Hola! Greetings from Costa Rica! It has been a month since our last post, but we've had a few changes since last time...
We arrived in Costa Rica on Tuesday, August 7th! The plane ride was enjoyable. The kids enjoyed it and we've decided the way to travel is with kids! We were given great service and moved to the front of the line once we arrived on CR and didn't even have to wait through customs! WOHOO!
Our close friend, Katrina Jenkins, flew with us and stayed for about 10 days to help us get adusted and help out with the kids. What a tremendous blessing she was during that time! She served as live-in nanny, painter, household help, and of course- constant friend :) It was great to have her and we are so thankful she could be with us during our transition.
We have been able to experience our first mission team. It was amazing to see the relationships this team had with the people of Tejacillos and Los Guido. Many members of the team had been here three or more times. It was fun to watch them loving on the kids and to see the excitement in the kids faces when the bus pulled up with all these 'gringos!' It was a great week and we saw the Lord moving and changing hearts. Over 150 youth ages 10-19 accepted Christ through two outreach dinners held by this team. Some 96 of those desire to be part of a discipleship group. Praise the Lord for these new brothers and sisters in Christ! We are thankful for our new friends from Siloam Baptist Church in 96, South Carolina! Matt and I never anticipated the blessing and encouragement we would receive from a mission team. They spent so much time LOVIN' on our kids. All three of our kids now have new special friends from 96! We thank ya'll and miss ya'll too! See you back here soon... :)
We are settling in to our own apartment after spending the first 10 days with Mark and Meg. Meg is a fantastic hostess and we love hanging out and enjoying fellowship with them. We are very thankful to be next door to this great family God has allowed us to serve Him with.
We had some fun experiences already. We've ventured out and found the hardware store, the ATM, taken a few taxi rides, managed to hook up cable and phone lines...all with our limited Spanish. God is good and we are thankful for His provision and protection. Life is different in a foreign country and we are learning what to do and what not to do. Thankfully, we have friends who've been through it all before and we can learn from their experiences.
We are still seeking what our place will be in the ministry here. The needs are great, however timwe is limited. Please pray with us that God will show us how to serve Him in Costa Rica.
We are also becoming increasingly aware of the great advantage a vehicle would be to our family. Please pray with us that if this would be God's plan, we would see His provision.
We are all learning more and more Spanish every day. The kids are picking up basic commands and have all made freinds. Ethan has quickly become best friends with Pastor Rogelio's son, Elvis. They have so much fun together and the adults are amazed at thow they are able to understand each other despite the language difference.
We miss our family and friends and send you our love. God is faithful and has provided loving friends and church family here. We praise Him for being such a mighty God!
In Christ,
Brooke :)
Just a glimpse into our lives following JESUS as He leads us to serve Him in the nations. Thanks for stopping by!
4 comments:
It's wonderful to hear what's going on down there! It sounds like you have a full plate, which isn't surprising. The picture of you and Matt is really good. Brown must be a good color for both of you. Oh, like that really matters!:) I continue to pray for your transition, health and grace for each moment. I love you and miss you loads and bunches. Leah
Sounds like you guys are doing well. We still think about you and miss you guys so much. I wish we had been able to see each more before we moved away. I can understand the "culture" change of being in another country, but you will pick things up quickly and will love every minute of your time there. We had the same thing when we were in Germany, but we loved it and hope to some day go back there. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We miss you and love you all.
Naomi
Awesome news! Do you have enough people to disciple 96 newbelievers?!!
We pray for you daily and are eagerly anticipating our leaving date. I call every Friday to check on the visas!
The house is a blessing, and we have had some interesting contacts with neighbors!
Jody
What a wonderful adventure you are embarking on...... God is going to bless you socks off. I continue to pray about your transition to a new country and culture. I am sure in some ways you are like sponges soaking up all around you. And, as I exprienced this summer, sponges also leak. As they leak blessing pour out to others. I pray you have leaky sponges. Love, Beth
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