Bill and Janice

Good News! We’re “Home”!

We’re here! Finally! In Bolivia! Or maybe I should say, “We’re home!” In Mexico, I learned of the phrase, “Mi casa, su casa—my home is your home.” People often said this upon entering their home. So, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised when the Bolivians, quite intentionally, welcomed us with a balloon that said, “Welcome home.”

A Warm Welcome

 Their home is now our home and we have received a very warm welcome. The weather has not been as warm as expected but the welcome by representatives of the whole team of people we’ll be working with was heart-warming. All who could, made a point of showing up at the airport at our arrival—our CBM global and national field staff, the president of our partnering denomination, seminary staff, representation from the student body, and staff representing the development organization of the denomination, were all there. It was very encouraging to see the team out in full force to welcome us—not so much for our sakes, but encouraging because of the message it sent about wanting to work together.

The welcome continued with everyone who had been at the airport, and more  showing up again, for an official welcome at the seminary.  

What a Difference a Week Makes

What a difference a week makes! From having very little to report on from week to week, we now have plenty of news. We arrived here on June 1st. Within a week we found an apartment, found a good cardiologist, found a language school, not to mention setting up our phones, initial shopping, finding a bank machine that works, moving to a guesthouse, etc.

We’re Here, but still Needing Prayer and Ongoing Support

 We need prayer for: 1) continued health, 2) patience in the ongoing visa process, 3) help in language learning and in making the cultural adjustments, 4) building lasting relationships.  

Off to a Good Start, Now What?

This coming week we plan to start setting up our apartment, start the immigration process, and of course continue with 2-3 hours a day in language classes. Somewhere in there, we’re focusing on getting to know key people and building relationships—with nationals, other missionaries, and short termers from Canada.       

We’ve now left our country, our people, and our families and have arrived in a land of God’s choosing (Gen. 12:1-3). It’s exciting to see God’s hand in this new beginning. We look forward to how God’s plans will continue to unfold. (Phil. 1:6) We’re very thankful that you are on this journey with us. Thank-you, once again, for your “partnership in the gospel” (Phil. 1:3-5).  We’re here. We’re learning the language. We’re settling in. But this is all only a beginning. Now we’ll look forward to what God will do. (Jer. 29:11)  

If you’re not already a financial supporter, or if it’s been a while, please consider supporting us financially.  

Bill and Janice Dyck

GFS