What do you Do on the weekends....

Well, here in Costa Rica it is the only time Mark and I are not in class. When we were back home in North Carolina we were able to be very  involved in church and the activities that went along with church. We loved being involved and sometimes we had our hand in a little of all the areas of church. We loved to work with the children. I worked in the nursery and in the 2 year old class some and on Wednesday nights we worked with the AWANA's program. We both were in a wonderful Sunday school class and sang in the choir. We also went on visitation each week and when we had special door knocking Saturdays.

When we started on deputation in August and moved to Tampa we started to attend another wonderful church. We went to Sunday School but because we were always on the road trying to raise support we could not get involved as much as we would have liked. Now, that we are on a foreign field and without the proper tools to help it is still very hard to get involved.  That is until we found "EL FARO". It is so amazing at how God puts you right where he wants you. Just to say this the name of the church in Honduras is in fact Iglesia Bautista Misionara "El Faro". The only thing that is different is that this church has Missionary in the title. We love it. We love the people and the fact that there are so many youth. Here like in other countries it is hard to find Latin American men in church. In fact today for Father's Day the only men in there were the 3 "Gringo" Daddies and the Pastor. Now we are able to serve the Lord in a new ministry. Hopefully we can now spend our Saturdays serving in the The Mountains of Los Guidos. They have a heavy population of young people and are on the poorer side of San Jose. We will be serving along side of Pastor Gabriel and his family and some of the best teens around. They give up their Saturdays to help serve the children and then they are faithful to return back at 6 for Teen Activities.

 But with their smiles you would never know. We spent almost 4 hours playing games and singing with the children. There were about 65-70 kids there. The Pastor had a Bible lessons and then we passed out a snack. We brought sugar wafer cookies and lollipops. The KIDS went CRAZY!!!! At the end when we were almost ready to pack up an elderly lady from the community...probably an "Abuela" or grandma came to thank us for helping the community. We had not really done anything but use our time to serve the Lord. It felt so good to be back serving like we once had. We look forward to many more Saturdays serving in the hills of Los Guidos.

Since today was Father's Day....one of the little girls from the church named Alexandria made Mark a card. Feliz dia del Papa....it was so sweet. She was also at the Bible Club as well and has grown to love Josiah and our family.

Who knows.....she may not have a papa at home to look up. Please pray for the church and the people here. The need is great but their hearts are willing.

Well.....what happened...where did the time go?

              I know that we can all say that once upon a time...ok at least once a day we look down at our watch and say..."Where did the time go?" I think back on my teen years and young adult years and think about the same thing. I was saved at a young age but I must confess that I did not do all that I could have during those early years of my life.  Now, I think about all that I could have done for the Lord, but we can not dwell on or live in the past. So, that is why  you need to do all that you can today.  We all have had good intentions but we can all look around and see where we failed to reach the goal that we had set. Maybe there are books that we purchased that sit neatly stacked on a shelf that we never took the time to read. It could be a nice pack of greeting cards that you meant to mail out to those sick in your church or the ones that just needed an encouraging word. God has given us 24 hours, 1,440 minutes and 86,400 seconds in everyday that will be spent in some way or fashion. The time that God gives us is ours to spend and we must determine how we spend it. We can fill it with life building life experiences or let it slip right through our finger-tips.

I know that being here in language school Mark and I spend alot of time studying. Sometimes we come home straight from school and study in some fashion until almost time to start dinner. Then there are times where we are so tired that we have lunch and put Josiah down for a nap and crash ourselves. However, it is very important that we always use the time that we have to spend with our children and also to share the gospel with those in this world. We are very excited that we are learning words and phrases in Spanish. We are in great anticipation of the day that we can share the Romans Road in Spanish to those that we meet here on the streets in San Jose. Please pray that we will use our time wisely and learn quickly what the Lord would allow us to absorb in the year that we have here. As for my readers just remember that God gave you this day and it is up to you on how you spend it.

 "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. "

John 9:4

Don't Miss the BIG PICTURE.........

During World War II parachutes were being constructed by the thousands in factories all over the United States. For the workers they saw this as a tedious job of stitching together large pieces of fabric for 8-10 hours at a time. From their point of view it was a hard job that left their fingers, backs and eyes sore from strain. 

  However, their point of view changed when the manager of the factory explained to them that each successfully made parachute would help aid in saving the life of a soldier. It was even more motivating when he explained that they may even be used by some of their family; brother, husband, father and friend. The big picture was that their job of stitching hour after hour each yard of fabric now held more meaning for them.

My blog for today has two parts. The first part is to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served our wonderful country. It is also a tribute to thank all of those who serve at the present moment. I have friends who have loved ones that are currently serving some have even just been brought back to the states. It is because of people like you who see your job as the "BIG PICTURE" and help protect our freedoms and home-front.  So, for that our family says, "THANK YOU".

