seemed like with Michaela they would come in to check our vitals or bring us food every time after we had just gotten to sleep. The nurses at the clinic here were available, but pretty much let me do my own thing. Upon our arrival home, the team pitched in with meals which really helped out that first week. Eliana has proved to be a very easy baby - although she sure likes to be held. And although we're still trying to find our equilibrium as Josh puts it, we are enjoying both our daughters. Michaela has had some "security issues" for lack of a better word, and has begun waking up at night to check and make sure we're there (and to see what Mommy is doing with the baby). But she likes her little sister a lot - sometimes we can't get her to stop giving Eliana kisses! I think we're all gradually settling into a routine again (minus a little more sleep). Josh is able to come home for lunch (the siesta hour here) and that gives us some good family time and helps Mom get both the girls down for naps so she can take one herself.
At times, I feel like a juggler. You get one's needs met, and then get to turn around and attend to the other. I remember someone saying once, "With one child, you get to trade on and off; with two, you have to handle them man on man; with three or more, you gotta play zone defense!" Truer words were never spoken. But then you have the quiet moments nursing when you just get to marvel at the beauty of your daughter; or the times tickling Michaela where her laugh makes you chuckle; or the times snuggling Eliana as you're burping her; or the times when Michaela is touching your face using her new repetoire of words: "eyes" "nose" "mouth"; or the times spent in humble prayer seeking wisdom and strength and patience, knowing there is no way you can ever be it all for your family. And you remember to count your blessings - a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters, and the list goes on and on. Lord, help me to reflect daily on your goodness, and on the love you show to us as a parent to his children.
The doctor here told us that my labor and delivery was like a "parto de campo" (delivery in the country!), which for his clinic is a little unusual as most of his deliveries are done with cesarean. I wanted to have Eliana like I did Michaela - as natural as possible. And I probably enjoyed the labor experience a little more here than in the States. I wasn't strapped down to fetal monitors or IVs. I was able to walk and use different positions to help me through the contractions. There were a couple of unexpected moments - when they took me into the delivery room, they stuck an oxygen tube up my nose (I was a little put out at first, until I discovered how much it helped during the pushing - I didn't realize how the altitude was making me so breathless). And they weren't going to let Josh in at first (I guess it's unusual for fathers to be present at the actual delivery here)! We put a stop to that line of thinking real fast. I also wasn't expecting that all my knowledge of Spanish completely went out the window - which is probably a good thing, because at one point while I was pushing, the nurse told me (in Spanish) that I didn't have to yell! She probably would have got a smack in the face if I had actually heard her! But again, like with Michaela, the whole experience is worth it when you're handed your baby for the first time and get to see the perfect little life that God has helped you bring into the world.
We only stayed at the clinic for a day - and definitely got better sleep there than I did in the States. It seemed like with Michaela they would come in to check our vitals or bring us food every time after we had just gotten to sleep. The nurses at the clinic here were available, but pretty much let me do my own thing. Upon our arrival home, the team pitched in with meals which really helped out that first week. Eliana has proved to be a very easy baby - although she sure likes to be held. And although we're still trying to find our equilibrium as Josh puts it, we are enjoying both our daughters. Michaela has had some "security issues" for lack of a better word, and has begun waking up at night to check and make sure we're there (and to see what Mommy is doing with the baby). But she likes her little sister a lot - sometimes we can't get her to stop giving Eliana kisses! I think we're all gradually settling into a routine again (minus a little more sleep). Josh is able to come home for lunch (the siesta hour here) and that gives us some good family time and helps Mom get both the girls down for naps so she can take one herself.
At times, I feel like a juggler. You get one's needs met, and then get to turn around and attend to the other. I remember someone saying once, "With one child, you get to trade on and off; with two, you have to handle them man on man; with three or more, you gotta play zone defense!" Truer words were never spoken. But then you have the quiet moments nursing when you just get to marvel at the beauty of your daughter; or the times tickling Michaela where her laugh makes you chuckle; or the times snuggling Eliana as you're burping her; or the times when Michaela is touching your face using her new repetoire of words: "eyes" "nose" "mouth"; or the times spent in humble prayer seeking wisdom and strength and patience, knowing there is no way you can ever be it all for your family. And you remember to count your blessings - a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters, and the list goes on and on. Lord, help me to reflect daily on your goodness, and on the love you show to us as a parent to his children.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Eliana Joy
Hello friends and family,
Wanted to let you know that on Tuesday Oct. 24th, at 1:50PM Eliana Joy Marcum was born to us. Coming in at 3.4 kilos (around 71/2 lbs) with apparently strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. I guess both of those could change.
