We had a real scare a little more than a week ago when an earthquake (6.2) struck here in Costa Rica. The epicenter was located just a little east of Volcano Poas, which is not more than 30 miles from here. I (Shelley) was in my new office and the first thing I thought about was if this new building had been well constructed and would stand the test of an earthquake. I yelled and ran out of the building, along with everyone else.
With so many new missionaries who had just arrived, this was quite a shock. They had all experienced earthquakes in Guatemala, but not this strong. We assured them it was not a "normal" quake. Joshua was on the soccer field and said that all the trees started moving and the ground shook and then things started falling from the trees. He was in the safest place of all out there. Everyone here at the seminary is just fine. We had some pictures fall off the shelves and such, but nothing major.
It is a different story closer to the epicenter.
I have not heard final reports, but early on the news said there were 15 deaths and 100 people missing.
Of course many people lost their homes, vehicles, etc... and the damage to the natural environment is massive. Many crops are lost and fisherman are out of work for now.
For those of you who have visited La Paz Waterfall, this picture sums it up. The water is completely brown and filled with debris.
We have had some aftershocks, but nothing like the 6.2 that struck that Thursday at 1pm. We'll not forget it for awhile around here. Of course, as a church we are trying to find the best ways to help those who lost so much. Supplies have already been send by local churches to the most affected areas.
In other news, the kids started to school this week and had a good first 3 days. It is fun for Kayley to have a buddy in her class (Abby Slingerland) and all the kids seem to be adjusting well to the school schedule once again. Here you can see a photo of some of the missionary kids playing on the playground.
Please pray for David as he is traveling all this week to Nicaragua. He will be training church planters and helping to prepare for many projects that will occur in April and May.
We have heard about the frigid temps in our home state of Iowa (40 degrees below zero!) and are thankful for temperate weather here. We will get our winter blast in February in Kansas, but seeing friends and family will make up for any freezing temps.
God bless you all,
The Webb Family
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