Ps.100:5 For the LORD is good;his mercy is everlasting...

Woohoo! Graduation Day! We made it! Hallelujah a Dios. Paul, Gabriella, and Lucy came to the ceremony for me. They are such good friends. My part in the ceremony was to read scripture in Spanish, of course. I chose Psalms 100. But what a relief that it is over! I survived! And I'm ready to leave. But not until 8 in the morning. Will get to St. Louis around 3 in the afternoon. I'm so excited about seeing my family and my friends. What a year this has been. And no, I don't want to repeat it.

Last Saturday I went on the picnic with my special group. It was a good time. I met Minor's (who is blind) daughter and family. And what a great treat for me, but not the only one, because his granddaughter is named Beverly. She is about 4 years old. I was so happy to hear that they spell and pronounce it correctly. Thanks to Beverly Hills!!! Most Latinos spell and pronounce it Beberly. Esteban, Beverly's father, and I will be emailing, because he wants to learn more English. They are such a beautiful family. Several from the group told me that I needed to stay here in CR. They said I could teach English here! Bless their hearts. I love the friends I have here, but the heart is in Honduras.

I presented my project on the church and their relationship with people with disabilities this past Monday. My teacher gave me a big hug, said I did very well, and that I made her very happy. And that made me happy!!! But the real blessings come when God ministers through you to another person. He did that this week, and I praise him for his goodness to us and his love.

I praise God for the things that I have learned and the friends that he has given me. God is truly good all the time. One chapter closed and another to begin. How exciting it is to serve God the Creator. You don't always know what he is planning for your life, but you can be sure it will turn out well. Even the bad, he has promised to use it for our good. Hallelujah!

Well, I have to wash out the microwave and a couple of other things, and I'm done.

So Lord, thank you for this year even when I told you that I didn't like it here. You gave me your grace, and I finished well. Thank you for what I have learned, and thank you for multiplying it. Thank you for the people you put in my path to be my friends and vice verse. I ask you to bless them in the coming year, to save their loved ones that don't know you, and to help them know you more intimately. I love you Father. Gracias Jesus por total. Amen.

Give thanks with a grateful heart...song

Only TWO more weeks to go! Yeah!!! Everybody is counting down. Last project is completed! I just have to present it next Monday. WooHoo!! ECO's, oral test, is this Thursday and no classes on Friday. But my last time with my friends that have children with disabilities will be on the 3rd of Dec. the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. I will miss them.

This Thanksgiving was definitely different. I went with Paul, Gabriella, and Emanuel to San Gerardo de Dota and the surrounding area. We had breakfast at this fabulous Cloud Forest Lodge, Dantica, owned by a Dutch fellow. The food was great, but the bread was wonderful with homemade marmalade. It was mora which is the blackberry. And then they took me around the valley and to the trout farms, rainbow trout. Wow, there were several ponds full of them. And guess what we had for lunch? Yep, trout. Great stuff. While we were at this little Mom & Pop's restaurant eating lunch, a tourist bus came with European travelers. They were stopping to bird watch. This area is known for the Quetzal. Paul saw one for the first time in his life so that made the day special for him. Even though it rained off and on, it was a day to be thankful. I definitely missed seeing my kids and families. Other than the date on the calendar, it didn't feel like Thanksgiving Day. But God always gives us things to be thankful for and the greatest, of course, is being his child, thanks to Jesus.

So now I'm cleaning the apartment getting ready to leave. I've washed the windows, ceiling fans, and cabinets. Will finish the fridge and stove next week. And I have started packing my bags. My fridge is almost empty as are the cabinets. And it's a little difficult to know how much food to buy especially when you are used to buying for more than a week or two at a time. The only thing that remains the same are changes!

Our conversation class has to have Ps.121 memorized by Wed., in Spanish, of course. I have it, but it is so hard for me to say it at the same time the other two are saying it!

I am thankful for what God has done in me since I have been here, and the language that I have learned. But I am assuredly ready to leave here. Ready to see my family first and then ready to return to HN.

I am so thankful that I know that God has my life in his hands, and he is in total control of all that comes my way.

Gen. 2:7, 21-22 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground...

A few weeks ago I was asked to describe the first two chapters in Genesis by looking at drawings that really didn't do much to help me. I remember saying that God said it was good after every creation. My teacher said no, that God saw that it was good. She was right. Saying and seeing are two different things. So I have gone back to reread this part of Genesis again, in Spanish of course. So a couple of nights ago after I went to bed, I started thinking about God creating everything. All was spoken into existence except man. He formed man from the dust of the earth. And I thought about that a lot laying there in bed. I believe a baby's heart starts beating a week or so after conception, and he forms from the inside out. In my mind I could see the Lord down on the ground forming Adam. He had to start with the insides. And what a mind! I don't know which part he formed first, but forming the heart, the lungs, stomach, all the different systems: digestive, nervous, respiratory, skeletal, glandular, and all the rest. And then I thought about that little thing called the gall bladder. Just the right amount of bile released at the right time or there is a lot of pain and anguish. Wow! The mind of God. Every part had to work just right with all the other parts. And of course in my mind he had to use water, right? I can remember making mud pies, and I had to use water or there was just the loose dirt and no pie, which of course, no one wanted to eat after all my labor. The Bible doesn't say he used water. But I can see him on his knees or sitting, and moving around on the ground forming his first son of flesh. And when he finished with all that makes a human body, there it laid on the ground. This big creature of dirt. And then he breathed the breath of life into him and the thing formed became flesh and blood. Now isn't that the most awesome thing ever? This big form of DIRT that turned into flesh. The many times that I have read this in Genesis and it never hit me like this. Scripture describes God as having eyes, ears, hands, feet, etc., but we never see him getting his hands dirty. But I see him working in that dirt with a love that is indescribable. This man child Adam was perfect in every way. He was made with God's own hands. And then the Lord turned around and made Eve from one of Adam's ribs after he put Adam in a deep sleep. And in them he put the seeds necessary to populate the earth. I am amazed. And we are always in a hurry to shed this body that God made with his hands. I understand all the reasons, but at the same time I don't think we give him enough glory and honor for this part of ourselves. But then we love to see new babies, yes? Just think how God felt when he looked at Adam and Eve. And now when he looks at us. Such love. There is none better.

Ps.116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

This weekend has been one of surprises, some good and some not so good. I was suppose to meet with my special group on Saturday and interview one of the mother's for my project, but I received a call from the missionary on Friday telling me that one of the kids died that day. What a shock for his mother (and the rest of us) because he hadn't been sick. They think it was a seizure. The "kid" was 42 years old. So needless to say, the meeting was cancelled Saturday for the funeral. Funerals are held within 24 hours here just like in Honduras. I didn't know Minor personally, but I sure feel the loss. And I pray for his mother. There will be such a void in her life, because Minor was happiest at his mother's side, but I know God will comfort her. His father died a few years ago. It's so precious how the Lord moves. I was thinking about Minor this morning and calling him a child, and I thought how we are God's children. Just like Minor, we are his children regardless of our age. God doesn't have grandchildren. And then the message in church this morning was about being God's child. Totally awesome! When we are adults, I think we forget that we are children in God's sight. His children. My oldest is 50, and I introduce him as my son or oldest child, or something to the effect that indicates he is my child. He doesn't become something else because he is an adult. And it's the same for my other four. Regardless of our ages, they will always be my children. Bless their hearts. And the same goes with them and their children. I am so blessed to know that I am a child of God, and He will never leave or forsake me, and will continue to teach me until the day that I stand before him in my new body.

