Costa Rican Independence Day 2011

Yesterday was Día de Independencia (Independence Day) here in Costa Rica. The day starts off with the school-aged children congregating at the school at about 7:30 am for a civic presentation detailing the history of Costa Rica's independence including traditional dances, singing of the national anthem and hymn, and other things as well.

At about 9:30 or so, the crowd begins to move towards the main intersection as all students from the local kinder (kindergarten) all the way up to high school begin their formation and prepare to begin the parade.

There were so many groups this year. I remember last year's parade being much smaller, most likely due to the rain we had last year on this day. The parade was even delayed several hours due to the rain las year.

We had a perfect day today, full sun and lots of heat ;)

It was a wondeful parade and so much fun to see all the kids all dressed up in their different outfits and performing what they have worked so hard on for the past month or so.

Thye'd wave or smile at us as they passed by and it was fun being able to wave at them and encourage them as they passed. I tried to get pictures of everyone but there are so many children that come through the doors of the church each week I couldn't get a picture of them all!

Praise YOU JESUS for this!

Here are several pictures of the parade. WARNING: There's alot of pictures!!

Julian, his red ribbon means he is academically one of the top in his class

Yuleisi, wearing her red academic excellence ribbon proudly

These are siblings of Tatiana and Siugey, both in PFK

The beginning of the parade- Cindy is one of the girls carrying the Villarreal Elementary school banner

This little guy was leading a group of about 10 little drummer boys- he really took his job seriously! He had a whistle and all!

These girls danced down the road- the one on the right was the leader, and loved using her whislte!

This little cutie is Maberick's little sister, Anyi

Natsumi

Naomi

Laura

Sofia, Isa's best friend

Traditional dancers

Academic Excellence group

Hector

The top students in each grade

Meryann

Anahi and Crystal

Maberick and Johan

Tatiana

Kendall

Andres

Leidi, far right

"Generation 2011"
(Class of 2011)

Victor Daniel

The McClain family

The McKay family

Siugey, Emmanuel, and Dayana

Faroles, part 2

Tonight was the parade of the faroles (lanterns). It was so much fun to see the whole village out for this annual event. One thing we love about this area is the sense of community. Literally, everyone was there to celebrate the independence of this country, whether from Costa Rica or not. Since this area is highly reliant on tourism, many immigrants live here. I was surprised at the various cultures represented, all coming together to celebrate this one country's freedom.

Here are a few pictures:

The kids with their faroles

Larissa with her farol

Yuleisy

Esteban

Johan

Ivan

the mass of people walking in the parade

Sofia

This is the crowd, as we walked the 'town square' if you will, in rememberence of how it was the very day independence was gained for Costa Rica.

Gustavo

It is amazing the feeling of belonging we feel this year as opposed to last year. It is really a gift the Lord has given us to feel a sense of pride along with these people, even though not in my own homeland. that this country has her independence.

Tomorrow morning brings another parade. More pictures to come!

Faroles

Tomorrow is Independence Day here in Costa Rica. You can read there story here. After independence was declared, a rider came through all of the provinces, going house to house, spreading the news. In that time, obviously, there was no electricity. Therefore, the rider carried a lantern in order to light the way.

Thus, the tradition began every year for the celebration of the country's independence to have a parade on the eve of Independence Day in which everyone carries their own paper lantern and walks in a parade, celebrating the freedom of their country!

This year, we decided to provide all of the PFK kids the materials they woud need to make their own faroles and we took time with both groups to make them during our class time. Each child must make their own farole as a class project and they are graded on them, so this was a way for the church to actively participate and help meet a need each one had.

It was a great activity and the kids really loved it. They all enjoy hands-on projects like this and really take their time.

The parade is tonight at 6:00 pm. We will be going and participating for the first time since we've been in Costa Rica. We are looking forward to it and the parade tomorrow morning, in which many kids will be marching in the band or dancing 'baile típico' or traditional dance. We were able to see the morning parade last year and it was a great way to integrate into the community. We are looking forward to it as well.

Here are a few pictures of the kids and their faroles.

Elias, Julian, and Daniel

Laura

Naret and Anayeli

Ezekiel

Rodrigo

Neysi

Anyelo

Repentance

What is repentance?

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

repentance: metanoeo (Greek), "to perceive afterwards" (meta, "after," implying "change," noeo, "to perceive;" nous, "the mind, the seat of moral reflection"),

therefore: "to change one's mind or purpose,"

The other night at church, a friend came up to me during the service (I was inside the kitchen preparing the food for the dinner that night), and asked me if she could ask me a question.

I said sure.

She asked, "If there was a person who had sinned, but had asked for forgiveness and repented, could that person take communion?"

I asked her if that person believed in Jesus Christ and had a personal relationship with that person and had done those things she mentioned, yes they could enter into a time of communion with the Lord.

She then proceeded to tell me that she was in an "union libre" (living together without being married)with her "marido", or live-in boyfriend. Every time we take communion at church, she says, she asks for forgiveness for this sin in her life and repents, but she doesn't think she can take communion.

I asked her if she has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

"Yes", she says.

I asked her then if she understood that an "union libre" is a sin and that God hates that sin of all kinds.

