Creativity

Some people are born with the need to hoard things just in case it may be useful at some point in the future. This can become a bit of a problem when storage space is limited or you need to move house frequently. From the beginning of our married life we have had to learn the art of being more ruthless for both of the reasons mentioned above. However since living in Bolivia where it is less of a ‘throw away society’ and most things can be fixed it has paid off to hoard random bits and pieces.

There have been many occasions when we have been told or reminded, (because we didn't quite understand the message the first time) that Alana is in need of such and such a costume or thing for the next day. This has often required much imagination and a flurry of activity hunting through cupboards and drawers to see what scraps of material we have to put together to make something, usually in the space of one afternoon in preparation for the following day.

The first of such challenges was soon after we arrived in La Paz when Alana was needing a dwarf costume, the next was something on the theme of the sea. This year has proved to be more challenging with the need of a brown dress together with ears and a tail as Alana was playing the part of ‘mamma monkey’ in a little performance put together for fathers day.

The latest project was earlier this month when we were informed of her need of a dinosaur costume for the next day as part of the celebrations of the day of the child. How on earth does one make a dinosaur costume at such short notice! It turned out to be a rushed afternoon and a little stressful but in the end we were quite chuffed with the final result, and Alana was quite proud walking to kinder with her tail swinging behind her.

Its not only dressing up costumes that have been made but also occasionally other items that are either unavailable here or very expensive to buy. One such item was a changing mat for Isaiah, which we put together from cardboard, foam left over from reupholstering our dining chairs, old curtains from Alana’s bedroom in Sucre and an old shower curtain.

Traditions

As our family grows we have spent many an occasion thinking about and discussing what we would like our family traditions to look like. Because of living in a different country and not knowing where we might be living next we have felt the need to create some kind of traditions that take place throughout the year in order to create some points if reference for our children that will be able to remain constant no matter where in the world we may live.

Easter time has become one of those reference points in the year for such traditions to form. It has just so happened that for the 3 previous Easter celebrations that we have been here in Bolivia we have taken a trip to the zoo and so this year we decided to make that one such tradition, to take a picnic and enjoy a day outside marvelling at the beautiful and diverse creatures that God has created.

The other family tradition that has formed appears to revolve around baking and food. Living in a country where convenince foods are unavailable we have really enjoyed the challenge of learning to make the foods that we really like. For this easter time we learnt how to make our own hot cross buns, which turned out far yummier than any just bought in a supermarket.

We also made our own chocolate eggs and all had fun decorating them with icing and sprinkles.

Protests

Living in such a politically unstable country we have grown accustomed to the regular blockades and protests that take place around the coutry that cause interruptions to normal life. Whilst living in Sucre we were often aware of such events as the city was brought to a standstill for some reason or other. Living where we do now in La Paz we are not always aware of such happening other than the bangs from the large fire crackers that always accompany such events. However, last week we awoke to the sounds of the usual bangs only this time they were much closer, upon looking out of our lounge window we saw people gathering and blockading the main road that goes past our apatment block, as we looked further afield we saw all the other main routes down to the south zone also being blocked off by gatherings of people.

Alana was very upset with all the goings on as it meant the cancellation of a field trip with her kinder, she was however at least still able to attend kinder for the morning which is just a block up from where we live. Ed meanwhile worked from home. It was quite strane being home and listening to a different kind of sound other than the busy traffic that normally whizzes past. The protesters had also decided to use something that created a bang far lounder than the normal fire crackers which more than once made us jump as the windows rattled in response and all the car alarms went off.

Listening to the radio we discovered that the protests on this occasion were nationwide and were caused by teachers and health workers who were demanding a 15% pay increase as opposed to the proposed 10%. (For more info see http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13099827).

When such events happen we never can be quite sure for how long they will go on for, anything from hours to weeks or if they will turn violent or not. Fortunately for us the protests remained peaceful and only lasted for the morning. At midday the protesters formed themselves into tidy lines and marched off up the road chanting along the way. In other parts of the country the story was quite different where clashes between protesters and police resulted in casualties.

Strange skies

Living in our current apartment we get to enjoy some wonderful views of the mountains and in particular Ilimani which at present is covered in snow. It is a delight to look at each day at the ever changing faces of the mountains and to marvel at Gods wonderful creation. Some days we get a special view of something quite different. Last night was one of those occasions as I was drawing the curtains I noticed distinct lines streaking across the clear blue sky. As the moon rose, at a rapid pace, as it seems to do here, they steadily faded until they disappeared. Not quite sure what had caused them, but quite a sight all the same.

Isaiah's Dedication

The arrival of Isaiah John has been much awaited for and prayed for by a great many people over these last 3 years. We do not take his addition to our family as granted but acknowledge the miraculous work of God in the creation and formation of this tiny, perfectly formed person. We all feel extremely blessed to now have him as a part of our lives. As a result of this we set aside time a couple of sundays ago at the church of which we are a part of in order to have him dedicated. To publicly acknowledge Gods work, to thank God for his life that has been entrusted to us and to give him back over into Gods care.

Our friend, colleague and pastor, Bruce, offered up prayers of thanksgiving and wisdom for us as new parents and for Alana too as she now takes on the role of big sister. Being an all Bolivian church (apart from ourselves and Bruce) many people thought Isaiah was just a doll (being white skinned with fare hair) that was until he started to squirm and wriggle about. Meanwhile Alana was more interested in a sweet she had been given just moments before we went to the front of church.

It was a simple affair but important for us to acknowledge Gods goodness and provision.

Bath time!

At the age of just 4 weeks Isaiah already has his own ministry of service, in being the model baby for our friends to practice 'baby bathing' in preparation for their own arrival later in the year. Despite being handled by strangers he remained very serene and calm throughout the whole experience. Well done Isaiah :o)