On a happier note, when I answered the phone yesterday, a fellow started talking to me in English saying that I knew him because he had been with one of the teams that had come to HN. Well, there were several teams that had come, and I relayed that to him, because I surely didn't recognize his voice. Well, what a great surprise, it was Pastor Ken from MA. And I was able to talk to 2 of the ladies that had come on the team. AND then I talked to Becky, my missionary, who is their guest missionary for a few days. What a great surprise. God knows just how to bless our socks off! It's so nice to know that someone is thinking about you.

It has been so quiet this weekend. Most went to the beaches, but Sara and I stayed here. The peace is wonderful!!! She shares an apartment with two other girls. So we've went shopping, to church, and ate at the food court at the mall. There is a store here that is named El Rey, and it is like Dollar General and Family Dollar rolled into one. I spent a whole dollar! And the other store that is super cheap and closer to home is Pequeno Mundo. Fun places to go and look. We don't buy the things that we normally would because we are only allowed so much weight in our suitcases, so we definitely don't spend a lot of money on stuff.

So yesterday and today, I have spent a lot of time listening and watching Spanish television. Sometimes I don't understand at all, and other times, it's right there. Oh well, this is is a life long endeavor for sure.

For those of you that read my blog, please pray for Minor's mother and the rest of the group. The death of their special child lays heavy on their hearts at times. Thanks and God bless you for doing so.

John 16:33...but be of good cheer:I have overcome the world.

Hallelujah! One project completed and another started! Yesterday was Capilla de Las Culturas (Cultural Chapel). We all had to speak about the country where we are going. Of course all was spoken in Spanish. Oh, my, the many times I had to practice with the recorder in front of the bathroom mirror at the school! Wow! I could talk about Honduras forever, I think, but it's a little more difficult in Spanish. But as I listened to all of us, I remembered Ps.24:1 that the Lord gave me when when he was leading me to go to Honduras. He has created the whole earth and everybody on it. That means all the different peoples, languages, and their cultures (and of course every culture has its good and bad). He values everyone of them because they are his. He made them. What a variety! That speaks mountains to us or should. He didn't make us all alike, but how many times do we want to be like someone else or do something as well as someone else when He hasn't given us that particular gift or talent? And when you hear all these things and see the pictures, it makes one really appreciate the peoples and God's handiwork. We all fixed some kind of food and/or drink. I fixed baleadas and horchata. The baleladas are flour tortillas with beans, crema(like a sour cream) with cheese on top. The horchata is a traditional drink made with rice, cinnamon, sugar, and milk or water. What a job that is to make! I don't think I'll make it too often from scratch. The fake stuff can be bought in a package like Kool-Aid. Don't know if they have it (hochata)in the states, but maybe.

On Tuesday, we were given an assignment to write about the last century, 1900-2000, and life in the U.S. It was due on Wednesday. Oh, wow, when I began to think of all that I have seen, I realized my age like never before. AND I only have 33 more years before I'm 100, if the Lord permits. When I started writing the changes, it was absolutely astounding. And it was like the Lord was saying, Celebrate your age! Well, ok, but how do I do that when older age isn't valued so much anymore? I guess I'll find out. But then He told ME to celebrate it, not everybody else! But there have been tremendous changes in every aspect of life, from communication to how children play. Incredible.

In Latin American countries, you will hear people exclaiming Jesus' name or !Dios Mio! which means My God. Yesterday, one of the workers exclaimed Jesus' name, and I cringed because it really hurt my heart, and I told her that Christians in the U.S. don't say that because it's not good. She said that her husband says it all the time(he's Latino) and I asked if he was a Christian and she said yes. I guess I was shaking my head because she asked why was it bad. I showed her Exodus 20:7 in my Spanish Bible, and she immediately said, No more! She told me the next day that she went home and showed her husband, and he also said no more. Hallelujah!!! I am so tired of being told about the culture and to accept it. Well, I understand that, but at the same time when the culture, which ever one it is, runs a muck of God's word, don't we need to speak up. And if they aren't told, because they don't know and aren't given the chance to know, nothing will change, and will we not be held accountable? And I understand one doesn't go around shooting his mouth off all the time, but at the same there is a time to speak (and a time to be still, according to Eccl). And yesterday it was time to speak and the Holy Spirit moved. Praise the Lord for his saving grace. Sometimes we don't speak up because we're afraid of offending or being persecuted. Wow, every time Jesus spoke, someone was offended because he spoke truth. He didn't speak to offend, but to save. And he was persecuted. Isn't that what comes with that cross we are suppose to carry? I, myself don't like that cross, because it was and is a thing of torture, but I love the One that gave the commandment to take it and follow, and if persecution comes, and it will, so be it. He overcame the world, and by his grace, I will too.

So now it's time to work on my next and last project. It will be about people with disabilities and their relationship in the church.

Thank you Lord for all you have done in me since being here. It is not a place that I have wanted to be, but you have done tremendous things, and I praise you for it, and understand that if I had not been here, they might not have been done. Muchas gracias por tu amor.

Heb.13:5-6...The Lord is my helper...

Well, here we are once again. It has been three days since we returned from Panama. Nothing spectacular happened there, except we enjoyed the time off from classes. But, of course, we had homework, but not so much. Thank you, Jesus. And I couldn't find shoes, so will wear these that are really looking rough. Oh well, at least I have shoes and feet!

We had a different bus this time. It was more like a Greyhound because there were so many of us. But we had to unload our bags at both borders, so customs could see and run their hands through our stuff. But it wasn't a problem. Someone said they were looking for drugs, but who knows. It set us back an hour in time returning to CR, but that really wasn't a problem either. Instead of getting to CINCEL around 5, we made it around 6.

This morning we all had to speak in Spanish during the cultural chapel. Those that are learning English had to use English. I shared my experience with a funeral in Honduras compared to the way it is all done in the states. (My experience in HN reminded me of my Grandma describing my Grandpa's funeral so many years ago, long before I was born. So different then. So much more personal). But anyway, I was told I did very well. Once again I have to give glory to God for helping me.

I am enjoying my classes a lot more now. Tomorrow Clint and I have to converse and ask questions off the top of our heads. That ought to be real interesting! I just have to learn to pray without writing it out and reading it. That's my goal, not necessarily my teacher's goal. I do ok in my apartment, but when I have to do it in class, it's a little different.

Well, it's almost 5 o'clock our time, and I just felt an earthquake tremor. Wow! It's funny, because first you hear some rattling in your house and wonder what is making that noise. Then you feel the shaking, and you know what is happening. Then you wonder is it going to be longer or is it going to stop quickly. Then it's like do I move out of the house or stay. These thoughts are almost simultaneous. You "feel the earth move under your feet." An old song, but I think about it every time the earth shakes here. So it didn't last but a minute or so. I guess I'll turn on the TV and listen to the news, and see what they say about it.

Keith and I have to memorize scriptures for next week in our phonics class. I picked Heb.13:5-6. I have thought of what they say so many times since I have been here. But God's word never gets old and it does not change. Even when our circumstances change, God does not. I am so thankful for him in my life.