She said she understood that her living situation was a sin - she knew that she continued to live in sin, but that her situation was very difficult.

(Here we go...)

Unfortunately for my friend, her boyfried, who happens to be the father of her young son, is still currently married to the mother of his other two children. One of whom is in PFK with us.

And so the story continues...

"So, you see," she continues, "we really don't have any choice. I have to wait until that gets taken care of first before we can ourselves get married."

I asked my friend if she understood what "repentance" meant.

She said she did- she was asking for forgiveness for what she had done that she knew was wrong.

Well...kind of...but not completely.

The key in the definition above of the word repentance is "change."

If we are truly repentant, we not only recognize what we have done that is wrong, and ask forgiveness for the wrong, but true repentance seeks to make what was wrong right by taking action to correct it. Therefore evoking a change.

I then explained to her that very thing.

Then, shared with her that although seemingly very difficult, she in fact did have an option and that was to separate (change) from her current living situation to one that was glorifying to God until the other issues of her relationship could be taken care of.

She expressed her thanks for the explanation and my time and then returned to the service.

Whether she will take to heart and to prayer what I shared with her, I do not know. The issue of her partaking of communion lies between her and the Lord. But her hesitance in doing so up until now hints greatly at the need for repentance in her life.

Please pray for repentence in my friend's life.

I liken this to my experiences with my own children. While extremely precious to both Matt and I, they are themselves but little sinners.

Paul clearly explains in Romans that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Even my three great kids.

Just yesterday we had a "moment' during school where this could be clearly taught and lived out and then applied.

I was teaching from our Bible lesson and it would have seemed as if I was not talking at all for all the distractions and side activities going on. I stopped and waited and then asked if everyone was ready and tried again. And again, distractions and interruptions.

So, it so happened that we were learning about respect and studying 1 Peter 2:17 (show proper respect to everyone) and Philippians 5:16 (honor your mother and father).

So, I stopped and asked Ethan and Isabelle to take the rest of our time to read over these verses and pray and ask God to show them how they are doing living out these verse and then write out how they might be able to live them out better.

The following is from Isabelle's journal after her time thinking and praying:


"I have not done a pretty good job with obeying my parents, Lord. I love you and I trust you and I know if I believe in these thangs you will anserw my pray's. Hare are my prayer requsts. Help me obey my parents and help them too in their marrige. Help me know You more Lord. Help me follow the Bible and our family rules. Thank You for Jesus. Amen."

It is an honor and a privilege to minister here and to parent these three great gifts God has given us.

Pray with us for the Costa Rican people. Pray for the hundreds in our little village alone who live together in "union libre" knowing living in sin. Pray for those in our church, who too, continue in their sin, with full knowledge of their sin, yet refuse to repent and change their ways.

Pray for our family as well. Pray that we continue always in the way of the Lord, that we do not stray, and that all we do bring glory and honor to God.

"And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent." Revelation 2:20

Multitudes on Monday

I awoke this morning, refreshed and rested, after a good night's sleep. The air was cool and crisp this morning, sun shining, birds singing - welcoming the day. Early greetings from our neighbors. Looking out at the green grass- such a gift, for in a few months when the rain stops it will all be gone...

Great is Your faithfulness, O God. Indescribable, Uncontainable O God!

You placed the stars in the sky and You know each one by name. You spoke and it was. You breathed and Adam lived.

Yet You dwell among us, live inside of us. You knit me together, intimately knowing each little part of me.

You drew me to You, pursued me, and came to me and answered me.

You rescued me, forgave me and washed me clean.

You died for me. Gave me hope when You conquered death and rose again.

You've given me Your Spirit until You come back.

Let it be soon, sweet Jesus, that You come back. Maranatha!

So thankful today, for Jesus and His sweet presence, friendship, guidance, example, death, and life.

Sweet Jesus, friend of sinners; my Redeemer, my Savior.

Thank You for thousands upon thousands of gifts.

#'s 1764 - 1776
- Ezekiel-  hand held high in praise to You during worship
- a capella worship - even without electricity, You shine through the darkness, Jesus!
- worship by candelight
- going to bed at 9:00 pm and not waking up again until 6:00 am! Thank You Lord!
- Matt, Ethan and Corey having guy time- football and popcorn
- Isabelle beginning to understand the joy of serving
- Audrey singing loud and joyfully to You, Jesus!
- Ethan always willing to help at church
- Rebecca asking Isabelle to 'babysit' Elijah for a few minutes- and Isa's joy as she told me all about it!
- green grass in my yard
- early morning snuggles w/Isa
- sleepy-eyed, crazy hair little girls when they first wake up
- faithful, loyal Reina (our dog)

To be empty...

Isaiah 58:10-12

What does it mean to be empty?

We, in the North American culture do not like things to be empty. We like our bulk stores, our full cabinets, our stocked refrigerators, bank acounts with multiple digits in the total line...

We have a hard time with empty.

Do we really know what it means to be empty, I wonder?

Have we ever felt the pressure of spending our last cent on a few groceries to feed our family, not knowing when the next meal would be or from where the money would come to buy it?

Have we ever opened all our cabinets, the refrigerator, and seen nothing?

