Our time in Bolivia has come to an end. Our bags packed, our goodbyes said, and with our souvenirs we closed the door to the guest house. Our ride to the airport is a long and bumpy one. There was a protest going on and most of the roads in Quillocollo were blockaded with tires and debris. Our driver, Manual, navigated through the busy streets finding unblocked routes getting us to our destination. My heart is heavy, my mind is torn between all the new memories from the last month and all of the tasks have to do when I return to my home. My emotions are high; I’m excited, sad, joyful, and somewhat fearful.

The biggest fear that I have about returning is that I will return to life in the states the same as before. I try thinking about all of the things I’ve learned and the transformations that have taken place and try imagining what will be different, but I don’t know what being different looks like. I know in my heart that the work I did in Bolivia was there to prepare me to do the work that exists in my life. I also don’t want to work on some kind of emotional high that leaves me burnt out and spawns no real sustainable change.

I’m still trying to figure out what this whole month has meant for the rest of my life, what will be different, or what will improve. I know that without a doubt that my trip was meaningful and purposeful and God had a reason for me to be there, but as I return home, I realize that it is time to start life again, to jump into the ruts and routines of the daily life. But I pray that in my ruts and routines I show God’s love, provide for the needs of others, and truly live a life of service to the people in my reach.

Thank you for reading this blog,

Thank you for your financial support,

Thank you all for your prayers.