She is beautiful! Both her and Julie are doing great! Michaela squealed as we actually got to bring her home with us. God blessed has blessed us once again. I stand amazed at his power to create and also at the stength you women display during birth. Rejoice with us! We love you all!
Blessings!
Joshua, Julie, Michaela, and Eliana Joy
P.S. Eliana (pronounced like the two names Eli and Ana put together) is Hebrew for "The Lord has answered." Joy is my mother's middle name and was also the name of my Papa Sike's sister who died when she was young.
Wanted to let you know that on Tuesday Oct. 24th, at 1:50PM Eliana Joy Marcum was born to us. Coming in at 3.4 kilos (around 71/2 lbs) with apparently strawberry blonde hair and blue eyes. I guess both of those could change.
She is beautiful! Both her and Julie are doing great! Michaela squealed as we actually got to bring her home with us. God blessed has blessed us once again. I stand amazed at his power to create and also at the stength you women display during birth. Rejoice with us! We love you all!
Blessings!
Joshua, Julie, Michaela, and Eliana Joy
P.S. Eliana (pronounced like the two names Eli and Ana put together) is Hebrew for "The Lord has answered." Joy is my mother's middle name and was also the name of my Papa Sike's sister who died when she was young.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Baby Shower
Although during times in this second pregnancy, I've missed seeing my mom, I've been so thankful for the support of the other ladies on the team. I've already contracted a family to take care of Michaela during the delivery, and told Trish Sandoval that she is my back up labor partner in case something happens to Josh. But the ladies really went all out when they gave me a baby shower. They decorated up Jamie's apartment in a safari theme (the theme of the nursery) and made all my favorite "bocaditos" (finger foods) and gave me some lovely gifts. We invited the Arcos, my Bolivian family, as well and it was a really fun time for all involved. Thank you, ladies, for the love and support you've shown to me and Josh and Michaela over the last few months. I wouldn't want to be here without you!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Cousin Sion
Congratulations to Josh's youngest sister, Jenny, and her husband Erick, on the arrival of their little boy, Sion Reyes, on Sept. 24th. Jenny was a trooper through a tough labor, but look at the wonderful reward! Sion weighed 6.5 lbs. We love you guys are are keeping you in our prayers. My only question is, "What is this kid?" A baby born in Ecuador to an American mother and Mexican father, who is going to be raised in Bolivia??
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Pictures
Here's just some random pictures of us and Michaela that haven't been put on flickr. Sorry - we aren't very consistent picture takers. I'm trying to do better!
You know you're in Cochabamba when....
1. Every other day seems like it's a "Dia Ferriada" (holiday), or strike day. And you never know what they're celebrating or striking about! You just get caught by the parade downtown and wonder, "What could it be today?" They sure know how to party here!
2. You get a grocery cart in the States, but rent a kid with a wheelbarrow when you go to the open air market here.
3. The air is polluted, and the public parks trashy, but they have a "Dia de Peaton" (Day of the Pedestrian) where it's illegal to drive in order to conserve the environment. Seriously - there are absolutely no cars on the road! We have to have house churches on that day because no one can get to church!
4. You spend 25 Bs. (3 dollars) on your manicure and pedicure in a little hole in the wall shop a block from your house.
5. It doesn't matter if you forget to buy milk at the grocery store, because you can just send your husband to the little tienda a block from your house to get whatever you need - even a fresh pineapple for 2 Bs. (25 cents).
6. It hasn't rained in 3 months, but the fruit trees in your yard are flowering and the jacaranda trees are "raining purple snow".
7. You go to buy shoes for your daughter at the mall, and discover that all the stores are closed from 12:30-4:00.
8. You've lived in the country for 8 months, and scoured the grocery store for baking soda, and just discovered that they sell it in little bags in the pharmacy of all places! By the way, everything comes in bags, even the milk and the vegetable shortning!
9. You wait 3 hours in an immigration line with a fussy baby, only to discover that they require one more paper that you don't have (that somehow they forgot to inform you of last time), and don't accomplish anything.
