I Will Follow

Where you go, I'll go

Where you stay, I'll stay

When you move, I'll move

I will follow you

Who you love, I'll love

How you serve I'll serve

If this life I lose, I will follow you

I will follow you

-Chris Tomlin

I was in the car listening to the Christian radio station, and this song played. The lyrics spoke to my heart.

I have been a terrible blogger. It is already nearing the end of April, and this is my first post this year! I finally decided it was time to bring things up to date.

In my last update, I requested prayer for provision. God definitely heard your prayers! I went from having no work, to little work, to too much work! In February He provided two temporary jobs working as an educational assistant at a Christian school during a sick leave, and selling shoes at a Costco Roadshow for two weeks. I also continued to do some work at the retirement home. Needless to say, it was a tiring month! In March I went back to only working at the retirement home, and they began giving me full-time hours! Praise God!!!

A few weeks ago life was looking good. I loved my job. I loved the spring weather. I loved the friendships I was developing...A few weeks later, nothing has changed, and yet everything has changed!

Adolfo had a phone conversation with his mother the other week, and she told him about a property just outside Santa Cruz that they want to buy us where he could start some of the business ventures he has dreamed of.

After much thought, discussion and prayer, Adolfo decided to go ahead and buy his tickets for Bolivia. It has been decided that I will stay on in Canada for several months so I can deal with a few matters here. We will be canceling Adolfo’s application for permanent residence and reapplying with him in Bolivia. The process from outside Canada is supposed to be faster. The plan is that Adolfo will start up some sort of business that could be an extra income once we come back to Canada (God willing).

A couple of months ago, Adolfo raised the idea of returning to Bolivia, and to say I was greatly upset would be an understatement! A couple of months later, I feel a lot more peace over the idea. I am someone who really struggles with change, so the only explanation I can give for the change in my reaction is that God has done a miracle in my heart. I know it will not all be easy. Being separated from Adolfo will be hard, but I am grateful that I have some time to process the upcoming changes and to enjoy some more time with my family and friends before I leave.

Please pray that God would guide Adolfo and give him wisdom as he returns to Bolivia and that I would rest in trust  in the midst of these big changes. I want to live fully surrendered to following God where He leads and trusting Him each step of the way.

He Carries Us Day by Day

Image: Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

“Blessed be the Lord, Who bears our burdens and carries us day by day, even the God Who is our salvation! Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” Psalms 68:19 (Amplified Bible)

This verse really stuck out to me when I read it a few months ago. I copied it down on a 3x5 card and put it in my kitchen where I could see it every day. It is a truth that has been very real to me for the past few months.

In my last blog entry I had mountain-top experiences to share. Mountain-top experiences may be followed by deep valleys...

A few months ago I found myself unemployed due to a downturn in production at the engineering company where I was working. During the months that followed, I applied to countless jobs. I obtained a temporary two-week job selling shoes at Costco but otherwise was unsuccessful in obtaining employment. I was amazed at the peace and joy that guarded my heart during this time as long as I kept my eyes on God.

There were moments when I would take my eyes off God, and fear and stress would begin to mount, and, like Peter, I would begin to sink beneath the waves. I was not the only one struggling...

Adolfo was finding that the university program he was enrolled in was not the right program for him. He finally decided to pull out of the program. Since then it has been difficult for him to cope with being unemployed (he cannot currently legally work in Canada) and with feeling homesick for Bolivia.

It has not been an easy time for us, but I am grateful for a God “who bears our burdens and carries us day by day!” He is the one who keeps us from breaking under the strain of those burdens, and His are the set of footsteps on the sand as He carries us in His arms.

A few weeks ago, I went over to my aunt’s house to help her with a special luncheon she was having for her ladies’ Bible study. One of the ladies at the study heard I was unemployed and suggested I apply at the retirement home where she worked. I applied and got a job doing housekeeping and some work at the front desk. Praise God!!!

I am greatly enjoying my new job! It is very close to home, and I enjoy being able to walk to and from work. The cleaning work is done as a team, and I love the ladies I get to work with each shift. I have especially enjoyed getting to know and become friends with one of my co-workers who is from Thailand. It is also a privilege to serve and get to know the seniors.
The need to trust God continues. My job is only part-time, and I sometimes am tempted to worry that my pay cheque will not be enough. God has been faithful, and I know He will continue to be so. I look forward to seeing how He provides for us in the months that follow.

If you want to know how to pray for us, please pray that God would provide for us, that He would continue to use this time to draw us closer to Him, and that He would give Adolfo clear guidance in making decisions for our future.

We are days away from Christmas, and I want to take the opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!

Thanks be to God for His provision for our greatest need!!! Thanks be to God for becoming human and bridging the gap between man and God!!! Glory to God in the Highest!!!

Beyond What We Ask For or Imagine!

