Una semana más: One more week :) :(

Happy December afternoon from Costa Rica!  I cannot believe what I am about to say, I have approximately one week in Costa Rica before traveling back to the United States.  I have seen God do some amazing things and can't believe how fast these 9 months have gone.  

Let me say that I was not at all surprised at all with God and His crazy connections when the missionary families received their annual Christmas package from a church in the States.  The particular ornament that all the missionaries received was the one you see above "Abide in Him".  This has been the overarching theme The Lord as brought me back to during my 9 months here in Costa Rica.  No matter the circumstance, location, and responsibilities each day brings with it: The Lord wanted/wants me to Abide in Him.  He will handle the rest!  Man God is Good!   

I also realized that in my last post I did not include prayer points like I usually do, sorry about that!  As I am one week out from travelings back to the United States now would be as good of a time as any to share those with you.  

Prayer Points: 

• For my last week in Costa Rica and saying "see-you-later" to people who have become part of my family
• For my travels to the states and going to visit family for Christmas as I will be traveling a lot in a short amount of time
• For my transition in many ways: my re-entry into the United States and my move and adjustment to life in Cactus, TX as I will be there before January 1st.  Upon arrival I will be looking for a job as my position at the CNMC (Cactus Nazarene Ministries Center) is bi-vocational.  
• For wisdom in how and when to proceed in a situation with my car and transportation needs.  About a week ago my mother was in a hit and run car accident in my car.  Praise The LORD she is okay, but my car not so much.  It is not totaled but is unsafe to drive in the condition it's in. I know The LORD will provide, I just need to Abide In Him and He will take care of all the details from finances, to transition to TX, to whatever else I need.  He' s got it!

 Thank you all for the ways you have supported me over the last 9 months and in life in general.  I will be continuing this blog in the states and as life continues in Cactus as a way to keep you informed as to what The Lord is doing in my life and in Cactus. I can't wait to tell you more about Cactus in the coming days!

Merry Christmas!!  

Keep Calm and get your Gratitude On ~8 months down, only 1 to go :(

"Let them give thanks to The Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.  Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy."  Psalm 107:21-22

On the week before Thanksgiving (in the States) I find myself giving gratitude to The Lord for so many things.  In Costa Rica they do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the same way we do in the States.  Even though it is not a national holiday here many churches focus on being thankful in one way or another. This past week in church we celebrated in a big way with the dedication of a very special little lady.  

I along with my church family in CR have been praying for her since before she arrived.
God has used her to remind us His miracles and powerful Spirit is alive and well among us.
Even the youngest among us testify to how incredible The Lord really is!
Thanking The Lord for you Gloria!

We were asked to write what we thank The Lord for. . .
What are you thankful for??

I am thankful once again for the team I get to work with every day.  This last month we had the Seminary graduation.  Our department was in charge of the decorations for the graduation and reception.  Anyone who knows me, knows I love to exercise my creative side when it comes to things like this.  It was cool to be apart of an important day in the lives of people from across the region.  We had graduates from 6 different countries in attendance and a host of others who were unable to be with us physically but joined us through telecast.  

Some of the countries the graduates were from:
Panama, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Venezuela

This month I learned from a Guatemalan friend how to make tortillas.  I  have always wanted to learn but this month I got that opportunity.  I am not the pro she is but I will be working one perfecting the art of tortilla making in the future.

Thanks Ana for teaching me!

This month I am thankful to get the chance to help lead one more team actually from the same area of the States I am from originally.  The Mid-America Nazarene University (MNU) team of two got here last week.  They are doing some of their student teaching here at an international school,  They will be with us in Costa Rica for 4 weeks.  They are learning their way around the city and adjusting well to life in Costa Rica.

MNU Students - Jaymes and Misty

Last but least I am giving The Lord gratitude to live, work and study here in Costa Rica.  I can't believe it's been 8 months and counting already!  I have loved being apart of what The Lord is doing here in Costa Rica and on the Meso America Region for the Church of the Nazarene. As I look forward to the next few weeks here I can't help but express gratitude for this opportunity and the support of all of you which without such financial and prayer support this would not be possible.  I know I have said it before and I will say it again but THANK YOU.

