August 2021 Update
It is a joy to watch how God continues to work His plan in spite of things not falling into place as we would have planned. The last few months have presented medical complications we would not have chosen to endure but God has still allowed us to see some of our desires and goals completed in the midst of our journey.
As an update on our family's health, Jessica’s knees are getting better each day. She is now to the point where the pain and swelling is less than it was before her surgery. The doctor has recommended another month of physical therapy and wants to check her again in late October before he gives her permission to fly back to Bolivia. Ellie had her cast removed. They removed it early hoping to reduce the amount of scar tissue that may form in her joint. She still has the screws in there, but she doesn’t seem to notice them. She still cannot move her elbow as much as we would have hoped by now, but it is a little better than it was before this last surgery. She is supposed to be reviewed in October to see if the screws can be removed by November. We know our path has not been as difficult as that of other missionaries' or people around us, but it is never easy to see it in your own family. We thank you for your kind words and prayers for our family during this time. Though we have not been able to respond to everyone, we have appreciated them.
In August I was able to travel back for a week to Bolivia. There was a family who had planned to visit before we left for medical leave, and I wanted to still be there for them. During this trip we finished, or put in place to be finished, the last 3 projects I had for our church building. I ordered a window which was installed a few days after I left, and we prepared for painting the walls. But most of our time was spent concreting the area in front of the church. We had been holding Sunday school classes on dirt and loosely laid brick which was a trip hazard for the children. We were able to level out this area, lay brick back over and pour with cement making a much nicer area for the classes. It will also serve as the floor of the building as the people need and are able to extend the space.
While in Bolivia, I completed another goal I have been preparing for since the spring. In April, I had someone come to preach on tithes and offerings. We taught on how the tithes are used to sustain the work and expenses of the church. While doing this, I emphasized the need of supporting their pastor; however, due to Covid restrictions, I had not been able to follow through with the subject. During this trip, I preached on the responsibilities of the church toward their pastor and presented the duty of the church to support him financially. They all agreed and decided to do so. This is just one more step toward the church becoming autonomous.
While the last few months have been difficult for our family, I have believed every moment that we have been and are in God's will. My focus is not to ask Him why the difficulties have been present, but rather to search for how He can receive the glory through the circumstances. We again thank you for your prayers for our family as we continue to serve and seek to glorify Him.
