Trusting in His Plan

Life abroad often brings many wonderful and beautiful moments amidst some difficult and strenuous circumstances. The recent month and a half has been a reminder of not only the difficulties of living life abroad, but also the beautiful and wonderful moments that God can bring to comfort us along the way. We are thankful for being here and that thankfulness has not changed, but life abroad is not easy and often there are daily struggles that come with this long term journey and commitment we are on. Fortunately we have a loving God on our side who cares for us, who does not abandon us, and who has a plan for our lives.

Over the past month and a half we have been blessed with opportunities to hike the 23 mile Takesi Trail, as well as travel to the city of Sucre for our Spring/Easter break. We actually just repeated the same strategy we did last year, but this time we stayed in Sucre for an extra day. The hike was a two day hike with several other teachers through various different terrains, and is a truly beautiful and astounding variation of God's stunning creation. (pictured below)

Sucre is a more historical and tranquil city, and the goal there was to relax, not only after the hike, but also from the long third quarter and the natural wear and tear that life and work can take. We feel that mission was accomplished and for that we are incredibly thankful. We are also very thankful for the delicious food that we used to recharge with in Sucre. (pictured below)

Food, travel, and adventure aside, what we are learning time and time again is the faithfulness and trust that is required to buy-into God's big picture plan for our lives. This is not only true for us, but everyone. However, for us it has looked like readjusting expectations, and dealing with the things that no one can really be prepared for. While in Sucre Audrey was reading a book about global missions which reminded us of the sacrifices needed when pursuing God's plan for our lives. We must set aside our own comforts and ideas for His glory and His plan for our lives.

We are very much committed to serving here in La Paz until the Lord says otherwise. What has been more difficult to adjust to is the reality of how long it will take to fully integrate and adapt to life here. In the book Audrey was reading it reminded us of how long it takes, even the most famous missionaries, to learn the language and culture. We desire to be used to a greater degree, but recognize time and time again that we are still in the early stages of that process. We must continually trust in His big picture plan, and be content with the mission and place He has called us to right now. We must adjust our expectations to the reality and desire of His plan. This is not an easy thing to be reminded of time and time again, let alone atop the other struggles and feelings of distance from family and friends. We say this so that you may know how to pray for us, but also to encourage anyone that is maybe in the same place as us right now. While circumstances are not always "good", our God and His plan for us is good! So in that sense we are in the perfect circumstance for His glory and not our selfish gain. We are reminded of Paul while in prison, the hope and encouragement found in Isaiah or the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs 3. The Lord not only gives us reminders and encouragement in His word, but also in our lives.

We do see the Lord working and moving, we do get glimpses into His plan. We get rainbows and displays of his beauty all over, even amidst a difficult and grueling hike. We get moments with students to talk about His love, and opportunities to build relationships through sports! We are very thankful for those moments and glimpses into His will and plan for our lives, and so we continue to pursue His will for our lives here. We continue to trust in His plan. We hope you too are doing the same and can join us in fighting the good fight of faith, even when it is tough.