The second part of this is as much for myself as it it for my readers. I sit and think how tedious it is to learn verbs, adjectives, nouns, pronouns and so on in Spanish. You see, learning all those things are not the big picture. The big picture is that when we are finished here we will be able to minister to the people of Honduras. The great thing is that knowing Spanish we will be able to speak to a whole new group of people. I want to conclude with these thoughts. Don't let the tedious everyday things that you do wear you down. We need to focus on what we do, why we do it and how it can benefit God. We might not know what God has called us to do and why.....but HE DOES.  

(2)In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you. (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.   John 14:2-3

Fruit may be Invisible but God is always Working

As we finish up our third week here in Costa Rica we had a lovely test today in grammer. I felt like I was in school all over again. The anticipation of the test itself....(which is for a grade)......was still nail biting and it is not like we are needing the credits to move on in life to get a college degree. (lol) Then, tonight while reading my devotions I came across some verses that really made me stop and think.

It says in Hebrews 11:1-3 NOW FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

WOW! That slapped me right in the face. Well, I do believe and have faith but it hit me that it must be in everything....EVERYTHING...that includes being here in Costa Rica taking a Spanish Class. For you it might be the news you get from the doctor or the bill that just came in the mail. I know that there are many people here in San Jose right now who feel like we are never going to get the language under our belts. But then I stop and think about the trees that the Lord has made and how they go through a time where they do not bear fruit. It does not mean that the tree is dead or the Lord does not have his hand upon it. The tree like us sometimes are just taking in and taking in until the Lord says that we are ready to be used.

I know that for Mark and I and the others here who have been called by HIM to do HIS WILL.....will prevail and learn the language of Spanish. God would not call us to do a work for Him if he was not confident that we could preform the task that he has called us to do. I myself get things a little easier...and I fully believe that it is becasue of my previous teaching skills which again the Lord led there and I was able to teach for six years. I do still get frustrated with myself because it feels like a ton goes in and a dribble comes out. That is where I have to humble myself and say....I know that I can not do this alone but through the help of the Lord around me and the poeple that he has put in my path. I know that I am not the only one in the world who feels this way and I am sure that many who are reading this now can put their name and circumstance in the blanks above. We have to be willing to let God move or else he will not be able to mold us the way he needs us to be.

But the truth is that Gods word is clear and that is if we have faith and believe in the things we can not see but know that he is working......he will use us for what he has called us to do. We will bear the fruit.

It is in vain to gather virtues without humility: for the spirit of God delights

to dwell in the hearts of the humble

Above the Clouds......lies the top of the Mountain......

Well, we have been in school now for a little over a week and things are going good. However, it can be a rather large obstacle to get over trying to learn a new language.....live in a new culture and all of the other things that have come our way....and it is becoming a proven fact that we are no "spring chicken" so to speak in the world of expanding ones education.

In just two weeks it is amazing the new friends that we have made and the things we have learned...not only in language but in culture.  Some people may thank that the people here are different because of the crime rate and other things they hear on the news about foreign countries and even that they have a different sense of values...but I have learned alot in just a few weeks about the hearts of people. Most people only look on the outside of a person to see who they are.....but regardless of what we see God see's and knows all. People are people no matter the color of their skin, mother tongue, or nationality. God made us all and for one purpose only....to Glorify and fellowship with HIM.

I know that it is hard to believe....but after a week of school I am still not fluent in Spanish....lol!!! Okay we all know that everything takes time and this is going to take time. I am pleased to say though that I have learned an overwhelming amount of things in that time. It is such a blessing to have teacher's here who care about us and are patient and encouraging. It is also nice to have friends that are here treading the same waters....and we are each trying to keep the other afloat with encouraging words and help.

This week I have really thought about ....can I really do this...? can I learn enough to help the children of Honduras...? You know what thought comes next?....I can...because God put me here...and HE knows that I can because he has called Mark and I to do HIS WILL. You see, of my own desires and thoughts....I can not accomplish much, but with the help of my Lord and Savior I can accomplish great things for HIM. I only need to empty myself and let God fill me up.

I go to the stores with the little Spanish that I know...and yet the people do all that they can to help me with my needs. I know that they do not understand me at all and it frustrates them and myself. But then I think this thought...." I have joy in my soul"...(Yo tengo gozo en mi alma)....for I know that one day they will be able to understand me and I will be able to witness to them with my mouth...but for now I can be a witness through my actions....acts of smiles, kindness, and being the best Christain that I can be for HIS names sake. For without a pure heart my words will be in vain. 

I will leave you with these few verses to think about....when you get discouraged and can't see the top of the mountain........I am pondering on them myself:

***So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.       Isaiah 55:11

asi sera mi palabra que sale de mi boca; no volvera a mi vacia, sino que hara lo que yo quiero, y sera prosperada en aquella para que la envie.                                                        Isaias 55:11

***Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead being alone. 

                 James 2:17

Asi tambien la fe, si no tiene obras, es muerta en si mis ma.

                 Santiago 2:17

What Mary must have felt.....

