Sarah serves through the new extension of House of Hope in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. As an educator and dental assistant, Sarah is passionate about serving women and children through ministries of discipleship, education and health. House of Hope Ministries in Cochabamba and in Santa Cruz offer tutoring and after-school programs for children whose mothers are at high risk for exploitation, work with youth with addictions, serve the homeless and provide medical and dental clinics for at-risk children.

Sarah writes – Unpacking, meeting people, and learning my way around Santa Cruz have been my first priorities since arriving in the big city! I’ve been putting down some roots and making my home here. With the help of my colleagues J.D., Rhonda as well as my housemates, I feel like I’m getting more familiar as the days go on. Settling into a new culture and ministry is challenging, chaotic, exciting, and overwhelming. There is so much to learn! This is why taking time to adjust, learning my whereabouts, building relationships with Bolivians and fellow missionaries are so important for long term sustainable ministry.

May 24th marks one month of living in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. I can’t believe that it’s already been a month! These weeks have been filled with meetings with my immigration lawyer, purchasing things for my home, building relationships with my three housemates and other missionaries, and attending a few meetings with pastors in Santa Cruz to introduce myself.

Praises and Prayers –

• Praise God for opportunity in my first month to fly to Cochabamba and share a meal with fellow leaders of House of Hope. I shared my story and enjoyed getting to know one another at our monthly leaders meeting. Pray that my relationship with these leaders will grow and become a beautiful partnership serving God through serving at-risk children and mothers together!
• Thankful to have participated in my first mobile medical clinic with House of Hope team of doctors. Pray for this ministry and all the doctors who serve at our partner ministry sites. Pray for the hearts of the doctors that they will see Jesus in the eyes of the children and women they are serving and vice versa.
• Thankful to have been welcomed into the missionary community here in Santa Cruz with open arms. Pray for all the missionaries and the families who serve in different capacities.
• Praises! I found a church community and a small group of Bolivian women my age to get plugged into. Pray that this will be a great time of spiritual vitality as well as language development.
• Pray for that my immigration process for my three-year temporary residency visa will go quickly and smoothly.
• Pray for my health as my body adjusts to climate, altitude change in Cochabamba, and food.
• Pray that I will continue to be a sponge by taking in all the cultural norms, ministry visions, language, etc.
• Pray for travel safety to Cochabamba in June and July.