September 2007
Hello Everyone!
We are writing you from Bolivia, having been here now for two weeks. We've been settling into our old apartment and taking time to readjust to the changes here – altitude, climate, cooking, language, etc. We're happy to report, all are doing well!
The kids are great. Elias is the happiest little boy around. He's thrilled to be "home," running all around saying, "Hey remember this? I Love this mommy!" He's slowly reuniting with his friends and readjusting to school here. Please pray for him as he processes the differences and remembers his Spanish again. Luke is also doing wonderfully, having a mild adjustment to the altitude, but no major health problems whatsoever. He is making friends with all the "cholitas" (vendor ladies) in the market and learning about life here. Please continue to pray for the health of both our boys.
Moving back to Bolivia has been less of a change for mom and dad, than life in the States was for us. Just a few days after returning we felt as if we had hardly even left. It was quite natural to resume life as it has always been. We are slowly resuming leadership, respecting some changes that took place in our absence and trying to refocus our energies in more specific areas of ministry. In the past it seemed that "Andres y Andrea" were responsible for nearly everything. So we are hoping now that all our staff can grow into roles that best match their giftings.
We'd like to also update you on the status of our community center, the House of Hope. Because of a few generous donors, we were able to make a down-payment in July of $60,000 towards the purchase of the building. A contract has been signed, and we now have a year to raise the remaining $100,000 to complete our building campaign. We are all so grateful and excited to be staying in our beloved "Casa." If you'd like to be a part of the Lord's work in that place, we invite you to join us in the adventure; simply direct funds to the Bolivia Ministry Account, Building Project.
In returning to Bolivia, we've had to explain to friends here that as missionaries, it is difficult to know where our home is. As we begin to place roots here once again, know that our hearts are torn as we miss and remember our friends and family who are distant by miles alone.
Holding you closely in our hearts, The Bakers, Andy, Andrea, Elias & Luke