It was another hot and muggy morning in Santa Cruz. My cell phone rang. It was my mom! She was calling to see how I was doing, and she had some interesting news. Uncle Albert and Auntie Marianne were going to Africa for two months in the summer and were wondering if Adolfo and I might be able to house sit for them. It seemed like such a provision from God! Of course, our being able to house sit depended on whether or not Adolfo got his visa soon.

A few weeks later, Adolfo got an e-mail from the Canadian embassy informing him they had sent him some medical forms so he could see a doctor. These forms ended up getting stuck in transit because of a nation-wide postal strike. The visa process seemed to be running into countless delays, and I soon gave up on the idea of spending the summer in Canada with my family or being able to house sit for Uncle Albert and Auntie Marianne...

It was a quiet afternoon at Hotel California. A couple of days previously, Adolfo received an e-mail from the Canadian Embassy that literally had me jumping up and down with joy and excitement! Adolfo had been granted a study permit and Canadian visa! We had no idea how long the study permit and visa would take to get to us, so I was quite shocked when I looked up from the reception area to see Adolfo standing in the door with a DHL delivery guy signing a piece of paper and being handed a big envelope.

We began to make plans to to travel north with a brief detour south to Argentina. We hoped to travel to Canada within a month and visit Adolfo’s brother Matias in Buenos Aires on the way. A few days later, I got an e-mail that changed everything! My dear friend, Rachael Robertson, informed me there was an opening at the engineering company where she worked. Her supervisor said I could have the job if we could be there within a week or so.

The next few days were a flurry of activity, as we set things up for our departure. Adolfo was still running around doing errands till the moment we left for the airport. We barely made our flight, and after going through security, we finally breathed a sigh of relief!

Our trip was long but uneventful. I thought getting through immigration and customs might be a little complicated (the immigration website had me nervous), but I couldn’t have been more wrong! We passed through into Canada without any problems.

God’s timing was perfect. We arrived in Victoria, B.C. on Saturday, July 2nd. Uncle Albert and Aunt Marianne were able to show us how things were done around the house and answer our questions before leaving on Monday for Africa. That very Monday I started work at Milroy Engineering and began my training learning how to make parts (specifically heaters and sensors for the windshields) for private airplanes.

Looking back, I can see God bringing us to Canada and arranging all the details as only He can do! God gave us two whole months to spend with my parents and sister here in Canada before they left for Bolivia on the 8th of September. God gave us a place to live for those two months that was close to work. God gave Adolfo two months to adapt to Canada before plunging into his studies at Royal Roads University. God also provided me with an amazing job...

I had decided to ask God for some specific things when it came to a job. He pretty much gave me everything I asked for and more! I wanted a job that was Monday to Friday during office hours. I got a job that is Monday to Friday from 8 till 4:30. I wanted a job that had a nice environment and that I enjoyed. I got a job where the owners are Christians, where the boss is one of the nicest and most patient guys I’ve ever known, and where Rachael, an amazing friend, is a co-worker! I wanted a job that paid more than minimum wage. I got a job that paid a lot more than minimum wage! As you can see...beyond what I asked for or imagined!

Outstretched Arms

This past year has had its full share of trials. Tuesday was the one year anniversary of my brother Steven’s death--a tragedy that rocked my family’s world. In January I was married and started on a journey with a whole new set of challenges and struggles. It turns out that what Jesus said is true, “In the world you will have tribulation...” (John 16:33).

Today I spent the day with Francis and her two little girls. Nicky is five and Francini (a.k.a. Pia) is almost two. A couple of years ago, my mom adopted these little girls as her “grandaughters” giving me the title of “Tia” (“aunt”). Despite the windy day, we made a trip to the park with Yacky, the dog. In the afternoon we had another adventure at the zoo and especially enjoyed the macaws with their brilliant plumage, the toucans with their colorful bills, and the talking parrots with their phrase “¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?” (Hello! How are you?)

Throughout the day, Pia would stretch out her arms to be held. Each time she sent a thrill through my heart! In the past, Pia had always been reticent and unwilling for me to hold her. I couldn’t believe the change! My arms got quite a work-out as I carried her here and there. On the bus trip to the zoo, Pia fell asleep in my arms. As I sat there, holding her warm little body close, my thoughts turned to God.

I wonder what God feels when we lift up our arms to be held? Does He feel a thrill of joy when we raise our hands in surrender and trust--when we recognize we can’t do it on our own, and we ask Him to carry us through?

What does God feel when we let go of our anxieties and troubles and demonstrate full trust as we rest in His arms of grace? Does His heart swell with pride and joy as He looks down on His sleeping child? It makes me think of Psalm 131:2

“Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.”

In this world we may have tribulation, but we have a Heavenly Father who is thrilled when we stretch out our arms and ask Him to carry us through.

