April

April was a bittersweet month for us.  We said goodbyes and hellos to good friends!

Good-Byes

The day we got home from Santa Cruz after seeing Jennie's parents off, we got the sad news that Derek and Claire were moving back to the US in just 10 days!  Their son Micah had been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and recent MRI's had shown hydrocephalus, a condition that involves a build-up of fluid on the brain.  This situation can cause a build-up of pressure, requiring a shunt to be placed in the brain to drain the excess fluid.  After looking at all their options, it became clear that Micah desperately needed a shunt placed and this operation could not be done here in Bolivia.   The type of shunt Micah needed would also require ongoing regulations and care, of which the doctors in Bolivia were unfamiliar.    So Derek and Claire had to make the difficult decision to leave for the US.  

It was an emotionally and physically draining 10 days for them, having to say good-byes and packing up a house in such a short amount of time.  We certainly miss our "partners in crime" as we are now the only FH missionaries in Sucre.  Ella is also very sad and missing Noelia, her little gringita friend.  

Micah has since had his operation and it went extremely well.   If you are interested in how they are currently doing you can check out their blog here.  

Hello's

One week after saying good-bye, we said hello to our close friends Matt and Francesca Jensen and their son Matteo.  It was a welcome distraction from our sad good-byes and it really lifted our spirits.

We had a great time showing them all around Sucre.  One of the special things about their visit, was introducing them to Ana, the child they sponsor through FH. They visited her home, met her family and spent an afternoon with her.  While they were here, they also got to see a "talent show" in which Ana was participating.  It was a really special time and it was a blessing to be apart of it. 

Heading into the compound where Ana lives.

Ana's house

Matt, Francesca, and Matteo with Ana

Praying with Ana's Family

Group Picture

Ana dressed up for her talent show.

It was wonderful to spend time with good friends.  We spent many nights talking late (well, late for parents with young children!) and playing our favorite card game, Rook.  It was sad to say good-bye, and we are looking forward to seeing them over our next furlough...and meeting their new little one who will be joining them in late August!  Thanks for making the long trek from Ohio to Bolivia...with a toddler and one on the way.  We appreciate your friendship and support!