Have we ever been as the widow and her son, with only a little flour and oil...?

Have our bellies ever been distended so from days on end of eating nothing?

The first section of Isaiah 58 talks about fasting and what true fasting is and is not.

When I have fasted for a time, my physical body becomes weak. I become tired and often irritable. I crave food- crave for it to fill me and give me strength. Fasting empties me of the food that sustains me, the nutrients that give me energy to go through the day.

Fasting is not and should never be as the hypocrites in the first part of chapter 58, who fast to be noticed by others and by God. They 'fast' as a work, trying to earn their favor with the Lord.

The Lord, however, makes it perfectly clear that this is not what He desires nor sees as a fast.

This type of fast is weak and futil. It brings with it nothing of power, it is by name only.

True fasting is powerful, useful and freeing (Isaiah 58:6).

True fasting comes about when a person has completely emptied themselves and seeks to filled by the Holy Spirit.

When I feel empty, out of energy, just plain sapped...I generally think- "I've got to do something to get some energy!" I look for a Coke or to excerise or something...

The past few weeks, I've been pretty much lacking energy for a variety of reasons. I've often wondered why my tank feels so emtpy...

Then, the Lord, in His rich mercy and grace, gave me these verses:

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.

And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in." Isaiah 58:10-12

Sometimes I wonder if all of our efforts make much difference at all. Sometimes I wonder why we don't see more fruit. Sometimes I wonder why we feel so much opposition in the work the Lord has given us here.

Sometimes I just wonder if it is all worth it...

Monday was a pretty much horrible night in terms of the behavior of the kids in PFK. It was the large group's week (we have group 1 that has 19 mainly older kids - mostly ages 10 - 13, and then group 2 with 13 kids mainly 7-9 years old. These groups alternate every other week).

The larger group, although older, is made up of kids who have some major behavioral issues and pretty crappy homes. Many are Nicaraguan immigrants, almost all here illegally.

We've seen major changes in some of their behavior issues since we started ministering to them over a year ago. However, they do act up and we have discipline issues with them frequently.

Monday was the breaking point, though. I'm not sure what exactly lead up to the breaking point- what one specific thing was the straw that broke the camel's back- but they pushed us to the limit.

Helyi spoke to them first. (Helyi "L-G" is our newest staff member) She addressed the issues and gave them a good 'talking to.' The issues continued.

- About two weeks ago, I wrote in my journal asking the Lord to demonstrate himself to the kids through me. That I would have patience and that His light would shine through me even when they were at their worst. I didn't remember that Monday night, but have since went back and read that prayer.-

When it was time for me to present the lesson, we decided that I would present it to them as a group- one time, instead of the normal procedure of splitting them up into two smaller groups and presenting the lesson twice, once to each group. I was not feeling well and didn't think I could do the lesson twice.

I made them arrange their chairs basically filling up the sanctuary- something we've never done before- all spread out so they were not able to talk with anyone else.

Then I began to talk, but I believe the Spirt took over. I shared with them the privilege they each have of being part of a ministry thats sole desire is that they come to an understanding of who Jesus is, what He did for them personally, and how to go about living a life for Him. I reminded them of the people who pray daily for each one of them by name. And, as I began to share about how we each love them and care for them and so desire to see them each walking with the Lord, I began to shed tears.

You could have heard a pin drop. Not a sound was made. Every eye was one me, except maybe for little Gustavo, who was still throwing and messing with the rocks.

The point of this story is that on Monday night, I was so completely empty. I was so just done with it all. What was the point, after all, if these kids who we pray for, weep for, pour into, could care so little that they behave as they had that night?

Well, the Lord has gently reminded me, the point is that He wants to shine through me and be glorified in their lives.

And HE WILL!

I believe it!

He is faithful and His mercy is eternal!

When I looked back at my journal and studied these verses from Isaiah I realized that I don't have a choice whether or not I give up my life. It is not mine to keep to myself. I was bought with such a high price, I am nothing and have nothing to call my own, not even my life. Therefore, why or how could I even consider not pouring myself out to the point of empty for these kids who have no one else doing so for them.

(Not to say we put up with the not obeying but that is a whole other story...)

When I empty myself in service to the poor, broken, bound, hungry to the point where there is nothing left to give, then God in His great love and mercy and grace, fills us to the pont of a fountain whose flow never cease. His light shines through us to break the darkness and fill the afflicted, thirsty soul- even my own!

When my energy is at it's lowest, it is He who refuels me and gives me the strength to keep on doing the good to which I've been called.

He gives us the promise that He will hear us and respond to us when we call out to him in our weak, empty state and He will guide and cover us.

The Lord used these verses, which in God's own special cool way, are the primary verse of the Potter's Field Ministry, to encourage me and strengthen me this week. He has reminded me of the beautiful vision He gave us two years ago of this little village being a strong and mighty fortress for Him. Little did we know the work He had for us here, nor the pain and heartache, stress, pressure that would be to come. Yet, He goes before us and comes up behind us, guiding us and filling us.

In obedience to Him, we move forward in faith, not focusing only what we see, but instead remembering that we do not see what God sees. He can see ahead and knows the fruit that is to come. He knows the depth of the seeds we are planting and He is the One who is making them grow.

