Lily's kids

Lily's kids

Sunday, February 17, 2013

1 year!!!


1 Year. It’s been a year since I first stepped foot in Bolivia. 
1 year of knowing these children and seeing friendships blossom and trust deepening. 
1 year of learning Spanish and seeing God’s amazing grace in helping me learn and understand. 
1 year of trusting God financially and seeing Him be faithful to provide what I need each time. 
1 year of change. 
1 year where I am amazed at the amazing example my family is to me of how to live lives trusting God whole heartedly. 
1 year of wisdom from parents, pastors, family, sisters and friends. 
1 year of being “Tia Lily”. 
1 year of seeing my heart grow and explode with love for this country and these children.
1 year sharing amazing memories with Jessa.
1 year of laughter, smiles, sometimes tears, lots of big dark eyes and joy.
1 year of learning.
1 year of hard work. Cooking, cleaning, washing clothes, raising kids. 
1 year of beautiful mountains.
1 year of sunshine and NO SNOW!

I still can’t believe a year has gone by since I first came to Bolivia. This year has flown by and I am incredibly in awe of God and His faithfulness and grace in my life in this last year. I have learned and grown so much. 

My heart for the children here explodes with love. They are incredibly precious and beautiful and I love the hundreds of hugs and kisses each day. Walking with tiny hands in mine. Hearing “Tia Lily” and “mommy” from Peniel. I love hanging out and laughing with the older kids. Learning from the other Tias and seeing our friendships deepen. Singing at the top of our lungs down at church. Kia rides down to town. Eating delicious Bolivian food. Spanish, Spanish and more Spanish. Skyping with my family. Missing American food. Especially CHOCOLATE! :) Many amazing adventures and new friendships in this past year. 

I am so grateful that I am not alone and that God is here with me each and every day giving me grace, love, patience and strength and JOY in HIM! Praise His Holy name for His goodness. So amazed by His grace in my life. It is NOT about me. It is about Jesus and what He is doing. And what He has done at the cross. 

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all your prayers and love and support. I miss all my friends and family in the States and am so grateful for you and encouraged by your love! Continue to pray for me and for Casa de Esperanza. That God would continue to work in this place and continue to fill it with more children needing love. 

God bless! Love from Bolivia!
~Lily

No comments: