Summer in Chicago - Preparing for Year 3!!!!!

Well, I am safely back in Bogota getting ready for the start of my third year serving at El Camino.  While I have spent the past few days meeting some of the new teachers, getting acclimated to all of the construction going on (it's kinda messy at ECA right now!!), and settling back in to life in Colombia, I wanted to send a quick thank you to all of my family and friends who welcomed be back into their lives for the few weeks I was in Chicago this summer.  My time was filled with a few vacations with family, lots of time with my sisters, parents, and nephews, and much time spent catching up with dear friends over coffee, lunch or dinner.  Worshiping at the Orchard Evangelical Free Church and connecting with my sending church was such a blessing.  My heart was encouraged by all who attend there.  My heart was encouraged by what was preached from God's word and were some much needed reminders for me as I reflected on what the Lord had taught me this past year. 

Again, I was blown away at how welcomed and loved I was by everyone I visited and got to see.  I was blown away by your interest in praying for me, for hearing about what the Lord is doing in the hearts of my 3rd Graders, and allowing me to express the lessons and challenges I felt this past year.  Thank you for taking time to still invest in a friendship with me even though I am far away.  A quote I heard from a friend recently said, 

"You will never be completely at home again, because part of your heart will always be elsewhere.  That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place." - Miriam Adeney

While I am learning to navigate what this exactly looks like, I find rest and hope that this earth is not my home.  And as much as I continually look for home to be here on earth with all the people I love, God gently reminds me that one day in heaven I will be rejoicing with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ - from all over the world :-)

Below are some pictures of my time at home.  I hope you know how much I enjoyed getting to see each and every one of you!!!

 Colombian Barbecue Supporter Get-Together 

It was a pleasure sharing some Colombian treats with you while I was home.  Getting to make arepas, patacones, empanadas, and other foods that Colombian typically eat at a barbecue was such a blessing.  Thank you to my amazing family who helped cook and prepare everything!!!

  

Random Pics from vacations and precious time spent with friends and family

Prayers and Praises:
Pray for our new team as we are all getting to know each other and adjusting to life at ECA for this coming year.  That we would bond quickly together and prepare our hearts as a community to serve the students at ECA with the love of Christ.

Construction of the 3rd floor has made some great progress - but it has caused the school to look really messy right now!!  Please continue to pray for smooth and efficient progress, plus safety when the students are back in the building.

Bonding with my two new roommates - Annie and Becky.  That we would have a wonderful year getting to know each other better and encouraging one another as we serve the Lord together here.

Blessings,
Carrie