10. You can't get your mail for a week, because the post office is on a hunger strike. USPS - we miss you!
Like anywhere, you love some things and get frustrated with some things. But regardless of whether or not you enjoy it, it is interesting to be able to experience life in a whole new context. This missionary kid is glad to be back somewhere that feels like home, if only for the simple reason that I know, and others can tell, that I don't completely fit in here!
2. You get a grocery cart in the States, but rent a kid with a wheelbarrow when you go to the open air market here.
3. The air is polluted, and the public parks trashy, but they have a "Dia de Peaton" (Day of the Pedestrian) where it's illegal to drive in order to conserve the environment. Seriously - there are absolutely no cars on the road! We have to have house churches on that day because no one can get to church!
4. You spend 25 Bs. (3 dollars) on your manicure and pedicure in a little hole in the wall shop a block from your house.
5. It doesn't matter if you forget to buy milk at the grocery store, because you can just send your husband to the little tienda a block from your house to get whatever you need - even a fresh pineapple for 2 Bs. (25 cents).
6. It hasn't rained in 3 months, but the fruit trees in your yard are flowering and the jacaranda trees are "raining purple snow".
7. You go to buy shoes for your daughter at the mall, and discover that all the stores are closed from 12:30-4:00.
8. You've lived in the country for 8 months, and scoured the grocery store for baking soda, and just discovered that they sell it in little bags in the pharmacy of all places! By the way, everything comes in bags, even the milk and the vegetable shortning!
9. You wait 3 hours in an immigration line with a fussy baby, only to discover that they require one more paper that you don't have (that somehow they forgot to inform you of last time), and don't accomplish anything.
10. You can't get your mail for a week, because the post office is on a hunger strike. USPS - we miss you!
Like anywhere, you love some things and get frustrated with some things. But regardless of whether or not you enjoy it, it is interesting to be able to experience life in a whole new context. This missionary kid is glad to be back somewhere that feels like home, if only for the simple reason that I know, and others can tell, that I don't completely fit in here!
Family Matters
Moving to a new country - on top of being a missionary - requires that you do some re-evaluating of your family's everyday workings. The last month, we've had to re-evaluate a couple different aspects of how we "do" life here. One of them has been finacial. How do we organize our money and our budget in such a cash based society? We had it down in the States. Develop a budget, use our debit card and record receipts in our nice sophisticated Microsoft money program to track how much we were using and to help us stay within budget. That just doesn't work when you're spending cash on everything, and half the time don't even get a receipt. Like Josh said, "It just seems like they nickel and dime you to death here (or in Bolivian terms, centavo you to death)." 2 Bolivianos (Bs.) tip for the grocery kid or for the guy washing your windshield in the middle of the road, 5 Bs. for every taxi, 7 Bs. for a car wash, 10 Bs. on Tuesday to the guard every week for his nightly coffee and coca, 64 Bs. for an hour of my tutoring every week. The list just goes on and on. So we sat down together and came up with a list of everything we're spending money on and tallyed it all up. Now we pull out that much cash at the beginning of every month and divide it up into "envelopes" (really it's a nice little pouch with different pockets). Now when I go to the grocery store, I pull out my weekly budgeted amount of cash - and I don't go over, because I take my trusty little caluclator with me and add as I go. I think this system is really going to help us see where our money is going and stay within our budgeted amounts. And Josh will stop asking me "Did you take money out of my wallet?" : )
The other thing we've had to rework - especially now that Josh is spending more time out with people, and working at the office - is our calendar and family time. It seemed like we hadn't had a day off in several weeks. Things just kept getting added to our days - and then Josh wouldn't know what I had going and I wouldn't know when he was going to be home (frustrating when you're trying to coordinate your meetings, and child care, and meals!) So we sat down and printed out a calendar for the month that we tacked up to a corkboard. And then we blocked out Thursday, which was really the only day with not much going on, to be our family day. Last Thursday, we packed up the car, the kid, and the dogs and headed out of town to a park about half an hour from Cochabamba. We picniced, and hiked, and Josh set up the hammock for Michaela and I to take a nap. We enjoyed the view, the eucalyptus trees, the streams, and the quiet! Thank you, God, for seeing the need for a Sabbath!
