Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Are we there yet??



Thank you for your prayers and e'mails. Erik and I arrived in La Paz, Monday morning. As soon as we stepped off the plane Zion and Erik were sick. They've both been in bed the past two days... We decided we better head on to Sucre so they can fight whatever this is at a lower altitude than 13,000 feet. So we are catching a bus to Sucre tonight and should arrive in the morning around 7 am. The rest of the team are either preparing to leave and some are on their way. Continue to pray for us during this big transition. We are so thankful to be in Bolivia. It was about time I think. Last night I was walking to the farmacy with Zion strapped on my side. The streets were crowded with people on the sidewalks, hurrying home from work or from school. You don't know crowded streets till you walk in La Paz in after work hours. Vendors are lined up along the side of the road and mini-buses crowd the streets taking people here and there. I noticed a lady sitting by her sales stand. She was dressed very simply, with braids and a top hat. I could tell that she was straining to read the Bible in the dim lights of the city, and although the crowds streamed by her sales stand without stopping to buy.. I knew she was content. I stopped to greet her and ask how her day had been. She said that it had been another good day, and that she was blessed among many to have hope. She told me that she was reading Acts and that she always reads when she sits by her sales stand. We talked for a while and she was a perfect example of someone who had made hope the anchor of her soul. Her name was Prima (which means Cousin in English.) Prima reminded me why it was that we had decided to come to Bolivia. I rememeber seeing a woman just like her on the streets of Sucre two years ago, also reading her Bible and hanging on to hope.

Friday, April 6, 2007

Everybody loves Zion


The Reyes in Los Angeles California




Zion wants to be a hunter like his Daddy






Zion and his first girlfriend (Rachel Stanley)



Angela Ward with Zion







The Journey


This month will be a month of many transitions. Already we are experiencing the hardship of saying good-bye, but we know that God is anxious to begin things in Sucre. For that reason we are so excited to begin this journey.

Erik and I had a wonderful time with Southgate during the three months we spent with them.. they made us feel like such a big part of the family. We praise God for blessing our lives with so many there in San Angelo, and with such a great church home. We have such great memories from our time in San Angelo and we've made some great friendships. The picture of Erik is with Steve Stanley on their last day together. Steve took Erik hunting the day before we flew out. It was a great experience for them both. Erik had never been hunting before but he was able to shoot his first turkey. I must admit that I was pretty impressed. The best part was that they had such a great time their last day together.

Erik and I are currently in LA and spending a week with family. His mom and sister also flew up from Mexico to say spend a few days with us before we fly to Bolivia. God has blessed us with such a great family. On the 14th we will leave for Sucre and arrive the morning of the 15th. Thank you for praying for us as a family and also for the team as we are going through these transitions.