John 14:16...he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you forever:

What a great birthday I had yesterday. I wasn't telling anyone here, but I forgot about FB! So when I turned on my computer, there were a lot of birthday greetings. A little after 5 am, my phone rang, and I thought who in the world is calling so early and decided that it was probably a wrong number. Well, lo and behold, it was Becky from the states singing Happy Birthday when I answered. What a pleasant surprise. So we chatted for awhile, and she had forgotten that we are an hour behind KS time. But no matter because I'm up early anyway. I heard from my children which is always a BIG blessing. I Skyped with my youngest last night and was able to talk to his whole family. Totally wonderful. Paul and Gabriella took Leticia and I out for dinner to an authentic Chinese restaurant. They did not know it was my birthday till we arrived back home and some of the guys were standing by the gate and said happy birthday to me. And Gabriella wanted to know whose birthday, and I told her it was mine. Well, how great God is. She said that's why the Lord told her and Paul the day before to take me out to dinner. God always takes care of the "little" things, and he knows how to bless our socks off! He is soooo good to me!

Paul and I laughed when I told him that I was learning some Chinese culture from him. His reply was something to the effect that I had to come to Costa Rica to learn it. He and Gabriella are truly a blessing to me. Paul put food on my plate when it was getting empty, and I told him that it reminded me of my dad when I was really little. And I actually used chop sticks for part of the time. I could never quite get them to work before, but I'm getting there. By time I leave here, I should do pretty good, just in time to return to a place that basically uses pieces of tortillas for utensils!

I hear so many times the reason God is doing something is to get us out of our comfort zones, like that is the only reason. As I was thinking about that yesterday, I was thinking, really? No, he takes us out of our comfort zones when we have been chosen to do whatever he wants us to do. He always has a purpose for doing what he does, and it isn't to just get us out of our comfort zones. True, it's not comfortable at times, because we have to change due the circumstances that he puts us in, but he's preparing us for whatever he has planned. Like yesterday. Chariti, in Mexico, popped up to chat when I was working on the computer. She was telling me about the changes there in her living conditions since she had returned there. I was laughing so hard that I was almost in tears. Comfort zone??? No washer and dryer. Hardly any furniture, and no waste paper cans, which she went and bought. Things that most Americans take for granted. And then today or yesterday in the conversation class, we were discussing the "comfort zone." Coming here is definitely out of our comfort zones, and we have the things that Chariti doesn't have. But he strips us of all the things we cling to, including people-family, church, etc. in order for us to cling to him. God will be first in our lives. Here we have been stripped of our language, food, friends, family, paying jobs, cars, houses, yards, customs, etc. Why? Because God is teaching us to totally depend on him. If we don't learn to do that, we won't make it in some of the countries where some are being sent. (It's very difficult to put all this into words)! And we truly learn that he is in control. Nothing happens in our lives without his say so. So all this teaches us to truly wait on him and follow the leading of his Holy Spirit. There is a deeper love for him that grows from all these things. We learn that he truly is our Father, and he loves us with a love that is deeper than we can understand. And whatever happens is for our good and his glory. AND he always provides for our needs whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. We don't always "feel" his presence, but he is always with us. He said so in his word. And that's called "faith" to believe what you can't feel or see. When we rely on his word, we have peace even when there's nothing peaceful going on around us. So to be out of our comfort zone is actually exciting, because you don't know what's coming next. So whether we have the physical comforts or not, we have the Comforter.

And when you are learning another language, it's really a strange feeling when you forget words in your own language! Today Kevin, whose is 16 and learning English, asked me what the word for parque de atracciones in English was. It took me a couple of minutes to come up with amusement park! And spelling? I always received A's in spelling. Now I find myself asking myself if the word has two r's or one. Is it a t or c? Comfort zone?! And when I'm writing and need a certain word and can't remember what it is...Sometimes I leave a blank and tell my friend to fill in the right word, please, because I can't remember what it is! And she will write back and tell me the word. Hallelujah!!

Well, tomorrow we leave for Panama again for our visas. It's my last trip there this year as far as I know. So I must get to bed.

I pray that my Father will bless my family and help them to have the peace that he has given me.

1 Pet.2:9...who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Today is Independence Day for most of Central America, therefore we don't have school today. Yesterday the teachers fixed us a typical Costa Rican breakfast. Gallopinto, which is black beans with rice mixed together with seasonings, cheese, bread, coffee and juice. We eat beans and rice in HN too, but they aren't mixed together. I can eat beans for breakfast if I must, but I really don't like to do it. Beans are fine for lunch and dinner, but breakfast? Oh well, it's their protein and that's fine. Also some elementary school students came and performed one of their national dances for us. We also sang their national anthem. The national colors are red, white, and blue, just like ours in the U.S. Interesting. The teachers gave us a small history lesson from before and when they received independence from Spain. Unlike the U.S., they didn't have to fight a war for independence.

The third trimester started on Monday. The classes so far prove to be more relaxed and not loaded down with homework. It appears that there is going to be more practice in using what we have learned thus far with some new things added. I like it a lot! And I have been reading a book of short stories that one of the girls brought with her. That also helps. I only take my Spanish Bible to church and chapel services, and I read the chapters in it after reading my King James. So hopefully the brain is getting all this!!!

Next week we leave for Panama for the last time. I really do have to buy a new pair of closed in shoes to go home in Dec. The shoes I have has lasted for a year. Good length of time for the roads we walk on in HN and here. Although they aren't bad here in the city, you have to watch out for the "gringo holes". That's those places that are suppose to have grates over them. Ha! Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. We are taught to always look up, but here you better watch where you're stepping!

We have been learning to pray in Spanish. I always write mine out so the teacher can make any needed corrections afterwards, and to stay focused with my speaking. And yesterday, my prayer was thanking God for the independence of the Central American countries. But before translating into Spanish, the realization of the freedom that God has given us was totally awesome. Jesus too, fought a war for our independence and freedom from the kingdom of darkness. Thank God that he won that war. He brought us into his marvelous kingdom of light. Sometimes we don't remember that war, what it cost him, and the end result of winning that war. And sometimes we don't really understand it all. Communion is one time to remember it. But everyday when we pray, we need to remember and be thankful for that conquest. We have freedom in Jesus Christ from sin and shame. And when we sin, we can have forgiveness upon confessing. What a loving God we have. His love and mercy is forever.

Mat.6:8...for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Hallelujah y Praise the Lord! What a fantastic 5 days that Leticia and I had at the beach house. We did nothing but rest, eat, sleep, swim, and walk the beach. God knows what we need and when we need it even when we don't. I didn't realize how tired I was until Thursday morning. Wow! And I pray God bless Paul and Gabriela a hundredfold.

I met Gabriela a few weeks ago. I had been studying and I (?)decided that I needed to take a walk and clear the mind. Well, that's when I met Gabriela. She was standing on the corner watching her 4 year old ride his bike. I spoke in Spanish, and she answered in English. Well, that definitely opened the door. Talk about kindred spirits-from the beginning. She is Costa Rican, her husband is Chinese, and their son, whom they adopted when he was 3 months old, is from Nigeria. Talk about an international family! They love the Lord with all their hearts. Even though Paul is Chinese, he has never lived in China. He was born in Bolivia where his father worked for a helicopter company. They have opened their hearts and home to me. They have become my host family, they said. Isn't God wonderful? He knows who and when to put someone in your life. Because they want to help missionaries, they will soon be introduced to the other students here. Gabriela ministered to children in Nigeria. She has a servant's heart as does Paul.