The other thing we've had to rework - especially now that Josh is spending more time out with people, and working at the office - is our calendar and family time. It seemed like we hadn't had a day off in several weeks. Things just kept getting added to our days - and then Josh wouldn't know what I had going and I wouldn't know when he was going to be home (frustrating when you're trying to coordinate your meetings, and child care, and meals!) So we sat down and printed out a calendar for the month that we tacked up to a corkboard. And then we blocked out Thursday, which was really the only day with not much going on, to be our family day. Last Thursday, we packed up the car, the kid, and the dogs and headed out of town to a park about half an hour from Cochabamba. We picniced, and hiked, and Josh set up the hammock for Michaela and I to take a nap. We enjoyed the view, the eucalyptus trees, the streams, and the quiet! Thank you, God, for seeing the need for a Sabbath!
Pregnant in Bolivia
Although being pregnant in Bolivia does entail some unique experiences (long waits in the doctor's office, breathlessness due to altitude), I have to remind myself that women experience this very normal part of life in all kinds of countries around the world. However, as I wait for sometimes 2 hours in the doctor's office, there are some things I miss about the US (certain food cravings as well, and ready access to TUMS). I feel that I have to be a lot more assertive in asking questions because there is so much unknown. But, on the other hand, I have never seen ultrasound equipment as sophisticated as the machine in my doctor's office. And, who knows? The experience of delivering in a 2 room private clinic may be even better than the nice Baptist hospital in Memphis.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Meeting Locations
One of the biggest blessings our team has experienced lately is finding 2 great locations for our work to begin. One location, on the most central road in Cochabamba, will be our future "contact center", a place for offices and a school of Biblical studies. The guys have put a lot of work into the place lately, constructing cubicles for the offices, painting, putting on doors etc. And we've begun meeting there on Sunday morning as we're in the process of outgrowing our homes!
The second location will be our "permanent" meeting location for the next several years, at least until we find a place to buy and build a permanent building. It is also downtown, off a major road, and has the space to seat 200 people with an upstairs big enough to put several classrooms. We will begin construction work on this site very soon in preparation for our "launch Sunday" which is scheduled for Jan. 14th (if anyone would like to come!) We are very thankful for the ways that God is opening doors for us here!
Our new "permanent" meeting place from the outside
Our first Sunday morning fellowship in the new "contact center"
The second location will be our "permanent" meeting location for the next several years, at least until we find a place to buy and build a permanent building. It is also downtown, off a major road, and has the space to seat 200 people with an upstairs big enough to put several classrooms. We will begin construction work on this site very soon in preparation for our "launch Sunday" which is scheduled for Jan. 14th (if anyone would like to come!) We are very thankful for the ways that God is opening doors for us here!
Our new "permanent" meeting place from the outside
Our first Sunday morning fellowship in the new "contact center"
Monday, July 31, 2006
Visit from the Chessers
The last 10 days, we've been blessed to have a family from Austin Ave. here to visit us. The Chessers are a dear family to our team, because Rodney and Tracie came with us on our initial survey trip of the city (not to mention the fact we love their girls, Chelsea and Ruthie). They came bringing care packages from Austin Ave. (including a horse shoe game set for Josh!), and we spent a wonderful time in fellowship during their stay. We took a day trip to a popular family site about half an hour from Cochabamba. It's next to a lake, and so had a variety of activities: playgrounds, paddle boats, a zip line (which Michaela went on with Josh!), and a restaurant that serves local fish. The Chessers spent a night at each family's home, and we enjoyed the personal time we had with them. To wrap up their visit, we hosted another grill out/game night at our house. We enjoyed the new horse shoe pits, good food, and a round of Mafia (and the kids loved the new sand box Josh built for Michaela). The Chessers were also able to be here for several landmark events in the life of the church (our first meeting in our contact center, and the finding of the location of the future church building). We are so thankful to have friends in Jesus like the Chessers, and especially grateful for the encouragement they were able to bring from our Austin Ave.
**For lots of fun pictures of the Chessers visit (including some random pictures of Cochabamba and our new meeting place), please click on our flickr badge.
