The Wait Is Over!

Have you ever prayed for patience and then soon after regretted it severely?  I've surely made this mistake in the past, but this time it wasn't my fault, I'm blaming Jon. I don't know why he would make such a request, he has plenty of patience, maybe he was praying for an improvement in mine...

Anyway, God sure has been teaching us, or testing ours.  Yesterday, we celebrated one month of marriage.  And by "celebrated" I mean we said "Happy one month anniversary," via email, because for the past 19 days we've been in different countries.

Seriously, one flesh cannot stretch this far.  I have no idea how you military families do it, but I have a new respect and serious empathy for you.  Being a single parent seems far more difficult when I'm not supposed to be doing it alone anymore.

When we found out we had to return to Bolivia we hoped Jon would be able to work remotely, we even rented a 3 bedroom apartment so he could have an office, but that was not to be.  Next, he asked the bank where he works if he could take an unpaid leave of absence, but his boss couldn't guarantee his job would be there when he got back.  Finally, we applied for a Family Medical Leave through the FMLA, since the cause of his absence was adoption. We were told the decision was usually made in ~5 days.  For the past two and a half seemingly endless weeks, many of you have been pleading with God for this small miracle, that would allow Jon to join us in Bolivia for 12 weeks without the added stress of the imminent job search awaiting him upon return.  Jon has been impressively proactive the whole painfully long wait, calling the woman in charge of the approval almost daily, and considering flying to her office in Dallas to hunger strike until the final verdict came through, proving how much Bolivia has already influenced him before he's even arrived.

Praise the Lord, last night the leave was approved!!  Today, I'm heading to see my husband for the first time in far too long.  Life is good.  God is good.  For the next 11 days I'll be traveling around the Southeast U.S. Today, in Kansas City, CVM's annual Shortcourse begins. A time when Christian veterinarians come together to share about workplace ministry, short-term missions, long-term missions, and serendipitously this year there's a day on Christian marriage. I'm stoked to introduce Jon to my CVM family and fellowship with lots of friends also serving around the world. This weekend is the national CVC, a veterinary continuing education conference where we'll have a booth, a CVM breakfast, and a dinner focused especially on Bolivian ministry. Then, next week, I'm excited to visit my alma mater, traveling to Auburn, AL for some time with Auburn and Tuskegee's Christian veterinary fellowship groups.  Finally, I have three fun-filled days of wedding activities for one of my best friends, Sami, before returning to Angie and Bolivia to prepare for Jon's arrival a week later.

Thank you for your prayers for all these activities, the leave approval, my work, Angie's time without us, sweet Sami's marriage, and all the transition.  But please don't pray for more patience!

Mosquitoes, Sand and Relearning Joy

It was kind of a rough week. As many of you who read my last post could have imagined, it was hard leaving my husband after less than two weeks of being able to call him mine.  It was particularly hard for Angie to move into Jon's house on Monday after the honeymoon and then repack her suitcase to relocate again the same Friday. As she was able to verbalize so well this time in her mess of not-so-pretty emotions, she really hates change. Even though returning to Bolivia, Spanish, and her friends was a move she was eagerly awaiting, change is hard for everyone to some degree, and in a young life that's had more than its fair share of transition, stability is all the more coveted. Last night, we were finally able to Skype with Jon and when we prayed together, she asked God to let Jon come down here so we could be a "normal" family. 

And then there was the adjustment for me. Let's be honest, I'd become spoiled rotten in the States for two months with its fancy dishwashers and dryers, reliable water, relative cleanliness, temperature control, consistently speedy internet, Papa John's, I could go on... And of course it's been a challenge for me to spend money re-buying all the things I just sold in May, and all the items we just received as wedding gifts in June and July. Shopping for towels, kitchen utensils, bath mats, pillows, sheets, etc. has felt more than redundant.  

Oh my goodness, I sound whiny. Why am I telling you all this? To say that yesterday I finally felt "happy" to be here. And then I was embarrassed. I was sitting in church, worshipping with my Bolivian family of believers again and I was in a really good mood, it was really nice to be back with them.

For the first few days here, when things were less than ideal, I thought, "this is way harder than the first time I moved down three years ago, because the first time I chose to come here." Everything was an adventure. Any adversity was part of the fun, since I had come down on purpose with a calling, the mosquitoes, the insane traffic, the ubiquitous sand, and the other challenges were all the more thrilling. But this time, being outside of my plan, the inconveniences were all just kind of a drag.  When we were having a hard time setting up house and things were looking a bit bleak, I got a little down.