I am so thankful for these verses this week. I am so thankful for the reminder that He is the One who restores and rebuilds what was once broken.

"And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. " vs 12

I love that this verse says "you shall raise up the foundations of many generations" as this is exactly what the Lord laid upon our hearts when he gave us the Answers in Genesis curriculum we have been teaching through. To build the foundations in this generation. They have been laid a very weak foundation. What a beautiful picture of of the power and strength of our Great God!

People from all nations and every tongue praising Him We praise You Jesus!

You are faithful,Lord!!!

Potter's Field Ministries

Here is a message from Pastor Mike and Pam Rozell, founders of Potters Field Ministries and Potters Field Kids, which is the heart of our ministry here in Costa Rica.

Potter's Field Kids Promo from Potter's Field Ministries on Vimeo.

When Pastor Mike mentions the Costa Rica ministry, you'll see a picture of Emerson, who is in PFK with us.

Isa 58:10-12

Multitudes on Monday...a few days late :)

I love this song. I always have. But this week, it brings new meaning to the trials of life for me.

When I sat a listened to the music and the lyrics this morning, I thought about what it means to 'trade my sorrows, my shame, my sickness, my pain...FOR the JOY of the Lord...'

as the song says, that sets a new song in my heart, taht sets my heart dancing...and to it all we say YES LORD and trade it in - for what? the JOY of the Lord!

Maybe it's better to say it this way:

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Whatever we are, we are NOT abandoned, nor in despair, not crushed, nor destroyed...and why?

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

The power that sustains us is NOT from us, but from God. The treasure is not us nor our lives but God living IN us.

When I stop and think about the trials and troubles and pains and stresses I carry, and then read this verse- it makes it all seem so much less.

I will say YES, LORD, because:

"our light and momentary troubles are acheiving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." 2 Corinthians 4:17

What we encounter now brings the promise of something so glorious that as hard and crushing as the troubles seem to us now- they are light and momentary in comparison to to the joy that is coming.

So, then...

"we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18

I have been plagued with a horrible headache since last Thursday. It comes on strong then goes away, then comes on strong again. It kept me in bed all day Friday, accompanied by body aches. I have not slept a full night sleep since then because every night I've woken up at or around 2:30 am and been awake until about 5:00 am due to the headache. I've had horrible nightmares as well during the past week.

For even longer, my friend and our teamate, Helyi ('L-G') has experienced the exact same thing. Our nightmares are very similar. Our physical symptoms are exactly the same.

Medicine does nothing for the pain.

We do not believe it is a virus, but we believe it to be a fierce attack by the enemy in an attempt to steal our time and our sleep from us, to kill our energy, and to ultimately destroy us. (John 10:10)

However, in light of these verses, what do I have to say but Yes, Lord. I will trade it all so that Your all-surpassing power me be demonstrated through my momentary and light troubles.

The key is to be renewed by this strength, not to succumb to the temptation to feel sorry for ourselves. Do not give up! Do not give in to the fight. We are daily in a battle against enemies we do not see.

"Therfore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16

Yes, Lord! Thank You! Yes, Lord!



I know today is Wednesday...but here is my Multitudes on Monday post...a few days late :)

#'s 1719 - 1730
- tickling Ethan
- 'armpits' with Isa and Audrey
- hugs from Dayana, Gabriela, Johan, Cindy...
- holding hands in the middle of the night with Matthew
- Audrey reading Green eggs and Ham over and over again- by herself!
- hard, hard days that bear fruit and bring glory to Your name
- being a jar of clay that holds such a precious treasure
- 'momentary and light troubles'
- Your 'all-surpassing' power
- eternal glory
- focusing on what is unseen
- waiting for Your return, Lord. Maranatha!

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

"And God said, 'Let there be light" and there was light." Genesis 1:3

From nothing, God created everything. What He said, simply became.

"the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."
Genesis 2:7

What are we anyway, but dust?

What is this life, if not spent living as a breath of life?

This week, I've pondered God's great intense love for me, my love for Him, faith, my faith, the way jesus lived his life and how I live mine...

And it all comes back to this-

Am I willing to make myself nothing to live fully in everything for Him?

If in everything, we find grace; then should you not find in me grace?

But really, is this what you see when you look at me?

Do you really see grace, Christ, in me in everything?

And then the question really becomes this...

Is Jesus really my everything?

Everyday, I realize that all is grace...and He is grace and love and peace and joy and I am nothing...nothing without Him. He is my grace, love, peace, and joy and if He's not then I cannot and will not be able to offer any of these to anyone because without him I cannot begin to understand any one of these.

Today, join with me in giving thanks...

#'s 1674 - 1687
- thankful kids
- good friends who fix dinner for my hubby and kids when it is my night on and his night off
- little boys
- feeling little life move inside another
- the miracle of life
- studying with PFK kids
- omelets...yummy
- serving others
- young ones praying
- All is grace- Shaun Groves
- interns!!
- Your provision in all things, Jesus!
- that You bless in all things and all things become a blessing
- experiencing the sense of pride other's feel for their country

Multitudes on Monday

From my heart this morning...

