- We just completed our second trimester at language school, one more to go, and we're still enjoying it. That's a miracle in itself.
- We've also become more comfortable in this culture and language. Everyday isn't quite so scary or stressful. We've learned our way around now, where to buy what, how to call a doctor, how to pay for things correctly...you know, the basics...when you don't have 'em it just creates insecurity.
- We've also moved into a different home that is bright and cheerful, has an area for our kids to get outside, and doesn't have the water/mold/bedbugs etc. that we were dealing with before. Since our home is our little haven in this big bad city, that makes a huge difference.
- Last December we were blessed to be able to purchase a car, a '94 Hyundai Galloper. It's a 4 wheel drive but still compact enough to squeeze in between the taxis and buses and park in the tiniest spot. We still mostly walk everywhere but we have the ability to get out to ministries on the other side of town, shop at the cheaper store that's a little farther away, and most importantly remain safe by not walking after dark. It's also nice to be able to bless our fellow missionaries here by loaning it and offering rides.
As we approach our graduation from language school, we find ourselves with so many ministry opportunities that we are at the point of having to narrow them down.
- Nathan is currently praying over 3 different seminaries to teach at, UNELA, ESEPA, and Instituto Biblico Strom. They all have need for teachers but in slightly different ways and each has it's own teaching style, emphasis, and target students. Two are located here in the city, and one is located about 1 hour away. It's going to be a tough decision.
- Nathan is also currently participating in a homeless ministry downtown. Every Saturday morning, the men and women are given a small devotional and breakfast. Nathan and some friends from language school have been staying afterward to do more Bible study with those who are interested. One man in particular shows great interest and desire to learn. Please join us in praying over the possibility of Nathan mentoring this man on a one-to-one basis.
- Jamie has applied for the position of school nurse at Sojourn Academy where Kendyl attends Kindergarten. It would be to initiate their first school nurse position and would be part time. The biggest benefits for us would be a tuition discount and most importantly, a work visa. This visa would be a means for all of us to be able to stay in Costa Rica longer term...a huge answer to prayer.
- Jamie has also joined a team of women that minister in the local women's prison and is currently discipling a young woman there. The plan is to continue to meet with her as long as she is there. Please pray that the Lord would bless our meetings together to bring this woman closer to Him.
We also have some challenges that we are facing and would appreciate your prayer.
- Since he came down with strep throat and pneumonia last trimester, Nathan's childhood asthma has returned. The allergens and climate here seem to affect many people and significantly heighten allergenic and asthmatic reactions. At times Nathan struggles to breathe so much at night he becomes fatigued for lack of oxygen and sleep. Just 2 weeks ago he had a severe attack and luckily our doctor was able to come to our house to provide treatment right away. Please pray for healing and/or the ability to manage symptoms.
- Several of our supporters have faced financial difficulties, and our hearts and prayers go out to them. These are not easy times. As a result, we have dropped below 50% of our monthly operating costs. We have been able to make up the difference in order to stay thanks to God's provision through the sale of our home in the states, and the help of our parents. Unfortunately that won't work for the long term. With all the ministry needs before us, it breaks our hearts to think of having to leave due to lack of funding. Please pray that God would somehow bring more people to join our support team so that we can fulfill our commitments here.
A huge thank you to all of you who have been faithfully committed to continuing your support. We can't say thank you enough! Praise be to God!
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