January 2018 - Christmas and Family

As we continue to prepare for the move to Curacao, we enjoyed our final Christmas and New Years in Costa Rica.  It was a great family blessing for us to be together as a family for one week. Joshua brought along his girlfriend Lilly and Kayley joined them on the trip down.  These times are very limited for us, so we are thankful when they occur.

With family at Punta Leona.

This was Lilly's first trip to Costa Rica. She loved the beach!

We enjoyed a couple nights at the beach, a visit to La Finca church, the Star Wars movie on the day of release, and lots of good food.  It was sad to say goodbye to Joshua and Lilly after one week, but we were glad to keep Kayley around for one month.  She was out and about more than at home, but that is because she has soooo many friends in Costa Rica.  It is home for her.

  

 

Now it is January, and the kids have returned to the USA and are busy working and studying in Ohio.  For us, life is filled with goodbyes and many hugs. We have had many special times with friends, as you can see in the photos below.  

A special evening with the Salazar family.

With the Calvo family sharing one last meal together.

Pastor Johnny, Maureen, Luis, Laura and us.  A final cafe with these dear ones.

Central District Despedida with Superintendent Sirlene Bustos.

A great group of pastors and leaders from Central District at the Despedida.  What a special time!

We know the Costa Rica leaders will be praying for us in Curacao.

Moving takes lots of organization and work, and since we are leaving in just over one week, we are getting close to being ready.  The actual move of our household goods will not happen now, but we are preparing everything so it can be done quickly once we have residency in Curacao.  That process could take anywhere from two weeks to four months.  So things are a bit up in the air about when we will return one last time, but God knows the plan, and we trust it will all go well. 

We are very excited about this New Year for the Costa Rican churches.  The DCPI church planter training was held recently and the Central district has great plans for this year.  With the Encuentro event planned for July, we know that great things are ahead for the districts.  We wish we could stay to see it all happen, but we will be watching from afar.

We are excited to know that there is already a meeting set up upon our arrival with the Protestant Education Association to see how the Church of the Nazarene can be a help to the schools. This will be a great way to start!

Prayer requests for our upcoming move:
1.  First week in Curacao – begin to adjust to new accommodations and the heat, meet with the school leadership, and purchase a vehicle.

2.  During first few weeks:  Learn more about the culture and needs in Curacao.  Find a long-term rental home. Attend the DCPI training in Cuba. Begin ministry with Spanish speakers.  Support the Dutch ministry.

3. Ongoing request – Our residency will be in process beginning about January 17^th.  We pray the process will be easy and will be completed at just the right time (whenever that is!).