Dear Friends,
I write to you after being back in Bolivia just two weeks. For nearly two months we traveled throughout the States visiting family and catching up with many of you. We were continually blessed as we shared about our lives in the homes and churches of so many friends that love and support us. Thanks for making time for us! Unfortunately, there never seems to be enough time. There are many of you who are dear to us that we were not able to catch up with. Please know, though, that you are very much appreciated and loved as well!
Arriving in El Alto is always an adjustment. You step off the plane and as you stand in the immigration line, you wonder if you will ever be able to catch your breath because of the lack of oxygen at this altitude. It’s one of the few places where you don’t mind the long line, because you know that as soon as you get your stamp, you have to pick up your heavy luggage and somehow make your way outside to begin bargaining for a taxi, a quick reminder that you’re in the Third World. We pull up to our apartment and were greeted by Chester, the neighbor’s dog. He quickly remembers that he doesn’t like us and proceeds to announce our arrival at 6 a.m. The rest of the day we unpack in between sips of coca tea which help numb the headaches and dizziness. Elias is not exempt. In his drunken state he waddles around the house in five layers of clothes (it’s winter here now), looking for all the balls he left behind. In some strange way, we get a sense of being home and that life is back to normal.
Toward the end of our stay in the States, we gathered with all of our friends in the mission who serve around the world and had a time of renewal and reflection centered around the theme of Henri Nouwen’s book Can You Drink the Cup (Matt. 20:20-23). It was a time for us to be able to step back from the everyday burdens of life here and seek the Lord’s heart concerning our own personal lives. It was also a time of reassessment for our ministry.
In his book, Nouwen writes, “The greatest joy as well as the greatest pain of living come not only from what we live, but even more from how we think and feel about what we are living…reflection is essential for growth, development and change” (26-27). Many of you know that the last six months have been a challenge for us here in Bolivia. There were many times when we felt that we had no more to give. Our time in the States, and more specifically in San Diego, gave us a chance to reflect and look critically at what we are living. We have come to realize that there is great joy in the hardships of life. Thankfully, we have returned with a new passion and love for what we call life.
Another highlight of our trip was sitting in your homes. In the exchange of dialogue we often seemed to pick up where we had left off. We want to thank you for not only sharing your life with us but also seeking to understand ours. Our challenge to you is the question Jesus asks of us all, “Can you drink My cup?” For each of us the cup of service looks a little different. In His unique way, He aligns each of us with His plan to bring about His Kingdom. May you be encouraged, as we have been, to continue serving our Savior in a broken world.
We love you all,
Andy for the Bakers