So they took Leticia and I to the beach house on Wed. and returned on Sunday to take us back to San Jose. I'm not a swimmer, but Leticia is. The ocean was very dirty, and dangerous. There were red warning flags posted on the beach. So Leticia spent a lot of time in the pool, and I spent time in the hammock and walking the beach. The sand there is not white. It is more brown, not black like in southern Honduras on Isla de Tigre. Since Costa Rica has over 100 volcanoes, I'm thinking that is why the beaches are the color that they are. There was also lot of driftwood. I'm amazed that there is not a lot of seashells on the beaches that I have been to in Honduras and Costa Rica. This area that we went to is near the Port of Caldera, so we could see big ships coming and going, perhaps a couple everyday. The Tivies(?) River runs into the ocean there. So we walked to the river a few times. We had to pay attention because there are crocodiles living in that river. I told Leticia if she saw a log raise it's tail and move, she was to run in the opposite direction!! But we never saw one. The last day that we were there, three fishermen told us that they saw one, but he submerged himself when he saw them.

Just about every morning I took some crabs out of the swimming pool. They are the funniest things. Put something in front of them and those little pincers go into fighting position. A couple of itty bitty ones drowned. So sad. One of the mornings we heard this loud noise and saw a family of four iguanas on the roof of the house next door. They were sunning themselves. They would lift up their chests and heads while facing the sun. Sunbathing at its best! Parrots would wake us up every morning between five and six o'clock chattering very loudly. And then fly away into the trees. Gabriela's brother said that about 40 macaws were around about that time in the morning but I never saw any.

Gabriela's brother Jorge,(George)came over to meet us. A very nice fellow. I greeted him in Spanish, and he started talking to me in Spanish. Well, needless to say, I didn't understand. So when I told him, he started speaking English. While we were visiting, I told him about the man I had seen the night before standing outside the living room window at one a.m. He went outside and talked to one of the guards that was passing by. Sure enough it had been him. Evidently it is time for the sea turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs, and some other fellows had come in to steal them. So he and the other guards were looking for them. This area is privately owned and has guards on duty 24 hours a day. That's nice to know except when you see someone at your window in the middle of the night. And the reason that I was up was that Paul's ipod started blaring, and I got up to turn it off. The electricity had gone off, and we thought that was the reason for the ipod doing its thing, but who knows or cares at this point in time. Anyway, Leticia and I had decided that the guy outside the window was probably a guard and maybe had heard the ipod blaring and had come up to check it out. But it was nice to find out the real reason that he was there. And there is not much privacy in Central America. Windows and doors are open all the time during the day unless it's really hot, and the people have air conditioning, and we did have air conditioning. Also the curtains we had only half covered the windows, and they were transparent. So there are not many secrets. Make sure you dress in the bathroom because someone may cut through your yard right next to your windows!

I don't know much about southern constellations. Definitely couldn't see the Big Dipper. So I have to check this out. But the stars were bright and beautiful and reminded me of God's promise to Abraham. God would bless him, and multiply his seed as the stars of heaven. And then when I walked the beach the same promise was given concerning the sand which is on the sea shore. We can't count the number of stars or the grains of sand on the sea shores. Therefore, we can't count Abraham's descendants. I'm just thankful that I am one. God's promises are real. And whether or not we can see them with our physical eyes, we see them with eyes of faith. Abraham didn't see the promises fulfilled before he died, but the day is coming when he will. Our God is faithful. And the things He has promised us will come to pass in His time and His way. Praise be to the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and to His only begotten son Jesus Christ.

Ps.23:1 The LORD is my shepherd...

Today was graduation for three students. Each will be going to different places. One will return to the states, one goes back to Mexico, and the other will stay here in Costa Rica. So now we have three weeks vacation. It could not have come at a better time for me. You ever get that feeling that enough is enough? Well, that's where I was yesterday. So it's time for a break, not from the language, of course, but from classes.

One family will be returning to the states for the break, and the other family will be entertaining family and friends from the states. Leticia and I will have a chance to go to the beach for a few days at no expense. That's a gift from God! I met a missionary and her family a couple of weeks ago, and they offered their cabin at the beach or the one in the mountains to us. And they are taking us there and will return to bring us back home. What a blessing! I like the mountains, but Leticia lives near the ocean in Chile, and I don't think she has been to the beach since arriving here in January. So that will be a good thing for the both of us.

Last weekend several of us went to Manuel Antonio and spent the night there. (When someone or two someones want to go somewhere, they always ask others if they would like to go also because it's so much cheaper for everybody). We woke up to monkeys chattering and swinging through the trees. Awesome to see them in their own habitat doing what is normal for them. We went to the beach the afternoon that we arrived there and went back to the beach the next morning. They all love the beach! I, however sat under the big umbrella and read! But I did go out on the banana boat with them. It was fun. It's this big air filled thing that looks like a banana that is pulled through the water by a motor boat. You sit astraddle the banana and hold on to a strap in front of you. It carried six of us. Of course the big "thrill" is when the boat does a uuey and dumps everybody in the ocean. Now, I'm not a good swimmer, but we all were wearing life jackets. I was wondering how in the world am I going to get back on that thing. So along comes Alicia and grabs my jacket and away we go. Much faster than me doing it on my own! Now grabbing hold of that strap, and trying to throw your leg over the banana(like getting on a horse, only there is no firm ground under your feet!) with it bouncing up and down in the water is a sight to behold, I'm sure. Thank the Lord that one of the workers was there helping everybody to get back on the thing. Goodness, the things I do! And then ask myself what am I doing here??? But it was fun. But once is enough. Just like climbing that mountain in Honduras. Once will do it for all time.

So hows the language? Tough! I have an 88% in all except for the oral section, which is 61%. So hopefully they are changing my placement next tri to put me where I need to be. I have been in the 3rd trimester sections ever since being here. That's not the best place to be when first starting out. So here's hoping...

A person really learns to say hi and good-bye on the mission field, especially here, because people are coming in and leaving every time a tri begins and ends and sometimes in the middle of one. So I remember one of my middle school students that would never say good-bye at the end of the day. Always she would say "See you later, Ms Blumer" because to her good-bye meant forever. So I really did adopt that from her, especially being here. When we were talking about this yesterday, Olivia, 10 years old, said, "Yea, but we're never going to see them again."
And I told her that she really didn't know that because we don't know where God will send us or who we will see. It's very possible to see these missionaries again. So I have learned to say"see you later."

So I guess it's time to say, See you later.
Dios le Bendiga

John 15:16 You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you...

It's Friday, hallelujah!! So what has happened this week? We celebrated the 4th with only one hour of class. Then we spent time with the teachers showing them how some families celebrate the 4th by doing the spoon race, the three legged sack race, and racing with a balloon stuck between the backs of two people and then passing it back to back with team members. Such fun. And of course we had goodies to eat. In the evening we went to Josh and April's house for a cookout. We met missionaries from other organizations that were working in other areas such as the universities, Bible schools, and after school programs for children. Then Josh lit fireworks for the kids. Here you can shoot off fireworks whenever. Robyn had showed a video at school featuring our soldiers in different eras of war time, Arlington, etc. And of course one of our Savior and his cross and resurrection. It's always good to be reminded of why we keep certain days. Sometimes we just think of a day off from school or work, and it is so much more than that. I thank God for giving the world the U.S.A. If we fall, there are going to be many countries that are going to suffer significantly. I pray our country returns to the standard that made it great in the first place.

And this week, my oldest celebrated his big 50, which of course isn't so big after you reach it. I remember the 4th of that year, and definitely the 5th. So young and so ignorant. Thank God that He has always known me even when I didn't know him. Such love and grace that God has shown me.