As, I sit in my house in another country thinking about Mother's Day and being miles away from my own mother and mother in law it brings Mary to my mind. I sit and think of the joy that she must have had in her heart knowing that God chose her and her only to have Jesus. He could have chosen any women in the world but he knew that no-one could have been more perfect than her to be the mother of HIS son. While we all have mother's God chose each one of them for us. He knew how each one of them would teach us and care for us. I know that just like the desires of our hearts...God answers prayer and gives us just what we need when we need it. God has blessed me with SIX children. It is hard for me to say sometimes without getting a little teared up but I have SIX children.

God blessed me with a mother who saw it fit for me to be in church, made me go to more VBS's than I ever cared to go to(LOL) but made sure that the word of God was hid in my heart. I am thankful for that.

Then, I got married and inherited a mother-n-law who loves the Lord and sets a good example for me and my kids as well. I am thankful for that too. Then, in 1996 the Lord blessed me with a beautiful baby girl. My little Taylor Marie.

 She has grown into a wonderful teenager. I am thankful that she loves the Lord and has a desire to please HIM and her parents. She isn't perfect and I do not expect her to be but I am thankful that she cares about whether or not she has disappointed her parents. I love you Taylor! Then, in 1998 the Lord blessed me again but this time with a Big Ole handsome baby boy....10lb 1oz Hunter James. He is a sweet boy and has trusted the Lord as his Savior...he is all boy however, and I pray that the Lord will call him to do a great work for HIM.

I love you Hunter! Then the Lord blessed me with another little baby...a baby girl Zoey....whom I love as much as the other two. How can you love someone you have never met? Well, the Lord said I knew you in your mother's womb. I knew my little baby girl, I can see her now running on the streets of gold with her long blonde hair and blue eyes just like her daddy.

I have even had dreams about her telling me that she is ok and for me not to be sad because that Jesus was watching after her. I love you Zoey! Then, comes Noah. Another gift from the Lord, a notch in my heart that will stay there forever but a face that I have only seen in black and white. He was not born but he has a better home in Heaven. I love you Noah!

Again, the Lord blessed me with another....not sure if this was a boy or girl but went with a Bible name and called him Uriah.

The Lord took this baby before I could hold him or see his face. I love you Uriah! The Lord saw fit to take three of my babies before I could hold them in my arms, give them a kiss, read them a story or let them know how much I loved them....why...I don't know....but I have to say that his thoughts are not my thoughts and my ways are not his ways....but his ways are always right. I do know one thing is for sure and that is I will see them again in Heaven one day. But this chapter of my life does not end in sorrow but in praise and that is the Lord does give us the desires of our hearts and he gave me my little man.

On April 7,2008 the Lord blessed me with my sixth baby...Josiah Ayden. He was worth waiting for. He has been a blessing and I know that he is not just a blessing to Mark and I but to all who meet him.

 He has not ever met a stranger that he did not like...he will hug you and kiss you even if he does'nt know you...the Lord has great big plans for my little man. Thank you Lord for the blessings that you have bestowed upon me as a mother. I pray that you will help me be the kind of mother to my children and to all the children that come across my path through Hope Children's Home both in the states and in Honduras. Lord thank you for choosing ME to be their mother. For my readers....think about how Mary must have felt...when God told her that she was going to be a mother...the mother of Jesus....and then think about your lives and the fact that he did the same thing to you....he chose you to be the mother of the children that you have....or will soon have. God has chosen each of us to be mothers so don't just think about that this mother's day THANK about it in prayer to the one who made it possible....Happy Mother's Day to my readers and friends.....

Adjusting to a New Culture...

Well, can you believe that we have now been living in Costa Rica for 5 and a half days. Things seem to be going really good for us. We have ventured up and down the street by ourselves and feel pretty safe. (Having a husband that is 6'5 helps too.....lol). But anyway we have ventured to the supermarket, the bakery and the farmers market. We have a nice house that has 4 bedrooms so the kids each get their own room. Hunter and Taylor have a twin bed and Josiah has a toddler bed. We also have a very sweet girl named Marianna living downstairs who is from El Salvador and will be getting married in November.

 Her and her fiance will be missionaries to the country of India. She has been such a blessing to us already helping us out with our Spanish. Josiah loves her a bunch and loves to play with her. The kids have had a half day of school and seem to be enjoying it. They are in a traditional style class where English is always spoken except for Spanish class. Things are a bit different in that the cost of living is high here. Things that you buy in the stores are very expensive so we are still overwhelmed by the prices and adjusting to our needs. We can however, get fresh fruits and veggies on Saturday for very inexpensive. We went yesterday and spent about $9 for the items below.

It has rained here everyday but yesterday since we arrived. Rain will be the normal conditions until at least October/November we are now in the rainy season. It has not been to bad yet. We do have a beautiful view to look at each night before we go to bed and each morning when we rise. We have listed our mailing address for those of you who have asked for it. It is on the top right side of our blog. Be sure to use the correct address depending on what you are sending. We have a different address for packages and letters. Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us as we have made this move. We love you all bunches and are thankful for each one of you.