I'm thankful for...

We have this band here with us for the next month. They are the Carpenter's Tools , and it has been a new, fun experience. Last night we did a concert at Caruro (I've never tried to spell that word... its Aymaran, and looking at it, it looks funny. I'm talking about the shoe shiner hangout... Nuevo Dia). The shiners loved it, and we used the opportunity to speak with them. Danielle (one of the volunteers) gave a testimony and I shared at the end of the concert, explaining that if you really want life change, you need for it to come from within... and that happens when Christ invades.

And earlier yesterday I went to read "Prince Caspian" with Ismael. Ismael shines half time now, and works as a baker the other half. I get to go read with him twice a week while he bakes... and actually I've been doing some baking myself.

After reading, Ismael says to me, "Randy, necesito aprender como leer la biblia. Quiero cambiar y no volver a la vida que vivia antes." So now we are set up to meet Tuesday mornings for two hours and talk over Scripture. It's pretty exciting. Actually, my real opinion is that it is supernatural.

And also, Ramiro, Wilfredo and David (Abuelo) are going with us to Cochabamba for a youth leadership training next week. Throw in a great Bible study on the Good Samaritan and a basketball victory earlier this week, and I'd say a lot is going well for me!

However, I miss my family and friends more than ever. Since coming back I've suffered with more homesickness than ever before. I know this is a good thing (makes me know how blessed I am with family and friends when I get homesick), but it is nonetheless difficult. Today is the second Thanksgiving in a row in Bolivia, and I am thankful that next year I plan to be back in Mama's kitchen! May God's presence be rich and deep this Thanksgiving Day!