What An Adventure It Has Been

We always knew this day would come, we just didn't know when.  Our time here in Bolivia has been amazing, new friends, new experiences, new food, new culture, new language and lasting memories.  Now after much prayer and discussions we have decided that based on our circumstances, that this is the right time for us to move back to the U.S.  We have very mixed emotions, it's such a weighty decision but regardless of whatever pride we have or any other feeling, you must always do what's best for your family which is how we've come to this decision.  The past 15 months have been amazing and it has made Stephanie and I better people.  We really hope that after what we've learned and experienced here will help us when we return to the U.S.  (I know our Spanish will be a lot better! :)  There is so much that we could say right now but we've got quite a bit of packing and cleaning to do.  We will always cherish the blessings that Jehovah has provided us with here in Bolivia and would recommend serving in another area to ALL.  We love you and hope to keep in touch.  Thanks to everyone who has been so encouraging to us over the years during the ups and downs, you have no idea how much it's meant to us. 

Christian Love
Justin & Stephanie

Some Days...

Some days you just do not feel like going out in service. Especially on your Monday rest day. But I had promised Enriqueta that I would come and study with her. I am so glad I went. When I walked up to the house this afternoon I looked through the fence. I saw Enriqueta studying with her older sister. She had her read two paragraphs from the Great Teacher book, like we do, and would ask questions. I can not believe that she has started a study with someone. I do not know if they knew I saw them. I am always trying to encourage her to talk to others about Jehovah and his qualities. When I got to the table I saw that they are 4 chapters ahead of us. I guess they have been studying a lot together. After she told me her sister likes to read the books and magazines too. I told her to let her know she is welcome to study with us. Then she asked for the newest magazines and a Bible Teach book. She was happy to know we would study the Bible Teach book next together.

Preaching in Territorio Aislado

So today we walked to a far out area to preach. It was really, really far. We walked for 3 hours in the scorching sun. Then Justin and I went and did Bible Studies out in the same area for another 2 hours. I do not believe I have ever been more tired then after that. But you do have a certain amount of satisfaction from doing something like that. Thankfully we have a wonderful visitor Sabina and her daughters with us and they are cooking saice for us. It is one of my favorite dishes and I really appreciate it so much. So now to rest and recuperate, so that we can go out this afternoon.

Our small group preaching today.

I really don't know what kind of faces we were making for this pic. :/

We walked all that curvy, high, rocky road after 4 hours in service. Where is a Dunkin Donuts when you need one.

Making Saltenas with Sabina

So a few days ago, Sabina and her two girls came for a visit. They are staying with us for the weekend and yesterday Sabina showed me how to make Saltenas. They were soooo yummy. Now I know the secret, but I still need another 30 years to catch up to her skills. Her daugthers are already learning and can make them like pros.

Sabina showing me how to wrap a saltena.

Learning to wrap the saltenas, not as easy as you would think.

Teaching Justin how to wrap the saltenas.

Milena and Sabina cooking the saltenas.

Time to Meet Enriqueta

So for the past month or so I have been studying the "Learn from the Great Teacher" book with a 10 year old girl named Enriqueta. She is really progressing and really understands what we are talking about. She actually was the one who found us in the ministry. One day while Justin was walking in service she came running up from behind him asking if she could have a Bible. So for a week we tried to get her home to give her a Bible. Well at the end of that week as we were walking away from her house she came running with a huge bag begging us for the Bible. We told her we would come back later that day with the Bible and a book. When we did she was so excited. I showed her how to look up scriptures and asked if she wanted to study together. Now we study everyday. Her mom wants her to learn English, so I teach her about 15 minutes worth and then we study for 45 minutes. It is really great. She remembers every picture why it is there and even the scriptures associated with it. I have not met her family yet but I know they are listening inside when we study outside. She is so sweet she always gives me a little spinach from her garden or a piece of candy. I really hope this study continues and she progresses.

Enriqueta underlining points she likes in the book.

Enriqueta and I after our study.

New Yeartext For 2012

The new yeartext for 2012 is based on John 17:17 "Your Word Is Truth"  How appropriate for the times we are living it.  Anywho yesterday we were able to get the yeartext up in time for the meeting.  Our sign is simple yet works and we can easily move it if we need to find a new place to meet.  I think it's a nice upgrade from our styrofoam sign during 2011 :)

Preaching in Salinas Round 2

So on Saturday a group of 13 brothers and sisters from Tarija came and helped us preach some farther out areas. We packed into two cars on Sunday and headed out for the 2 hour drive. It was a lot better this time because there was more room in the cars. Justin and Louis decided to take the moped and preach in Naranjas, the pueblo closer to Tarija, since there was not any more space in the cars. So I went with the group to Salinas to try and find my Bible Study. She unfortunately was not at home. But we had a great time in service. Had a dog follow us around the territory and protect us. Found ones who were amazed by the scriptures we showed them about the future hope of paradise. Had a great lunch at a studies house and went for a swim with all our service cloths on. :) Then we came back the brothers and sisters from Tarija went back and I came hope to video games and food. A great day.

Justin went out with his moto.

The sisters preaching.

My car group

Just playing some video games