So, when my positive outlook was restored I was ashamed of myself, because I'm pretty sure it was circumstantial. Due to the kindness of so many friends, over the past few days we've been blessed with a borrowed washing machine, refrigerator, oven, fans, bedspreads, furniture, and much more. And I'm afraid my upturn in attitude may have been directly proportional to our improvement in standard of living.

This week when I was reminded of Paul and his call to be content in all circumstances, I thought of his surroundings. Paul wrote those words from a prison cell. A situation he surely had not chosen, nor penciled into his day planner. A trial he'd not signed up for, yet one he fully embraced, and refused to let affect his joy. 

I guess I tell you all this in hopes that next time I'm faced with hardships I won't make excuses, but remember to rejoice always, and not just when it's convenient. 

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."

-Philippians 4:11-13

We're renting the top floor of this house.  The cow is a bonus!

For those who don't already know...

Imagine if you will, returning from a perfect mountain getaway with your dreamy new husband to your cozy, recently renovated by said dreamboat, Cape Cod house. You pick up your daughter from her beach vacation with the family and settle into your freshly painted home to unpack and start a new phase of life. A phase where you begin your fulfilling job as CVM’s Southeast Regional Representative and thrive on the interactions with vet students eager to use their profession to serve the Lord and vets hungry for encouragement in how to minister in their practices. A phase where Angie starts a new school, makes great friends, and finally gets comfortable in English and North American culture. One where every Friday is date night sponsored by your generous parents and you can enjoy the colors, smells, and chill of your first autumn in four years while you work on your fledgling marriage.  

Then, turn this idyllic suburban picture of stability and peace upside down and you’ll have the upheaval we’re facing now. Haven’t God’s ways always been a stark contrast to the world’s, why did I expect any different? When has He ever encouraged us to stay in our comfort zones, let alone set up house in them? So, instead of surrounding ourselves with the aromas of cinnamon and pumpkin, we’re spending the fall in the wind and heat of Bolivian spring. Instead of starting our family in our native culture and language, we’re starting it on an unexpected adventure.  

Saturday morning, Angie and I arrived back in Bolivia. For the next four months we'll be back to our old normal in Santa Cruz, with VetRed, Spanish, and Angie's missionary kid school, with one awesome exception; Jon's coming to join us soon. Immigration's declared it necessary for Angie and me to finish out our first two years together in Bolivia before she can gain U.S. citizenship. And since Jon and I didn't write into our vows "until death or immigration do us part," he's not letting the latter stand in our way of being together as a family. His conviction to be where we are and do life with us, is even stronger than his instinct to be the provider, and for this I admire him very much.

More than ever we cherish your prayers and support. If you're not receiving our bi-monthly update letters but would like to, let us know and we'll get you signed up.

"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 

-Matthew 19:6

Surreality turns Reality

People love to blog about their weddings, why doesn't anyone ever blog about their honeymoon?  Don't answer that...

Jon and I spent last week in Colorado hiking, white water rafting, gaining weight, and enjoying peace. It was the most relaxing week I've ever had. Let's be honest, it was probably the first time I've ever really relaxed. Even on normal vacations you can't just sleep whenever you want, turn off your phone and computer, and forget about the rest of the world. 

It was an incredible time of learning to be married, in a bubble made for two, free of conflict, free of stress, and minus the usual semi-constant barrage of "Mommy!" When he praised me once for my patience with navigating when he asked me for the same direction more than once, I realized how unnatural our honeymoon-sphere was, and hoped we were setting patterns for how we'll communicate in the future when normalcy returns.  It was so nice to simplify for a moment and let the world revolve around just the two of us. In the simplicity we were really really good. I pray that now as complexity and confusion take over, we'll have laid the groundwork for a team that treats each other really really well.

I had about one month to get used to the idea of being a mom before my fairly large bundle of joy was placed in my lap a couple years ago. But somehow it felt much less strange to be a parent even after that short adjustment period than it does to be a wife after seven months of engagement to prepare me. Nothing has ever felt so surreal as being married. For how long will we randomly look at each other and say with shock and a smile, "We're married!"?

