Almost a year..

.August is upon us and this month sailing in marks one year that we are in Santa Cruz. Time doesn't stand still by any means and as we look around us, we realize we have created what we think is a cozy home, have reunited with a very close-knit family and have found a church family where we are serving and loving. So I guess we are home.

This week I am battling the first head cold I have had in a long,long time. But as I sniffle I also nibble - having found a great brownie mix here that can't be beat! I also must let family know that we have found bacon here as well. I complilaned to many on our last trip how much I miss bacon and, once again, Daniel was right: There is bacon here - we just weren't looking in the right place (with the more expensive smoked deli cuts). So we had blt sandwiches one night.

Daniel is kept very busy with the church project. The roof tiles have been removed and the heavy duty work is upon us. Re-roofing also means redoing the ceiling and so this is quite a project. We pray it does not rain for the couple of weeks this work will take. The US dollar is also fluctuating quite a bit - dropping steadily - and so Daniel is being very cautious about the use of the money for this project.

Bolivian independence day is August 6. There is some unrest as the president has ordered that the traditional military parade be held here in Santa Cruz rather in La Paz. Crucenos are not happy and it remains to be seen what will happen. Not only is the president sending in the military, but also about 2, 000 highland indians to march in the city here. Our own Santa Cruz indigenous peoples have refused to march under these conditions. I'm not good at explaining what is going on, nor am I sure I really understand, but Miguel's blog - mcentellas.com has more details. As for us, we are well, house is stocked with food and we rest in God's grace.

Daniel and I are reading the Purpose Driven Life together for the next 40 days along with 40 day period of prayer and fasting that our church in undertaking. We are again reminded that God has a purpose for each of our lives. May we find it and fulfill it.