Update: April 14, 2006

Blessings to all!
The highlight of March for us was a visit from our daughter, Lisa, and her roommate, Charity. Up until then, we hadn’t really traveled around, but we took that opportunity to visit Arenal Volcano, go on a canopy tour (zip-lining at 50 MPH), and to visit Manual Antonio, a beautiful national park / wildlife preserve on the beach. The week flew by, but it was great.

We also enjoyed joining a group of fellow students for a weekend mission trip to San Carlos. There were several projects including painting and putting on a VBS program. Our job was to help put a concrete floor in a house for a family of nine that had been living with a dirt floor.

We continue to work at Los Güizaros on most Saturdays. In addition to helping cook and serve food to the children, we have also brought some music to the kids. Mark plays flute, Leith (a fellow student) plays guitar and sings, and Adrienne even leads the singing on occasion.

Our formal Spanish training is coming to a close with only one more week of classes. Looking back, we realize that we have learned a ton. Even so, our ability to communicate is very limited, and some native speakers are still almost impossible to understand. But, we feel well-equipped to survive in this environment, and we hope to continue learning in the months ahead.

Semana Santa
We are enjoying having a week of free time during Semana Santa (Holy Week). We spent part of the time visiting our friend Keith who was in hospital with an infection in his ankle. Today we walked to a neighboring city to watch the processional and reenactment of Christ’s trial and crucifixion which was performed by the Catholic church. By the way, we have seen no Easter candy, eggs or bunnies. There is no commercialism of the holiday here.

Moving Days
After living in the same house for over 20 years, it is strange to be moving so much. This year we will move (at least) five times. Our last move was about a week ago - from our little apartment above the Librería Alex, to the home of Dick and Sheila Dudney. They are missionaries who had to go to the US for a month, and we are taking care of their lovely home.

Our next move is to Fremont for a visit. We will arrive on May 2nd. We are really looking forward to seeing our family and friends. It will be a busy time, including a trip to Oregon for a wedding, and a trip to North Carolina to visit Ryan, Sandra and Calvin.

Then in June, we move again. It’s back to Costa Rica, but in a new location near La Palabra de Vida (LPDV), a Christian school in San Antonio de Belen. We were able to visit the school again earlier this week. This time we got a much better idea of what we will be doing when we return. As it turns out (nobody but God knew this in advance) one of the directors at the school is pregnant and is due in September. Our timing is perfect for being able to help her. We will be taking on some of her weekly duties, and also will probably teach several English classes and a science class.

Prayer Requests and Praises:
Safe travels to CA, OR, NC, and back to CR & good visits with family and friends
God would prepare us and the students we will be working with at LPDV
God to help us find a place to live when we return to Costa Rica the end of June
Direction for 2007 and beyond
Praise God that we have been healthy the entire time we have been here, Maureen and Kenneth both found employment as cooks, and Rocio’s blood pressure seems to be back under control. Thanks for your prayers!!

More photos are available through the following link: http://www.parcher.us/gallery/Costa-Rica

Bendiciones (Blessings),
Mark and Adrienne