Last days!

Yesterday we were treated to a church-wide going away potluck at a nearby park with 50 or so of our closest friends. It was a relaxing way to have final interactions with people who have meant so much to us this year and have enriched our lives in ways we never would have expected. God has been gracious in giving Scotty and me peace and confidence that these relationships are not ending, but only moving to a different level. Blogs will take on a new meaning as we keep up with friends, watch their kids grow, and provide a way for you all to have insight into our daily lives in La Paz.

Although yesterday was our official first anniversary, we celebrated on Saturday by filling our day with stuff we love to do as a couple. Pancakes, a long bike ride, movie watching, pool visit, and international cuisine filled our hours with enjoyment as we looked back over an amazing first year of fun, challenge, and much growth personally and as a couple. I am anticipating a new set of dynamics as we learn to be a married couple in a foreign country doing full time ministry. God has been so faithful to us, and we trust Him to continue.

Scotty's parents arrived last night and have already made a huge difference in our packing and preparations. Papi has a mind that must work like tetris, because he is able to load a car, trunk, moving van, or any other empty space to its full capacity, and has been doing the majority of the packing. It doesn't seem very long ago that they were here helping us set up house in our first home- it seems only appropriate that they send us off. I have got the best in-laws a person could hope for!


No, this is not bubble gum in the form of a toilet paper roll- it is the official TP of choice in Bolivia. It may sound disgusting (and it is), but you can often find strips of this paper strewn about the city streets or caught in dry brush on the side of a well traveled country road. Bolivia makes pink toilet paper...bright pink. I think the only other option I've seen is light green, but only rarely. We brought this roll back as a joke for our friend Micah who got married this year, but forgot to give it to him. As providence would have it, we ran out of our cottony soft, snowy white, American TP this afternoon, and now have the pleasure of readjusting our senses to this lovely alternative as just one more step of preparation for our return.