Before God called me to the mission field, I knew nothing about missionary life. Boy, have I learned a lot. I want to talk to Abraham someday. I have thought so much about him. What did his family think when he said he was leaving because God (?) told him to do it? Why did God call him when he was an "old" man? When I think about it from the human standpoint, I wonder if it took that much time for God to get him in the position where when He said go, that Abraham would go? I have heard stories from missionaries on the field that talk about their families who don't understand why they left the U.S. And these are Christian families!!! But they really don't understand the call to missions. It isn't something that a person just decides to do on his own! Seriously, who would leave their parents, grandparents, etc., a good job, house, car, friends, church, for a place where they don't know the language, different food, clothes that don't fit so well, houses that are at best second rate, etc.? Nobody in their right minds! But Paul said that we have the mind of Christ, so of course we don't think like the "normal" person. Jesus said that He had chosen us, not the other way around. So this transition has been one of learning and relearning. We can not always see what God is doing. We just have to trust him and be obedient to follow him in whatever he asks us to do whether or not anyone else understands. And he does ask us to do things we really don't want to do. Being here is one of them for a lot of people, including yours truly. But I know a little of what God has done in me since being here, and I know I need the language. So God's will be done.

I have heard how many have to write to their sponsors way too much. And how many churches want the numbers on people saved, baptized, etc. and my flesh wants to ask them the same questions. Really people? There were only about 120 people in the upper room after Jesus had preached, taught, and performed miracles for 3 1/2 years, and he is God! I often wonder if our counting these things is kind of like David numbering Israel. God was not pleased with that action, and a price was paid for it. So are we measuring success or so-called success by numbers?

In class today we had to present videos that we took last week when we went to the Cultural Popular Museo(museum). I have always believed that there is a natural substance for whatever is needed. So my group talked about La Reina de la Noche, (The Queen of the Night or Angels Trumpets). It's a big plant that has beautiful flowers and soft leaves. Well, the leaves can be used for toilet paper, (better than the poison ivy that my youngest used one time) and the flowers give off a wonderful aroma at night that covers the odor from the outhouse. (UGH, I heard that)!! And the mint they grow is not only used for food, but it's also a deterrent for ants! Great stuff, not that I want to exchange the modern bathroom for what my grandparents had. But the soft leaves would definitely be an improvement over pages from Sears catalogs! But leave it to man to take the natural good use of something and turn it into something bad. This plant has addictive qualities to it, therefore it is used by drug addicts, and none of the effects are good. They eat it or smoke it, so I was told. How sad.

There have been a few times since I have been in Central America when I really wished I was a man, so I could have gone to the guys that have been laying in the streets, and talked to them about their situations. I know some choose to live like this. But I also know that there are some that have not, and they don't know how or what to do. Even in this school, we have been told to ask questions. Well, when you don't know what to ask, and you don't know the language, how do you do that? Unless someone helps you, you are totally wandering in the dark. Kind of reminds me of the good Samaritan, and the man left to die in the street.

Oh well, enough for now. Dios le bendiga.

Ps, 104:24...the earth is full of thy riches.

So here we are in the middle of the week again. We returned from Panama on Sunday after leaving early Thursday morning. I think I enjoyed it more this time just because I knew where things were located. One more trip in Sept. and then home in Dec. So what did I do in PA? RESTED! We all went shopping together, and some went to the beach which is an hour or so away. No, I didn't go. It's not really what I enjoy doing. And the waves, sand, whatever was fairly strong because it took the polish off some toes!!
The trip there takes about eight hours in the bus. We stop for potty breaks, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. More often if necessary. And we stop on the Costa Rican side of the border for lunch. We always pray about crossing the border. Praise God that we have never been held up for them to check our luggage, etc. So the trip was great.
So today, Sat. the 2nd, we toured a coffee plantation. What a great learning experience. This company sells over 70% of their coffee beans to Starbucks in the states where they roast it to their specifications. Doka was started by a German family three generations ago. They own over 24,000 acres of coffee plants. And the caffeine content does not change in the kind of ground that you buy. The time of roasting changes the flavor from light, robust, espresso, etc. not the caffeine content. I was very happy to hear that. And a Coke and Pepsi has 90% more caffeine then coffee. In fact they send their beans to Germany where the decaffeinated coffee is made, and the caffeine is then sold to companies like Coke and Pepsi. Interesting, huh? And all the coffee plant is used for something. The trees are used for 20 years and then they are replaced with new trees. The old trees are used in the fires for roasting the beans. There is also a covering on the bean that is removed and is then used to make paper. So I really enjoyed this trip. I knew Jesus liked coffee!!!! I have been wanting to go to a coffee plantation since coming to Central America, and today I was able to go. We want to go back in Nov. when harvesting will be in progress to see all that we heard about today. This company processes by hand other than the separating of the beans which is done by machines that are 100 years old. Fantastic!
Yesterday, the school visited a Cultural Popular Museo(museum). We were able to make sweet bread and bake it in an oven that is outside. Also we learned how they use to make the adobe walls for the houses. They made frames from cane(not sugar cane), filled them with mud that was mixed with straw, and then they spread cow manure over the dried mud. This kept the wall from being destroyed when it rained. They sometimes whitewashed the wall using limestone and water. This method is now illegal because it won't withstand the earthquakes. Makes sense to me. Man's ingenuity, a gift from God of course, just sometimes makes me speechless.
So Monday, the 4th, we are going to a home of one of the missionaries to celebrate our (U.S.) Day of Independence after classes. Sure doesn't feel like July. And I think I am behind again on my newsletter. Oops. Guess I'd better tackle that this week.
God is absolutely so marvelous. I look at all that he has done in my life, and all I can do is praise him. Whoever thought I would be where I am, doing what I'm doing? Amazing. Dios le bendiga.

Ps.103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me...

¡Praise the Lord! The volcano Irazu was totally clear while we were there, so we could see the sulfuric blue green water at the bottom. It was definitely chilly. We were approximately 10,000 feet up. It's the highest point in CR and if the skies are clear, you can see both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. However, it wasn't clear enough to see those. So now I have seen a volcano that can become active at any time. Very interesting because the last time it spewed forth its innards was in 1963 when President Kennedy came to visit.

I stand in amazement when I see the natural wonders that God has created. When I realize the power that he has, it just blows my mind. He is so indescribably awesome that sometimes it just takes my breath away. Of course, a newborn baby is just as awesome, as we are.

Things have calmed down a little this week, and it is so nice to just breathe! We have had so much work to do and no time for things to actually sink in. But the ones that are learning English feel the same way, so we're all in the same boat.

Today we went to Cartago for a field trip. We were to observe the people and how they do or do not use crosswalks, etc. I must say that they do a lot better there than here in San Jose and Honduras. The remains (outer walls) of a large Catholic church there that was started way back when, but because of earthquakes constantly destroying it, rebuilding was finally abandoned in 1840 something. It reminded me of the ruins in Europe that was built by the Romans, because this too is of the same architecture. The legend has it that at certain times you can see a beheaded priest floating around in there.

Tomorrow is Friday. YEA! However, I have to start my integration class then. I have asked to be put with kids that are receiving special education. Of course the Christian schools, like PIEDAD, don't have special education. So to start I'm going to a church tomorrow afternoon to meet some kids and parents. The lady that I will be working with is from England and has been here for 15 years, and in Peru for 10. She has a burden for the church to accept and assist those that have special needs and their parents. Needless to say, I am excited.

So I went yesterday and spent nearly two hours with the kids. Some have profound disabilities. But I came away feeling totally alive. Special education is my passion as Deya says. So the plan is to really get involved and learn from Brenda, and to help the kids and their parents. She asked if I wanted to go with her to visit the families at their home. Absolutely. I visited some of my students in their homes when I taught in the states, so thank you once again, Lord.

