The one where we went to Tennessee.

Well, I promised to write if something interesting happened and it did!!

We got on a plane and flew to the United States!! With as bad as things have gotten in Bolivia and coronavirus, I never thought I would.  However, our prayer had been that if the Lord wanted to take us to the states for a time, He would make a way.  And, He sure did!  Our supporting church in Crossville, TN generously offered us a home next to the church, an anonymous Christian car dealership owner offered us a car and a whole bunch of people pitched in to outfit that home with furniture, tables, lamps, dishes, and everything we could possibly want or need.  Then, when it looked like blockades might keep us from making it to the airport (again??  What's up with this year and our stressful attempts to leave Bolivia?!), a truckload of people prayed the way open for us.  

So, we are here in lush, green, warm, beautiful central Tennessee.  It all happened rather fast, but it was so clear to us that our kind Father had provided this special gift for us.  Not only will we be in a place that is more stable than our beloved Bolivia, but we will have the chance to spend more time around Scotty's parents than we have in our entire marriage!  Already we feel how the relative normalcy has helped relieve the high tension we've been experiencing since La Paz shut down in March.  We've seen people outside of our family and had the true privilege of joining, in the flesh, a body of Christ in worship today.  We've taken the kids swimming in a lake, hiked through the woods, gone to Walmart and biked in the church parking lot. 

These might seem like small treats, but after almost half a year cooped up at home, these are precious times for us.  And, are ready for this??  I HAVE A DISHWASHER!  Can you feel the excitement? Household duties are so much simpler here.  That leaves me time to enjoy my family and my surroundings in a way I haven't been free to in a long time.

We aren't usually excited about fast food when we come here, but we let loose a little...for the sake of the kids, you know.  

Today, we set up our "homeschool" table where the kids will begin a new year of school- the first semester fully online.  And so, a new routine in a very new place begins.  We can't wait to see what the Lord has for us in this time.  He's taught us a new level of dependence on Him this year and solidified the truth in our hearts that He alone controls our future and His plans are good.  We know it won't all be roses and sunshine, but we know He's with us, He loves us.  And, we continue to pray for Bolivia- for the peace of the country and a president that will seek the good of the people.  We pray for the many, many people who are struggling with illness and loss of jobs.  We ask for His power to be at work and for His mercy to be alive in and through those who know Him.  We wait and watch.

In God's sovereignty, my sister-in-law and our nephew had a quick visit planned this week!