A community wedding was held on February 14th to wed couples who have been living together and want their relationship to be bonded in Holy Matrimony.
The whole community chipped in to make the wedding possible... (Most people here don't get married simply because they can't afford it.) Wedding clothes were rented, borrowed, or sewn... All guests brought food to share, chipped in for the cake, helped decorate, etc.
It was amazing. A real community effort to help THREE couples become husbands and wives!
Tom and I were the 'official' photographers for the big wedding. I can hardly wait to share the printed photos with the couples!
Check out this video we presented to the couples in church today. I hope you like it!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Update: Please STOP praying for more chickens... lol!
Wow, the Lord has provided!!
It looks like we are up to a possible 27 chickens to bring to Chirripo! At this point, I wish they could fly... Cuz our arms are going to be tired!
But in all seriousness, please keep praying for his trip, because prayer works ;) and we need a lot of help with this venture!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Praying for Chickens
We are in full tilt preparing for our upcoming trip to Chirripo.
And it's amazing.
And it's amazing.
Last time we were in Chirripo, back in December (read about it here or here, or see a short video of it here) we met many of the beautiful Cabecar indigenous people that live there... We also heard (and witnessed) some of their many needs. After returning to the Latino community, and after the Chief of the indigenous community stopped by our house for coffee (like that happens everyday) and we were able to discuss the needs of his community further, Tom and I were left with one thought ringing through our minds: As LEC-CR servants here in the field, What are we going to do about it?
We knew half of the answer was "return" and the other half was "help", but HOW was still the issue.
The following is what's been approved and is what we're going forward with... With the best of intentions. And we are more than excited to share this experience with Ben, a short-term mission team member from Lakeshore Evangelical Church. Ben will be serving with us for a week in March and helping with:
1) The Solar Panel Project
A need greatly emphasized by the community’s chief is for solar power to light the church building. Sinoli has no access to electricity; providing solar energy to the community’s sole gathering place would benefit the entire village and result in a safer place for people to meet.
Tom and Ben, along with a Costa Rican gentleman who knows the area and an indigenous individual from the Sinoli community, will be installing a solar panel and lighting system. We may be there for their first ever lit church service!
2) Raisin' the Roof
The Sinoli church roof, in two sections, in supported by posts. These posts are currently sitting on floor planks, halfway between two joists. The floor planks are not designed to be load-bearing. In other words, the roof is prone to collapse and must be proactively repaired. Tom and a local Costa Rican will lead the project, Ben will assist, and volunteers will be recruited from the local community to provide any additional required manpower to alter the current design to create a stronger support.
3) Reducing the impact of childhood parasitic infections
Candice has teamed up with a nurse who heads the medical outreach aspect of the Chirripo hikes, to undertake an intestinal de-worming clinic while in Chrripo. Albendazole, a broad spectrum anti-helmintic, will be distributed to all willing mothers to treat as many children as possible. In order to provide informed consent as well as educate the community on infection transmission, Candice will be providing an education session to all families emphasizing infection prevention methods.
4) Combating Malnutrition… With Chickens
Sadly, childhood malnutrition is visually evident in the village of Sinoli. Stunting (short stature for age, indicating long-term protein-energy malnutrition), bloated bellies (indicating protein malnutrition, and possible intestinal infection), and skin lesions (indicating inadequate intake of micronutrients, especially those found in animal based foods) are common in the childhood population. As a nutritionist Candice was able to undertake a nutritional-assessment interview with the chief of the community and some of the local women. From the information gathered, it is clear that not only malnutrition, but also food insecurity, is endemic in this community.
In Sinoli, the responsibility of food gathering is that of both the woman and man, however if the man were to leave or pass away, the responsibility is solely that of the woman. Additionally, and very importantly, families do not share food supplies.
In order to address malnutrition in this community, we proposed to bring hen-laying chickens to Chirripo to distribute to families most in need. Hen eggs provide highly nutritional animal-based whole proteins and much needed micronutrients to the diet. We wanted to purchase 20 egg-laying hens... Mature, scavenger fed, and culturally acceptable, to distribute based on the needs of the families and recommendations of the chief, to respect the community’s leadership order.
----
So, as you can imagine, we've been doing a lot of preparing. And at times we've been asking ourselves if we really know what we're doing... Especially when we'd receive raised-eye-brow looks when pleading for people's chickens.
For the first while there were just no chickens to be had... Oh, there were lots of chickens around, but no one wanted to give up their chicks! I prayed to God, and knew that if He indeed want us to bring them, He would provide them. But there were still no chickens to be had.
Then last Saturday, a man approached Tom after church and told him that his 12 year old son wanted to give his chicken away to a family that needed it. Yes, God provided a chicken... from a 12 year old boy, and in doing so I've been provided reassurance to go forth with the plan. (And it just so happens that today we got news that a friend found us many more that are available for purchase... Now we are up to 11!!)
There are many many things that can go wrong on this trip, from logistics to weather. I ask for you prayers in our preparation, for both of us and for Ben, and I ask that God's will be done on this trip, and we be nothing more than willing agents in His plan, no matter how crazy we may seem!
Monday, February 22, 2010
What is that?
There have been a many of times Tom's heard me say "Oh no, what is that?"
And it's never good news.
There are so many things that crawl, slither, or run on 8-legs that it's just never good news.
So, the other night when I saw this:
And asked Tom, "Oh no, what is that?"
Upon closer inspection as to the object sitting on the napkins in the napkin holder on the living room coffee table, we saw this:
And it's never good news.
There are so many things that crawl, slither, or run on 8-legs that it's just never good news.
So, the other night when I saw this:
And asked Tom, "Oh no, what is that?"
Upon closer inspection as to the object sitting on the napkins in the napkin holder on the living room coffee table, we saw this:
Yes, that's a frog.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Obedience
I could make you a list of activities, events, conversations, and actions that Tom and I have responded to 'a call to do' over the past few months, without feeling actually capable of doing them.
In a different culture, land, and language, some of these calls have include:
However, as I eluded to in a previous post, you need to give thought to what defines 'success' in these situations? One could say that if you didn't succeed to the fullest degree, then why didn't you give the task to someone else in the first place? If you weren't qualified for such a position, why would you take it on? I think we need to adjust our goals and objections from results-based North Americanism to an appreciation of what may be happening at a deeper level, for the Lord. A wise man once told us that if you feel a call, but unqualified to fulfill it and therefore first seek to obtain qualification and get all yours ducks in a row before answering the call, it will probably be too late.
God calls people where they are, how they are. And it's up to us to respond, no matter how unqualified we feel.
Because:
(Click here for the site I stole this list from.)
• Noah was a drunk
• Abraham was too old
• Isaac was a daydreamer
• Jacob was a liar and a thief
• Leah was ugly
• Joseph was abused and sold by his own brothers
• Moses stuttered and was a murderer
• Gideon was afraid
• Samson was a womanizer
• Rahab was a prostitute
• Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
• David had an affair and was a murderer
• Elijah was suicidal
• Isaiah preached naked
• Jonah ran from God
• Naomi was a widow
• Peter denied Christ
• Paul killed Christians
I'm not comparing ourselves to these people, but there is something to be said about simply responding and doing it anyways.
--
So, what happened at the conference, you ask? Not too much. I translated for some parts (with help from the audience), but there just so happened to be a bilingual someone show up on each day and were willing to take the meat of it, and let me fill in when needed.
And is worked out great. Way better than I ever expected. Worked out perfectly? By no means. But I do strongly believe that simply answering yes to a call, and going through with it is success. For in saying yes, you are being obedient to your Lord, your Father. And what's more important than that?
The fact that I didn't cry was just a bonus! ;)
In a different culture, land, and language, some of these calls have include:
- Leading bible studies
- Creating and leading a youth group
- Running the Alpha course
- Preaching (!)
- Doing visitation ministries
- Teaching English
- Translating
- etc.
However, as I eluded to in a previous post, you need to give thought to what defines 'success' in these situations? One could say that if you didn't succeed to the fullest degree, then why didn't you give the task to someone else in the first place? If you weren't qualified for such a position, why would you take it on? I think we need to adjust our goals and objections from results-based North Americanism to an appreciation of what may be happening at a deeper level, for the Lord. A wise man once told us that if you feel a call, but unqualified to fulfill it and therefore first seek to obtain qualification and get all yours ducks in a row before answering the call, it will probably be too late.
God calls people where they are, how they are. And it's up to us to respond, no matter how unqualified we feel.
Because:
(Click here for the site I stole this list from.)
• Noah was a drunk
• Abraham was too old
• Isaac was a daydreamer
• Jacob was a liar and a thief
• Leah was ugly
• Joseph was abused and sold by his own brothers
• Moses stuttered and was a murderer
• Gideon was afraid
• Samson was a womanizer
• Rahab was a prostitute
• Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
• David had an affair and was a murderer
• Elijah was suicidal
• Isaiah preached naked
• Jonah ran from God
• Naomi was a widow
• Peter denied Christ
• Paul killed Christians
I'm not comparing ourselves to these people, but there is something to be said about simply responding and doing it anyways.
--
So, what happened at the conference, you ask? Not too much. I translated for some parts (with help from the audience), but there just so happened to be a bilingual someone show up on each day and were willing to take the meat of it, and let me fill in when needed.