Today was Father's Day here and the kids performed for their dads and the church. Really great.
I pray all my son's were blessed by their children.

Next week we leave for Panama again for our visas. We are all ready for a 4 day break. So now, I guess I'd better finish my homework for tomorrow.

Dios le bendiga!

I Pet.5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I cannot believe that it is June already. Wow! Almost six months down and six more to go. Passing months don't mean a lot here, to me anyway, other than the passing of time because the weather doesn't really change much.

I am sooooo glad that the last two weeks are over. Thank you Jesus!!! The homework has been horrendous, plus they have added a class for three afternoons every week, so there isn't much free time. The last two weeks, we had to write several compositions, do two projects, and testing. One project had to be about a disaster somewhere in the world(I chose the Mississippi flooding) and homelessness since it is a problem in just about every country. This last project had to be oral with no reading of notes. I think I did well since the teacher said, "Bueno Beverly". I wish I felt that confident!! Robyn and I are just glad it's over. And to add to the frustration in preparing these things, the internet was not dependable due to the weather. I'd be looking at stuff, and off it would go. Grrrrr!

The Lord answered another prayer this week. We are always told to see and enjoy Costa Rica. Well, that sounds good, but there are several issues. One is money, since things are so expensive here, and another is where to go and how. Two of the girls speaks Spanish well, but they don't know how to get around very well either. So the other morning, I was talking to the Lord about it and Tim popped into my head. He is a young man(everybody here is young to me!)and single and just came in April. (He speaks Spanish well, and will be here in CR). So after class, I put my arm through his and said I had a proposition for him. When I explained the situation to him, he smiled and said, just ask, because he would like to go see places, too. I told him we would help pay for gas in his vehicle, and I would pay his entry fees. He said he would pay his own entry fees. So tomorrow we are going to see the volcano that is not too far from San Jose. I pray it will be clear when we get there so we can see it. Thank you Lord.

I praise God everyday for his goodness, because he truly is good to his kids. And I heard that one in my flock has started going back to church. Thank you Jesus.

Five new students arrived this week for six weeks intensive. They were all going to the mall, and I was invited, but decided I'd better stay home and get my laundry done since I'll be gone most of the day tomorrow and church on Sunday. And I just need some down time. (Yo necesito descansar. I need to rest.)

Every morning in class we have to read scripture and pray in Spanish. Well, this morning I chose Eccl.12:12-14. Well, lo and behold, Eccl. only had eight chapters in my Spanish Bible. I freaked! So My teacher and I are looking in the Bibles in class and sure enough, only eight chapters! Oh my, what a disaster, until we realized I was looking in Song of Solomon instead of Ecclesiastes! Well, we had a good laugh along with a big sigh of relief. Mercy, mercy, mercy! Boy, I'm glad this week of classes are over.

This past couple of weeks the song May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You has been running through my head. He is good and he does bless especially when we give him all. What an awesome Father we have.

Ps. 77:17-18 ...voice of thy thunder...lightenings...the earth trembled and shook.

Earthquake!! It was not strong where I was. In fact three of us went walking after the thunder storm was over. (It rained really hard, and the thunder was deafening. Lightening cracked and popped. So people that are fearful of these would have a hard time here right now. The rainy season is definitely here). As far as the quake goes, we only noticed that something out of the ordinary was happening because the tree that we were near started shaking and dropping water on us. And then we realized that it must have been a quake. I called it a tremor, but the TV said it was a 5.8. The family that lives above me said it shook some things off their walls. Everything in my house was the same. I guess it makes a difference whether your on ground floor or above. Psalms 77:17-18 describes yesterday to a tee.

I think it's a reminder of just how powerful our God is and what kind of authority He has. Totally awesome. I'm so glad I'm in His hand.

II Sam.12:23 I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

My last entry was the 17th of April. Wow, a lot has happened since then. April 18th thru the 1rst of May was basically vacation time from studies. New students were to come in on the 27th of April, and we all were to meet them when they arrived at CINCEL. I was looking forward to a time of rest and maybe to see a little of Costa Rica. But none of that happened.

On the 19th, I received a note from my youngest son, Doug, that my 3 month old granddaughter had died. What??? Evidently she died of SIDS. Leah belongs to my second oldest son, Kenneth. She was born Jan. 8th. In my immediate family, we have not had a child die. Miscarriages, yes, but not this. I was totally shocked. I had to go home. I knew that Leah was already in heaven, but mom, dad, and sisters were still here! My neighbor, Tona came over to help me get plane reservations, etc. because I just couldn't get it together. What a blessing she was. And of course, the teachers and students that heard came over to comfort me and to be of help if possible. How long do I stay, and many other questions were going through my mind. I decided to return to C.R. on the 30th. On the flight home, I remember thinking that I wanted to hold Leah if possible. My daughter Penny and her husband were on their way from IL to KS. Doug, Penny, and Steve met me at the airport. The next morning, Penny, Steve and I were on our way to OK. There were no words to say to Kenny and Angela, just hugs and tears. We then went to the funeral home. She looked like a little doll laying there in that so very small casket. The funeral director asked if we wanted to hold her, and both her mommy and I said yes. So precious. My first meeting with my new granddaughter, and my last, on this earth anyway. Daddy had to leave the room.

When Leah's sister, Faith, heard that I had held Leah, she asked me why since Leah wasn't there. All I could say was that her body was still there, and I wanted to hold her. I had total peace through it all. Yes, my heart was(is) heavy for my son and Angela, but I knew and still know that God in all his wisdom and mercy has a purpose and a plan for all involved. If I could answer the question Why, then I would be God. I know that God gave Angela a couple of dreams to help give her peace, and she shared those with me. God is moving in this family in ways that we cannot see or know. And I trust Him explicitly. After all, I only have this family because He's the one who gave me all my children, and I have to remember that they in actuality are His, whether they serve Him at this time or not. All souls belong to Him according to Ezek. 18:4. He gave this scripture to me before I left for the mission field. So when I get to heaven, I am going to meet my granddaughter, Leah, and I believe we will know each other. I could be wrong there, but that's not a big deal, because we will still meet.

I thank God that He laid me on the heart of Pastor Julie before they received my email telling them of the sad news. God always takes care of His children. He knows the beginning and the end, and I am so thankful that I am His child, and that Pastors Bryan and Julie hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and obey Him.

It's interesting that my daughter-in-law, Jen, said that this was the first time in 14 years that all five of my children were together. Wow! So of course pictures were taken. Always at family gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas, there would always be one or two missing. That's not uncommon when family members live in different states. But what a sad occasion for this to happen. BUT God has a plan and purpose.

So today, classes began. I have the same teacher that I had the first seven weeks that I was here. But at least I can understand most of what she is saying, whereas before, I didn't. So I praise God that I have learned more than I thought I had.

We had AGTS last week. Theology classes. I have struggled with wearing the "missionary" hat. It slips down over my eyes! I have told my Father that I am not a missionary, more times than one. A teacher, yes, but not a missionary. Did you ever argue with God, the Father? There's no winning. So after classes last week, I guess I am. The hat doesn't slip as far as it once did, but...So I have been reading about some famous or not so famous missionaries, because before I was called here, I have to admit, I knew basically nothing about them. I still don't know a lot, but I'm learning. I can see God's hand in the books that Don, CINCEL director, has been loaning to me. Amazing what God does in our lives. Truly He is an exciting God. What an adventurer! Thank you Lord.

