February 2015

Hello Dear Friends and Family,

Another month has passed and we are enjoying the dry season in Costa Rica.  Actually, the weather has been strange with a bit of rain from time to time and wind...even more than usual for this time of the year.  So much so, the McDonald's sign in Tibas blew down a few weeks ago. Other big news in Costa Rica? Both Wendy's and Bagelman's restaurants have closed along with a handful of other businesses.  The economy is getting tough here for the nationals. Jobs are hard to come by.  Pray for responsible changes to be made to help these situations.  

Here at SENDAS, Shelley is staying busy with CALL. Currently there are four students on campus and a few more online. The Schrages are volunteering at ICS (Kayley’s school) for three months while they take a few hours of Spanish classes each week.  Roger and Esther have traveled the world, so it is fun to hear their stories.  We also have Bob and Teresa Willis with us for two months.  They will begin volunteering with SENDAS very soon (accounting and data entry) after they study Spanish a bit more to have a stronger base.  All four students are enjoying Costa Rica and blessing everyone they meet.  We are blessed to have such great CALL students with us.

Bob and Teresa Willis (with Profesora Gaby)

Roger and Esther Schrage

In mid-March, another volunteer will arrive.  Kay Lynn Robson is making her final arrangements to come to study and volunteer with CALL.  Shelley is in need of some help and Kay Lynn is going to fill that role!  Can’t wait to have her here with us on campus.

In other news, this is the time of year for District Assemblies in Costa Rica.  In February, both districts held their assemblies, with David presiding over the Central District Assembly.  Both meetings went very well with growth reported on both districts. 

David with Superintendent Mario Vargas and wife Sharon.

David with Rev. Sirlene Bustos.

Costa Rica Central Assembly 2015

Costa Rica North Assembly 2015

Our friend, Jorge Garcia, receiving greetings from Dr. Crocker upon Jorge's retirement after serving for over forty years on the district.  Rev. Johnny Calvo, Superintendent North District looking on.

We were blessed to have a few Work and Witness teams come through during January and February.  The volunteer missionary leaders for the teams were Ted and Lori Bruce.  They did a great job with all three teams.  The team that stayed here on campus was from Oregon.  They worked at the Los Angeles Church and ended their time with a big celebration service on their new concrete pad. Things are looking bright for that church as they continue to pay off the land debt and move forward with the construction little by little.

Ted and Lori Bruce receiving the thanks of the Los Angeles congregation.

Ted after a hard day of work.

The beautiful property of the Los Angeles Church of the Nazarene, with the newly poured concrete pad. 

David has taken trips to the Liberia area to visit churches and missions there with Pastor Casey Shorr, who led workshops.  David also traveled with the Paul and Mary Jetter for a few days, visiting Quebrada Grande, Muelle, San Pedro de Poas and San Jose. 

Pastor Casey Shorr and Pastor Franklin in Paso Tempisque.

Coming up next is a trip to Sarapiqui which is part of the Central district where there are two mission churches. Then soon after a trip to Panama West for their District Assembly. 

News from the kids:  Kayley’s social calendar is full these days between school activities and youth groups.  She is looking forward to Easter when she has a break from school and time to enjoy with friends.  

Kayley with the El Alto youth group at the skating rink.

Joshua has started a new job in Mount Vernon with a company called Fastenal.  Because of this, a car purchase was necessary.  He is proud of his 2004 Pontiac Sunfire.  Buying your first car is a milestone and to have the first “real” job and car purchase come within a few days of each other made for a memorable week for him. We are super proud of both our kids!  (Can you tell?)

We love serving in Costa Rica and the people are the main reason for that, but the beautiful rainbows and scenery don’t hurt a thing.  Come bring a team and we’ll see you here soon.

The Webbs