Last night, my amazing parents brought Angie back from her week at the beach, and we began our lives as a family of three. Angie woke up a ball of nervous excitement in her new bed, we sent Daddy off to work for his first day back, and I sat down to the computer to try to get caught up and back into the swing of things.  Reality is setting in as we are settling down. But, thus far, it seems a sweet sweet reality.

 "Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4

If I had time to blog...

Even if I had time to blog would I have the fortitude to tame my racing thoughts. If I had time to blog, what would I say?

Angie getting along fabulously with her daddy and her new cousin Ava.

I might let you know that a little someone is growing up in more ways than one.  And while her mind may be tuned to cartoons, coloring, and her dollhouse, her body is heading in another direction. The niña is becoming a señorita. In light of that mess of hormones and the chaos that has become our lives of late, we could maybe use your prayers.

I'd probably remind you that in two days I get to marry the man who makes me melt into a puddle, and not just 'cause he's ruggedly handsome, but because he loves me like Christ loved the church, and wants to keep doing that forever.

I'd likely share with you a quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer that God put on my heart recently, “We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God.....We must not.....assume that our schedule is our own to manage, but allow it to be arranged by God.” This is pertinent for me right now in our medium-longterm planning, as well as in every moment of the day.  And I don't think it'd be inappropriate for me to substitute the first "God" with "Angie." "I must be ready to allow myself to be interrupted by Angie." How any parent has ever survived summer break is beyond me, but with a wedding and a total absence of friends for the kiddo, the tension between her wanting my attention and me bristling at interruptions is evident, and convicting. Engagement and wedding planning have had their definite ups and downs. But this week where so many people we love are coming from around the country, and the world, to be with us for this special time, has made me appreciate the wedding tradition in spite of the huge effort it's been. I've never felt so loved as I have these past few weeks, culminating in this one.  On the other hand, I won't be terribly disappointed when we're back to the status quo.  With reason we've been uber-focused on ourselves, the foundation of our marriage, and the details of kicking it off with a bang to honor the covenant we're entering into.  But at times it's felt very us-centric, and I'm ready to get back to looking beyond ourselves in our agendas, our conversations, and our actions. 

I would definitely tell you that Amanda Gregory and Kira Spears are the most incredible party planners in the history of the world.  Among the spoiling rotten of all the bridal fun, they threw me an unbelievable shower/bachelorette party. I wish everyone could have a night as personalized and thoughtful as tonight. Every second was tailored exactly to my tastes and favorites for the past fifteen years, things even I had forgotten about myself. It was a night of nostalgia, enjoying the moment and the amazing friends I have now, yet moving into a new phase of life and family for the future. 

And finally, if I had time and the concentration required to blog I'd probably ask you for your prayers.  Please pray for Angie as she rides this roller-coaster of wedding-weekend emotions with us, but from a different perspective.  Please pray for all those who are traveling to be with us and are sharing in our events.  And pray that we can give God the glory in every festivity. If we can do that, none of it will have been in vain.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31

Rubbish

For the past week I've been in Seattle, enjoying the cooler weather, the change of scenery, and the amazing Christian Veterinary Mission staff.  It's been a really fun time of sharing about Bolivia and learning about the CVM Regional Representative position I'll be transitioning to in the future; making lots of new friends, and reconnecting with old ones I haven't seen in years.

Every year CVM focuses on a theme passage.  This year's idea is "Beyond Knowledge, Knowing Him," from Philippians 3.  

Studying to share a devotional on this scripture lead me to really ruminate on what are the credentials and the rubbish that I let get between Jesus and myself.  Here's The Message version:

"We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it—even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials....

The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God's righteousness. I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself."

To Paul, the credentials he'd been staking it all on were his birth into the right nation and the right family, his behavior, his zeal for religion and its rules.  He had no more control over where and when he came into the world than any of us, but I'm only half-joking when I brag that I was born on the day UofL won the national championship in basketball, seriously, it makes me a way better fan. I imagine you don't use your circumcision on the 8th day as an edge up at dinner parties, but I can't deny that I like to be called a veterinarian, and I don't hate the label "missionary". How many other titles or accomplishments do we take pride in, what statuses do we let define us instead of Christ? When I dug deep I discovered my identity as a tennis player in the past, my semi-radical decision to adopt as a single person in another country, and my really awesome fiancé all gave my ego a boost, even made me feel like a better Christian.  But the only thing that makes me a Christian at all is Jesus' grace.

