Giving thanks

The school year (and our time) here in Costa Rica is coming to a close and it’s also time to celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s a good time to reflect on some of the things we are thankful for!
· We have met, taught and laughed with (sometimes at) so many wonderful students here. We will miss them, and hope that with an occasional trip back to Costa Rica, and by internet, we will be able to stay in contact with many of them.
· God also brought some very loving and inspiring people into our lives here in Costa Rica. Despite the language barrier, we really felt at-home in the Alianza Misionera Cristiana church (Christian Missionary Alliance) in San Jose. During the service last Sunday, the pastor, Lorenzo, had us come forward so a group of people could lay hands on us and pray for us. It was very touching. On Monday, Cecilia (who runs the program to feed the children in Los Guizaros) had us over for lunch, then anointed us with oil and prayed for us in preparation for our next ministry. God has given her such a great passion, faith and insight; we love to pray with her. Keith, a missionary that we met early in the year, has been another blessing. He introduced us to a variety of mission opportunities, taught us how to get around without a car, and most importantly became a great friend. There are many others, both (“Ticos” and “Gringos”) that God has used to touch our lives here; we are grateful for each and every one.
· In the next two weeks, we need to get rid of a bunch of stuff that won’t fit in our suitcases! God made it easy on us. Keith is buying our car, and Brian and Robin, a new missionary couple at La Palabra de Vida are buying all (yes,,,, all) of our household items that we aren’t taking with us. Wow – what a blessing for that to be handled so simply!
· We are also thankful for the fact that our family at home has been safe and (mostly) healthy during this time. We fly home on December 8th and we are very excited to see everyone, to spend Christmas with family, and to make trips to Spokane and Santa Maria.
· Last, we are thankful to have a plan for the future. In 2005 we really had no idea where we would go in 2006. At the beginning of this year, we really didn’t know what we would do at La Palabra de Vida. And, once there, we really didn’t know what we would do in 2007. We think that God has been trying to teach us how to wait patiently for him to arrange things. We were really surprised when he provided an opportunity that keeps us involved in Latin America, includes working with needy children, and as a bonus, allows us to work with two of our very best friends, Roy and D’Aun Goble. This new ministry will be based at Jaguar Creek, an educational/retreat center on about 700 acres of rain forest in Belize and will minister to children in Belize, Costa Rica (and wherever else God directs us). Needless to say, we are very happy and excited that God opened this door to us.

We will be living at Jaguar Creek in Belize for the first 6 months of 2007. While there, we will be focused on learning about the needs of children in Belize, planning ministry opportunities, coordinating improvements at the Jaguar Creek facility, training staff, and recruiting and hosting teams that will come from the US. This is a new and exciting adventure for us. We can only be successful through the grace, power and guidance of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Please pray that we will look to Him and follow Him. God bless you all, and thank you so much for your love, prayers, and support.