And is worked out great. Way better than I ever expected. Worked out perfectly? By no means. But I do strongly believe that simply answering yes to a call, and going through with it is success. For in saying yes, you are being obedient to your Lord, your Father. And what's more important than that?
The fact that I didn't cry was just a bonus! ;)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Life-Sized Dutch Blitz
[We moved this one back to the top, just in case you missed it.]
This is just a little video/slideshow of the tournament we hosted here last Sunday... What a hoot!
Or, click here to watch it in a bigger window on YouTube, or in HD.
The kids here are awesome... We love them... So much fun!
This is just a little video/slideshow of the tournament we hosted here last Sunday... What a hoot!
Or, click here to watch it in a bigger window on YouTube, or in HD.
The kids here are awesome... We love them... So much fun!
Your thoughts, please.
Now, in your opinion, when asked to do something outside of your capabilities and, out of servant-hood for our Good Lord, you said yes, how would 'success' be defined?
Let's take a random example of the many we've situations like this that we've been challenges with over the past few months, k? How about.... translating at a Christian Women's Conference.
Now, to set the stage, your translation abilities are not up to the level they would need to be to undertake this. Nevertheless, you've been asked, and for at least one of the days there are just no other options. So you understand that in service to God, you must say yes. The speaker is an amazing Christian Psychotherapist from the states, speaks no Spanish, and likes to talk (those are her words). There are 30 women staring back at you (so, like, 60 eyes), plus her's.
Your abilities can (almost) handle: Casual conversations, serious conversation, leading youth bible studies, and that sort of stuff. Now, keep in mind that in all of these listed 'can-do' activities include charades and help and patience from your conversation partner.
Because it seems our readers are a little shy to comment (or it's too complicated) let's take a vote! How would you define 'success'? Here are the long answers, please see the right-hand side-bar near the top of this page for a shorter version and a place to click your vote.
A) The fact that you said yes, got up in the morning, and did, indeed, go to the location of the conference
B) The fact that you didn't cry, or run away at the conference (and nor did anyone else)
C) Some concepts were communicated, with much help from the audience
D) Most concepts were communicated, with a bit of help from the audience
E) Complete communication between English speaker and Spanish audience.
Which would define 'success' in your mind?
Click beside the one you think, and then click 'vote'!
Let's take a random example of the many we've situations like this that we've been challenges with over the past few months, k? How about.... translating at a Christian Women's Conference.
Now, to set the stage, your translation abilities are not up to the level they would need to be to undertake this. Nevertheless, you've been asked, and for at least one of the days there are just no other options. So you understand that in service to God, you must say yes. The speaker is an amazing Christian Psychotherapist from the states, speaks no Spanish, and likes to talk (those are her words). There are 30 women staring back at you (so, like, 60 eyes), plus her's.
Your abilities can (almost) handle: Casual conversations, serious conversation, leading youth bible studies, and that sort of stuff. Now, keep in mind that in all of these listed 'can-do' activities include charades and help and patience from your conversation partner.
Because it seems our readers are a little shy to comment (or it's too complicated) let's take a vote! How would you define 'success'? Here are the long answers, please see the right-hand side-bar near the top of this page for a shorter version and a place to click your vote.
A) The fact that you said yes, got up in the morning, and did, indeed, go to the location of the conference
B) The fact that you didn't cry, or run away at the conference (and nor did anyone else)
C) Some concepts were communicated, with much help from the audience
D) Most concepts were communicated, with a bit of help from the audience
E) Complete communication between English speaker and Spanish audience.
Which would define 'success' in your mind?
Click beside the one you think, and then click 'vote'!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Survived Day One...
Thank you for your prayers for today. Please keep praying for us for tomorrow, this conference has become a great light to some of the women in this community (and I am left as the only translator in the room). Please continue to pray for words, wisdom, and patience. May God's will be done!
---
{By the way, I can hardly wait to tell you about some of my learnings of servant-hood here over these past few months.}
---
{By the way, I can hardly wait to tell you about some of my learnings of servant-hood here over these past few months.}
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Urgent Prayer Request
Oh dear.
I have been asked to translate (from English to Spanish) at a 2-day ladies conference this week in Tuis.
GULP.
Being given only 2 days notice and being a total novice in the Spanish language, I am feeling very inadequate and incapable of doing this.
Um, could you lend me some words? Please?
Please pray for wisdom, for words, and for confidence that the Holy Spirit is the one who is speaking anyways... Please pray for patience for the Pastor who is leading the conference, and for all of the ladies attending the conference. Please pray that this time will be a time of growing closer to God and to each other.
Thank you.
I have been asked to translate (from English to Spanish) at a 2-day ladies conference this week in Tuis.
GULP.
Being given only 2 days notice and being a total novice in the Spanish language, I am feeling very inadequate and incapable of doing this.
Um, could you lend me some words? Please?
Please pray for wisdom, for words, and for confidence that the Holy Spirit is the one who is speaking anyways... Please pray for patience for the Pastor who is leading the conference, and for all of the ladies attending the conference. Please pray that this time will be a time of growing closer to God and to each other.
Thank you.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
Happy Birthday!
What a blessing it was to celebrate my birthday with so many new friends and family!
We had fondue, which was a completely new concept to our friends here.
(Same with decent chocolate, but that's another story... :)
Tom even needed to give a tutorial before the feast began...
But once we began...
It seemed to be accepted by all!
We went through 3 pineapples, a carton of strawberries, a kilo of grapes, a package of Oreos, 6 bananas...It was amazing!
Yes, gorgeous imported fondue chocolate (loveingly imported from Canada by my parents), and fresh, ripe Costa Rican fruits.
And great friends.
What more could you ask for for your birthday?
We had fondue, which was a completely new concept to our friends here.
(Same with decent chocolate, but that's another story... :)
Tom even needed to give a tutorial before the feast began...
But once we began...
It seemed to be accepted by all!
We went through 3 pineapples, a carton of strawberries, a kilo of grapes, a package of Oreos, 6 bananas...It was amazing!
Yes, gorgeous imported fondue chocolate (loveingly imported from Canada by my parents), and fresh, ripe Costa Rican fruits.
And great friends.
What more could you ask for for your birthday?
Sunday, January 24, 2010
It's hard to say: "Don't worry about the volcano."
This is a picture we took last Thursday of our local volcano, Turrialba.
You can see the fumes spitting out of the top. It's a bit unsettling.
I've never lived next to a volcano, nor anywhere even remotely near one. This one, however, is about 30km from our doorstep.
In the past few weeks, it has become increasingly active, spouting fumes and small rocks from two (small) new craters, and the latest news is that we may see lava soon.
In February 2007, for the first time since 1866, Turrialba woke up and shot ash about 2000m into the sky. It hit the "Sleep" button, but the alarm went off again on January 6th of this year, and has remained active ever since.
The good news is that the mountain isn't bulging at all, so it is not going to blow any time soon. Apparently, before a Mount.-St.-Helens-style explosion, the whole mountain stretches a bit, and Turrialba isn't showing any signs of that.
In fact, in the time between the picture above, and now, we've passed within a few kilometers of another local volcano, Arenal, that spits out lava constantly. Not only are the lava flows not considered dangerous, but they have been a huge economic boon to the entire community... It's one of Costa Rica's most popular and most developed tourist destinations.
Turrialba, then, is not likely dangerous to Candice and myself, but what about the people we've grown to love here?
People like Mila, a milk producer whose farm is located on the volcano, within a couple of kilometers from the top. She can't leave her farm because her cows have to be milked (twice a day), but she and her family and her cows are potentially sucking in harmful gases all day. In additional, they just closed the school because it's considered too dangerous, the very same school that her children attend, and is currently providing refuge to a number of families that have been forcefully evacuated from their homes (that were closer to the top). Not to mention the impending threat of temporarily or permanently evacuating themselves.
People like our Costa Rican "parents", Mecho and Macha, who have lived in this community for all of their lives. Imagine being (give or take) 70 years old, and thinking that the friendly giant you've known for all of your life may be going a little bit "loco", and may yet force you from your home.
And the youth we've been working with, thinking that in the long lives they have ahead of them, they'll be living next to a ticking time bomb.
So am I worried about the Turrialba volcano?
No, not for me and my family, in the time we have left here.
But: Yes, definitely and absolutely, for the Costa Rican families that have adopted us, who won't be coming back with us to safe-and-sound Canada in April, and will continue to live in the shadow of this potential monster.
You can see the fumes spitting out of the top. It's a bit unsettling.
I've never lived next to a volcano, nor anywhere even remotely near one. This one, however, is about 30km from our doorstep.
In the past few weeks, it has become increasingly active, spouting fumes and small rocks from two (small) new craters, and the latest news is that we may see lava soon.
In February 2007, for the first time since 1866, Turrialba woke up and shot ash about 2000m into the sky. It hit the "Sleep" button, but the alarm went off again on January 6th of this year, and has remained active ever since.
The good news is that the mountain isn't bulging at all, so it is not going to blow any time soon. Apparently, before a Mount.-St.-Helens-style explosion, the whole mountain stretches a bit, and Turrialba isn't showing any signs of that.
In fact, in the time between the picture above, and now, we've passed within a few kilometers of another local volcano, Arenal, that spits out lava constantly. Not only are the lava flows not considered dangerous, but they have been a huge economic boon to the entire community... It's one of Costa Rica's most popular and most developed tourist destinations.
Turrialba, then, is not likely dangerous to Candice and myself, but what about the people we've grown to love here?
