ClarkVentures: A strange world we live in

It's nearly a year since we've been in Bolivia. We've experienced so much since we arrived and can now navigate the city and talk to most people without huge communication barriers. We've completed our language studies, have traveled to the jungle on our own, have taught classes (in Spanish and English) and have built some strong Bolivian friendships. At the same time, the more we learn about culture or language, the more we feel like small children, like we are just starting out. It feels as though we've been here forever and yet not at all.

Meanwhile, we also try to keep updated on family activities going on back home in the U.S. Today we are staying indoors to avoid the blistering sun while our families are doing the same to avoid the negative wind chill. It's strange to talk of two distinct worlds in the same conversation, but it is worth any confusion it causes our brains to keep this connection. I want my kids have the expanded world view that living in a foreign land often produces, but not at the expense of a relationship with their family members. So we Skype, and call, and visit, and pray for each other as much as we can. (Glacier made the card in the picture for his cousin Caleb). Family is very important to us, and they are our biggest encouragement when the going gets tough.

So for our family -- and all you others who are routing for us -- here is a picture update of what's happening in our home.

Wama makes sure her grandkids have the latest in the scooter world (and she surely doesn't leave out her three in Bolivia). These ziggles have all been packed in suitcases and transported across continents for the enjoyment of our kids and many of their classmates as well. Glacier is continually inventing new ways to have fun when simply riding a ziggle gets dull. In this picture, he made a train with jump ropes and pulled his siblings around for hours.

Chris took some time in between language classes this spring (U.S. fall) to construct the coolest kids' room in Bolivia for the benefit of our boys. He constructed all the beams from rough-cut wood and used a neighbor's tools to complete the project (It was not easy). Grampy purchased a slide, Grammy packed the rock-climbing grips into her suitcase, and Wama and Papa squeezed massive animal wall stickers into their luggage. After all the work was done, Chris added two hammocks underneath the loft beds just for fun. As it turns out, the boys do love their new beds, but Canyon prefers the simple hammock which he sleeps in just about every night. I guess Chris could have saved himself a bit of work! :)

I (Lynnie) am trying hard to shop, cook, and speak like a Bolivian. I've made a little progress, but there is one area in which I will never be able to compete - hair braiding. Every Sunday when we get ready for church I am lucky if I get Coral's hair brushed. The Bolivian girls, on the other hand, always have the most elaborate braids decorating their heads. Once in a while, I manage to get Coral's hair into cute pigtails, but never have I attempted a braid due to her inability to sit still. Therefore you can imagine my surprise when I came home from classes one day and found our Bolivian babysitter had transformed Coral's hair into two intricate braids. Coral was the cutest little thing and so proud. The next day, the miracle happened again. Her hair was in a braid that curled around her head. Look Daddy, she said, "I'm Princess Leia!" (from Star Wars). Shirley (our babysitter) explained that she had braided Coral's pony's hair, and Coral had wanted her hair to look the same. I have since tried my handiwork, but have not had success. I don't think I've got that Bolivian touch!