So with all that said now to answer the question of all questions at this point of my life... what is next, do you know where you are going come December?  The answer is YES! After much prayer, time The LORD, more prayer, and advice after a short visit with family and friends for Christmas I will be headed to Cactus, TX at the beginning of the year.  I have excepted the position of Work and Witness, Volunteer, and Church Relations Coordinator at the Cactus Nazarene Ministries Center. I am super excited about this coming opportunity and position.  While I am sad to not be going back to ministry in Wisconsin I know The LORD is leading toward this new adventure and the ministry He has for me in Texas.  So if you or someone you know would like to come help out in a town of 4,000 people with 17 different languages spoken, I would love to chat with you about coming to volunteer with us. There is something you can do no matter your age or skill set.
I look forward to sharing more with you in future months about Cactus, TX and what ministry looks like there.  But for now you will still find me in San Jose, Costa Rica among friends and family sharing life with them and counting every moment as a gift from The Lord!
Buenos Noches mi familia y amigos (Good night family and friends)!

Because Sometimes You Just Need A Timeout

Buenas Tardes, mi familia y amigos!  Good Afternoon, my family and friends!  As I sit this evening wondering what I should share with you about the last few weeks, all that comes to mind the little phrase "Sometimes You Just Need a Timeout".  Most often we associate timeouts with the fact that one has been bad and deserves some sort of consequence for previous actions taken.  For those that know me I used to be a preschool teacher and nanny so the word "Timeout" was in my regular vocab :) However in this case I am suggesting that Timeouts don't have to be brought on by negative behavior. Sometimes we just need to stop, creating space to just "be" and take a Timeout.

My 3 weeks in the States allowed me to take a Timeout with family, home churches, and friends.  To be present in conversations, in peoples lives, and in my time with The Lord. These Timeouts breathe life into my life and those I care deeply about.  Timeouts allow what are just moments to become sacred moments between those who are fully present.  Do I live my life taking Timeouts to just be with those around me? What do I miss when I don't take the time to greet people in the way they deserve.  (In Costa Rica, you greet and say goodbye to most everyone if not everyone around with a hand shake and "kiss" on the check.  Especially with those you know well.  It's doesn't matter how long it takes.  At first we as North American's think it takes so much time.)  This simple act of greeting creates space - a Timeout, if you will, to acknowledge the presence and importance of the person for which you are greeting.  This interaction takes less than 5 secs but it still creates a Timeout where people encounter love and receive the understanding that their lives are important.
Timeouts in the way I am using here, are simple and life giving but also require an effort to truly decide to be present and create space for them to take place.  I want in what time I have left in Costa Rica to create space for Timeouts.  Timeouts stop and greet my friends on the street, to make time for coffee or lunch with a friend, to spend time studying Spanish, to spend time in personal worship and reading my bible, to take walks, to listen to friends, to watch movies, to skype with family and friends in the States, to pray with a friend, to go to the orphanage, to invest my life in others.  I want my life to have more Timeouts.  Here are some of the Timeouts The Lord has allowed me to take these last few weeks.  

Timeout - to skype with my niece and new nephew.
Can't wait to see her and meet him in Dec.  He was born Oct. 1st

Timeout - Outreach Events

Maximum Missions - children's event

Over night outreach at local hospitals 

Timeout -  for Worship with local youth groups  

Timeout - Quality Time with Friends

Introducing Prof. Zeidy to chili, cheese hotdogs

Ana is a fellow missionary, I thank The Lord for her often!

Carol and Kelly.  Kelly is an independent missionary in Nicaragua.
It was fun to host her in Cost Rica for a few days!

Of course it's always fun hanging with the Webb's -
to say that Kayley, David, and Shelley are awesome would be an
understatement!

And last but NOT least - Timeout - Worshiping at El Alto

Praise Points: New Revelations of what The Lord is teaching me, and the blessings of The Lord providing through prayer and financial supporters!

Prayer Points: Health - due to rainy season I am (and many others) are fighting headaches almost daily. Pray I can find ways to make them more minimal.  Pray for God's continued guidance as He uses me here in Costa Rica in leading others.  Last but not least pray I would finish the next two months strong in studying and loving others fully!  

Gracias por todas cosas!  Doy gracias al Señor por todos vosotros! Thank you for everything! I thank The Lord for all of you!

