Untitled

So I have had time to rest over the last few days which has meant time to think. The reality of staying in for the next year has pretty much set in. I miss different things from home everyday but mostly the people! Coming here and knowing that it's going to be a while before I see all that I know again, really makes me appreciate it all. I've probably stated this already in my blog but I really see how much I value the relationships I have back home. This thought has helped me really take hold of the fact that I'm here to build new relationships. Part of me is hesitant to really branch out but I'm already overcoming the negative thoughts.

They key to a successful year seems to actually not make this year about me at all. The times I do stop and think about myself I tend to just have thoughts of wanting to be home. The more I think about how I can help someone or make their lives a better place the more I want to be here and want to make a difference. I had already decided to take this attitude with me before I came but being here and seeing what it really takes has helped me grow in new ways. Perseverance is the key!

So I went to church here today in La Paz and shared about giving. I said one line in English at a time and then Edson translated. It was kind of interesting but I think it got the point across. Jack (one of the FAI volunteers from Scotland) came today too in order to check it out - which was cool.

After service we (the majority of the church) went out to lunch to celebrate my birthday. I believe the place was called "Orosos" and it had all kinds of food to chose from. I went with the comfort food for my birthday which was chilli nachos and I have to admit that I didn't think I would able to find that here... I'm slowly learning the secrets of La Paz! I heard that there is a Mexican restaurant here called "Jalapeños" that I can't wait to try now. What's more is that there is talk of going to "Kansas City BBQ" tomorrow night for my birthday. I hope the food holds up to the name... if it does... I'm golden.
Sorry... I got distracted by the food - I know... I tend to do that... But anyways, the church got me a cake that they were nice enough to shove my face in - in true Bolivian style! Apparently it's custom to just take a bite out of your cake on your birthday... it's just that there is usually someone there to make sure that you get more than you intended. I think I'll be bringing back this tradition to the US!

So tomorrow is my birthday, but I'm thinking about holding off one more year before I celebrate 23 years. I think I can do that...