February in Costa Rica

Hello Dear Friends and Family,
I know that many of you are in the middle of a cold winter and so I hesitate to mention the beautiful weather we have had here in San Jose for the last 6 weeks.  But, it has been lovely with little rain, just the normal windy, mostly sunny days.  We know it will not last, so we enjoy these days to the full, until May arrives with the rainy season with it. 

Beautiful view from the Assembly at Poas.

The partially completed multi purpose building (sanctuary) at Poas.

Johnny Calvo, District Superintendent, giving the benedicti

We celebrated the annual district assemblies here in Costa Rica (2 districts: Central and North) last weekend.  David led the Assembly in the North, Shelley did some translating and then we listened to the Central Assembly as Dr. Middendorf and Dr. Saenz presided.  The growth in the Central district was not what all hoped for (remained steady) but the North district had a good growth to share.  The day ended with a meal shared with all the missionaries, Dr. Middendorf and Dr. Saenz.  It was a good day.

Dr. Middendorf preaching at the Central Assembly.

David left for Nicaragua the day after to assist the General Superintendent with the Assemblies in Nicaragua South and North.  They even got to preside at a wedding in the South district.  Both districts showed good growth. 

Shelley has stayed busy with CALL.  We began the January term with 3 full time students and now we are down to two with Pastor Don completing his one month study time.  We had a wonderful tour day to Poas and Cafe Doka.  The views were brilliant.

This week our friend Ted will be completing his 6 week study time and returning home in Missouri.  But we are not saying goodbye for good as he is learning Spanish for the sole reason of helping on the mission field as he is able.  Already we have him scheduled to help with a team here on the Seminary grounds this summer.  And then our new friend, Neal, will continue his studies through the month of March before heading off to Cuba with his family to work with a mission organization there. 

Tomorrow two professors with the Education department from MidAmerica Nazarene University will be arriving to make arrangements for a new program combining a month of student teaching with some Spanish study.  The first students arrive in April with more to follow in the fall.  This will be a great experience for the MNU students who will have the opportunity to teach in another culture and gain Spanish language skills at the same time. 

David is returning tonight (Saturday) from a two day trip to the the missions in the Indigenous area of Costa Rica (Tay Cabecar).   I am sure he will want to share his experiences in Nicaragua last week and info about the new church plants in Costa Rica Central.

Last photo with braces.

In other news, Joshua and Kayley are doing well.  Kayley just had her braces taken off and will share some photos very soon.  Joshua is contemplating university options as he tries to remain focused on his last few months of high school.  He graduates in mid-June.  He is excited to be able to help with the Iowa District team, travel with them to Panama, later this month. 

Joshua also had the opportunity to help with and enjoy a new Seminary Events ministry designed to encourage even more youth groups to rent the campus facilities.  PAINTBALL.  Today was the first day for this new ministry.  Look like fun (if you like pain!).

We are looking forward to David's preaching tomorrow morning at the San Isidro Church located in Heredia, not far from our home.  We hope your Sunday is blessed with a wonderful time of worship.  God is so good.

The Webb Family