Home Sweet Home...6.5 months (Hogar dulce Hogar.....6.5 meses)

It's been awhile since I wrote, sorry about that!!  This last month and a half have been full with activities and visits.  I attended a women's conference here in Costa Rica and had a great time as well as spent some time in the States.  But I am getting ahead of myself ;)

A little over three weeks ago I attended a Women's conference here in Costa Rica.  It was a district women's retreat however a women from Nicaragua and a group from the Panama joined us. It was the first event like this in over 8 years and Praise The LORD there were about 120 women in attendance.  It was a great time to get to spend with friends that have become family!

Only a few of the missionaries on the Meso America Region

The speakers and the coordinator of the conference

Worship band made up of women from across the Central District

The day after the conference, I made my way to the States for a visit and to speak at churches in Kansas and Wisconsin to update them on the ministry here in Costa Rica.  It was a great three weeks.  I got to spend three weeks with family and friends as well as meet new friends.  It was a complete gift to spend time with some of the people I dearly love and to share God's heart for the Nations with home churches. The Lord is working in lives and churches around the world!  Gracias a Dios (Thanks be to The LORD).

A baby shower for my nephew who should arrive in the next few weeks

A group of special ladies from my home church in Kansas City.
God is using them to do some cool stuff and will continue to as they get older,
I just know it!!

I just have to share with you pics of Lake Michigan, I can't help it ;)

Home church in Wisconsin, Racine Community COTN

Had the privilege of speaking at Central COTN in Coffeyville, KS.
It was the first time I preached with my parents and one set of grandparents in attendance!

I ended my three weeks in the States in Kansas City on Monday and traveled back to Costa Rica!  I have been here two days and I am SO GLAD to be back.  It has been fun to catch up with friends and I even had my first Spanish class today.  Life is getting back to "normal" if there is such a thing ;)  In all the places I have been in the last several weeks, each one of them have been home at one point in my life or another.  For the next 3 months I am back to Hogar dulce Hogar (Home Sweet Home) in Costa Rica and my heart could not be more full or content.  Gracias A Dios (Thanks be to The LORD) !!!

La Simple Alegría (The Simple Joy)

This last week I was given what I consider to be one of the best compliments I have ever received.  One day Ziedy (my current teacher) told me that she loves how I find joy in the simplest things.  She goes on to explain that she loves the ways I not only find joy in the simple but I find the joy in almost every circumstance.  So here's to keeping things simple: this month I saw joy in . . .
          1.   Experiencing my first farmers market in Costa Rica as the sun went down

         

         2.  Receiving my favorite flowers bought at the market

         
          3.  Helping welcome 2 new people to Costa Rica

Paula, Gaby (teacher), Noria (teacher), Carol
Paula was here for 3 weeks learning advanced Spanish
Carol is a new missionary to the Meso-America Region also advanced in her Spanish

          4. Living where I do...Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the day I forget where I live exactly and then just for a moment I look up and am reminded.  Campus can be a happening place but on days like today it is quiet and peaceful!  

          5.  The ability to attend and be at my home church El Alto here on campus as they voted and welcomed  there new co-pastors.

Pastores Manuel and Guiselle

4 churches were in attendance to celebrate.
This is an incredible group of pastor and spouses that
help support one another in ministry!

          6.  I am apart of a global community!  I am supported by a great group of people (both young and old) in different countries.  Sometimes I am surprised with random phone calls from former students, family, and friends.  Love that while I know I am where God wants me to be there are a host of people world wide who remind me I am loved :) Not to mention peanut butter sent from the states, thanks to mom and dad and The Caskey's.

Chatting with my little loves plus a friend on O's 9th birthday.
How is she 9? 

          7.  I get to take Spanish classes with amazing teachers that love what they do, love, and invest knowledge of language in all their students.  It doesn't take long for them to see you as family :)  

Gaby surprised Paula and I one day with Dr. Pepper.
It's hard to find here!

          8.  Zeidy took Paula, Carol, and myself to Cartago, her hometown.  It was one of those experiences that The LORD used to shape me. I won't forget it.  (Ask me about it later and I will LOVE to tell you more)  

Ruins for the "old" Catholic church

The Basilica in Cartago, Costa Rica

As the deer pants for steams of water, so my soul thirsts for you, Oh God.
Psalm 42:1

          9.  My "boss" and now good friend Shelley and her family are home from their 2 months on "home assignment".  I am excited to have them back!

