Yep…I’m sure you’ve noticed.  I haven’t been here much lately.  Sorry about that.  I’d like to say it because I’m so busy being home and all…but that’s not really it.  I think I’m just decompressing a bit, and maybe need a bit of space from thinking too much about what’s happening in the real world.  That’ll be my excuse for the crazy amount of movies I’ve seen since getting back too.  Escapism…  =)

But life continues wether we try to be a part of it or not.  So I thought I’d drop back in and let you know a bit of what’s happening.  I spoke with Isabel tonight, and got an update on how things are going back in Bolivia.  For the most part…pretty good.  That was nice to hear.  I think one of the guys is still struggling with his attitude (which is probably indicative of deeper issues), but most of the others seem to be stepping up and trying to make better choices. 

I’m especially pleased with one of the guys.  The night before I left for Canada, I sat down with him and we had a long talk (not the same fellow I mentioned in the last post.  Jorge did speak with that fellow, and it seemed to go well).  This is a guy I’ve worked a long time with…we’ve been friends for a lot of years.  In that conversation, I just tried to encourage him that it was time for him to start living his life a little more deliberately.  Not allowing himself to be tossed and turned by every wave or tempation that came his way.  He’s a kid with natural leadership ability, but he tends to use that ability to tear down rather than build up.  

So you can imagine how pleased I was to hear Isabel tell me that he’s been one of the biggest encouragements to her since I’ve left.  He’s been working hard to bring the guys together and do whatever he can to help.  I’ve said for a long time (even in the midst of some pretty dumb choices on his part) that I see the potential in him.  I think Isabel (and a few others!) have had their doubts about that at times.  =)  But it seems like this young guy has started to realize who he is and how he can use the gifts that God’s given him to serve and lead.  So…that’s pretty exciting!   

As well, Jorge (my pastor) shared with Isabel that he’s been feeling God speaking to him, and he’d like to come onboard at the home on a regular basis when I get back.  That’s exciting for me too.  To be comletely honest though, sometimes it’s a bit intimidating…seeing someone like Jorge or Tonchy (our other pastor) get more and more involved.  It’s what I want (absolutely!), but at the same time, it’s so much easier for them than for me.  Language…culture…it’s a part of who they are (being Bolivian), but for me…not so much.  

At the same time though…I’ve seen ministries and leaders who try to hold the people they minister to so tightly in their fists that no one else is let in.  They become isolationist and don’t want anyone else to work with “their people”.  

I refuse to be that person…  I’m not going to let my insecurities or struggles affect what God desires to do in the lives of the people He’s entrusted to my care.  The more voices that speak into our lives…the more we feel a part of a community or family…the stronger we are.  Each of the people that God leads to work with the guys plays a part in their growth and development.  There’s a place for each of us.  

But feel free to pray about that with me.  And please continue to pray for the guys as they study and are challenged in their relationships with God.  It seems like we’ve turned yet another corner, and that’s encouraging.    

On a side note, I’ll be speaking at the Asquith Baptist church on Sunday if anyone in the Saskatoon area is interested.  I’ve still got most of the Sunday’s in July open, if you think your church might be interested in hearing a bit more about what God is doing in my corner of South America.  Just let me know…

This coming week I’m going to post some of my favourite posts from years gone by.  For those of you who are new here, there are probably a few stories you haven’t heard yet (ie. the one about the kid who was hiding live fish under his pillow…).  So stay tuned.  =)

Thanks for reading and praying everyone!  I appreciate it…
 
PS  Andres wrote me on Facebook today and told me they missed me and warned me not to get fat on my mom’s cooking like last year…

It’s nice to be loved.