(from John 1)

"You, Jesus, were in perfect harmony with Your Father. You chose to leave perfection and take himan form and live in a fallen world- that Your glory could be seen- the One and Only- the One who came from the Father - full of grace and truth.

You were who John the baptist preached about. Moses gave us the law. You gave us grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but You- the One and Only- have made yourself known to the world. You, God incarnate, God's only Son, came to this earth as a baby, just like us. As a boy, dedicated yourself to ministry, studied the scriptures and as a man entered the ministry. You declared Yourself the Messaih- the long awaited Savior. Then You died a death You did not deserve on an old rugged cross for my sins and the sins of the world.

thank You Jesus! Thank You! Joh nBaptist declared You the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

John told the people that God's Spirit would rest on the Son of God in the form of a dove.

People began to follow You even before this prophecy was fulfilled. Andrew and Peter called You'Teacher" and followed You first, then Philip and Nathanel. Scripture says Andrew 'found' Jesus (John 1:41) while Jesus 'found' Philip, then Philip found Nathanel. (John 1:43).

Thank You Jesus for finding me. I knew the truth and ignored it. You persued me - You found me - You rescued me. Thank You.

With many thanks in my heart today, I count blessing after blessing...

#'s 1609 - 1613
- Sundays spent together, nothing on the agenda except being together
- Sunday evening church
- being awakened to pray for fellow believers
- John 1:12-13 - thank You father for the choice to believe in Your name and to recieve You as my Savior and for the privilege to be Your child
- Thank You Jesus for finding me. I knew the truth and ignored it. You persued me - You found me - You rescued me. Thank You.

New family tradition, Culture Night, swinging, Mother's Day CR

Last night we started a new family tradition of making our own pizzas. Each of us got our own 'slate' or crust and we put our own toppings on. It was super fun and they tasted delicious!!

In other family news, a couple of weeks ago, Calvary Chapel had a Culture Night with a visiting mission team. These nights are always so fun and the fellowship between church members is so encouraging. Generally, the visiting mission team will share with the congregation using their gifts and members from the church will share as well.

This time our kids wanted to share a song. So they practiced TobyMac's A City on our Knees. I unfortunately did not get video, but here I did get a photo.

Isabelle worked really hard on two dramas with two of her friends and one of the friends mom, who is one of my friends :)

And, recently the kids took down the hammock swing and fashioned their own swing out of the rope and a few blankets to make it more comfy...

And finally here is a picture of the Mother's Day Tea at Calvary Chapel as well as breakfast on the beach on Mother's Day (celebrated in Costa Rica on August 15th).

The Joy of the Lord is my Strength

Monday was Mother's Day here in Costa Rica. Last Saturday, Calvary Chapel hosted a Mother's Day tea. There were many ways in which the Lord spoke to me that day, but one way was during the teaching. Rebecca taught on hearing the voice of God. One thing stood out to me - sometimes we see what appear to be closed doors in our lives...that are really wide open.

Take the example of Sarah, who at more than 90 years old had her first child. She herself felt the Lord had not kept his promise to her and took matters into her own hands, believing that the door to having children had long been closed. Yet, God in his perfect timing, opened Sarah's closed womb and blessed her with a child- in doing so fulfilled his promise to her and to Abraham.

Sarah's ability to bear children seems like a an impossibility. End of story. Until the Lord shows us that His ways are not our own and His timing is perfect.

The Lord reminded me to continue seeking Him and praying to him for the desires of our hearts, for the burdens of the fallen world around me, and for the visions he has given us to be fulfilled.

That was Saturday...

Then came Monday...and the week began and the world pulled and life happened and stress mounted...and I forgot this ever-important Truth of our Great God.

That He is faithful. He never leaves us. He never forgets his promises or His people.

As spiritual attacks mounted this week, I felt I had hit a wall- a door so closed that nothing could open it.

And Wednesday came and I became Chicken Little and thought the sky all around me was falling down...

What the enemy meant to be devasting, the Lord meant to be rejuvenating.

Our God is So good. Our God is So Great!

The Lord used special people in our lives to encourage us this week, but mostly He used His Word and His Spirit to lift us up, to carry us, to sustain us, and to change our hearts back to beign focused on Him.

Often in ministry, I am making the assumption here that this is true for others as well as it is for us, the weight of the burdens, struggles, and bondage of others weigh heavy. It can become a habit to try and carry that weight ourselves instead of giving it over completely to the One who came to take away all our burdens- Jesus Christ.

Also common, are times of discourgement. Times when it seems that doors are closing all around you. Maybe the church doesn't seem to be growing. Maybe the church is full but the people inside are merely filling the pews, failing to daily make a difference for Christ in the world. Maybe day after day, you see those you've come to love around you continue in their sin. Maybe the abuse, neglect, injustice done to children becomes more than you can bear.

Those, too, are times when the one and only single thing that can carry us through is remember where our hope, strength, joy, and peace come from- God himself in the form of the Holy Spirit living in side of us.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

God is so good and His Word is a precious gift. It is the ointment for our wounds. The living water for our thirsty souls. It is the light for our path.

And His great gift to us is His Spirit living inside of each of us who believe in Him. His very Spirit counsels us, carries us, empowers us, fills us with hope, peace, joy and a supernatural strength.

