Wednesday, October 29, 2008

We made it! I have officially been in Bolivia for 15 hours. I have had many thoughts and many blessings. It has been wonderful to be with the Krafts again, to get to know each of them a little better. I can't wait to see how the relationships evolve. We are staying with a family in La Paz for a few days. The family has been amazing. I have enjoyed just being with them. We are well fed and well cared for. We are currently in the same time zone as the US' eastern time zone. After the US' time change, we will be two hours ahead of central time instead of just one.
I am so glad to finally be here. I was so blessed by small interactions throughout the whole trip. Everything went smoothly except that I don't have my luggage yet. I am hoping to get it tomorrow or within the week.
In some ways it feels like I am setting out on a grand adventure, but in some ways it feels like I am returning home. I simply got out of my parents' car and left my cell phone behind. I got on a plane and left my parents behind. I got on another plane and left my country behind. I fell asleep and woke up in Bolivia. Crazy. And yet, just one foot after another. My Spanish skills still need a lot of work, but it has been easier than I expected. No one at the house seems to mind that I only understand part of what they are saying and don't have much to say in response! However, the family we are staying with is one I would love to get to know better. Each one has a beautiful story. We will be in La Paz for a few days and then we are headed to Caranavi. We will be there indefinitely. I can't wait to get started with the schoolwork, to be in Caranavi and start getting familiar with the area, the people, the life.
As I was leaving, I was super nervous. I couldn't explain why, and I couldn't reason it away. On the plane, I opened my Bible to Psalm 23, but my eyes jumped right over to Psalm 27. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? (v1) It continues, and I was so blessed by that chapter. My stomach stopped churning and there was peace. What do I have to fear? Nothing and no one! God is in control, and that is beyond my understanding. I know that I have much to learn this year, and it promises to be challenging, sure, but oh, what a blessing.
God's peace. Whom shall we fear?

4 comments:

Aileen said...

HURRAY! And your adventures begin. So happy to know that you've arrived safely, Bethany, you're in my prayers.

(I told you I'd check your blog.)

With love and blessings,
Leen.

Spectrum of Amber said...

So good to hear you got there safely! You've been on my mind so much. Your adventure sounds wonderful so far. Keep your eyes peeled for Betsabe!

SJK said...

Glad to hear that you are there safe and sound.Look forward to hearing about your adventures serving our Lord and the community there in Bolivia.

jess said...

Bethany! I am so excited for you to have started this crazy adventure that you have been praying about for so long! I am glad you are there safe and sound. And I can't wait to read all of the ways God is going to use you and what he is going to teach you. miss you lots!