A lot has happened since I wrote last month. The short version is that I had a good trip to La Paz, I received the travel permission and made the trip to Arequipa, Peru and back with my belongings, I have my Temporary Residency card, and I have my Driver’s License. I have begun looking for a vehicle, for a smart phone, and for housing and am enjoying meeting people, learning about the culture, and participating at the El Faro church. I’m so grateful for your prayers and God’s answers! If you’d like to know more about God’s answers to prayer, keep reading…
I left home early on July 23rd and arrived in San José del Cabo that afternoon after smooth flights and connection. Martin and Susie Gonzalez were there to welcome me and drive to La Paz. Martin is the TEAM Mexico field leader, co-pastor of the El Faro church, and my supervisor. They took me to the home of Anthony and Karlene Thiessen (my Canadian co-workers from Alberta). I’ll be house-sitting for them while they return to visit family, friends and churches for the month of October. That’s why house-hunting hasn’t been my top priority.
Everyone has been very helpful in helping me prepare to live in La Paz. They took me to the Immigration Office almost every day to continue the visa process and obtain the travel permission, to church, to stores, and other places around the city. Here are some of the familiar sights:
Just over a week later, with the travel permission in hand, I flew to Arequipa, Peru where my belongings were in storage. I took suitcases/duffle bags inside my two suitcases and they turned out to be exactly what was needed to compliment what was in storage (thanks, Ruth!). I had to sort through my things and repack to the airline weight limits. I was able to sell all the items I thought I could leave behind and I donated the remaining books to the church. My main concern was my back because of all the suitcases I was lifting and weighing, but God answered those prayers and I’m amazed that my back didn’t hinder anything. In fact, I was able to make such good progress that I went for walks once the packing was done and saw more new birds:
We thought I’d have to make two trips to bring everything back, but the airline permitted all of it in one trip. With the airline change for the last leg of the trip, they wanted to charge me again, but God answered more prayers and allowed it to continue with no extra charges. In Mexico City I had to pay porters from the luggage carousel to customs, from customs to the taxi, from the taxi (at the other terminal) to the check-in counter, and I had to pay the taxi instead of taking the airport train (due to the excess luggage), and then I had to pay porters in San José, but I had just enough pesos to cover that and bus fare to La Paz. Again, it was God’s provision that I took the amount of pesos that I did because I was unable to get money out of the ATMs in San José. Fortunately, I’ve had no problems with the ATMs in La Paz.
While I was gone, Martin and Susie were air-ambulance evacuated due to a health issue with Susie. The issue has been diagnosed and surgery is set for Susie tomorrow, September 1st. Please keep them in your prayers.
Since returning, I was at the Thiessens and then moved to Martin and Susie’s home to accompany Lupita house-sitting. While here, two men ran across the back wall and entered the property beside us, so I may be staying here longer.
I’m currently working on a vehicle and smart phone and beginning to look for housing. The apartments I’ve seen so far have been above my budget, so please pray that I can either find something at a better price or that the Lord supplies the necessary monthly support. Please also pray for the car funds. God has been actively answering prayer and supplying all my needs, so my heart is full of gratitude and praise.
I’m in the cultural orientation phase and Lupita has been a big help. She taught me to use the bus system when we went to the Ladies’ Bible study. It seems like I’d have to use at least 2 buses to get anywhere, but the experience has confirmed the need of a vehicle. We waited over an hour in 38 C/100 F heat for one bus. The next day we went grocery shopping and had to wait about 1/2 hour for the bus. But I did learn and have been getting around on my own to get my license, to pick up my ID card, and to go to church. I am soooo looking forward to having my own vehicle. 
Hopefully there’ll be good news for the next letter. Anyway, you probably laughed or were confused when you saw the photo of the sign in the bathroom at Costco in San José. I took another photo in a bathroom in Peru because this is what you are more likely to see when traveling internationally. Cultural details.
Thank you so much for upholding me in prayer as I make the adjustment to a new country and a new way of life. I continue to count on your prayers.
Leaning on Him as I learn to live in La Paz,
Brenda