People like Mila, a milk producer whose farm is located on the volcano, within a couple of kilometers from the top. She can't leave her farm because her cows have to be milked (twice a day), but she and her family and her cows are potentially sucking in harmful gases all day. In additional, they just closed the school because it's considered too dangerous, the very same school that her children attend, and is currently providing refuge to a number of families that have been forcefully evacuated from their homes (that were closer to the top). Not to mention the impending threat of temporarily or permanently evacuating themselves.
People like our Costa Rican "parents", Mecho and Macha, who have lived in this community for all of their lives. Imagine being (give or take) 70 years old, and thinking that the friendly giant you've known for all of your life may be going a little bit "loco", and may yet force you from your home.
And the youth we've been working with, thinking that in the long lives they have ahead of them, they'll be living next to a ticking time bomb.
So am I worried about the Turrialba volcano?
No, not for me and my family, in the time we have left here.
But: Yes, definitely and absolutely, for the Costa Rican families that have adopted us, who won't be coming back with us to safe-and-sound Canada in April, and will continue to live in the shadow of this potential monster.
Dutch Blitz Fever
When Bob ad Erica came, they brought a few packs of DB.
And to describe what has happened since the introduction of the game, I need to quote one of the youth that excitedly told me yesterday "There is a Dutch Blitz fever stretching across Tuis!"
And these kids are fast.
And I mean fast. Just give 'em a few seconds to warm up first.
And to describe what has happened since the introduction of the game, I need to quote one of the youth that excitedly told me yesterday "There is a Dutch Blitz fever stretching across Tuis!"
And these kids are fast.
And I mean fast. Just give 'em a few seconds to warm up first.
Stay tuned for the upcoming DB Tournament in Tuis de Turrialba.
Anyone interested in taking on these youngens?
Anyone interested in taking on these youngens?
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Week in Review
After arriving back last Friday night, we jumped right back into serving. Saturday morning there was congregational fast... We gathered together for 5 hours of prayer and hunger to dedicate 2010 to the Lord, for his will to be done within the congregation, the town, the country, and the world. Saturday evening we had our church service; Tom drove Filemon (young man with cerebral palsy) & family to church and back. They live a ways down a crazy gravel road... Always a 'fun' adventure ;)
Sunday we had our first youth bible study, lead by one of the youth. We had fantastic conversation. Very interesting; very insightful. After, we had a 3.5 hour Dutch Blitz fest!
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday we were back into the studies; a woman's ministry meet, birthday party, and planning meeting were mixed in there too. Last night we had a big bonfire for the youth. We introduced s'mores to the youth... We had to start the s'more building lesson with 'How to Roast a Marshmellow'. LOTS of fun! I love the youth.
My parents also arrived this week. We were blessed with the opportunity to get to San Jose and meet them at the airport. It's always nice to visit the "big city"; and it's always fantastic to have visitors!
So, after today, which will entail Filemon's family, Tom preaching(!), and a farewell, we are off for our next week of LOA. We are traveling with my parents through Costa Rica. We are very excited to experience other parts of this beautiful country, which we have grown to love.
Sunday we had our first youth bible study, lead by one of the youth. We had fantastic conversation. Very interesting; very insightful. After, we had a 3.5 hour Dutch Blitz fest!
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday we were back into the studies; a woman's ministry meet, birthday party, and planning meeting were mixed in there too. Last night we had a big bonfire for the youth. We introduced s'mores to the youth... We had to start the s'more building lesson with 'How to Roast a Marshmellow'. LOTS of fun! I love the youth.
My parents also arrived this week. We were blessed with the opportunity to get to San Jose and meet them at the airport. It's always nice to visit the "big city"; and it's always fantastic to have visitors!
So, after today, which will entail Filemon's family, Tom preaching(!), and a farewell, we are off for our next week of LOA. We are traveling with my parents through Costa Rica. We are very excited to experience other parts of this beautiful country, which we have grown to love.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Back!
On Friday evening we arrived back form the beautiful Panama City.
We had an amazing trip and have returned rested and recharged. Thank you for your prayers in this area. We really felt them!
On Saturday morning, we joined the local church in a fast and prayer meet for the new year. It was a beautiful way to reunite with those here after being away for a few days.
While we were away, the local volcano blew (a little bit). Ashes fell all the way over in San Jose! The local area is on Yellow Alert because of the volcano. Exciting, no? Have no fear, the worst it would be is ash and a contaminated water supply. I'd take that over lava any day. I'm not concerned. Plus we are leaving the area again next week ;)
My parents arrive on Wednesday. I'm very excited to see them!
Today we are having the youth over for a bible study. Yesterday evening at church they were very excited to see that we returned safely.
We had an amazing trip and have returned rested and recharged. Thank you for your prayers in this area. We really felt them!
On Saturday morning, we joined the local church in a fast and prayer meet for the new year. It was a beautiful way to reunite with those here after being away for a few days.
While we were away, the local volcano blew (a little bit). Ashes fell all the way over in San Jose! The local area is on Yellow Alert because of the volcano. Exciting, no? Have no fear, the worst it would be is ash and a contaminated water supply. I'd take that over lava any day. I'm not concerned. Plus we are leaving the area again next week ;)
My parents arrive on Wednesday. I'm very excited to see them!
Today we are having the youth over for a bible study. Yesterday evening at church they were very excited to see that we returned safely.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
LOA... Not MIA
Dear readers,
Tom and I are off on our obligatory border hop starting this afternoon. We're heading to Panama City for a few days to have our Costa Rican visas renewed. (Yes, if you can believe it, it's that time already.)
Please keep our travels and time of rest/recuperation in your prayers. We should be back by Thursday, or Saturday at the latest.
Your co-servants in Christ,
Candice and Tom
Tom and I are off on our obligatory border hop starting this afternoon. We're heading to Panama City for a few days to have our Costa Rican visas renewed. (Yes, if you can believe it, it's that time already.)
Please keep our travels and time of rest/recuperation in your prayers. We should be back by Thursday, or Saturday at the latest.
Your co-servants in Christ,
Candice and Tom
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Bob's thoughts on Chirripo!
My sincerest apologies for this post being delayed (filter problem in g-mail).
Please see below for Bob Lehmann's thoughts of our Chirripo adventure.
Composed December 16, 2009
--
Please see below for Bob Lehmann's thoughts of our Chirripo adventure.
Composed December 16, 2009
--
The invitation from Tom and Candice has become my Christmas gift. The purpose was to join them for the Chirripo-hike. Great that we could do this as a couple – and even fly out of Montreal on Erica’s birthday!
We arrived in San Jose late on Nov. 27 - picked up by two amazing people, Hector and Daniel, who we got to love and appreciate. After a two hour ride to La Selva de Suiza we met our dear friends Tom and Candice in the early morning hours. What precious moments of reuniting! From that Saturday ‘till Tuesday there was so much activity and meeting wonderful people.
A few highlights:
We arrived in San Jose late on Nov. 27 - picked up by two amazing people, Hector and Daniel, who we got to love and appreciate. After a two hour ride to La Selva de Suiza we met our dear friends Tom and Candice in the early morning hours. What precious moments of reuniting! From that Saturday ‘till Tuesday there was so much activity and meeting wonderful people.
A few highlights:
1. The men’s breakfast that the Scatliff’s hosted, and Tom was the speaker and shared everything in Spanish (WOW!)
2. The Thanksgiving dinner
3. The church service (amazing!)
4. One and a half day of Spanish – classes with very patient teachers Lili and Karen.
5. Visit Henry on his old farm, which included a four hour hike to a waterfall. Last part of the hike was up the river to the falls. Amazing! (I still think, that Candice was testing us for the Chirripo-hike).
6. Visit one of over hundred of Costa Rica’s volcanoes, Irazu. Amazing!
Now it is Tuesday night and we are preparing our packs for the four day hike. Little anxious but very excited for the uncertainty before us.
Wednesday is a four a clock start of the day – quickly meeting the 19 member team. As strangers we were getting awfully close in the back of a cattle truck that drives us to the trail-head. And at about 8am the great adventure is on it’s way.
The hiking part for these four days was out of this world. Waking through the jungle, over mountains, through valleys, through raging rivers up to our waste, repelling over Rio Chirripo in an uninspected Aluminum-cage etc. etc. was a dream - just amazing - amazing is now my favourite word! God’s amazing creation! We saw a Capuchin Monkey, a Kinkajou, snakes, beautiful butterflies, toucans, parrots and other birds and even a scorpion and huge spiders and more spiders.
To meet the indigenous people, including chief Arnoldo, was a great privilege, honour and a highlight of the trip. The work the Mission in Tuis is doing for those people is amazing and encouraging. And Tom and Candice are so privileged to be right there with the Mission to make a huge difference to so many people.
One of the most amazing things that I experienced on the Chirripo-hike and in the Church community is being accepted, loved and embraced by those people. I started off the hike with mostly strangers and finished it off with the same people now being true and close friends. The experience of a tough hike where we all depended on each other, helped bring us together. There were only two rules for the hike, given by Hector: You are not allowed to cry or complain. And he encouraged us to spend time with God - listen and pray. These very simple but important rules made a huge difference for team-building.
The Chirripo-hike and the many new brothers and sisters I met in such a short time, I will never forget. Thank you Tom and Candice for initiating this great trip for us and thank you God for opening my eyes a little more. You are truly amazing!
