It has been a while, whoops.

It has taken longer than I had expected to adjust to life here in the plan 3000. Before arriving I had spent a month in Santa Cruz with a host family and I also spent three months in Concepción. These experiences allowed me to adjust to the idea of being away from family and friends, to a new culture and to touch-up on my Spanish, but moving to the Plan 3000 required adapting to a new host family, living conditions, community and library. Thankfully the adjustment period has passed and that life here in Bolivia feels more normal. Looking back I am at peace about my decision to move, even though I basically had to start over again in a new environment. Yet, it is difficult having three host families who desire frequent visits and I know they would wish to see me more than what is possible. I am doing my best to visit and make phone calls so they know I haven´t forgotten about them, but this isn´t always easy. Hopefully they understand it is important for me to spend my energy and time with the community I am with.

Speaking of time, it is passing rather quickly; shockingly. I never dreamed I would admit that since July has always seamed like a distant reality. The next two and a half months should fly since I am more adjusted to life here in the Plan 3000, this is both exciting and disappointing. Please pray for me in that I can remain focused, especially since there is more for me to attend to in the remaining months. My schedule is getting rather busy, at least for me anyways, while March and April were more tranquillo. Well, except for Easter weekend.

Easter passed in a very different fashion for me this year. Instead of the typical Thursday evening meal at my home church, an Easter service on Sunday morning and a lunch with family and friends, the weekend was more active. Here in Bolivia, Easter is a four day holiday. All the businesses shut down and for the Catholic community, Thursday evening Mass kicked-off a weekend full of reverence and celebration. Friday, in the heat of the afternoon, I attended the via cruz ("way of the cross", we walked around to 14 stations--representing the 14 stations of the cross--while singing and reading scripture. About a two and half hour event) which was then followed by a mass in the evening. Saturday we went about our normal routine until the 9:00 p.m. Mass in the evening; afterwards a vigil until midnight. Sunday morning we then rose bright and early for the Easter Sunday celebration which consisted of joyous singing and praise. Thankfully this time the passion story wasn´t read, unlike the previous three, a fourth time in Spanish would have been a little too much.

Since then I have resumed my regular routine, but excitingly I now tutor a student every morning. I appreciate having a regular and consistent visitor. Other than that, I also help other students when they come to the library for homework, to work on puzzles or to play chess. Occasionally the nuns will also stop by to chat. Yet, excitingly in a week we should be going to the book store to purchase some new books; well, maybe. Experience has taught me that this could most likely change, a frustration I have learned to accept and adapt to. Plans are always changing and one never knows what to expect.

While living here in Bolivia, I have experienced numerous unanticipated changes, challenges and feelings (wouldn´t have been much fun had I not). I can´t thank enough those who have offered their prayers and support, they have been greatly appreciated and have provided a foothold during difficult times. A supportive community in Bolivia and abroad, as well as God´s grace, have been a needed crutch which I am thankful for. I hope you all have a wonderful May. Blessings.