Setting out from Camp!?

It's been quite awhile since we last posted, and the reason is that we've been experiencing some rather difficult times lately. As some of you may know, I was due to have our second child in September. I have been experiencing issues with breathing, and we all assumed that it was the extra stress of the pregnancy combined with the altitude (12,000 feet) that was causing the problems. I had some tests, and we decided with our doctors that it would be best to leave La Paz on April 1st until the pregnancy was over and the baby was big enough to come back, about 8 or 9 months total. We had planned to return to La Paz in early January. Unfortunately, we lost the baby last week. Our doctors now feel that I should not attempt another pregnancy here at altitude. At the same time, I continue to have difficulties breathing. We were surprised to learn that the pregnancy alone was not the cause of my health problems, as we all expected my health would return after losing the baby. After a series of tests, we are now fairly certain that I have developed Chronic Mountain Sickness or something similar, and will still be leaving La Paz on April 1, because I need to get out of the altitude to recover.

Because of the seriousness of my problems here at altitude, we have to consider the possibility that I will not be able to return to live here again. Right now we are planning our transition from living and working here to different roles in the ministry in the States. We are extremely saddened by this series of events. The prospect of leaving our home, our friends, the kids, our church here, and the wonderful people we work with is in many ways devastating to us. On the other hand, we are encouraged by the readiness of our staff to take on new leadership roles and ensure the continued growth and success of our ministry as we serve many more street children in the years to come. We have watched as they have grown in their abilities and their passion for the ministry, and are excited to see them looking forward to the opportunity to take on new challenges and greater responsibilities in the ministry. We hope to support them in any way we can from the States. Also, John will be making regular visits back to offer support and guidance. I hope to come as well, if my health permits it, as I know I will dearly miss my friends, coworkers, and the children we love so much.

In all these challenges, we have had moments of deep sadness, lots of crying, and a sense of loss. At the same time, we are encouraged by a passage we read recently in Numbers. It says:
"At the Lord's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord's order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord's command the would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, the would set out. At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out." (Numbers 9:18-23)

We seek to obey the Lord's command, camping when we should camp, and setting out when it is time to set out. Although this is an unexpected change of course, we trust that this is God's plan, and as he says, "For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11) If it is our time to set out, we are ready to obey and follow God wherever he plans to lead us from here.

We ask for your prayers in this time. Pray for the leaders of the ministry, that they might be encouraged and excited to take on new roles and responsibilities. Pray for the children, that they will know how much we care for them, and continue feeling our love, even from a distance. Pray for us as we make hard choices, and as we continue to deal with feelings of loss and sadness. Pray for safe travel on our way back to the States. And finally, give praise for the wonderful things that have been done here in La Paz, and ask God to continue caring for the children in our homes and those still on the streets tonight. Thank you for all your love and support. We will be back in Nebraska on April 2nd, and look forward to catching up with those of you there.

Yours in Christ,
Michelle and John