Bob
Friday, January 1, 2010
How to Comment on our Blog
We've had some feedback that it is very difficult to leave comments on our blog, so we change the commenting method. Here is a little tutorial on how to use the new method:
A) You'll see a "Comments" section below every blog:
B) You can view the existing comments, or leave a new one, by clicking on the word "comments". This window pops up:
C) Now, leave a comment if you'd like...
Hopefully, this method is a little easier than the last one, but we realize it is never as simple as ABC. :)
A) You'll see a "Comments" section below every blog:
B) You can view the existing comments, or leave a new one, by clicking on the word "comments". This window pops up:
C) Now, leave a comment if you'd like...
- Type your comment in the box below "Leave your comment".
- Click "Name/URL".
- Type your name in the box labeled "Name".
- Click the orange box labeled "Publish your comment".
Hopefully, this method is a little easier than the last one, but we realize it is never as simple as ABC. :)
The Road to Tuis
This is a video we took of the drive to the Mission in Tuis. Somewhere around the 1:20 mark it points toward the "Smith House", which is where we are staying.
What do you think? Is it what you expected?
What do you think? Is it what you expected?
Thursday, December 31, 2009
What Christmas looked like around here
If your interested, click below for a few pictures and descriptions of what Christmas time was like around these parts.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
 |
| CR Christmas |
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
For the record, I really wish I could have kept that Twitter Feed on my side-bar, but I just ran into two too many problems (not sure if you noticed that other people's updates were showing up my side-bar... or heard the rumor that someone hacked all passwords used on one particular day...)
It was so just wonderfully easy to give a quick update and keep going with things here, instead of needed to put aside a chunk of time to dream up somthing logical, interesting, and remotely grammatically correct to post here.
So, if you'd excuse me in advance, you may see a few more short and possibly less interesting quick updates in the post section now...
Okay, let's practice:
- It's raining animals outside.
- I'm just about to start class.
- Tom's in San Jose working with Hector... They'll both be back tomorrow, so I'll probably be sleeping at the neighbor's house tonight.
- New Year's is coming... A HUGE family day around these parts. We're hosting a special church service for it and everything.
- We're gearing up for the new year with the youth. First meeting on the 1st!!
It was so just wonderfully easy to give a quick update and keep going with things here, instead of needed to put aside a chunk of time to dream up somthing logical, interesting, and remotely grammatically correct to post here.
So, if you'd excuse me in advance, you may see a few more short and possibly less interesting quick updates in the post section now...
Okay, let's practice:
- It's raining animals outside.
- I'm just about to start class.
- Tom's in San Jose working with Hector... They'll both be back tomorrow, so I'll probably be sleeping at the neighbor's house tonight.
- New Year's is coming... A HUGE family day around these parts. We're hosting a special church service for it and everything.
- We're gearing up for the new year with the youth. First meeting on the 1st!!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
But don't open it 'till after midnight
This is our Christmas Eve schedule:
What's your plans???? Let us know in the comment section below, or simply leave us a 'hi'. Comments are very encouraging for us... They let us know that people are indeed reading this blog (and you all haven't forgotten about us ;)
Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters!!
- Assist in arranging a huge food hamper to be dropped off for a very needy family
- Assist in transporting a load of goodies to the mission for a kid's concert at 2:00
- Help run the concert (the awesome youth are doing a puppet skit... I'll be sure to tape it for you)
- Help clean up, then set up for the church service at 5:00.
- Pick up a family with a wheel-chair bound son using the mission's van (otherwise they simply cannot physically make it to the mission)
- Be Maria (Mary) and Jose (Joseph) in the Nativity story (I thought we would do better as white sheep, but nominations are nominations)
- Drive the family, mentioned above, home
- Catch the bus back to our place and join the neighbors (our Costa Rica family) in celebration of Freedom, with great food, singing, and dancing.
- Take part in the gift exchange (we drew names last week). But this cannot be done until after midnight!
- Be in our houses soon after, for tonight is the most dangerous night for having your house broken into.
What's your plans???? Let us know in the comment section below, or simply leave us a 'hi'. Comments are very encouraging for us... They let us know that people are indeed reading this blog (and you all haven't forgotten about us ;)
Merry Christmas, brothers and sisters!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas
...Is not the same.
I know Christmas isn't a 'feeling', but sometimes feelin' it really helps with the reminder of the season. And, in our case, we are indeed feelin' something, but it's not the same. And sometimes changes are hard to take, even thought they aren't bad. Being dropped in another culture often leads to learning more about your own culture more than the culture you're living in (because, in reality, you will never get it, and especially so in a matter of a few short months).
One thing that I've enjoyed about this season here is the lack of propaganda and the lack of excess spilling out from under a tree. Emphasis of Christmas here is spent on family and food... Traditional foods that take much labour and love to make, and this labour is dispersed between all those who are free the day before Christmas Eve to help prep the food together. These helpers range from the grandkids to grandma. And, in our case, the neighbors too. The cost of family gatherings is dispersed between all families attending, too. The labour is shared, the cost is shared, and the meal is shared together in the Grand Day. And that's where the emphasis is. Sharing, as a family, for the celebration of Christ.
Kind of nice, eh?
In Canada I'm often left with the thought that Christmas is so stressful, and especially so for mothers. It seems that the 'joy of the season' is theirs to deliver. Along with a roasted bird, beautifully wrapped presents, a clean home, Christmas music.... Don't 'they say' that Christmas time is something like the most depressing time of the year? And January is the month that people carry the most debt? I know this isn't an original thought, but is this the way to celebrate freedom?
Yes we live in cultural contexts, and adherence to traditions isn't a bad thing. But isn't it a true shame, waste, and downright evil thing when Christmas is a time that is dreaded, depressing, and debt-inducing?
Yes, this season has been a bit heartbreaking for us, but beautiful lessons often arise from 'hardships'. And although we're only going to be in CR for a short while, I can image that this Christmas season will impact all of those to come for us.
I know Christmas isn't a 'feeling', but sometimes feelin' it really helps with the reminder of the season. And, in our case, we are indeed feelin' something, but it's not the same. And sometimes changes are hard to take, even thought they aren't bad. Being dropped in another culture often leads to learning more about your own culture more than the culture you're living in (because, in reality, you will never get it, and especially so in a matter of a few short months).
One thing that I've enjoyed about this season here is the lack of propaganda and the lack of excess spilling out from under a tree. Emphasis of Christmas here is spent on family and food... Traditional foods that take much labour and love to make, and this labour is dispersed between all those who are free the day before Christmas Eve to help prep the food together. These helpers range from the grandkids to grandma. And, in our case, the neighbors too. The cost of family gatherings is dispersed between all families attending, too. The labour is shared, the cost is shared, and the meal is shared together in the Grand Day. And that's where the emphasis is. Sharing, as a family, for the celebration of Christ.
Kind of nice, eh?
In Canada I'm often left with the thought that Christmas is so stressful, and especially so for mothers. It seems that the 'joy of the season' is theirs to deliver. Along with a roasted bird, beautifully wrapped presents, a clean home, Christmas music.... Don't 'they say' that Christmas time is something like the most depressing time of the year? And January is the month that people carry the most debt? I know this isn't an original thought, but is this the way to celebrate freedom?
Yes we live in cultural contexts, and adherence to traditions isn't a bad thing. But isn't it a true shame, waste, and downright evil thing when Christmas is a time that is dreaded, depressing, and debt-inducing?
Yes, this season has been a bit heartbreaking for us, but beautiful lessons often arise from 'hardships'. And although we're only going to be in CR for a short while, I can image that this Christmas season will impact all of those to come for us.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Chirripo Thank-You video
The Chirripo outreach project, summed up in 3 minutes and 29 seconds.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Chirripo!
Okay, sorry for the long-time-no-write!
I kicked myself a few times in the car on the way to the end of the road when we were off to Chiripo... Oh why, oh why did I not write to my readers that we were heading off into the wilderness-jungleyness for 4 days???
Oh, right, because we had (have) amazing house guests and A LOT of prep, planning, and ministries to take part in during the days leading up to the trip. Then there was the trip, which of course didn't contain any electricity... never mind internet :P
Okay, enough excuses, eh? I'll just tell you how it went.
AMAZING.
I could just leave it at that, if I were to sum it up in one word. But you deserve more.
So here are the:
FACTS:
We were a team of 19 individuals, coming from all sorts of places (Winnipeg, Montreal, San Jose, Turrialba, Tuis, Las Colonies....), and all ages (from 25 - 61) with one goal: To serve the indigenous people. We did this through medical clinics, church services, a dental health workshop, construction work, and simply playing and hanging out with the women and children.
The 19 of us met at 5:00am in Tuis on Wednesday morning, climbed into the back of a cattle truck, and drove to the end of the road (about 1.5 hours). Well, most of us went in the cattle truck, Erica and I were of the lucky ladies that got to ride in Daniel's 4-Runner :D
Once we reached the end of the road, we left the heavy bags for porters to take, and we headed off, into the jungle, as a team of 19 who had no idea what they were in for!!!
We hiked for about 5 hours... Under the jungle canopy, over fallen trees, through rushing rivers, and under thick brush. Oh, the experience!!!!
Then we made it there.
Sinoli village.
We fell exhausted to the floor of a wooden hut built by the mission, but we didn't stay for long. We took off to the river to clean ourselves up to do a medical clinic for the village.
