getting into the swing of things

Things have been going along really well so far! I feel like I've been here for so much longer than just 4 days, such a wierd feeling.

Thank you for praying about my spanish! I feel like I'm picking up more and more words daily, but alot is still going over my head. I had an opportunity to shadow the physical therapist the other day, and I was able to communicate with her alot more than I thought I would have, which was awesome! It was interesting though because some of her treatments went against everything I was taught in school.

We had a great opportunity to work in a childrens orphanage today, I absolutely loved it! The kids there were from the ages of 4 months to around 6 yrs old. when they get older than 6 they go on to a different orphanage. It was just so much fun to hold the kids and play with them, tickling them and seeing their faces smiling from ear to ear. SOOO precious! I felt so blessed to be there, caring for orphans, fulfilling a calling that God made long ago to love them. It was great, and were planning on going back ( to that one or another)

in the later afternoon, we were able to go to the central park in the city and help wash kids. these kids are mostly from the indigenous tribe here in cochabamba, quechuans (ket-chu-ahns), and they are lucky if they get a bath once every week. we set up tents in the square and the mothers brought there little children(5 and under) in and we had basins of water and gave them a quick washing with shampoo and body soap. from there, they were able to exchange their outfit for a new, clean one, and then get their hair done as well as their nails (if they so chose). It was sooo humbling and such an amazing blessing washing these kids. Such a different experience. These kids have close to nothing, and were so grateful, they loved being cared for.

God has been teaching me daily to constantly give the future up to Him. To trust that He is in full control, and what He desires to teach me is the best for me. . as hard or as frustrating as the process may be. I have had to get out of my comfort zone sooo much (as if this trip in general wasn't far enough . .), and its been such a growing experience.

I would greatly appreciate your continued prayers! for. .
-understanding spanish more :)
-courage/peace to continue to step out of my comfort zone
-to "be interuptable" as I listen for Gods voice during my day (and trip overall)
-to be a witness/encouragement to the people here in bolivia as well as the volunteers and my host family.
-for a flight to work out for me the morning i have to leave (sept 1st). otherwise im spending the night in the airport (trip full of out of my c-zone experiences . .. )

love you all!