        10.  While I have LOVED leading others students I am excited to have a little "down" time and a chance to catch up on office work before I head to the States for VISA renewal (and of course catch up with family and some friends :) )

        11. One more, God is providing as I continue to raise the rest of the funds needed to finish my last 3 months in Costa Rica.  Again God continues remind me of the incredible community He has given me.  The goal is almost there, if you could help raise the remainder of what is needed I would be forever grateful.  At the moment the BIGGEST need is personal funds.  These funds go toward things like car insurance, travel to and from churches while in the States, and household items I will need for the remaining 3 months in Costa Rica.  If you or someone you know would help me raise this remaining amount I would be forever grateful!

Praise Report:  Well, all the above :)  It's been a great month...at the 5 month mark!!

Prayer Requests:  Clarity of mind as I continue my Spanish studies, that I would work hard these last two weeks to learn as much as possible before my trip to the States.  My trip to the States would be smooth with no big issues.  For the rest of my financial support to come in and God would continue to provide prayer supporters as well!!

I would love to hear about what simple joys you have had this month.  Email me as I would LOVE to hear them!  kaylynnrobson@gmail.com

College Students, Waterfalls, Toucans, Dwarf Pink Bananas, and a Continued Contracts

Say what?!...It's been another month, WOW does time fly when you're having fun, studying a language, and working.  It's been a crazy yet rewarding month!  

I have been privileged to live life with PLNU students.  This month actually, this past Saturday the group ended their studies and time in Costa Rica.  They all worked super hard these last few weeks and did a great job!  One of the awesome treats in their last few days here was Mariana (the prof.) cooking for everyone.  Man, she can cook and it was fun to see how many people we could fit in Shelley's house.

Some of the PLNU students enjoying delicious Italian with CALL prof. Gabby

One of the cool things about living life with PLNU and other students studying here is that I get to see a lot of Costa Rica that I wouldn't otherwise.  This month I got to go with The Jetter's (a mother and daugther) who were here both studying Spanish through CALL on field trips downtown in San Jose, other local places surrounding the seminary, and even another trip to Jaco beach. It was great to spend some time with them. 

 

Caitlyn and I messing around in downtown San Jose

PLNU and I made a trip to La Paz Waterfall gardens.  I was super excited for this trip as last time I was at La Paz I couldn't make the hike to the waterfalls due to being on crutches.  This time however I made it!! The waterfalls were so beautiful and it was my first time seeing waterfalls this big!  I was elated to say the least!

One of the three waterfalls at La Paz

It's beautiful!

Among other things this month I was able to meet a toucan, visit a butterfly exhibit, and learn there are such things as dwarf pink banana plants. 

 

Hold a toucan "Si, Por Favor"

Butterflies everywhere, never seen so many in one place

Dwarf Pink Bananas

Last but not least just last week financial support was such that I was able to plan my trip back to Costa Rica after 3 weeks in the United States for visa renewal purposes!  Praise The LORD!  Thank you to all for your financial and prayer support they have both been felt this month.  After my short stay in the States and traveling to different church I will be returning to Costa Rica until December.  I could not be more excited to finish my Spanish language studies here at the seminary.  

Praise Points:  Safe return travels for the Jetter's and Point Loma, time to rest well between student departures and arrivals, the ability to continue my contract through Dec. as a volunteer Missionary through the Church of the Nazarene, MissionCorp.

Prayer Points:  That I would rest well when possible and that God will continue to provide prayer and financial supporters. He has provided so much already through you :)

Thank you all for journeying with me!  I love this crazy life God is allowing me to partner with Him on.  