Except our bags didn't arrive.
Until after dark.
An executive and wise decision was made to hold off on heading off to the next village on Thursday morning, but instead stay in Sinoli for another day and have the medical clinic there.
So we did.
And it was great!
Tom and Bob worked on light construction projects for the mission hut and the community's church. A nurse (Cindy) and an American Spanish student (Crystal), along with two translators (from English to Spanish, and from Spanish to Cabecar) served those in the community seeking medical attention. The women and children who attended the clinic walked for hours to get there. Can you imagine? They are coming because they are sick. And they walked for hours, through the jungle and under the sun to seek medical attention, because this is their only opportunity for the next few months.
Erica and I had the opportunity to play with the kids, make a million balloon animals, and hand out candy necklaces (thank you Lakeshore!). Erica even ran a dental health workshop that provided toothbrushes and toothpaste to the children and showed them the proper way to brush their teeth. Erica was amazing. The kids were so cute.
(And no, the irony of providing candy necklaces prior to the workshop was not lost on us.)
On Friday the other 17 people from the team left for Palmera, a village located a few more hours' hike away. Tom and I stayed behind due to, errrm, gastrointestinal concerns that dragged out allllll Thursday night. Oiy! I'll spare you the details.
The team ran another medical clinic, partook in a church service, and had time with the kids in the second village. Then, before sun rise on Saturday morning, they packed their belongings and hiked back to Tom and I, had breakfast, and we all hiked out. The hike out took about 7 hours and boy howdy it was challenging.
By God's grace we all made it out, relatively in one piece each, and the cattle truck did indeed meet us at the end of the road.
Pictures and feelings to come!!!
I kicked myself a few times in the car on the way to the end of the road when we were off to Chiripo... Oh why, oh why did I not write to my readers that we were heading off into the wilderness-jungleyness for 4 days???
Oh, right, because we had (have) amazing house guests and A LOT of prep, planning, and ministries to take part in during the days leading up to the trip. Then there was the trip, which of course didn't contain any electricity... never mind internet :P
Okay, enough excuses, eh? I'll just tell you how it went.
AMAZING.
I could just leave it at that, if I were to sum it up in one word. But you deserve more.
So here are the:
FACTS:
We were a team of 19 individuals, coming from all sorts of places (Winnipeg, Montreal, San Jose, Turrialba, Tuis, Las Colonies....), and all ages (from 25 - 61) with one goal: To serve the indigenous people. We did this through medical clinics, church services, a dental health workshop, construction work, and simply playing and hanging out with the women and children.
The 19 of us met at 5:00am in Tuis on Wednesday morning, climbed into the back of a cattle truck, and drove to the end of the road (about 1.5 hours). Well, most of us went in the cattle truck, Erica and I were of the lucky ladies that got to ride in Daniel's 4-Runner :D
Once we reached the end of the road, we left the heavy bags for porters to take, and we headed off, into the jungle, as a team of 19 who had no idea what they were in for!!!
We hiked for about 5 hours... Under the jungle canopy, over fallen trees, through rushing rivers, and under thick brush. Oh, the experience!!!!
Then we made it there.
Sinoli village.
We fell exhausted to the floor of a wooden hut built by the mission, but we didn't stay for long. We took off to the river to clean ourselves up to do a medical clinic for the village.
Except our bags didn't arrive.
Until after dark.
An executive and wise decision was made to hold off on heading off to the next village on Thursday morning, but instead stay in Sinoli for another day and have the medical clinic there.
So we did.
And it was great!
Tom and Bob worked on light construction projects for the mission hut and the community's church. A nurse (Cindy) and an American Spanish student (Crystal), along with two translators (from English to Spanish, and from Spanish to Cabecar) served those in the community seeking medical attention. The women and children who attended the clinic walked for hours to get there. Can you imagine? They are coming because they are sick. And they walked for hours, through the jungle and under the sun to seek medical attention, because this is their only opportunity for the next few months.
Erica and I had the opportunity to play with the kids, make a million balloon animals, and hand out candy necklaces (thank you Lakeshore!). Erica even ran a dental health workshop that provided toothbrushes and toothpaste to the children and showed them the proper way to brush their teeth. Erica was amazing. The kids were so cute.
(And no, the irony of providing candy necklaces prior to the workshop was not lost on us.)
On Friday the other 17 people from the team left for Palmera, a village located a few more hours' hike away. Tom and I stayed behind due to, errrm, gastrointestinal concerns that dragged out allllll Thursday night. Oiy! I'll spare you the details.
The team ran another medical clinic, partook in a church service, and had time with the kids in the second village. Then, before sun rise on Saturday morning, they packed their belongings and hiked back to Tom and I, had breakfast, and we all hiked out. The hike out took about 7 hours and boy howdy it was challenging.
By God's grace we all made it out, relatively in one piece each, and the cattle truck did indeed meet us at the end of the road.
Pictures and feelings to come!!!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Youth night puppet making
Here's some pictures from last Friday's youth night.
We had a blast, these kids are so talented! Tonight we are off to the mission to practice our puppet show that we're doing for the children's Christmas concert we're hosting.
We had a blast, these kids are so talented! Tonight we are off to the mission to practice our puppet show that we're doing for the children's Christmas concert we're hosting.
 |
| Youth night puppet making (Nov 20/09) |
Click on photo to see more pictures.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
On a more serious note
Before we left Canada, I anticipated being able to keep those who are interested in our happenings here in Costa Rica up to date on the latest. However, I've found myself posting on more surface-type happenings. But finding the ability to gather thoughts into words, and ordering those words in a logical and meaningful sense in order to capture happenings around us here, in a concise manner, and devoting minimal time to it, to be more than challenging. But what I wrestle with, is that so many people put us on the ground here, and they have the 'right' to know what's all happening, and not just about sunshine and roses.
But I still struggle, erroneously concerned that leaving readers with thoughts of challenges and hurdles negates our work, or it renders readers regretful they'd sponsored this mission. But I'm also concerned about the latter when I post about sunshine and roses.
Not exactly win-win.
However, it's been laid on my heart to share more than I have been. I do ask that you look past the poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and potentially scrambled thoughts; for these are the types of things that stop me from writing more meaningful posts.
Also, let me precede this post with this: There is a lot of sunshine and roses here, honestly.
--
The bible tells us that we are surrounded by spiritual warfare. Considering the topic is scary, and to discuss it publicly often requires great knowledge and a strong viewpoint, it's something I always sort of avoided thinking about back in Canada. It's scary. Honestly. But probably putting it on the back burner, saying to myself "My Lord is greater than Satan, therefore Satan will be crushed... So, I'm good. back to my distractions.." May be scarier.
We are told to be in the world, but not of the world ... But am I not of Canada if I fail to be alerted by the garbage that transpires there, too? Even in my own life? Why am I not overwhelmed with concern when similar things (comparatively speeking) are happening in the lives of others in Canada? Oh sure, we all have problems, and we are human (of the 'flesh'), but are not some of these problems rooted in spiritual warfare? To be sure, I'm not trying to pass the buck, for my Lord is greater and more powerful than satan, but while sitting idle dancing in distractions and continuing to continue on, am I not acting as a mere spectator of warfare? Can you pass the popcorn?
Is it because I have been dropped and submerged into a different culture, that the hairs on the back of my neck are quick to raise when something seems (horribly) off? Or is something more powerful and deeper being revealed to me?
And how am I to respond to this, in either case?
The bible tells me:
Then there comes a point to which satan may be given too much credit. Maybe this is not due to spiritual warfare. Maybe challenges and obstacles are a direct result of 'flesh'? But is that actually different? Are these not manifested as the same act of un-God-centered-ness? (Because we always have a choice.)
But there are some things that just don't sense to be of the flesh. Let's take a few personal examples over the past week:
After a few days of moral gut checks and prayerful decisions, which manifested in beautiful results, we finally reach Friday, youth night at our house (which we just moved back into). Things were going great, I went to the neighbors to borrow something and proceeded to wipe out on their steps. It wasn't too bad, but, seriously, my Spanish spilled out of my head. I had to rely on a translator for the rest of the night (which doesn't boost the confidence)..
Saturday, a day we reserved and used for a spiritual retreat to focus on our upcoming challenging hike to Chirripo, our house started to fall apart. The sink; literally, I caught it as it started to fall to the ground. The hot water in the shower stopped, half way through my shower. The stove wouldn't work, the lights started to go out, the microwave conked. Yes, yes, after much investigation is was a overworked fuse down the line... So that explains everything, right? Coincidence to have such a distraction on that day? Oh, sure.
Sunday, while taking some friends to a show as a gift, I slipped on the steps of the bus, and proceeded to smash my body on the stairs.
Monday, while training for Chirripo my bowels began to act up... which evolved into feverish chills, gastrointestinal distress and a sleepless night. Why? I had to lay down due to nausiousness, but laying was painful due to a bruised body.
Tuesday... Do I need to continue?
String of bad luck?
Coincidence that our ministry here is becoming well planted, and that we've seen some amazing things come together over prayer, just prior to this all?
I'm not sure about you, but I think not.
But I still struggle, erroneously concerned that leaving readers with thoughts of challenges and hurdles negates our work, or it renders readers regretful they'd sponsored this mission. But I'm also concerned about the latter when I post about sunshine and roses.
Not exactly win-win.