**For lots of fun pictures of the Chessers visit (including some random pictures of Cochabamba and our new meeting place), please click on our flickr badge.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A Little Sister
We went to the doctor this week for an ultrasound at 24 weeks to find out what we're having. And the doctor is 100% sure that it is another little girl! So Michaela will have a little sister, pretty close in age. We're thrilled, of course. Like I told Josh, so many practical things are easier with having 2 girls so close in age (sharing clothes, sharing a room, already knowing how to change her diaper!), but mostly I'm thankful that Michaela will have a sister and I'm praying that they will grow up to be as good of friends as I am with my sister. I treasure my relationship with my sister so much! I love you, Laura!
New pictures on Flickr
Just wanted to let everyone know that I finally posted some new pictures on our flickr website - just click on the flickr badge near the bottom of our blog. These are pictures from June and July. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
R and R
As a reward for Josh finally finishing Quechua the first week in July, we decided to take a little family vacation time! It's been a busy few months, and we figured that from here on out it will only get busier (starting small groups, beginning the contact center, planning for the church launch, finding a location for the church to meet, not to mention the fact that a pregnant woman in her 3rd trimester - or for that matter, a newborn baby - can't travel very well!) We were a little limited in our options of where to go, because we can't leave the country as our visas are in process, and we can't go someplace tropical, because this pregnant woman hasn't had her yellow fever shot! We wanted to see a part of Bolivia we haven't seen before, so in the end, we went south, close to the Argentine border, to a city called Tarija. Our tour book describes it as a "Mediterranean" type climate, very similar to where we live. And this is the area of Bolivia that is the wine producing region! It was lovely! We stayed at a resort on a cliff overlooking a river and the city. It was perfect for our family, quiet, beautiful gardens, a playground for Michaela, a jacuzzi, a frigobar in our room (to keep Michaela's milk), a restaurant open around the clock (most restaurants work on Bolivian time - a 1:00 lunch and a 7:00 dinner, which makes it hard with little ones). The city of Tarija was smaller than Cochabamba, but very well maintained. We walked into town one day, took a tour of the local lake, hiked down to the river around our hotel. But mostly we just rested. Read, talked. Played with Michaela. Enjoyed our first family vacation with Michaela. We're thankful for the overwhelming blessings He puts in our lives - including the priveledge of being able to vacation in places like Tarija!
4th of July
One of the great things about having a house and a garden is being able to have barbecues! Josh got another excuse to use his grill on the 4th of July. We decided the 4th couldn't go by uncelebrated - even in Bolivia - and so invited the team and some American friends from the language school over for a grill out. It was a great experience - hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad, baked beans, apple pie. All the great American favorites. And we even mangaged to find Dr. Pepper and Root Beer. After dinner, we lit sparklers and some fire crackers (to the dismay of the babies!), and Josh initiated (and won!) the bobbing for apples contest (although it feels a little different in 60 degree weather, instead of 100!) As 2 missionary kids should know, it's important to celebrate the traditions of both your host and your home culture. It helps our kids maintain their "dual" identity.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Graduation
After 5 long months, we are finally done with language school! It has probably been one of the longest semesters of my life (for various reasons: school, being a mom and wife, culture shock, homestay programs and moving, first trimester pregnancy), but with His help we made it through. The experience with the institute of Maryknoll was a great one, and we'd highly recommend it to other people. My Spanish has improved gramatically and conversationally and Josh begun learning Quechua. We have made invaluable contacts with the teachers, our homestay family, and the other stduents.
Graduation ceremony was a special time of dedication. The teachers sent each group of students off with a special blessing and a candle symbolizing our light to the world. Afterward, we celebrated with a barbecue. We are thankful for the opportunity to receive such a quality eduation. Thank you to those of you who made this experience possible through your support towards our one time fund.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Christmas in June
Before we left the State in January, we sold almost everything we owned and boxed the rest up to go in a container shared by all 5 families. Since January, we have been waiting for our shipment to arrive. In April, the container finally made it to Cochabamba, but since then has been sitting in customs, where Josh was in charge of completing all the paperwork. It has been a South American experience working through all the red tape.