Boy, I think that my English is getting worse. I have to think twice about spelling some words, and to double think about writing my sentences! That's really crazy, except that's it's a sure sign that Spanish is beginning to take hold. Hallelujah!!

I just praise God everyday for His love and care of me and mine. He is truly an awesome God, and He loves like no one else. And when we really relinquish all to Him, He does amazing things in us and for us. We Christians continually say that God is in control, but when bad, or rather what we consider to be bad happens, do we still believe that He is in control? Yes, I do. What about you?

I Sam.15:22...Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

Gloria a Dios. I am so thankful that God is who he is. Today Leticia and I visited a new church with other missionaries. Oh my, it was an answered prayer. I have visited several here, but none have been where I could call home. I have prayed, Lord put me in a true Pentecostal church. One where they actually DO what your word says. James says we have to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. I want a church that practices what it preaches. I want a church that gives time for the Holy Spirit to move. I want a church that truly takes time to worship, not sing 3 or 4 songs, everybody sits down and then we are taught from some book and author other than the Bible and the Holy Spirit. I want a church where the Lord speaks to his people with messages in tongues with the interpretations thereof. I want a church that anoints the sick and believes God's word for them. Jude said "that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints." What was that faith? And what was he telling us when he used the word contend?

This morning the Pastor said to turn to James 5:13. I knew what was coming, and I could have jumped out of my seat for joy, but I held myself back. And sure enough, he started talking about healing and bless his heart, he confirmed what I've been saying. We don't have to hold on to sickness, and it doesn't matter how old you are. The rest is me saying what I feel. Jesus didn't take those stripes for nothing, but many times I feel the church counts them as nothing by the way they act. I always hear what the doctors say, but not what God says about the situation. If God can't heal you, then know for sure the doctors can't. And if it's God's will for you to be sick, then why are you going to a doctor? And it isn't God's will for us to be sick, otherwise He wouldn't have provided healing. And now I hear those infamous words, "yeah, but..." Find "yeah but" in God's word. And I was so thankful that I could get anointed for a cough I've been battling. So am I healed? Of course. Isa.53:5, James5:15, and I Pet. 2:24. It's a horrible feeling to know what God's word tells you to do, and you can't find a church that does it or doesn't take the time to let you know that if you are sick and need be prayed for that they will do it. Very sad. I wonder at times what God thinks about it all.

Now comes an exciting event. When we were all walking out of the building, one of the ushers, I thought, said I had vomit on the back of my slacks. I put my hand back there to feel, and sure enough, they were wet. However, I had not heard that familiar sound when a child vomits. Well, he was ushering me and Leticia outside to the bathrooms. The ladies were all full so he stuck me in the men's bathroom and left. One of the guys with him was wanting to hold my purse while I cleaned up. Clean up with what? No paper of any kind, no water other than what was in the toilet. So I went outside again,and he put me back in there. So I went back out the third time and said, "no entiendo" which means I don't understand rather loudly. He gave me a cup of water, and Leticia came in to wipe the stuff off with that and her tissues while the other guy took my purse. Are you getting the picture? Well, Leticia had some on her behind, too. So here we are wiping this stuff off. I smelled it, of course, while Leticia is basically saying don't do that. These people are so afraid of small stuff. Well, I'm sorry, it didn't smell like puke! In fact, it smelled like French dressing. The orange kind in the bottle. In fact, I know that's what it was. I can't believe how fast all this took place to the point that things "you know" aren't right, but at the same time they aren't registering in the brain correctly. Well, these guys got my "purse". They are surely very disappointed, because what they got was my English/Spanish parallel Bible. Maybe $4 or $5 dollars in change, if that much, my prayer cards, a tube of lipstick, a comb, a pen, a few pieces of candy, and maybe a copy of my passport. And my eyeglass case, and I just remembered I had 2 Lempiras from Honduras worth about 40 cents in my Bible. And the purse was actually the bag I carry to go shopping. So my prayer for them is that they can't get away from the Word! I pray they get so convicted that they have to get saved in order to have peace!! Wouldn't that be just like our God? So that's my exciting day so far. Of course the day isn't over yet!!!

Friday past was graduation day for some. It was a day of gladness and sadness just like any graduation. Some left the following day and some will leave this week. I will miss one family in particular. Corey and I love to spar! Some people think we are arguing, but we're actually having fun. We have a good time. So Corey I will definitely miss those fun times. Tona, whom I've heard can cut you like a knife but you never know it because she does it so sweetly, I will miss you. Maggie, so quiet, and Alex, the ideal escort. You're a great family, and I pray God's blessings upon you, and that his will be performed in each of your lives as individuals and as a family. I love you guys.

And tomorrow my granddaughter has her 22nd birthday. Congrats Kelcie.

Isa.64:9...eye hath not seen nor ear heard ...things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Two more weeks and the first trimester will be over. Praise the Lord! Only three more trimesters to go. Reminds me of counting down semesters in college. So glad when one was over and excited to start the next.

So we returned from three days in Panama yesterday. We went to the city of David about 45 minutes from the Costa Rica/Panama border. David has a big Jewish population. Can't you tell by the name? It's a very nice sized city. We could walk downtown from the hotel, and that was nice. It's super hot there, and we were all happy to have air conditioners in our rooms especially at night. There is a store called Conway that is owned by Target, and the o in Conway has the Target logo. Interesting. We had to take a cab there which usually cost about $2 each way, but everybody usually chips in so it isn't quite so expensive. And the best of course was a Momentos coffee shop similar to Starbucks close to the hotel. Absolutely heavenly! Also I asked Leticia to ask one of the workers in Conway if she knew a good place to get our hair cut. Sure enough, so we went there. $4. Great! And we learned that Betsy, the young lady who cut our hair went to an Assembly of God church. God truly does direct our paths.

One thing you learn to do in Latin America is to walk. I praise God that I've always been a walker. So to walk a couple of miles is not a big deal. Therefore we walked downtown more than once to go to the store Picadilly. Talk about cheap! I bought a nice looking watch for three bucks. No, it isn't an expensive brand name, but that's ok. If it gets stolen or it quits working, I won't cry or lose much. I'm sure batteries here cost more than $3. And my old, cheap watch is about ready to die, and all the coating has worn off, so it has a bronzed look! Totally different than any other watch I've seen.

We stopped on the way back in Dominical, I hope that's the name, for lunch. The place was playing 60's and 70's music which was interesting. But then I went to take a picture of the front of the place, and there next to the sign, up in the air, was an old van like the hippies use to drive. Well, that spoke volumes. And then I learned that this place was a surfer's paradise. So we all went down to the beach. No shells, only rocks of all sizes. And sure enough there were surfers out there riding the waves. And of course the usual venders selling their wares. Then back on the bus and away we went.

But I think of the greatness and bigness of God. I look at the expanse of the ocean and the sky, and I get overwhelmed by just how great is our God. His intelligence we can't even begin to fathom. And yet He knows me, everything about me, and He loves me anyway. But as I told Ritchie, He loves the prostitute down the street, too. That's just to keep things in their proper perspective. And we can't even begin to out love Him, or out give Him. I think about the things He asked us to give up in order to go to a foreign country, and when everything is looked at from a different angle, we realize that He gives back to us a lot more than we gave up.