However, it's been laid on my heart to share more than I have been. I do ask that you look past the poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and potentially scrambled thoughts; for these are the types of things that stop me from writing more meaningful posts.
Also, let me precede this post with this: There is a lot of sunshine and roses here, honestly.
--
The bible tells us that we are surrounded by spiritual warfare. Considering the topic is scary, and to discuss it publicly often requires great knowledge and a strong viewpoint, it's something I always sort of avoided thinking about back in Canada. It's scary. Honestly. But probably putting it on the back burner, saying to myself "My Lord is greater than Satan, therefore Satan will be crushed... So, I'm good. back to my distractions.." May be scarier.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)But now I find myself seeing battles, that just don't make sense to be coming from the flesh. But why are these types of things not so obvious to me in the Canadian culture? Is that it? Is it just culture? And, because I am from the Canadian culture I'm used to customs, desires, unwritten rules, happenings, and distractions of that 'culture' and I don't see them as possibly being from a much worse source?
We are told to be in the world, but not of the world ... But am I not of Canada if I fail to be alerted by the garbage that transpires there, too? Even in my own life? Why am I not overwhelmed with concern when similar things (comparatively speeking) are happening in the lives of others in Canada? Oh sure, we all have problems, and we are human (of the 'flesh'), but are not some of these problems rooted in spiritual warfare? To be sure, I'm not trying to pass the buck, for my Lord is greater and more powerful than satan, but while sitting idle dancing in distractions and continuing to continue on, am I not acting as a mere spectator of warfare? Can you pass the popcorn?
Is it because I have been dropped and submerged into a different culture, that the hairs on the back of my neck are quick to raise when something seems (horribly) off? Or is something more powerful and deeper being revealed to me?
And how am I to respond to this, in either case?
The bible tells me:
"Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks." (Ephesians 6:11)Easier said than done, though. Especially because the devil's evil tricks may be involved.
Then there comes a point to which satan may be given too much credit. Maybe this is not due to spiritual warfare. Maybe challenges and obstacles are a direct result of 'flesh'? But is that actually different? Are these not manifested as the same act of un-God-centered-ness? (Because we always have a choice.)
But there are some things that just don't sense to be of the flesh. Let's take a few personal examples over the past week:
After a few days of moral gut checks and prayerful decisions, which manifested in beautiful results, we finally reach Friday, youth night at our house (which we just moved back into). Things were going great, I went to the neighbors to borrow something and proceeded to wipe out on their steps. It wasn't too bad, but, seriously, my Spanish spilled out of my head. I had to rely on a translator for the rest of the night (which doesn't boost the confidence)..
Saturday, a day we reserved and used for a spiritual retreat to focus on our upcoming challenging hike to Chirripo, our house started to fall apart. The sink; literally, I caught it as it started to fall to the ground. The hot water in the shower stopped, half way through my shower. The stove wouldn't work, the lights started to go out, the microwave conked. Yes, yes, after much investigation is was a overworked fuse down the line... So that explains everything, right? Coincidence to have such a distraction on that day? Oh, sure.
Sunday, while taking some friends to a show as a gift, I slipped on the steps of the bus, and proceeded to smash my body on the stairs.
Monday, while training for Chirripo my bowels began to act up... which evolved into feverish chills, gastrointestinal distress and a sleepless night. Why? I had to lay down due to nausiousness, but laying was painful due to a bruised body.
Tuesday... Do I need to continue?
String of bad luck?
Coincidence that our ministry here is becoming well planted, and that we've seen some amazing things come together over prayer, just prior to this all?
I'm not sure about you, but I think not.
13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:13-18)
Prayer Requests
For those of you not on Laura's e-mail list for our prayer requests*, lend me your ears!
*If you wish to be on Laura's e-mail list, please send me an e-mail
.
- Heath issues have decided to plague me again. I have a (mildly) serious gastrointestinal problem going on for the past few days. I've been restricted to the couch (which is situated near the bathroom ;) and fighting dehydration and sometimes chills. It looks like things are not on a fast-track recovery line, but I need that to fully recover for Chirripo next week. Tom is doing well, but is quite concerned.
- The Lehmann's arrive tomorrow! Our good friends from Montreal are joining us for over a week of service. This includes the major hike next week! Please pray for a smooth transition for them, and for my heath issues to not be communicable!!!
*If you wish to be on Laura's e-mail list, please send me an e-mail
.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Week in Review
Yes, yet another week has come and gone!
This past week was a bit different than average though!
Last Saturday we were blessed with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the ancestors of the indigenous group we are visiting next week. We were offered to join a group of Americans touring Guayabo Monument, a historic site that, according to the guide, was inhabited by indigenous people some 14,000 years ago. Very interesting. Very rainy!
We also got to learn a great deal about the religious history of the country when we send a day out and around the country side with Hector and a few others on Tuesday. We visited super old churches and grounds that are/were considered to be holy and/or haunted.
The importance of an appreciation of the background of a people group you are working with is essential. Much of the history really surprised me... Too much to even try and capture in a blog post though, sorry.
But do enjoy some of the pics.
Then, to add to our non-average week, we whisked in to San Jose Wednesday evening. We had a meeting with two people from San Jose who are interested in joining us on the Chirripo hike next week. We spent the night at the pastor's apartment and Thursday morn we ran some errands and took the bus back to Turrialba.
San Jose from the bus window
We got back in time to get a few groceries, move back in to our house, and eat dinner before crashing for the night and preparing for Youth Night! at our house on Friday. But that night deserves a post of it's own!
This past week was a bit different than average though!
Last Saturday we were blessed with the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the ancestors of the indigenous group we are visiting next week. We were offered to join a group of Americans touring Guayabo Monument, a historic site that, according to the guide, was inhabited by indigenous people some 14,000 years ago. Very interesting. Very rainy!
We also got to learn a great deal about the religious history of the country when we send a day out and around the country side with Hector and a few others on Tuesday. We visited super old churches and grounds that are/were considered to be holy and/or haunted.
The importance of an appreciation of the background of a people group you are working with is essential. Much of the history really surprised me... Too much to even try and capture in a blog post though, sorry.
But do enjoy some of the pics.
Then, to add to our non-average week, we whisked in to San Jose Wednesday evening. We had a meeting with two people from San Jose who are interested in joining us on the Chirripo hike next week. We spent the night at the pastor's apartment and Thursday morn we ran some errands and took the bus back to Turrialba.
San Jose from the bus window
We got back in time to get a few groceries, move back in to our house, and eat dinner before crashing for the night and preparing for Youth Night! at our house on Friday. But that night deserves a post of it's own!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
4 Ingredients of Happiness
Life is a little different here. I'm not sure if it's the people, or the pace, or the attitude... I really don't know.
We are told that "Ticos" (a.k.a. Costa Ricans) consider happiness to consist of four ingredients:
1) A spouse
2) A little house
3) A job
4) God
It's refreshing, from a North American point-of-view, that there are places in the world where God still makes the list.
I'm leading the next men's breakfast here, and one of the things I want to talk about at the breakfast is: In my own, personal, "pursuit of happiness", how often have I measured my success by my marital status, possessions, or occupation? And have I understood the necessity of God, or have I concentrated more on expecting God to provide me the other items?
In fact, there is only one ingredient to happiness. I'll let you guess which one.
Candice and I really want to take this opportunity as foreigners in a far-away land to break our old molds, our old habits, our old mindsets, and let God reinvent us. To be sure, this is an on going process. Life is very difficult, and adapting to our new home, new lives, and new roles is very straining, so please keep those prayers coming. We do feel, though, absolutely, that there is nowhere else we'd rather be, and that in serving here for the next few months, we may be transformed into a slightly more accurate image of Him.
I've got a long way to go!
We are told that "Ticos" (a.k.a. Costa Ricans) consider happiness to consist of four ingredients:
1) A spouse
2) A little house
3) A job
4) God
It's refreshing, from a North American point-of-view, that there are places in the world where God still makes the list.
I'm leading the next men's breakfast here, and one of the things I want to talk about at the breakfast is: In my own, personal, "pursuit of happiness", how often have I measured my success by my marital status, possessions, or occupation? And have I understood the necessity of God, or have I concentrated more on expecting God to provide me the other items?
In fact, there is only one ingredient to happiness. I'll let you guess which one.
Candice and I really want to take this opportunity as foreigners in a far-away land to break our old molds, our old habits, our old mindsets, and let God reinvent us. To be sure, this is an on going process. Life is very difficult, and adapting to our new home, new lives, and new roles is very straining, so please keep those prayers coming. We do feel, though, absolutely, that there is nowhere else we'd rather be, and that in serving here for the next few months, we may be transformed into a slightly more accurate image of Him.
I've got a long way to go!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Youth night #2
It's youth night again (already!)
Ephesians 6:7
I'm anticipating a number of new comers tonight. Word has spread that a few Canadians have come and are riling up the local youth to getting on board with serving their community.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Ephesians 6:7
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
I'm anticipating a number of new comers tonight. Word has spread that a few Canadians have come and are riling up the local youth to getting on board with serving their community.
I'll let you know how it goes!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Week 3
Although it's cliche, I'm still going to say
"Wow, I can't believe it's been X weeks already!"
Time has indeed flown by.
