Bolivia is a beautiful country. However, the beauty is more than just the landscapes, the waterfalls, the flowers, and the mountains. There is a beauty in the people here that I’ve been able to witness and it has captured my heart. However, it is just the first of many things I noticed as I traveled into Caranavi, Bolivia.
I never expected that this town of 20,000 people could capture my attention and lead me to joy, by way of gratitude. My teammates, squad-mates, and squad leaders, have noticed a joy in me. Of course, I would be the first to tell anyone that my joy comes from the Lord. The joy of the Lord has truly been my strength this month. In the past, people would ask me, “Why are you so happy all the time?” I would be afraid to mention Jesus as my source of true joy, but now I know that He is my only source of true joy. He is more than worth sharing with others. However, this joy is something the Holy Spirit produces. The fruit of the spirit includes “joy”. Many have heard the saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” I’m not only fully aware of that reality, but also one of the first to attest to its validity. When we find our worth in Christ first, we find joy. Joy comes from gratitude. What am I grateful for this month? Here is a short list:
- Living with an amazing, hospitable host family
- Serving with two incredibly encouraging and joy-filled ladies in the soup kitchen
- Leading devotionals for some of the most affectionate and friendly children I’ve met
- Watching my teammates grow in their faith and experience relationships that speak to their hearts
- Learning from the many long-term missionaries who live and serve here, day in and day out
- Appreciating the beauty of the lush mountains and vibrant flowers here in Caranavi
There is so much more I could share, but God has given me so much to be grateful for this month. I’ve learned from Him that gratitude comes from not taking things for granted. It comes from finding the positive in the difficult circumstances. It comes from waking up every morning with the words, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!!” on your heart and mind. It comes from filling your mind and heart with His truth and listening to His voice. However, one must be intentional. My natural, sinful state would not be joyful or content. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Rest in this. Trust Him. Find joy in your gratitude.
Prayer requests:
One of the little girls in our soup kitchen ministry asked me one time, “Does your dad hit your mom? Does he drink?” These were her only questions because this is her life. Many of the children who attend the soup kitchen have single mothers and abusive fathers. The children work during the day and attend school at nighttime. Please pray for healing, peace, and restoration in families.
Continued health and safety.
We leave for India in a little over one week.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Lauren/Lorena
