This blog is going to be very short this week. Not much has happened in these past two weeks other than a few things that I will share about. I have been doing lots of gardening as usual. We have enjoyed having the kids plant their own personal plants to take care of as they grow. We had them plant a tiny kind of cherry tomato and they have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.
Hope and I also enjoyed the adventure of harvesting our first cassava of the year. This cassava grew from a cutting that I brought when I came in August. It was less than a foot long then, but when we harvested it, the pieces of the plant were all much taller than me as you’ll see in a photo below. It was a very special reminder to me of God’s amazing creative power to be able to make something so big, beautiful and useful, from nothing more than a stick. It is also encouraging because it reminds me that God has been faithful in helping my garden grow every step of the way. I have worked to do my best and He has faithfully taken care of the rest, constantly reminding me of my need to rely on Him and His power since, ultimately, I can’t make anything grow by myself.
We had many visitors this past week on campus, including a mission team from Andrew’s University. It was amazing for we SM’s to see young people our age and be able to speak to them in English. The kids enjoyed the VBS they put on, and we also enjoyed having several former SM’s visit at the same time and love on us.
Two Sabbaths ago, I enjoyed doing a special music with my Flores girls. They requested to sing Awesome God in English which has been their new favorite song. It was a lot of fun and they sounded beautiful.
On Tuesday this week, I was assigned to watched the little Guerreros boys for a couple hours in the afternoon. They loved playing in the creek while I watched them and prepped for my Baptismal studies that I lead on Sabbaths. Once I called them in to change, two of them wanted to shower. However, as often happens, the water was shut off for some reason and they resorted to the pump in the backyard. Then they decided to take baths in the laundry sinks in their swimming clothes. I’ll attach some cute pictures of that below.
One reason that I do not have much to write about is that I unfortunately tested positive for Salmonella last Thursday as well as a GI bleed. Because of that, I spent much of last weekend resting and eating easily digestible food. I got very exhausted easily and had some pain and nausea, but thankfully it was not too bad. I am thankful for antibiotics that have once again saved me from getting sicker. I am now recovered from Salmonella and my GI bleed after finishing antibiotics yesterday.
Today I am enjoying a relaxing day off with a beautiful view of Bolivia. These two weeks have been pretty slow and average but have had little joys, happy moments, and reminders of God’s faithfulness throughout. I hope you all have wonderful Sabbaths. I will post a more thorough update in two weeks when I hopefully have more to share.
Glad you recovered from the illnesses!♥️cassava is amazing!
Excellent. That's an amazing volume of cassava in 7 months - all the root edible? Santi looks so helpful! Prayers, and see ya soon!
I am always amazed at how much your are accomplishing there by providing love to those that need it, and food for the physical needs. Your wonderful attitude even in times of sickness. We keep you in our prayers.
Elllie, I love how you are always looking for the positive. It is a good attitude to have. Plus it makes you more fun to be around. May you have a good week to come.
Enjoy your pictures and hearing your stories. Pray often for you and everyone there. So sorry you have been sick. Glad someone is looking out for you.
Oh no!!! So sorry to hear you were sick🤢! Glad you are surviving these bouts of illness with such a good attitude! Praying for your strength! ❤️🩹
Glad to hear your garden is thriving and giving back! Those zucchini look huge! (I really love zucchini). Who came up with the brilliant idea of having the kids each plant their own things? I noticed in your last blog they were in charge of their own section of tree's also. This sounds like a great way to keep them engaged and out there checking on their own little investments! Very smart 🤓
I love that the girls made a crown of bean leaves 🌿. (Sounds like something I might get distracted and do 👑)
The pics of the river look fun.
The pic of the 'sink bath" is adorable.
Whispered a prayer for you and all your peeps just now. Praying for God's protective hand over all that you are doing. He is in control. Thank you for letting Him work through your hands.