Say What? . . .It's Been One Month

Poas Volcano

All I can say is WOW!  I arrived in Costa Rica a month ago.  It has gone so fast and all I can say is praise The LORD for everything!  It has been a month of a lot of firsts. Some of which you have already heard about and others I have yet to share.  This month I took my first overnight trip to the beach, my first bus rides around the city, saw my first volcano, took my first Spanish class, taught my first ESL class, hurt my ankle for the first time in my life (that I can remember), and took my first taxi ride.  Needless to say it's been a busy but great month!

About 2 weeks ago we welcomed a wonderful W&W team from Florida.  Together we were able to accomplish a great deal around the campus of the seminary.  We were able to pour a sidewalk, work on plumbing, and paint many buildings around campus along with desks for the indigenous areas training center.  To still a phrase I heard early this week "We (the church) are better together".
The team was also a HUGE blessing personally as I fell and hurt my ankle the very first day they were here.  The team at different points prayed for healing, helped me up and down stairs, helped me at meal times, provided medicine, helped wrap my ankle almost everyday, and provided a host of encouraging words.  Did I mention they brought goodies with them like chocolate and peanut butter :)  They were a huge blessing and praise The LORD my ankle is almost completely healed!

Florida Team with their sister church Igelsia del Nazareno Coronado

painting desks

New sidewalk

My Spanish classes are well underway and I am learning a great deal as well as facing the challenges of learning a new language.  Just last week we looked at the schedule and decided to add 6 hours of class time each week for the next 5 (or so) weeks.  This added class time will be helpful before the team from Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) arrives in May. With the new added hours I will have 21 hrs of class a week.  It will be demanding but know that it is the best way to prepare for the summer ahead.

ESL class 

As far as work is concerned I loving being able to help Shelley.  Everyday looks different as the demands of each week are unique. But to give you an example this week my duties were: translating simple student progress reports, taking/organizing inventory, general office duties, and wrapping up lose ends after the Florida team left.  

I also added teaching an ESL class to the list.  I teach class Monday afternoons.  It's a fun group of 4 students and I look forward to spending time with them over the next 4 weeks and helping them to better their English in the process.

This month as been a great one!  I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity.  I thank the The LORD for the way you support my learning and ministry.  We are on this journey together!

Praise Report:  Prayers for my ankle were felt as it wasn't broken and is continuing to heal, the Florida W&W team, the continued financial support from monthly and new donors.  Praise The LORD oh my soul!

Prayer Points:  Understanding and retaining the Spanish language, wisdom in teaching ESL and how to best help them, continued transition to Costa Rica, and final healing for my ankle