We are now residing in our house, leading youth, paricipating in many weekly activities, have stated a prayer group for the church service, and are indeed building realtionships with many people throughout the community. And beyond, actually. Like yesterday, when we were waiting for the bus a gentlemand noticed that I was studying Spanish. We started to talk with him and, within 20 minutes, Tom and I arranged to help him learn English and he offered us a tour of his coffee farm! The people here are so proud of their land... They really do know Costa Rica is beautiful.
Other updates:
"Wow, I can't believe it's been X weeks already!"
Time has indeed flown by.
We are now residing in our house, leading youth, paricipating in many weekly activities, have stated a prayer group for the church service, and are indeed building realtionships with many people throughout the community. And beyond, actually. Like yesterday, when we were waiting for the bus a gentlemand noticed that I was studying Spanish. We started to talk with him and, within 20 minutes, Tom and I arranged to help him learn English and he offered us a tour of his coffee farm! The people here are so proud of their land... They really do know Costa Rica is beautiful.
Other updates:
- The youth did get excited about ServantHood. We've already done a (mini) project and I'm (and they, actually) are excited about the next ones.
- Spanish is coming along. Thank you for your prayers for language acquisition. Our language skills are growing, seriously, only by God's grace. Although sometimes it is frustrating that we don't know more, it is a great venue for relationship building (and theatrics!)
- We are training for the December outreach project into the remote indigenous reserves. Please watch the video below for a snidbit of what it will be like... This venture will be 4 days long and health-clinic focused. A doctor, two nurses, and myself (plus anyone else with a background in health care) will be undertaking health clinics at three communities in the Chirripo mountains. More details to come!
Friday, October 30, 2009
(First) Youth Night!!!
The Bro hasn't gathered since the beginning of September, making tonight the first gathering of the 'semester,' so to speak. I'm excited and I've heard that a few of the youth are excited.
And I've guaranteed myself an interpreter. Cuz ain't no one coming back if I simply reply on my Spanish! :P
My lesson tonight focuses on 1 Timothy 4:12
The beginning theme for us will be ServantHood. Something completely borrowed from our Youth Pastor at Lakeshore Church in Montreal.
She's amazing.
Beyond the core verse of 1 Timothy (above) we'll read the greatest commandment(s):
Mark 12:30:
Galatians 5:13:
Please pray for us tonight and in the weeks to come. Let relationships build, youth feel welcomed, and energy focused on loving our God and serving each other.
And who doesn't love pizza???
And I've guaranteed myself an interpreter. Cuz ain't no one coming back if I simply reply on my Spanish! :P
My lesson tonight focuses on 1 Timothy 4:12
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.I really want to start things off on a fresh note. Maybe we'll have some first timers tonight (maybe next Friday, or the Friday after...) because it's the beginning of the semester (and, according to the pastor, maybe because it's led my foreigners) and I really want these gatherings to be as non-intimidating as possible. So I'm banking on printed versus (nothing is more intimidating to me than someone referencing a verse that you aren't familiar with and you feel left out), easy lessons (based on said printed versus), and applicable actions (community projects, hopefully at least once a month) to focus a few of them.
The beginning theme for us will be ServantHood. Something completely borrowed from our Youth Pastor at Lakeshore Church in Montreal.
She's amazing.
Beyond the core verse of 1 Timothy (above) we'll read the greatest commandment(s):
Mark 12:30:
To love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength... (and) love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13:
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature: rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."After, we'll be brainstorming ways in which we can do this. Big or small... Pretty much anything they can come up with (or open up and actually say). My heart's desire is to harness some of the energy these kids have and put it to good use, showing what they can do for others, etc. And that doing things for others is actually fun.
(emphasis mine)
Please pray for us tonight and in the weeks to come. Let relationships build, youth feel welcomed, and energy focused on loving our God and serving each other.
And who doesn't love pizza???
Monday, October 26, 2009
Update: results of board meeting
Tom and I now have many, many kids.
MANY.
And they don't understand us.
But who's kids do, really?
Our desire to work with the youth was well matched with the board's statement: We don't have a youth pastor... and the things we have tried to get going with the youth group have not been very successful.
So, we are to do as we like... With the intent to have the group grow, and grow in their walk with Jesus. Well, for most, it's to at least start a walk with Jesus. Drugs are a problem here. Like most small towns, there ain't much to do, so trouble brews.
We understand that this means we may be inviting trouble right into our living room, but that's something we are willing to take as it comes. Our hearts have grown immensely for this age group over the past few months as we became youth leaders at our church in Montreal. And by 'immensely' I mean: from ziltch to convicted obligation. We are excited to begin to fill a need in the community... We sanction your prayers!
In addition to helping with the youth it has been decided that Tom will lead the men's monthly breakfast gathering (which, according to the board, is another group that they have found to be hard to reach) and is leading a weekly prayer meeting before church services; we will both be participating in all outreach projects to the indigenous people in the remote mountain communities (first excursion on Dec 3-7); I'm assisting with the weekly woman's ministry group and both of us with the weekly small group bible class; we are also assisting in planning, decorating, and implementing Christmas celebrations for the Tuis region (planning began last week, decorating on November 14th, and subsequent Christmas celebration events on most Thursdays from then until New Years) and for the celebration for the indigenous people...
And that is the general plan from now until the end of the year... And we'll evaluate where we are and where we want 'to be' in the new year.
Wow!
More details to come, but I figured I'd give you a general update as to how the board meeting went.
Adios!
(To God)
MANY.
And they don't understand us.
But who's kids do, really?
Our desire to work with the youth was well matched with the board's statement: We don't have a youth pastor... and the things we have tried to get going with the youth group have not been very successful.
So, we are to do as we like... With the intent to have the group grow, and grow in their walk with Jesus. Well, for most, it's to at least start a walk with Jesus. Drugs are a problem here. Like most small towns, there ain't much to do, so trouble brews.
We understand that this means we may be inviting trouble right into our living room, but that's something we are willing to take as it comes. Our hearts have grown immensely for this age group over the past few months as we became youth leaders at our church in Montreal. And by 'immensely' I mean: from ziltch to convicted obligation. We are excited to begin to fill a need in the community... We sanction your prayers!
In addition to helping with the youth it has been decided that Tom will lead the men's monthly breakfast gathering (which, according to the board, is another group that they have found to be hard to reach) and is leading a weekly prayer meeting before church services; we will both be participating in all outreach projects to the indigenous people in the remote mountain communities (first excursion on Dec 3-7); I'm assisting with the weekly woman's ministry group and both of us with the weekly small group bible class; we are also assisting in planning, decorating, and implementing Christmas celebrations for the Tuis region (planning began last week, decorating on November 14th, and subsequent Christmas celebration events on most Thursdays from then until New Years) and for the celebration for the indigenous people...
And that is the general plan from now until the end of the year... And we'll evaluate where we are and where we want 'to be' in the new year.
Wow!
More details to come, but I figured I'd give you a general update as to how the board meeting went.
Adios!
(To God)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Day 3...ish
Well, we've only been here for a few days, but it already seems like we are settling.
Today was our first day of Spanish class... Seems as though Tom didn't whop me too bad in the placement test, becuase we ended up being in the same Spanish class.
There are two people in our class... Us :P
We've befriended two other students at the Spanish school; Micheal and Crystal. Both are fantastic people... I convinced Crystal to join me in attending the ladies meet this afternoon. Us ladies have started the series Purpose Driven Life, which is fantastic considering I actually brought a(n English) copy of the book with me to Costa Rica. How perfect!
We are still getting used to the customs and culture here. Many things are different and we have yet to understand them, as would be expected. The whole folding up used bathroom tissue and placing it in a waste basket to collect over a few days I can understand because of the weak septic system, but the practice still takes some getting used to.
Same goes for the ants. They are everywhere. You leave a grain of sugar on the table and it results in the Great Migration. They were also all over (and in, and under, and on, and through) the laptop this morning when Tom picked it up. Nothing like a freshly infested laptop to start off your day! lol!!
But even that couldn't really shake the smiles on our hearts today... As we celebrated our second anniversary (by taking a long gorgeous walk first thing in the morning... To Spanish class)!!!
Tomorrow looks like it's going to be busy: We have class from 9:00-12:00... But first start the day off with a bible reading and a few songs with the other students. The Mission asked Tom to play the guitar at these morning gatherings... He's a bit nervous about this, but of course accepted the task. After class we'll have lunch, then a meeting, then a few of the women are going to show us how to cook some Costa Rican food! After (eating it) we'll go to a prayer meet a few more miles down the road. It will be dark by the time it's done, which means we may have our first taxi ride. (The cars on the 'highway' come crazy-close during the day, so there ain't no way we are walking home at night!)
We'll it's almost time for bed. All the best to you all.
Also, please leave a comment if there is anything you want to hear about or ask about, or just to simply say hi. We'd love to hear from any readers out there!
Today was our first day of Spanish class... Seems as though Tom didn't whop me too bad in the placement test, becuase we ended up being in the same Spanish class.
There are two people in our class... Us :P
We've befriended two other students at the Spanish school; Micheal and Crystal. Both are fantastic people... I convinced Crystal to join me in attending the ladies meet this afternoon. Us ladies have started the series Purpose Driven Life, which is fantastic considering I actually brought a(n English) copy of the book with me to Costa Rica. How perfect!
We are still getting used to the customs and culture here. Many things are different and we have yet to understand them, as would be expected. The whole folding up used bathroom tissue and placing it in a waste basket to collect over a few days I can understand because of the weak septic system, but the practice still takes some getting used to.
