May Madness in Panama and Costa Rica

Hello to Everyone!

We know the the phrase is usually "March Madness" but for the Webbs, May has been a better month for that slogan.  With the combination of school activities, CALL Spanish students from universities coming and going, and our normally busy work schedule, it has been a month of busyness.  We are so thankful for the strength to continue working each day and for good health that allows us to continue serving in the ministry of Costa Rica and the Seminary.

Some of the MKs enjoying their last few moments together.

The first of the month brought a special opportunity that comes only once every 4 years:  a missionary retreat, this time in Panama.  The whole campus full of missionaries made the way by plane and car to a hotel near the Panama Canal.  It was great to meet new missionaries that work in other countries like Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as see missionaries we have known for years from other countries of the Mesoamerica Region.

The kids especially had a great time visiting with each other.  The hotel had a nice pool, so there were many games of volleyball played there.  And Kayley celebrated her 14th birthday there, so she now holds the family record for having her birthday in 4 countries:  USA, Guatemala, El Salvador (last retreat) and now Panama!

Kayley also had a pool party here in Costa Rica to celebrate with local friends.  A good time was had by all!

During the trip to Panama, the MidAmerica Nazarene University students (3 - see last blog), made their way home to the USA.  And just a couple days after we arrived home from Panama, the next group of university students arrived to study Spanish at SENDAS.  This group is from Point Loma Nazarene University and they will study for a total of 9 weeks taking a full year's worth of Spanish in that time - now that's INTENSE!

The PLNU students in downtown San Jose.

The PLNU students in their Spanish classroom.

Language Partners is a success!

Resting at a mountain lake after a morning of hiking.

There are 7 students for the first session and 12 that will arrive in early June for the second session.  The Spanish courses are taught by a visiting professor from PLNU, along with some assistance from our CALL professors.  This is a very complete program with 3 hours of class M-F, field trips each week, a weekend home stay with a local family, as well as 4 hours per week of conversation with a Costa Rican language partner.  This weekend the students have a free travel weekend and they all headed to the beach.  (That's why I have time to write this blog!!!).

I (Shelley) am so thankful that the program is a big success so far.  All the work to plan such a program is finally paying off after 2.5 years of dreaming and planning.  Pray with us that everyone stays healthy and safe while traveling in Costa Rica.  If you would like to see more photos and information about the CALL program, you can check us out on Facebook under Christian Academy of Language and Learning.

Joshua has big news this month!  He has made a final decision about college and has chosen... (drumroll please!)  MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSITY in Ohio!  This was Joshua's first choice, but we were not sure it would be possible for financial reasons, but God has opened the doors and provided just what Joshua needs to make his first choice a reality!  Once again, we are thankful.

Joshua is in the throws of Senior activities with graduation and a senior banquet coming up soon.  Graduation is June 16th, just one day after our next Work and Witness team leaves.  Also, Joshua had his final basketball game this weekend in Liberia and the trip included a visit to the beach.  The highlight for Joshua?  Getting to ride a jet ski in the bay and give rides to all the other kids.  I think they only fell of one time and had to swim to the jet ski aways to get it back.  Great fun for a 17 year old boy!

Joshua with his best friend Kevin in front.  Last game at home!

Saying goodbye to friends is something you get used to here in Costa Rica, but it is never easy.  This month we said "see you later" to our friends the Honeas.  They have studied Spanish with CALL, worked with Work and Witness and are now off to Guatemala to help with ministry there.  See down the road, Bub and Rickie!

Bub and Rickie are in front of the photo of the gang at a local Mexican restaurant.

David has also been busy with many activities throughout Costa Rica, but there is not time to tell it all now.  Maybe I can get him to write about his last few weeks in the next blog!

We will be in the USA in August for a few weeks of speaking in churches before we drop of Joshua in Ohio at college.  We will be in Iowa for the 3 weeks, so if you would like us to speak at your church, just let us know.  I believe our Sunday mornings are already taken, but might be able to visit you during the week.

God bless you greatly during your busy month of May!  Thanks for keeping up with us by way of the blog.  We appreciate your prayers and support.

THE WEBBS