Dearest Friends,
It has been so very long since we’ve formerly updated you and we apologize sincerely. So much has transpired in the past few months; it’s as though we’ve been groping around in a fog just trying to get our bearings. Let us explain.
Past Updates
As you know, we traveled to the States last Fall for medical leave. Luke was hospitalized at Boston Medical for 3 days and released with a completely clean bill of health. He is now healthy and seizure and medication-free. Andrea also experienced healing in her neck and was able to forgo surgery with a simple outpatient procedure. So we enjoyed the holidays with family and friends and returned with renewed perspective and energy.
Recent Changes
However, upon returning to Bolivia we learned that we are unexpectedly pregnant — with twin boys! (Ah, Andrea will be forever outnumbered….). You can imagine our surprise, which has turned our lives upside down! First of all, this pregnancy is high-risk on a number of levels: a twin pregnancy in high altitude, with a history of previous pregnancy complications. We have researched our best options in light of these risks and have finally settled in some decisions. At the time, it was all so very over-whelming and complicated, but now we’re feeling more at peace with it all.
For the stability of our family, we’ve decided to stay in Bolivia for the birth. However, we have recently moved to La Paz, which is about a 40-minute commute to El Alto, where our friends and ministry reside. Andy will continue commuting regularly, although Andrea has had to cut back on direct ministry for a time. This has been an emotional transition for us, as El Alto has been our home for nearly 8 years.
Our new place in La Paz is such a blessing, as well as a bit of culture shock for us. As we are now in lower altitude, we have more oxygen, warmer and less extreme weather and GREEN. For the first time in our lives, we’re enjoying our own yard and have exciting plans for lots of plants and gardening. We’re also much closer to the best medical facilities, schools and other living conveniences, such as grocery stores – an unexpected respite for the whole family. We’re breathing deeply of the Lord’s very apparent provision.
Financial Need
But moving out of the slums for this phase of our lives has also increased our expenses dramatically, specifically by about 40%. Our rent in particular has almost tripled. We anticipate more medical expenses this year, as well as the addition of two new members to our family. Understanding the economic crisis many of you are also experiencing, we wish to be sensitive to that as well. Those of you that can, please continue with your faithful giving, which we depend upon. And if there are churches that you know that may be interested in supporting a new missionary family, please recommend us as an option or pass their contact information on to us.
Thank you,
Andy, Andrea, Elias, Luke and the babes