Yesterday, several women leaders in calvary Chapel met with the specific purpose of praying for the church and for each other's needs. A good friend shared from the Word. She read from Philippians and the Lord reminded us as He had her that we are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, we are to present our petitions to God. And then, the God of hope will give a sweet peace that passes all understanding- we will no longer feel the anxiety that previously existed in our hearts...instead in it's place will be a peace so sweet our hearts and minds will rest in it. Our thoughts will then be focused right where they need to be - on Him.

Why do we forget? Why are we such a stiff-necked people?

The Lord was with us yesterday in that tiny prayer circle. The rains came down hard, we could barely here each other despite being merely inches apart. Lightening struck close and thunder crashed loudly. But the power of the Holy Spirit remained stronger than anything, filling each of us with hope, joy, peace, and His strength.

It seems that our tiny family were not the only ones to face attacks this week, as we've since heard of many others in this area experiencing more of the same. We have friends in Guatemala experiencing deep trials at this time.

The Lord is making it clear in these days of uncertain economy, disease, death, disaster...The days are evil. The days a re short.

He is coming back soon.

We could choose to become anxious. We could choose to worry.

But we need to be a people preparing ourselves for Him. We need to be preparing for the return of our King. We need to be as a bride, preparing for her groom.

Because isn't that what we are awaiting? The Banquet of all banquets...the Wedding between the bride  (Jesus's church) and the Bridegroom- Christ himself...

We are people of hope, we are a chosen people, yet often we appear no different than the world, the fallen, the pagans.

My pray today is that my life be one of hope, peace, joy, strength and one of grace. That all who see me may know of the Redeemer, may see His Spirit living in me.

When Matt and I moved here from the city two years ago, the Lord clearly gave us the vision of His church growing and mutliplying and this place being known for His glory. He clearly spoke to us about certain specific people in this community, as well as others growing to be like the cedars, firmly planted for His glory.

This week, I heard testimony of these same visions in the lives of others. The Lord clearly speaking to others in this same exact way.

We beleived this promise from the Lord before we even movevd here. We still belive it.

This week, however, our faith wavered.

We minister to children every day who some would call 'at-risk.' Truth be told, they are at risk. Every day they grow closer and closer to being sucked into a life filled with drugs, prostitution, alchoholism, and worse.

Studying the culture, you'll begin to learn that it is of utmost importance to make thigns look good- especially the appearance of faith- but it really doesn't matter what you really think, feel, or how you live your life when no one sees.

These kids live at risk, that is for sure. But maybe the greatest danger these kids face is growing up luke-warm to the person of God, to Christ in their lives, and being oblivious to the Power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word in their lives.

Every day is a challenge in this ministry.

After much time studying God's Word with friends, they still live in obvious sin- and it wears on our hearts. We ache for them to change their hearts and surrender their whole lives to God.

After a year of ministry with the kids of PFK and Bible Club, we see fruit. In our flesh, we desire more. We forget God's promise to us and we begin to doubt and begin to let our thoughts wonder to why? Why don't we see more fruit yet...we begin to doubt God's perfect timeline.

Yet, this week, in His loving faithfulness, the Lord reminded us both of His goodness.

The Parable of the Sower teaches us about the differences in the soil in which we sow the seed of Truth. Only 1/4 of the seed took root in the parable. But the seed (the Word of God) was good each time. The seed was not the problem- it remains good, ripe, ready to grow...

I am so thankful for this reminder that the gospel seed is good all the time. I am so thankful for the reminder also from 1 Kings 18 of the power of persistent prayer. During a great drought, Elijah persisted in his faith that God would send rain. After sending his servant to look for rain seven times, his servant came back and reported of one small cloud in the sky the size of a man's hand. The servant saw a small little cloud and believed it to be nothing. Elijah having trusted and believed in the Lord's faithfulness even before he prayed, did pray, and believed God would answer. Elijah knew that God would bring the rain, even if only from a cloud the size of a man's hand.

And the rain came. As did the power of the Lord on Elijah.

God is so good. What we see, present day, is this small cloud...just like Elijah's servant saw...maybe ours is the size of a child's hand...heeheehee. But still a cloud, none-the-less. The answer to pray. We see small fruit. Small changes. In a handful of the kids we minister to.

Jesus picked twelve of the thousands upon thousands he ministered to. Twelve men. Ordinary...yet extraordinary in the purpose God had for them. We believe in their example. We believe.

Thankfully the Lord has prepared our hearts and strengthened us be His Spirit this week. We are now focused on preparing for rain, beliving in His promise and so very thankful for His work here in Villarreal.

Multitudes on Monday

Today is Mother's Day in this land we now call home.

Saturday, we had a Mother's Day Tea for the ladies of the church. It was a wonderful morning spent with many ladies form the church as well as several 'invitadas,' or ladies from the community, several who did not know the Lord. All of the ladies participated and enjoyed themselves. It was a special time shared by all.

Last night at church, Pastor Phil honored all the mother's in the congregation and prayed for them.

Today is a national holiday. Schools are closed for the day and many businesses are closed as well for the day- which means many are off work today!

Mother's are surely celebrated and appreciated.