UPDATE:

Shortly after posting my previous blog entry, Adolfo received the news he had been accepted into the program at Royal Roads University! Praise the Lord!

The past two and a half months have been filled with paperwork as we applied for the study permit and visa and as we made a trip to La Paz where we enjoyed some time with my family and got various documents legalized and translated for use in Canada.

Since returning to Santa Cruz, we have been working at my mother-in-law’s hotel while my mother-in-law has taken over the pizza restaurant.

I usually hate these “in-between” periods of waiting, but God has been giving me a lot of grace to live in the moment and enjoy today’s blessings. It’s easy to get impatient and to get anxious, but I’m trying to be like a small child who rests in Her sovereign and loving Father’s embrace.

From Transition to Routine

I can't say I like transition periods. Thankfully they don't last forever. Adolfo and I have finally settled into a routine. We are now living in the rooms next to the Adolfo's "pizzeria" and keeping busy running the business (pictured above is our home on the left and the "pizzeria" on the right). Our days usually look like this:

-We sleep in (after all, we are up late each night with the pizza business)
-Devotions
-We take Yackie (Adolfo's half cocker spaniel and half mutt in the above picture with me) for a jog. She gets so excited when she sees us in our running shoes!
-Breakfast
-Showers
-Relax and watch some tv
-Lunch at Casarao (a place where you buy your meal by weight)
-Adolfo helps out at his mom's hotel or goes out on errands while I come home and make pizza crusts, make salsa, pick through oregano, grate cheese, etc. in preparation for the evening
-Pizzeria open from 7 to 11 pm.
-Sometimes we go for an evening stroll with Yackie
-Unwind with a little tv before going to sleep

I have some news and some prayer requests. Adolfo has applied to finish his studies at Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. We would appreciate prayer for the following:

• That Adolfo would be accepted into the Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Studies program at Royal Roads (God willing)
• That Adolfo would be granted a study permit and visa.
• That everything would go quickly and smoothly so we can travel to Canada in the next few months.
• That God would provide me with a good job in Victoria to cover our living expenses while Adolfo is studying.

Enrolled in Patience 101, Flexibility 101, and Humility 101

I’m loving being married, but that doesn’t mean I’m finding marriage one “happy ever after.” Early in the game, I’m experiencing marriage to be God’s training school, and He seems to have me enrolled in three classes in particular.

Patience 101

Adolfo and I were supposed to have moved in to some rooms next to Adolfo’s new Pizza place. These rooms need some remodeling before we are able to move in, so we are living at my in-law’s house in the meantime. The Guzmán family lost four employees all in one week, so things are a little busy and stressful around here. With so much going on, it’s not likely our place will be ready any time soon. I am finding it hard not being able to settle in to my own place. I long to unpack all my stuff and start using my wedding gifts! I also find it hard not having much to keep me busy. As I don’t know how things are done at either my mother-in-law’s hotel or the pizza place, I’m not too much help, so I end up sitting on the sidelines. I think God may be wanting to teach me some patience through this experience!

Flexibility 101

I’ve never been a very flexible person--just ask my family! And I’m not talking about my gymnast sister’s kind of flexibility. When I have my mind set on something, I’m capable of throwing a fit when things are changed on me. Being single one has a lot more control over personal plans. Being married involves teamwork and yielding to someone else. It requires a lot of flexibility, which I happen to have very little of. Just the other day I had my day all figured, and I had decided that I would spend the evening at the hotel with Adolfo where I could take advantage of the computers and skype my family. On the way to the hotel, we had to stop at the pizza place. Adolfo told me to stay and see if I could help out there. I had a major temper tantrum on the inside! I was furious at him for changing my plans! When Adolfo realized I really wanted to go to the hotel, he yielded and let me go with him, but I was so ashamed at my immature response to the situation. I pray God gives me extra grace to be able to pass this course!

Humility 101

Being human involves making mistakes, but I can’t seem to accept my humanity. I hate making mistakes! And I hate having my mistakes pointed out to me--a sure sign of pride! Living in a new place with a new family involves learning new ways of doing things and making mistakes in the process. I’m going to need a lot of humility in order to have a teachable spirit and accept correction along the way.

If you think of me, I would appreciate prayer that God would help me grow in these three areas!!!

Today was a Fairy Tale

Every girl dreams of her wedding day with few exceptions. I definitely wasn't an exception, but when it came down to making my dream a reality and planning my actual wedding, I was afraid to have high expectations. I'm the kind of person that gets frustrated when things don't go exactly as I want them to. In an imperfect world things inevitably go wrong, so I decided to lower my expectations.