However on June 9th (which just happened to be our 6th anniversary), we finally got our stuff! It was the best anniversary present I could've asked for. Since then, I have been busily unpacking stuff (I actually told Josh I feel like a little girl playing house!) It has been wonderful to get pictures on the walls, kitchen utensils (thank you, Mary Ann, for all the Pampered Chef stuff), Michaela's rocking chair (we've been reading on the floor for 3 months), Kenyan tea and spices, and especially maternity clothes! Thanks to the compiled efforts of 3 women, and many donated clothes, we have enough maternity clothes for 4 women. Jamie Custer and I had a lot of fun going through them and spliting them up. And it wasn't a moment too soon, because I am finally beginning to pop out. At 21 weeks, I am half way through our 2nd pregnancy.
We are so thankful that God provdies not only for our needs, but also so much more. Many thanks to all the prayers that have been going up on our behalf for this and our visa process. Having this taken care of has sure taken a lot of stress off of Josh. Not to mention, he's been enjoying all the meals I've been cooking lately!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
A Visit From Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle James
We had our first overnight visitors the last 2 weeks with the presence of Grammy, Grandpa, and Uncle James. It was a wonderful visit (although we had to get creative with some of the "household supplies" as our container still hasn't made it out of customs.) But it was exciting to be able to host family as our first guests in our home.
We picked Momma, Dad and James up in La Paz, since Dad and Momma were doing a conference there for the church. That in itself was an experience, as we drove our own car and made it our first Bolivian road trip. We arrived over the mountain passes without too much problem (although I left my purse in a little restaurant on the way, and had difficulty finding an open bathroom!) We enjoyed 3 nights with Momma, Dad and James in a quaint hotel in La Paz, and then made the trip back to Cochabamba, which turned out to be even more of an experience! Our car wouldn't start the morning we left, and when we stopped for lunch Mom's purse was stolen, and when we came to a split in the road on the way home we took the wrong highway and ended up in Oruro - the opposite direction from Cochabamba. The incredible part was that when we turned around to catch the right road, there was a paro (strike) in the town we had just left! In Bolivia, a strike means a lot of people sit across the road, blocking traffic in all directions. So we had to go offroading - Josh got to use his 4 wheel drive for the first time - in order to get around the blockade and back on the highway to Cochabamba. Needless to say, we arrived later than we expected in Cochabamba.
The rest of our visit was a little bit more low key. Momma got to babysit Michaela in the mornings while we went to school, and then we just enjoyed the usual family activities (movies, games of spades, time with the team, shopping excursions etc.) On Sunday, April 30th, we celebrated Michaela's actual birthday (her party was the day before) with a picnic trip to a children's park here in Cochabamba. Momma, Dad and James left a few days ago for Santa Cruz to give another conference there, and from there are heading back to the States on furlough. Michaela greatly missed them when they left - she loved especially playing with Uncle James and all the attention from Grammy and Grandpa. We love you guys and are so happy you were able to share our lives in Cochabamba!
We picked Momma, Dad and James up in La Paz, since Dad and Momma were doing a conference there for the church. That in itself was an experience, as we drove our own car and made it our first Bolivian road trip. We arrived over the mountain passes without too much problem (although I left my purse in a little restaurant on the way, and had difficulty finding an open bathroom!) We enjoyed 3 nights with Momma, Dad and James in a quaint hotel in La Paz, and then made the trip back to Cochabamba, which turned out to be even more of an experience! Our car wouldn't start the morning we left, and when we stopped for lunch Mom's purse was stolen, and when we came to a split in the road on the way home we took the wrong highway and ended up in Oruro - the opposite direction from Cochabamba. The incredible part was that when we turned around to catch the right road, there was a paro (strike) in the town we had just left! In Bolivia, a strike means a lot of people sit across the road, blocking traffic in all directions. So we had to go offroading - Josh got to use his 4 wheel drive for the first time - in order to get around the blockade and back on the highway to Cochabamba. Needless to say, we arrived later than we expected in Cochabamba.
The rest of our visit was a little bit more low key. Momma got to babysit Michaela in the mornings while we went to school, and then we just enjoyed the usual family activities (movies, games of spades, time with the team, shopping excursions etc.) On Sunday, April 30th, we celebrated Michaela's actual birthday (her party was the day before) with a picnic trip to a children's park here in Cochabamba. Momma, Dad and James left a few days ago for Santa Cruz to give another conference there, and from there are heading back to the States on furlough. Michaela greatly missed them when they left - she loved especially playing with Uncle James and all the attention from Grammy and Grandpa. We love you guys and are so happy you were able to share our lives in Cochabamba!
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