ClarkVentures: Standing out

After seven months in Bolivia, we've used up our "grace" period in which Bolivians speak slow because we just arrived and they forgive us for butchering their language. But now that we have been in language school for four months, we've noticed a shift in our conversations. In a way, higher expectations are a sign that we've improved though I can't help but feel a little extra pressure to use the right conjugations and follow all the social codes. This last Friday I decided to cancel classes to join some ladies from our church who were spending the day in the countryside. I thought it would be a great chance to build relationships and test my Spanish. The good news is that I did understand quite a bit of the conversation and was able to join in now and then. The bad news is that half of the time they spoke in Quechua so I was out of the loop and had to resort to eating more of the delicious food they had prepared to show my appreciation. In the end, I think my relationships with these women had improved but it probably wasn't due to my language abilities as much as my willingness to spend the day with them.

Sometimes I feel like the green apple.

Our kids too have experienced similar pressures lately - particularly Glacier. He's doing great in his regular subjects but has been struggling in his Spanish class. When I spoke with his teacher, she explained that he's the only one in his class who is not a native speaker, so he's at a great disadvantage and the material is often way over his head. He fits in in many areas but not all. It's hard to be a third culture kid.

In our struggles to fit in, it's easy for us to focus on the differences and our lack of ability. But this mindset blinds us from seeing how far God has brought us already and how he has walked with us through countless challenges. With his help we are going to take steps forward and encourage each other on this journey.

Here's a couple family snapshots that reflect the more positive side of life in Bolivia:

Visitors: From August through September we've had three sets of family members come to visit. What an encouragement to us and a boost to our spirits! The kids loved the attention from their grandparents and uncle and of course were delighted to see what they had packed in their luggage. Among Glacier's favorite gifts was a pogo stick that my parents somehow managed to fit in a suitcase. He's now trying to break "Wama's" childhood record of 300+ jumps and at this point he's over 100.

Canyon loves spending his days having friends come over after school. They spend hours playing with cars and planes and comparing dinosaurs. His little toys are treasures to him - something that has been consistent for him between countries. He never fails to leave the house without Dusty - his plane, a hot-wheels car, or a Lego dude. :)

Coral is so excited to celebrate her 2nd birthday next week. For the past week now, she has woken up from her nap asking if we are going to a party. So I'd better get a move on and start planning her first tea party! I highly doubt, however, that she will drink any tea. She'd much prefer coca-cola or a sip of daddy's coffee.

We are thankful for these little parts of life that seem insignificant but bring us joy as we face the daily challenges of living overseas.

Fun dressing up! (Though most Christians don't celebrate Halloween in Bolivia, the kids still enjoy playing with costumes they packed from the States.)