Today, Matt and the kids took me to breakfast at our favorite restaurant- Nougui's (KNOW-geaz). We spent most of the morning on the beach. It was a fantastic way to spend the morning.

Even though this day is not Mother's Day in the States, we still celebrate holidays like this one here as well as from our own country.

And so, today, I think of my mom...and my heart hurts a little as I'm not with her. It's been a tough time being back this time from the States. So many little things unfinished; so much to pray for we learned while back.

And...I just miss my mom. I guess there is a time as a child when you learn that your paretns get older as you get older and at some point you really begin to see their finiteness. That point is here for me...i realize just how very short the days are and I know very well what I miss by living the life we live- the life the Lord has called us to.

Thankfully, the Lord has given me great joy and purpose in serving Him here. My place is here and I am thankful.

Today, on this special day for mother's, I give thanks...

#'s 1528 - 1540
- family game night
- seeing youth (muchachos) serve the ladies of the church (Ethan asking to serve)
- Sunday mornings for resting and playing games...thankful for Latin American evening church services
- xooking for church
- the pain in my heart that comes from being away from my mom- eucharisteo- because I have a mom who I loves and who loves me
- a restful nights sleep\- [hoto albums documenting our life
- the privielege of being a mother
- the ift of children
- that in Costa Rica, Mother's Day is a national holiday where school is out and businesses close and employees are given the day off!
- planning visits with family and friends
- Salvation in Jesus
- that I am saved by grace, through faith in You, Jesus

Multitudes on Monday (on Tuesday)

Today I sit and am so thankful for the work of the Lord in my life. I am so thankful for the community of faith- around the world. Thank You Jesus, for your shed blood. Thank You, Fatherm for sending Your Son.

#'s 1451 - 1465
- having real heart-toheart with Gabriela, Cindy, and Dayana- Thank You Jesus for this breakthrough
- the tropical sounds I've grown so used to hearing- howler monkeys, certain tropical birds, parrots
- hummingbirds
- butterlfies
- seeing how our kids love others
- the cool way You bring together Your family, Lord
- speaking Your Truth into the lives of children
- Ellie and Fannie coming to church with Gabriela, Neysi, Dayana, Eddy and Gustavo
- having the problem of not enough space and not enough chairs in the church
- a community of believers, all imperfect, all being transformed
- for the shed blood of Christ
- for my salvation, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ
- because when I call, You hear me
- because You came when I called, and rescued me
- because You've given me hope and the promise - security- forever with You in eternity

"What do you miss most?"

Often when we are asked the question,

"What do you miss most from the United States?"

And always my respons is, "FAMILY."

Usually the person responds with, "well, of course. but...what else?"

And so I pause to ponder...

Four years ago I could quickly list off several restaurants or food items that we just didn't have or couldn't find here.

Three years ago, I probably still would have rattled off a couple food places as well as Walmart and Target.

Last year, I rejoiced when we ate Chick-Fil-A for the first time while in the States!

And the truth is that there are still certain places we like to go when back in the States. There are certain cravings that we each have from time to time. But, honestly, the longings have begun to wear off for things like that. It is still nice to go back and visit the places we love...but one thing I've noticed is the longing for more places and things like this -

Cousins. Together, impromptu picnics on the bright green grass. Family farm. Red euipment settled in its spot next to shining golden wheat, brilliant against that bright green grass. Under the oak tree. That same oak tree standing there for the almost 15 years I've known the McClain family.

Moments like those are what I miss most. Colors like these are so very fond to me. Places like this one are what make me feel at home. Allow me to relax and forget about everything.

Comfortable, familiar. Never-changing.

This lane. Driven on so many times. Instantly slows me. Gravel cracks and shifts under the tires. Now used by grandpa and grandkids; uncle and nephew.

Sweet times like this. Those are what I miss most. Places so familiar, so comfortable. Those are what my heart aches for. If I never had Chick-Fil-A again, but could have my fill of this place...my heart would be filled with joy.

Multitudes on Monday

We've settled back into the laid back life that we've grown to love. The suitcases are pur away, new clothes put away, things back in their places...I sat down to reflect this morning on all that God has done in the past month- His great goodness...and read through almost 20 pages of testimony to the great things He has done!

I did not blog while we were in the States. It was a decision to rest and be still and bask in His goodness. To savor the moments of each day. And today, as I read back through them, they all came flooding back. That is the real beauty of keeping this journal of thanks- the testimony and permanent record of God's blessings in my life.

So, I feel compelled to share with you from our time in the States- not the whole record, but a glimpse. My prayer is that you will see Jesus in each entry, each record of blessing in my life, each "loveprint" as my friend Sarah calls them.

