Dear Friends,
Well, we’re finally here in Bolivia, and we are thoroughly enjoying our new home! We want to begin by thanking you for your prayers and support, especially over the last few months. Many of you walked with us as we suffered the loss of both mom and grandma. Although they were difficult times, we certainly sensed the powerful presence of the Lord through you.
It was good to spend a little more time in the States than we anticipated. We were able to visit family and process some of the events of the past few months. Honestly, answers have been difficult to find, but we believe that Jesus has the power to redeem any situation for His glory. Shortly before mom went to be with the Lord, we asked what we could do for her. She said, “Go to Bolivia.” She was a woman of great faith, and we pray that we continue to learn from her and make her proud.
When we arrived in Bolivia, a simple family welcomed us at the airport and graciously welcomed us into their home. Although they did not have heat or indoor plumbing, they did their best to keep us warm and well fed; we did our best to stay healthy and entertain their four children. (Since it is still winter here, the temperature at 13,000 ft. has the potential to get a little cool or COLD….depending on which one of us you ask). We had a great visit and now consider them our newest Bolivian friends. Please keep Abraham and Alicia in your prayers. They sincerely love the Lord and seek to follow His will, despite their circumstances.
After our time in La Paz, we flew to Cochabamba, where we now reside. The climate here is great! Most of the “cochabambinos” proudly claim the ‘city of eternal springtime.’ Here we hope to learn Spanish. Our school has wasted no time in getting us plugged in. We have four hours of class every day with four individual teachers each. We also have various visiting speakers to help us understand the culture. Hopefully by December, we will speak the language fluently and better understand our new home.
We’re also living with a family while studying at school. They too have welcomed us into their home and already consider us part of the family; although it’s been interesting at times trying to communicate with them in our broken Spanish! Like most Bolivians, they consider themselves Catholic; however, we see many possibilities for greater depth in their relationship with the Lord. Please pray for us as we seek to exemplify the Living Christ in their home.
Life in Bolivia is good, but very different. We find ourselves missing many of the luxuries in the States – like clean water, cold drinks and hot showers. Please pray for us as we struggle to find our place in our new home. Pray also that the Lord lays on our hearts His response to the needs of this country.
We hope all is well with you. Please keep in touch, and let us know how life is on your end. Bendiciones!
Sincerely,
Andy and Andrea Baker