There was a lot of tension in the air during the days leading up to the wedding. We were supposed to be having a garden wedding, but it was raining every day, and on Friday (the day before the wedding) I woke up to an especially stormy day. The political setting wasn't helping things either. Gas prices almost doubled causing strikes, road blocks and protests throughout the country and raising the concern that people from outside La Paz (including Adolfo's family in Santa Cruz) would not be able to make it to the wedding. Days before the wedding there were rumors that bank accounts in American dollars would be frozen, and people made a mad rush to the banks to get their money out. In the midst of all the chaos, I couldn't do more than trust God to somehow bring the wedding together.

God stepped in and saved the day! On Friday, the 31st of December, further strikes, road blocks and protests were put on hold until after the New Year, and Adolfo's family arrived safely from Santa Cruz. Friday night, the evening before the wedding, Adolfo called me and told me to turn the TV on and see the evening news. The law raising gas prices had been revoked, and peace was restored to the country! As for the weather, God couldn't have given us a more beautiful and glorious day!!!

January 1st of 2011, I woke up at 6:00. I had my quiet time with God and a special mother-daughter talk before having my shower and eating a quick breakfast with my parents. I got the car out and drove over to pick up my dear friend Janelle. We came back by the house to pick Elisa up and drove over to the beauty salon at 8:30. On New Years Day, two lovely ladies got up early and came to the salon specifically to do our hair! In a country where no one is ever punctual, their punctuality was a great blessing!

Once my hair was done, I left Elisa and Janelle getting their hair done, and I went to get my make-up done at another place. This time the lady made me wait almost half an hour. I waited in the car and tried to relax. It was 10 when she started on my face, and the civil ceremony was supposed to be at 10:30! My mom and Adolfo kept calling me. Thankfully I wasn't far from the house. I got home and quickly slipped into a red dress. We got a phone call saying the notary would leave in five more minutes if we didn't arrive. My parents, Adolfo Sr. and Adolfo Jr. and I rushed over to the notary's office, which was thankfully only blocks away. Our two witnesses and Adolfo's cousins were there waiting to witness the civil ceremony. The notary was about to travel and in a hurry. She quickly performed the civil ceremony and gave us our marriage certificate. We were now legally married! (In Bolivia a pastor cannot legally marry, so there are usually two ceremonies--legal and "religious") Afterwards Adolfo had fun telling people how we nearly didn't get married that day!

We made our way back to the house where people had already started to arrive. It was quite the ordeal trying to figure out transportation for everyone heading out to Valencia (a small town about 35 minutes outside of La Paz). Those who had cars had to help take those who didn't have a car. Once we packed the cars full, we headed out to Valencia.

The Vargas family, dear friends of ours, kindly allowed us to use their property for the wedding. Once we arrived, I went inside the house to change into my wedding dress (using my mom's wedding dress was a dream come true!) Auntie Susy (my "aunt") came in and helped me get changed and put the veil on. Then I posed for a bunch of pictures as the sun shone down on me from an above skylight. Yecidito and Johanan (my "cousins") were the amazing photographers that shot hundreds of pictures that day. They are very talented and artistic individuals, and I can't wait to see the pictures they took!

The ceremony finally started at about 1 pm. Adolfo entered with his mom, Ruth. Adolfo's two brothers, Ruben and Matias, went in together and then Caleb and Elisa (my brother and sister). Then came the exciting moment of walking through an arch and down a cobblestone path on my dad's arm as he "gave the bride away." We had a short and sweet ceremony led by Pepe Mogro, a good friend of my dad's who knows me since I was little. I love Pepe and his family very much, and I can't think of who I would have liked to have marry me more. We were declared husband and wife, and we had our first kiss!

While waiting for the catering company to arrive with the food, we had a long photo session right there in the garden. Once the food arrived, people came by to kiss, hug and congratulate us on their way to serving themselves lunch (buffet style).

Immediately following lunch, Adolfo and I danced a waltz to live music played by some young people from my church and my brother Caleb on the violin. Then came a bunch of speeches and toasts. My dad had everyone laughing with his exaggerations of protecting his daughter from any young man that should wish to snatch her away. He commended Adolfo for his perseverance and welcomed him into the family. Adolfo Sr. gave a short speech welcoming me into the Guzmán family. Matias (Adolfo's youngest brother) gave a toast. My friend Janelle gave the other toast. Finally our mother's spoke and shared some stories.

The speeches were followed by the cutting of the cake. While people enjoyed their cake, we had some special numbers. A few weeks previous to the wedding, Elisa told me she wished she could sing the Taylor Swift song "Today was a Fairy Tale." She and my friend Janelle ended up actually singing that song for us! There was a couple of other songs that the band had put together. After that we had pictures taken with our guests and families. People started to leave. Those who remained gathered in a circle, and Carlos Vargas gave us a blessing from Leviticus and prayed for us. It was a beautiful close to a beautiful day!

Our wedding day couldn't have been more "perfect." That day I felt like God was smiling down on us. It truly was a "Fairy Tale Day"! Thank you, God!!!