Testimony of God's gifts taken from #1044 - #1384
- walking into Tim and Sue's at 1:30 in the morning and feeling instantly at home
- seeing my mom for the first time in over a year
- seeing the kids pick up with grandparents as if no time has passed
- the first Samantha hug
- seeing Samantha take the time to explain punctuation to Audrey
- early morning on the lake; watching the day come alive
- reading that Michaela found a way to wear out Gustavo
- Justine's emails
- Thak You Jesus for PFK interns
- seeing the ministry continue in our absense
- Sue's hospitality
- meeting with friends you haven't seen in over a year- and feeling like you just saw them last week (Ron and Carol)
-fun family time at the farm with Rog and Sue and Mark and Angyl
- wrestling with rog and mark
- seeing Mark spend time with Ethan
- Tim and Sue- 42 years of marriage
- talking with Jenny
-big, round waffles (Tyler)
- playing Euchre until 1:30 am with Chris and Amy
- Arni's junior salad with garlic bread
- red-breasted robins
- seeing all the grandkids huggin my dad and seeing his smile
- the generous giving of God's people
- carpet between my toes
- celebrating freedom
- adoption
- speaking Spanish at a little country church (Hickory Grove) in Indiana
- getting to know Zoey again
- pool time at the McCarty's
- feeling so at home at Aunt Sandy's
- Tuesday morning ladies Bible Study
- loving my friend who has lost her husband (Sharon)
- peanut butter chocolate kiss cookies
- Tanner taking Ethan to the movies with Emma and Zoey
- the blessing of older ladies who love and guide me
- remembering Naomi through Zoey
-spending time with Aunt Sandy
- getting to know Emma
- Ethan and Rob together again
- comforting Samantha
- pruney little girls after hours in the pool
- despite my ugly-offending sin, You offer me saving grace through faith in Jesus
- Ken and Sandy Meyer
- Sandy riding her bike with her Daisy dog in the basket
- being with Mom, Sam and Samantha at the lake
- the Caress family, Kevin and Telene, Aly, Jojo and Serena
- Jojo Caress hugs
- shopping with Telene- unexpected huge blessings
- Aly Caress with big plans for her life- thank You Jesus
- family shopping day
- Mike and Katrina Jenkins
- Your grace and mercy in a cruel world
- Marco Polo
- edifying conversations with good friends
- water sparkling in the sunshine, so bright my eyes are blinded for a second- reminding me of the brightness of Your glory, Jesus
- Your Word, changing me to be more like You and enabling me to flee from sin
- a day on the lake in a boat
- turtle doves- "whooawhoo-whooo"
- Marco Polo with Sam
- marshmellow faces
- Wilbur coming to visit
- peace, quiet, and relaxation
- pop-in plastic-cased lead pencils (think 3rd grade)
- fir, maple, oak trees mixed together - all green, all God
- mother-daughter talks; side-by-side and in person
- help from my brother-in-law
- life on a lake
- Steph's chili
- encouragement from people I've only 'met' through emails, letters, and phone calls (Kathie Shoemaker)
- En Secreto in the park in Terre Haute
- the call to pray fervently for a sister in Christ
- El Jaripeo
- late nights with Tim and Sue
- Costa Rican breakfast at FEPC
- the Butchko girls taking the time to come and share with us and encourage us
- having time to talk with Steph
- seeing Audrey with Andrew
- the way the cut hay shines golden bright against the green rows of corn
- seeing Ethan have so much fun with FEPC youth
- family history
- falling right back in a routine with friends who are really family- Doug and Karen
- Indiana sweet corn
- being in the kitchen with other women
- a home full of people who love and care for us and partner with us in ministry
- swimming in Aunt Paula's pool again after all these years
- reminiscing with family
- the way You God weave together hearts of friends who've come together through Your work in us
- Audrey's 7th birthday
- King's Island
- time with Rog and Sue
- Audrey's face coming off the water slide
- Audrey being able to ride the Beast
- Izzy's joyful scream down the slide
- Ethan riding the Diamondback
- Froggie- the pillow pet
- a night alone with Matthew
- Matt's sense and awareness of danger
- Sue W. being so helpful
- singing "This is the day!" on Audrey's birthday with Sue W.
- Caleb and Tyler's love for Ethan
- Ethan's patience with younger kids
- having a blreakdown and my mom being there to comfort me, hold me and let me cry on her shoulder
- Leah B's hugs
- Sharon Druley hugs
- Samantha Fern White
- hearing of God's mighty provision and seeing how He chooses to bless others so that they can then bless others
- hot water showers
- good gallo pinto breakfast the first day back in Costa Rica
- answered prayer of keeping Matt alert and giving him quick reflexes right when he needed them
- helpful airport workers- answered prayer
- our moms getting home safely from Chicago- answered prayer
- pulling up to our house and seeing our dogs for the first time
- immediate settling back in to the laid back pace of life here
- finding notes from Michaela all over the house
- Bible Club the first day back- 42 kids - Praise You Jesus!!
- Cindy's amazing smile and awesome hugs- her clinging to me
- Gustavo's kiss on the cheek, welcoming me back
- first Sunday back at Calvary Chapel




Thank You Jesus for Your presencce and blessings in my life!

Still here...

Hello again...seems like a long time since I was here...but sometimes life demands that you put away the computer and just live and enjoy and see and smell and listen...and all of those things and more I've been doing while we were in the US on furlough. It was a sweet, refreshing time. We are back in Costa Rica now, settling back into this slow-paced life we've grown to love. I'll be posting soon and re-joining the Multitudes on Mondays...but for the past few weeks I've just needed to be still and silent.

Sure hope you understand...

Have a blessed day.