Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Closing Out My Days Here

In my cozy Alpaca-wool sweater, my legs snuggled under a down comforter and listening to the tinsel-clink of tiny hail on my bedroom window, I grin thinking that a week from today I'll be hoping it's cool enough to open my windows at night. I had my last Spanish lesson today, enjoyed a traditional Bolivian BBQ on Saturday with the family and look forward to seeing a professional dance troupe perform Bolivian traditional dances this weekend (my Spanish teacher is one of the dancers!).

This time in Bolivia has been a reminder that life is good, even with its pain. It hasn't provided a respite from grief, as I'm finding that often the sweetest joys unearth profound grief. But the stimulation of a new challenge, the ever-present antics of a two-year old, the soft warmth of a newborn nestled in my arms have been the green pastures and still waters that my Shepherd is using to restore my soul.

Thank you for your continued prayers and encouraging notes. God's faithfulness expressed through so many of you is a great comfort.

Have to share a few of my favorite photos from this week. :-)

Zoe

Ariana

Cara, Mache, Zoe and Ariana





Saturday, April 5, 2014

Busy Days for Grandma!

Yes, I've been slow on this update...there's been just a few other things to do around here. :-)  Zoe Strauss Contreras arrived at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28th, weighing in at a petite 6 lbs. Like her sister, Zoe never descended and engaged, so after 11 hours of labor (Cara's determination to have Zoe naturally), the doctor called for a C-section. We thank God for his protection as Cara said all the medical people around her exclaimed, "Oh, just in time!" as they lifted Zoe out. The pediatrician said labor had been a bit rough on her, but he expected her to be back to normal in 24 hours. And sure enough, after keeping a gentle flow of oxygen near her face, the next day she was nursing with vigor. Cara is sore, moving slowly, but recovering well.

                                                                          The first hours

Ariana's first look at her sister

Peaceful slumber at home

                                                              Much happiness all around