I have now been living in Bolivia for three months, incredibly. I am still studying at the language school; over the last two weeks, I have been learning three versions of the past tense. I am slowly but surely improving and love my lessons and teachers. I have also now submitted my application for a two-year residency visa. Thank you for praying for this and for my Spanish, please continue to do so.
It has been a blessing and a joy to spend more time with the Bolivian friends I already had before I came, especially the guys who live here in Cochabamba. I have also loved getting to know some of their friends and learning about the lives of their siblings (who are all incredible) I have also enjoyed getting to know some of the people at church and some other people who are linked to the school.
Over the last few Saturdays, it has been great to go on some hikes, into the mountains around Cochabamba, that have been organised by the school. It has been a lovely opportunity to be part of a community and develop friendships. One example of this is that I was walking with one of my teachers, who has become an awesome and wise friend, and she wasn’t feeling great and ended up being sick. I have realised that these memorable moments though not fun at the time can be some of the most important in developing friendships. While comforting her and sharing some of many similar ill moments we were able to really get to know one another and cement our friendships, which has meant so much to me as I settle in here. It is astonishing how God can use such moments.
These experiences reminded me of an experience at a Scripture Union camp several years ago on Arran where a young person was sick in the middle of the night. As unpleasant and difficult as this was for the young person, it was one of my favourite moments of the camp. As we were able to have great conversations with the young person and fun-filled chats with the other young people in the tent, while I sorted out the vomit, these were a blessing. (Although I did spectacularly fail to efficiently clean the vomit off the grass). Further, I think these experiences were essential in building relationships with these Christ-centred lovely young people, who I have now had the privilege to serve alongside as adults at various Christian events. I am so grateful for the relationships God has put in my life and excited for the ones that are being formed now and will come here and in Oruro. 
I have had moments here where I have missed being in Scotland especially when camps and events I would normally be involved with have been happening back home. But I have been reminded that God has placed me here, I chose to follow this path and know that God has a purpose for me here. I love hearing what is happening in Scotland and praying for you. I am so grateful for your interest, support and prayers for me.
I am so appreciative of the time I’ve had here in Coch to spend with God and listen to what he is saying to me. Over the last month or so I have been strongly challenged on obeying God and trusting in his timing. Please pray for me as I try to take more of the opportunities that God presents to me. Please also pray for me as I move to Oruro in April.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
Thank you again so much for all your love. Please message me, I love keeping in touch.
Also, I have been watching this series about the life of Jesus, which is called The Chosen, which you can download an app to watch. I can’t recommend it highly enough, it is beautiful.