Otra Casa (Another home)

A little over 3 months ago I arrived in Costa Rica.  I can say those first few days and weeks were full of excitement and adjusting to a new culture and place of residence.  However, as this week has played out no matter how life giving and at times stressful - this place (Costa Rica and the seminary) is now added in the list of places I call home.
You see as a former pastor's daughter and woman in ministry one of the hardest questions for me to answer these days is "where are you from?/where do you call home?" I call or have called many places my home.  The two most recent of these places of course are Kansas City, KS/MO area and Wisconsin.  I have come to realize how blessed I am to have called so many places and churches for that matter my home.  Now Costa Rica is added among the places I call home.  Even this weekend as I was living my normal life The Lord allowed me moments to stop and take in how this place has developed into my home.  Things that were foreign and overwhelming to me 3 months ago have now become normal and natural.  Not to say that their aren't days and moments where I still feel like the foreign girl who doesn't understand and know what's going on.  But for example, taking the bus to the grocery store or walking a lot each day is just a way of life now.  Things are familiar that were once not so much.  So yes Costa Rica is now added to the list of place I call/will forever call a home and I love it!
Also with the welcome of this 3 month mark came a lot of changes. As you know I traveled to Nicaragua safely for my visa and had a wonderful time!  Upon my return home I packed up my apartment and moved down the hill as The Webb's left for deputation in the states. I am house/dog sitting for them while they're gone.  (It's incredible the amount one can accumulate in a matter of 3 months)

Pray for the Webb's as they are on deputation in the States

PLNU (Point Loma Nazarene University) has moved into their Spanish 102 section of the summer.  Another student and professor swap took place last week.  Please pray for them as they are settling into a new routine for the next month.

PLNU Spanish 102 gang with Marvin our driver 

In addition to the new section of PLNU we welcomed two new students for this month. A mother and daughter who are here learning Spanish with the CALL program (the same program I am in).  They are fun ladies and are learning their way around.  As far as my classes go, I am learning a ton and progressing.  I am using Spanish more and more everyday and even my ESL students on campus ask me to translate for them sometimes when they are trying to speak with English speakers who happen to be on campus with various groups.  It's not easy but one way or another we make it through and I am learning a lot.

Lastly one of the most excited and life giving things for me developed about 2 weeks ago.  The Lord opened the opportunity for myself and the other CALL students to volunteer one day a week at an orphanage teaching some of the children English.  This was something that happened very quickly and I look forward to it every week.  We tutor students ranging in age from 4yrs-12yrs.  They are wonderful and smart children just needing support and love to help them believe in themselves.  One of the great things about this orphanage is that it is Christian based and the children learn who The Lord is and that no matter their circumstances or whether they ever have earthly parents God will always be their Father and love them no matter what.  Everyone at the orphanage is family.  It is a huge privilege for me to be able it invest in these 7 little lives and my life is richer because of them.  

Methodist Home- Orphanage Gate 

Praise Points: working at orphanage, PLNU student, prof, and other CALL students arrived safely, Webb's arrived safely in United States. I am starting to feel better after some stomach issues. The Lord continues to provide as the new revised budget for my time here in Costa Rica is $11,500.  I only need $2,500 more in order to reach that goal!!!  Praise The LORD for all of this and more!!

Prayer Points:  Pray for PLNU students as they just started new section and for the Webb's on deputation.  Pray for the kiddos at the orphanage and discernment for me on how to best love them well during our time with together. Pray The LORD would continue to provide prayer and financial support and last but not least that my health would continue to improve.   

Thank you for joining me in declaring all The LORD is doing!  I would love hear from you, please email me with how you and your family are doing and how I could be praying for you!  

Viaje a Nicaragua (Trip to Nicaragua)

Upon being in Costa Rica for 3 months I had to travel to other country for visa purposes. I chose to travel to Nicaragua for a couple days to work at a Nazarene elementary school.  I had the pleasure of staying with the director of the school and her husband who is a local pastor in Nicaragua.  The best way to share Nicaragua with you is through a picture dairy of sorts.  So enjoy!

Immigration and Customs in Nicaragua

Another stamp in my passport, Yes Please!

Bus to and from Nicaragua

God bless our home and all who visit

The family parrot speaks Spanish

The puppies

los perros

The backyard

The temporary kitchen while the other one is remodeled

The patio

Another view of the patio

La comida- arroz (rice), frijoles (beans), and pollo y papas (chicken and potatoes)

arroz, plátanos, sopa de pollo y huevos

Pre-K through 6th grade school

Campus sign

School courtyard

Girls from the prep class which is a year between Kindergarten and 1st grade- Bacy and Alexandra

Katie and Andrea

6th grade class

Boys from prep class

Everyone loves pinatas

While I was there it was celebración del día de los niños (day of the child)

educación Física- P.E

futbol

 

Potato sack races

Tug of war