Letter from Carolyn Price – August 24, 2012

Hello from Santa Cruz – First I want to apologize for not writing sooner and more often.  Many have written to ask me if I am all right, wondering why they have not heard from me in a while.  When I was in Sucre, I wrote almost every week.  I shared things that God had been teaching me, little tidbits of my life, along with prayer requests for the Saturday activities where we had games and refreshments, as well as a Bible time where we taught the Word of God to our Deaf friends who would join us.  I developed a routine that was very fruitful for me.  In the depths of my heart, however, I knew how desperately we needed your prayers in order to effectively minister to those God brought into our lives.

While in the States, I got out of the habit of writing every week.   I wasn’t always in a place where I had access to the Internet. Since moving to Santa Cruz and beginning this new journey in my life, I have found that it has been more of an adjustment for me than I anticipated.  (I think this is probably a good thing as it has made me reach out to the Lord more.)   While I miss my Deaf friends in Sucre, I am learning to love the people that God is putting in my life here in this new place of service. AND, I am learning that I still need your prayers!  There are so many projects I am working on:  lessons, teaching opportunities, etc. that I find I need much wisdom to use my time wisely.  It is not always easy for me to maintain a correct balance.  To be honest, I could sit in front of my computer all day – (and I have done so) – that’s how much work there is to be done. BUT, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that of all people, my little granddaughter is teaching me that people are important, too.  Sometimes she comes to my room and wants to play for a little bit.  My grandmother’s heart has a hard time telling her no.  So, not only am I making time to spend with my family, I am trying to reach out to others as well, especially to those in my Sunday school class.  On Tuesday, most of them came and helped me color some pictures we are going to use to decorate our class.  Our theme has to do with 2 Timothy 4:7 and the race in which all Christians have a part.  Tonight they are coming over to watch a movie with me and eat grilled cheese sandwiches! 

Over the next few weeks, I hope to share a little about each member of my class, including a picture.  This will also mean you should hear from me more often.  I have to admit that it is very interesting teaching adolescents…a very new and quite challenging experience for me!  I need much wisdom in this area, as well. Another interesting part of my “journey” here in Santa Cruz are the rides in the buses to get anywhere.  I have been warned many times about the dangers of riding in strange taxis – and since Santa Cruz is a city with more than a million inhabitants – all taxis are strange to me.  So slowly but surely, I am learning my way around the areas I need to go.  Riding buses, however, are very time-consuming, but that can be profitable if I can get a seat.  By sitting, I find I have time to talk to the Lord and mull over different things in my life.  If I have to stand, though, I have to concentrate on holding on! 🙂 

I want to share something that I read that blessed my heart.  Amy Carmichael wrote in her book, “His Thoughts Said…His Father Said…”,
    The son said, But, my Father, Thou knowest that I am not St. Paul.
    His Father said, Hast thou watched a wave fill a shell on the shore?  Thou art My shell.  Wave upon wave I will flow over thee, poor empty shell that thou art.  So shalt thou be filled with the fullness of the sea.  For I am able to give thee an overflowing measure of all good gifts, that all thy wants of every kind may be supplied at all times, and thou mayest give of thine abundance to every good work. What touched my heart was the thought that God does not care what size shell you are – big or small, He will fill it!  I liked that.

Tomorrow, a precious couple are getting married at church.  Every one is so excited for Maria and Romelo! Well, this is all for this week!  Thanks to all who wrote expressing concern for me.  I am doing well – but I have to admit, my heart is a great deal fuller from having heard from you.
Your sister in Christ in Bolivia, Carolyn