What makes the world go round?

Soccer & Chicken of course!

This evening Chris took 6 of the wheelbarrow boys to a soccer game. Most of them had never been to a game before so they were more than excited! Especially since life here completely revolves around soccer.

After the game we had the guys over for dinner, and yes chicken was on the menu. Another Bolivian must!

Olivia had an absolute blast with the guys! She thought they were the most hilarious fellows she'd ever met. She also tried stealing their food on more than one occasion!

So they call this winter.

We are going into winter (April-October) can't you tell?

Blue skies. Green grass.

Sunglasses and sunscreen a necessity!

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Olivia's 1st experience with a sprinkler.

It wasn't quite like she was hoping.

Some things are better from a distance.

Simple encouragement.

We love living in Bolivia really we do. Now only if we could convince our family and friends to join us- life would be splendid!

Our hearts are here and we know this is where God has called us, but this road doesn't come without a few bumps.

When we moved to Bolivia last July, we had anticipated opening our home to foster kids. We found out soon after that this would not be an option for us our first year here. We were both completely devastated but took it as an opportunity to trust God. He knew why this door had closed and He would open it again in His timing.

Well, we are beginning to see the door cracking open ever so slightly. Now it's not hard to find kids who need a home, but we want God's wisdom in all of this,

Tomorrow, we are going to look at a house that will be available to rent in July. It is spacious, perfect for more kids, and is in a great location (wonderful since we don't have a car!). We are a little hesitant to rent a house as safety then becomes something to think about. Right now, we live in a very safe walled compound with a guard who sits on watch and a German shepherd inside in case our guard happens to fall asleep (which unfortunately happens more often than not!), but if we moved to a house this would not be the case. Many missionaries here have had their homes broken into at least once if not twice or more. It is common, but even so I'd rather not experience it! Please pray for us as we look into some different housing possibilities.

On Sunday, after church, we chatted with some friends of ours who have 8 foster children (all under the age of 7) and 4 biological children. They are in the process of adopting 3 of their foster kids, which is beyond wonderful! However, once they do so they will no longer be allowed to foster, leaving 5 children without a home. Is God opening this door for us? PLEASE pray for God's wisdom and clear direction in our lives at this time.

Is God opening the door for you to care for the orphaned? There aren't just kids in need of loving homes in 3rd world countries. You'd be surprised how many kids are in foster care in your state. Check it out. Read the facts. Choose to help.

Even if you can't become a foster parent there are countless ways you can help.

Simple ways to encourage foster families:

• Offer to babysit so that the parents can get away for the evening (you may need special permission to do this so look into it first).
• Buy a bag of groceries and leave them on their door with a note saying how much you appreciate them and what they do!
• If you're a handyman ask if they need anything fixed. Leaky roof? Squeaky dishwasher? Car in need of an oil change?
• Offer to cook dinner and drop it by.
• Donate clothes and toys.
• Provide a listening ear.
• Pray for their family often.

Madly in love.

More of the "famous" three!

Olivia wasn't too sure about the babies.

Can I take this cutie home with me?

The calmest baby I have ever met... and she's been this way since she was a newborn!

Olivia had fun playing with the other toddlers- all 20 of them!

When Olivia was younger, we could never get her chubby thighs to fit in the "bumbo" seat, but somehow today she managed to snuggle right in.

XOXO

The Joys of Toddlerhood

Olivia turned 14 months last week and is such a bubble of sweetness and energy. She understands both a little Spanish and English and her favorite new word to say is "hola". She's walking like crazy now and is into everything!! She loves to imitate Chris and I and we often see her walking around the house holding one of her toys up to ear saying "holaaaaaaaaaaa" and that's about all of the conversation we understand.

A fun new place to play!

So happy that daddy is home from work!

Yep, we already have her trained...

Our sweet friend Noelia

Sharing a milkshake

I've recently found my deodorant in the toilet and the tv remote in the diaper bag... oh the joys of toddlerhood!

Go Carachi Go!

Chris is coaching the girl's basketball team this semester and is having a blast! Their first game was last Saturday and they completely blew the opposing team out of the water! It was actually kind of a hard game to watch. I felt bad for the other team and started cheering for them half way through the game. The score in the end was 39 - 4 need I say more?

Today's game was even more difficult to watch. Our girl's won 70 - 11 and although we are happy they have been doing so well we are hoping tomorrow's game will be a little more competitive.

Olivia loves watching the games too. Or should I say she loves going to the games. She doesn't exactly watch them as she's too busy playing with her new friends (there are TONS of toddlers her age- mostly because lots of families are adopting right now), climbing the bleachers, and sharing her snacks with every person in sight- young or old!

This precious little one is the youngest of 11 kids!