Same goes for the ants. They are everywhere. You leave a grain of sugar on the table and it results in the Great Migration. They were also all over (and in, and under, and on, and through) the laptop this morning when Tom picked it up. Nothing like a freshly infested laptop to start off your day! lol!!
But even that couldn't really shake the smiles on our hearts today... As we celebrated our second anniversary (by taking a long gorgeous walk first thing in the morning... To Spanish class)!!!
Tomorrow looks like it's going to be busy: We have class from 9:00-12:00... But first start the day off with a bible reading and a few songs with the other students. The Mission asked Tom to play the guitar at these morning gatherings... He's a bit nervous about this, but of course accepted the task. After class we'll have lunch, then a meeting, then a few of the women are going to show us how to cook some Costa Rican food! After (eating it) we'll go to a prayer meet a few more miles down the road. It will be dark by the time it's done, which means we may have our first taxi ride. (The cars on the 'highway' come crazy-close during the day, so there ain't no way we are walking home at night!)
We'll it's almost time for bed. All the best to you all.
Also, please leave a comment if there is anything you want to hear about or ask about, or just to simply say hi. We'd love to hear from any readers out there!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 1
What a glorious, glorious day.
We sanctioned prayers, and they must have come! The Lord has put me on the road to recovery, and I am thankful. We were able to make it to church (1/2 hour walk from our homestay) for the Sunday service.
Today church ran from 5:00pm-7:30pm. We were introduced to the congregation and asked to share a bit about ourselves and why we are here. The head pastor (Hector) helped with the translation. After the service we met with the church board members to introduce ourselves and for them to introduce themselves (again, with a bit of help from Hector). It was decided that we will be given two weeks to 'settle in' before creating solid plans to jump in to ourselves. That said, I am meeting with the leaders of the women's ministry on Tuesday, Tom and I both have a prayer group to attend on Wednesday, and our first night with the youth is this coming Saturday. Currently, we are to focus on cultural and language acquisition and, most importantly, relationship building.
Tomorrow is our official day of 'orientation'. We have placement tests at the Spanish school in the morning, and in the afternoon we will go to Turrialba (a nearby town) with a local to learn the ropes of the bus system, bank procedures, grocery store, etc.
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
We sanctioned prayers, and they must have come! The Lord has put me on the road to recovery, and I am thankful. We were able to make it to church (1/2 hour walk from our homestay) for the Sunday service.
Today church ran from 5:00pm-7:30pm. We were introduced to the congregation and asked to share a bit about ourselves and why we are here. The head pastor (Hector) helped with the translation. After the service we met with the church board members to introduce ourselves and for them to introduce themselves (again, with a bit of help from Hector). It was decided that we will be given two weeks to 'settle in' before creating solid plans to jump in to ourselves. That said, I am meeting with the leaders of the women's ministry on Tuesday, Tom and I both have a prayer group to attend on Wednesday, and our first night with the youth is this coming Saturday. Currently, we are to focus on cultural and language acquisition and, most importantly, relationship building.
Tomorrow is our official day of 'orientation'. We have placement tests at the Spanish school in the morning, and in the afternoon we will go to Turrialba (a nearby town) with a local to learn the ropes of the bus system, bank procedures, grocery store, etc.
I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Landed!
Praise the Lord!!!
After a beautiful send off from Lakeshore in the early hours of this morning, we've arrived in Tuis de Turrialba this evening. We were met at the San Jose airport by nothing less than the smiling faces of both Hector and Daniel! What a blessing it was to start off as a team with them. We rode with Hector all the way back to Tuis (2.5hour car ride), which provided a great opportunity to get a feel for the current happenings and what some plans are. All I have to say is this: We are going to be busy!
However I sanction your prayers: In the last week leading up to the trip, I hadn't been feeling all that well. Now that I pushed my limit and stayed up most the night with the youth, I was granted the opportunity to chuck my airplane cookies a few times today. Let me tell you - I thought a long airplane ride was rough to do on an upset stomach (those little airplane bags are effective though, aren't they?) ... little did I know the tough part was still coming: sitting in the back seat of a van whipping and winding along mountain side roads (for 2.5hours). RALF! Please pray that my health recoups very quickly and I will be able to partake in tomorrow's activities. Hector wants us to introduce ourselves to the congregation, and I'd rather not be green. Tom is heading to the men's breakfast first thing and I hope to be able to share a meal with our house mother while the men are away. Currently, eating, for me, is completely out of the question. I was able to keep down a herb-tea type-drink our house mother put together for me for my stomach when we arrived. I don't know what it was, but it was pretty delicious. I'm restricted to a horizontal position (nothing to do with an ingredient of the tea, don't worry)... But praise God our laptop has picked up the wireless signal from the rental house next door!!!
Also, although most of our bags made the journey with us, our pretty red one is still in Toronto. Air Canada is suppose to deliver it early next week... please pray it will make this journey and that the Costa Rican's in Tuis won't notice I only have one change of cloths until it arrives (!!!).
All that said, we are thrilled to bits to be here!
After a beautiful send off from Lakeshore in the early hours of this morning, we've arrived in Tuis de Turrialba this evening. We were met at the San Jose airport by nothing less than the smiling faces of both Hector and Daniel! What a blessing it was to start off as a team with them. We rode with Hector all the way back to Tuis (2.5hour car ride), which provided a great opportunity to get a feel for the current happenings and what some plans are. All I have to say is this: We are going to be busy!
However I sanction your prayers: In the last week leading up to the trip, I hadn't been feeling all that well. Now that I pushed my limit and stayed up most the night with the youth, I was granted the opportunity to chuck my airplane cookies a few times today. Let me tell you - I thought a long airplane ride was rough to do on an upset stomach (those little airplane bags are effective though, aren't they?) ... little did I know the tough part was still coming: sitting in the back seat of a van whipping and winding along mountain side roads (for 2.5hours). RALF! Please pray that my health recoups very quickly and I will be able to partake in tomorrow's activities. Hector wants us to introduce ourselves to the congregation, and I'd rather not be green. Tom is heading to the men's breakfast first thing and I hope to be able to share a meal with our house mother while the men are away. Currently, eating, for me, is completely out of the question. I was able to keep down a herb-tea type-drink our house mother put together for me for my stomach when we arrived. I don't know what it was, but it was pretty delicious. I'm restricted to a horizontal position (nothing to do with an ingredient of the tea, don't worry)... But praise God our laptop has picked up the wireless signal from the rental house next door!!!
Also, although most of our bags made the journey with us, our pretty red one is still in Toronto. Air Canada is suppose to deliver it early next week... please pray it will make this journey and that the Costa Rican's in Tuis won't notice I only have one change of cloths until it arrives (!!!).
All that said, we are thrilled to bits to be here!
Friday, October 16, 2009
And they're off...
Well soon at least.
Yes, we need to be at the airport in 3 hours. Fancy that!
Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement.
God bless and take care!
Yes, we need to be at the airport in 3 hours. Fancy that!
Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement.
God bless and take care!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Weather
So far in our visit to Manitoba we've experienced plus 35 then yesterday we drove through a snow storm.
What fluctuation!
In Costa Rica they are calling for an average of +26 all week, with thundershowers everyday.
Now that's consistency.
Let's go there!
What fluctuation!
In Costa Rica they are calling for an average of +26 all week, with thundershowers everyday.
Now that's consistency.
Let's go there!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Three weeks to go, how exciting!
Hi everyone!
We write to you from Candice's parents' farm in Dauphin, Manitoba. As harvest is beginning to wrap up, we are looking forward to the next few weeks of visiting with more family and old friends before we head off. As our countdown side 'ticker' announced today, only 21 more sleeps, or a mere 3 weeks, until we're on the ground in beautiful CR.
A few descriptive words of current emotions: Excited, anxious, nervous, fearless, and fearful (depending on the time of day, it seems!)
Hope all is well with you. If you have any questions, comments, or specific things you would like to hear about, be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
We write to you from Candice's parents' farm in Dauphin, Manitoba. As harvest is beginning to wrap up, we are looking forward to the next few weeks of visiting with more family and old friends before we head off. As our countdown side 'ticker' announced today, only 21 more sleeps, or a mere 3 weeks, until we're on the ground in beautiful CR.
A few descriptive words of current emotions: Excited, anxious, nervous, fearless, and fearful (depending on the time of day, it seems!)
Hope all is well with you. If you have any questions, comments, or specific things you would like to hear about, be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
Looking forward to hearing from you!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Welcome!
...and thank you for stopping by.
We (Tom and Candice) will be using this blog as a means to bring you along with us to Tuis, Costa Rica! Here is where we will be sharing the joys, challenges, and trials God has in store for us while on this journey.
Check in often, we will post updates as often as possible. We plan to post once a week, at minimum.
Feel free to leave a comment, suggesting, or question under the 'comment' button below. It's always nice to know there are 'listeners' out there experiencing this journey with us.
We (Tom and Candice) will be using this blog as a means to bring you along with us to Tuis, Costa Rica! Here is where we will be sharing the joys, challenges, and trials God has in store for us while on this journey.
Check in often, we will post updates as often as possible. We plan to post once a week, at minimum.
Feel free to leave a comment, suggesting, or question under the 'comment' button below. It's always nice to know there are 'listeners' out there experiencing this journey with us.
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