July in Bolivia

Cole Rodgers 

Lanza, Chuquisaca Edificio Vedra nro 670 Depa 1A

Cochabamba, Cochabamba, Bolivia

+59160749468

colerodgers333@yahoo.com

30 de julio de 2018

Lanza, Chuquisaca Edificio Vedra nro 670 Depa 1A

Cochabamba, Cochabamba, Bolivia

Dear Family and Friends,

Hey ya’ll, This month has been a month of ups and downs, with more downs than ups. I have missed The States more than ever, missed my family and friends, missed my old routine, I've even missed the hard ranch work that I used to hate so much. I’ve been homesick and just sick in general. I feel better now, but it sits in the back of my mind always, the thought of moving back. I’ve talked to some of ya’ll and I’m sure they have talk to the rest of ya’ll. But just in case they haven’t, I took two days to fast and pray, I was just having a horrible time and decided I needed to do something about it. So I took a Monday and Tuesday and fasted and prayed. The decision I came to is, to finish the year that we all committed to, and try and get my permanent visa so I can return easily. wether that be for a visit or to live. 

But I’ve also had good days here. We, Lesli, Juan Pablo, and I, planned many youth events for the youth of Villa Pagador, now this is also been a rollercoaster, we have been working out there almost three months and have panned events every weekend, events that they said they would enjoy…, and they have come to one event. This last Saturday we planned a evening of fun and worship in my house and then we were going to get together with the youth from Cochabamba Centro, well we had one person from Villa come. But thats better than no one. 

I also have started taking night classes with Lesie, we are studying Cosmetology. I’ve gone one week and have already learned to perm hair. In the end it is a year of courses and I will graduate with a degree. I will be a listened Cosmetologist. It cost 50 bs a semester which is $20 a semester, and the classes are from 7pm till almost 10pm Monday to Friday. I have really enjoyed the classes, I have made quite a few friends and its definitely been worth it so far. I will get a “summer” break, summer here is in December, and will have to apply again for the fall term. We get a school “breakfast” at like 9 pm usually its milk with cookies and fruit. I’ve really enjoyed it. 

Prayer requests, My friend Fernanda, She is in the AME program in Brazil, her cousin committed suicide. Hollie is moving back to The States this Friday. The new guys and their ministries. Butch and Trish are on furlough right now. Me as I apply for my new Visa. The youth in all three churches in the state of Cochabamba. The churches of the world, along with the Governments of the world. 

Love y'all and appreciate your help in this journey. I covet your prayers as i struggle through. I remember the verse in Romans 5:3-5 NLT

“3We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

God is good and always gives me reminders when I need them. The day that I was fasting I was listening to some singing and sermons and such, and the song Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus came on, it was an amazing reminder that when I try to do things myself they don’t work out, but when I trust in God and let him work through  me, thats when things work out. Ok last verse and I’ll go Romans 8:28  

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

God bless,

Cole Rodgers