Even more than our degree, our profession, or our level of accomplishment, do we find our security in our things?  When I was sharing about Paul's thoughts on skybalon (or dog dung) I borrowed the idea to make it visual.  After bringing up the image of a child who can't fit anything else in his hands if they're already full of stuff, I brought in a garbage can and started throwing things out to figuratively empty my arms to make room for more of Christ.  It was easy to dump in my new work laptop with its overwhelmingly complex database, but a bit harder to put in my personal MacBook Pro. My veterinary license and passport were symbolic of who I am in the flesh. Dropping in my insurance card wasn't too stressful, but letting go of my picture with Angie and Jon stung a little.  And you should have seen the face of the only other female in the room when she heard my engagement ring crash to the bottom of the bin!

But even more personal and timely was thinking about someone I wouldn't have considered "rubbish", or even a distraction for me, until God took her away from me.  Ruby, the one who possibly loves me most unconditionally in the world, my sweet sweet puppy, ran away that very day.  At 4 o'clock in the morning when I found out she'd run off after a rabbit and never returned, I didn't think much of it, but by 4 o'clock in the afternoon I realized how important she was to me and how possible it was she'd be stolen or hit by a car. And while I prepared to talk about the rubbish we carry with us Matthew 9 came to mind, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter (or dog) more than me is not worthy of me."  So, I decided there was nothing to do but trust the Lord and refocus on the one thing that was truly important; knowing Christ. And minutes after finishing a discussion of the credentials and belongings the vets and staff around me subconsciously held tightly, God gave Ruby back to us!

During all of this, Angie was safe and blissfully clueless, visiting the beach for her first time ever with the family.

I'd challenge you to consider if your iPhone has become an idol, if you talk to Siri more than God, if you take more pride in your past than your friendship with Jesus, or if you're seeking that promotion more than you're seeking to know Him. 

"I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by Him." Philippians 3:8-9 TM

Somebody Just Hit Double Digits!

Look out! Angie just turned ten and she's sassier than ever! Also, more beautiful, more confident in her English, more ticklish, and taller!  We put her up to the door frame where my sister and I were measured growing up and she's already surpassed her aunt's notch from when she was 12!  Sorry Tia Kiki. 

Until her time at Talita Cumi she'd never had a birthday celebration, nor even known when to celebrate one.  Two years ago, we joined 7-8 other kiddos, with birthdays estimated to be in that quarter of the year, for her first birthday ever.

First birthday presents for her 8th birthday.

Then last year she had her first private birthday party, where we took ~30 of her closest friends bowling, then topped it off with a sleepover at our house!

So, this year, since we've yet to make any friends here in the U.S. she's been anxious about how her birthday could be a success, we may have set the bar a bit too high last year.  But I don't think she was disappointed.

Friday, the spoiling began with a bouquet of fruit from her aunt Kira, a party with some of her favorite foods, and her favorite thing; presents!  Thank you all who sent birthday wishes and/or sweet gifts.  She's already enjoying the clothes and scattering her new art supplies around the house in traditional don't-finish-one-project-before-you-start-another fashion.  

But we wanted to do something uber-special for her first birthday away from Bolivia to prove the US could be just as fun, so Saturday we loaded up seven of us and headed to Holiday World for her introduction to amusement parks.  Turns out she's not super fond of things that go fast or high, which really limited our options, but the other five adults along for moral support and to help ensure she had an awesome time were fabulously flexible and stayed positive even when things sometimes looked bleak.  Overall, the wave pool was the place to be, unfortunately not only for Angie but for 4 million others as well, but she didn't mind the underwater mosh pit and she was really the only one that mattered that day...

Now, as long as we can transition her back into normal life where the world's not actually revolving around her, we'll be fine.  Yesterday, was a great start, as we celebrated what I'd imagine was her first Father's Day in ten years with a truly good dad. She so sweetly told Jon that I've been there for all three of her birthdays. I'm pretty sure he'll be there for all the rest.  

I praise the Lord for Angie's amazing Daddy, for Coach Bulo her awesome tennis coaching grandfather, and for Her heavenly father who brought her to us all and is guiding her so gently through this big change.