this week and last

we just arrived back home to Cusco this afternoon, after being in Santiago, Chile (again) for 10 days for a retreat. we had a great time seeing other workers from all over the world...some missionaries and some not (due to the sensitive location where they are working). we reunited with old friends, made new ones, and met many children that have been born over the years, whom we had never met. it was refreshing. there were youth from the churches in Chile who came to work with the children. so there was a "tia" that was with Isabella the whole time. It was the first time we've had a babysitter for real! Also, there was worship and Bible study, lessons and lots of free time to play, swim and do other things.

The bad part, is that Isa caught a cold while she was there, which turned into an ear infection. We have been dealing with a fever for 4 days. temperatures have risen to above 104.5. being a new mom, I pretty much flipped out. it was scary. the ibuprophen and tylenol did the job at first but the following day the fever came back and for several hours did not respond to the medication. we almost cancelled our flight this morning, but the fever came down on its own to a manegable 100. we decided to travel. God answered our prayers and she slept the entire time. The pressure in the plane didn't seem to bother her ear. i suppose the antibiotics are beginning to do the trick. She is still super sleepy and clingy. Since I've been home she's been on my leg the whole time! But i think we are through the worst of it.

Being home, again, to cusco. Gosh i can't believe it's already March. The air here is so fresh. i love being back (even though its cold and rainy still). Our newsletter is long over due. We have some really cool projects planned for this year. In time, we will be able to share these with you. Take care, thanks for praying for Isa, those of you who knew about her fever.

love, tracie