And it's interesting the places you call home. We were all so glad to return "home" to CINCEL. Normally, everybody tries to get away from here. Most all feels like it's kind of like being in a prison. The scenery, what scenery? There isn't anything that's really eye pleasing here. The creek (people call it a river, but it's really a tiny creek)next to our living quarters, we call peepeecaca because it smells so bad. But we were all ready to be home! And we praised God for a safe trip and for not having any problems at the borders. Speaking of the borders. You have to drive your vehicle, however large or small, through this car washing thing to wash off the bugs, dust, or whatever before entering or leaving either of the two countries! We all thought that was a little amusing and strange.

So serving God is an adventure. Sometimes it's not so much fun, but in the end it will all be worth it. The things He has planned for us if we are willing to follow him definitely includes a cross, come and die, but also to live life to the fullest. And I pray that He keeps me on that potter's wheel always in order that I may hear those precious words, well done thou good and faithful servant.

1John 5:4 ...and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith

The Lord hears our prayers and answers them! So the lesson with the little ones went ok. I did my story and Corey did his. We had to translate to English for those that didn't understand Spanish. However, Corey had to translate part of his because I didn't know the words. So good job Corey!!!

Revelations 12:11 says that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony... Every time God answers a prayer, however small we think, we are over comers because what he does builds up our faith in him. So one day I am going to remain calm when I have to do something that is not comfortable for me, in Jesus name.

I learned through one of my former students in HN that Eva will be teaching them English this year. Another prayer answered. I wanted so much for them to be able to continue English. I believe that we need to train or help someone else to do the job that we do so that when we are no longer there, the job, ministry, etc. will still go on. I use to tell Eva all the time that she needed to be teaching English. Her reasoning was the same as mine with the little ones, I can't do that very well. Well, with God I can do all things that he has called me to do because he strengthens me. So please pray with me for Eva. She will be so good.

We just finished half of the trimester in Spanish. Whew! This next week is AGTS. I'm not for sure what it is all about. No one has explained it very well, but it will be in English. It's not a good thing to be without Spanish for a whole week. I'm thankful for Leticia because when we walk, she practices her English with me, and I practice my Spanish with her. God truly does supply all our needs.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Amen.

Luke 18:1...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

I think I'd better use the same scripture this time as last time!! What a two weeks this has been. Well, I didn't have to fix lunch. Ritchie made pupusas in my apartment. But then he told me that he had invited all the teachers! Thanks for that heads up while you're fixing lunch!! So I went next door to borrow some plates and forks. I have four plates, four saucers, and 4 salad forks, the little ones. But all went well. God always takes care of things and us. The teachers enjoyed the food. Pupusas are made like small tortillas, only they have cheese, meat, and/or beans inside. Really good. It appears that there is a controversy as to who "made" pupusas first: Honduras or El Salvador. Hondurans say they did, and El Salvador says they did. I don't really care, I'm just glad somebody did! They are one of my favorite foods in Central America.

And I found out from one of the missionaries that is stationed here that it is ok for me to walk by myself. Thank you Lord. Leticia and I usually walk on Mon. and Tues. Last Saturday we took the bus downtown and went to one of the museums. Very interesting. Today, Saturday, Robyn and I went downtown and ate at a little restaurant called " El Spoon". Good food!! And then we went to the national museum which is housed in the old army fort here in San Jose. Of course, Costa Rica doesn't have a military of any kind today. What was really interesting was the drawings and writings on the walls of the "jail" that was used for disciplinary actions towards the soldiers or for political prisoners. Some of the dates were from the 40's. And most said, "remember..." Very
interesting. One day this week Robyn and I walked down to one of the malls, ( a mile or so away)
and then went to another store that is like Dollar General. Good place to buy school supplies.

So now my assignment for this week is to tell the story of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, in Spanish, of course, to the 4 year old kids in our day care. And there are only 4 here at this time. Do you know how bad I dislike doing something when I'm not for sure exactly what and how to do it? There's a reason I teach junior high and high school kids. I've been told it doesn't have to be perfect (like it would be anyway?) because they're only 4. Well, excuse me, I don't care if they are only 4. It needs to be done well. We're talking about a miracle that God performed. So the Lord will definitely have to perform another for me to do this. Am I complaining? Nope, it's just the way it is and my feelings about it. I can sit on the floor or in a rocking chair with kids on my lap and tell them stories, but this has to be with props and other things for them to do. Oh, and I have to teach them a song and a prayer, in Spanish of course! So I chose Jesus Loves Me for the song, and I'm praying for the prayer to come. Thank God for Robyn. She said she would draw the pictures for me, and I can write the story on the back. Smart, talented girl. Thank you Lord for her and her willingness to help me. And I was given a printer today so I can copy some pictures for the little guys to color when all is said and done. God is good and he does supply. And He will help me on Wed. The printer will be passed on to someone else when I leave here.

So in another week we change teachers. Hopefully, I'll be where I need to be. It's not a good thing to get a test and not know a thing on it. I'm thankful I have a college degree, and I don't worry about grades anymore. But at the same time, I want to do my best. However, when you don't know something, you don't know it. And today, Monday, I found out that I can go back a level when we change classes. Thank you Lord for that.

Before the Lord sent me to HN I never really thought about missionaries a lot. One reason was I didn't know too much about their lives. I listened when they came to the church, and I have supported them as a whole through the church. But when you're living around them, you see a whole different side of life for them. Like here, we have pre-school, elementary and junior high kids. They're great, but they have no place to go to visit their friends because they're all back in the states, and there is no place here for them to play outside. The little, and I mean little, park outside CINCEL's gate is not good because of the doggie leftovers that owners are suppose to dispose of and don't. And they have to learn to pick wisely what kind of gifts they want for birthdays, Christmas, etc. because it will all have to be shipped to wherever they are going. And that means weight and money. They have left grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, toys, bicycles, their schools, etc. because the Lord called their parents to be missionaries. Sometimes they go through some tough times emotionally and physically in order to adjust. What great kids these are. When they go past my door, I usually hear a "Hi Miss Beverly." They're from the the south, can't you tell? I praise God for them and I pray for them. I had to change schools a lot when I was growing up, so I understand that it's not always an easy thing to do. So I hope you will pray for the kids along with their parents.

So this is a little different than what I've written before, but life is life and sometimes it's tough. And yes, God is here helping and working with each of us and will use all the tough times to teach us and help us become what he wants us to be. And He always uses those tough times farther down the line, and they always increase our faith in him. But it is difficult to see that when you're in the battle.

Once again thanks for your support. Love and prayers.

Luke 18:1...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

The 4th week of language school is about to begin. I don't know whether to laugh or cry!!! However, things are beginning to make more sense. I didn't go to the feria yesterday to buy fruits and veggies. I needed a day to just stay home, and get my brain together, if that's possible. School goes very fast with a lot to learn and do, and it seems there is no time to just think about what you are trying to learn and understand. Plus take care of all the normal life stuff like laundry, buying groceries, etc. But when you're in the military, you go and do whatever you're assigned, period. And this is what it feels like, but then I am in God's army, so that takes care of that.

Today Leticia and I went with Ritchie to the church he attends. We had to take 2 different buses each way, and that was good. It gave Leticia and I a chance to start learning the bus system. It cost us each about $.75 total. The taxi, one way, is about $6. So the bus is definitely the way to go. I didn't understand the pastor's speech very well, but I knew what he was talking about. Pray, pray, pray, and more than just those 5 minute prayers.

I do pray, a lot. I don't like Costa Rica at all, or maybe I should say San Jose. It's always overcast, so I rejoice when I can get some sun. It's not cold, but it's not so warm either. The food is ok, not as good as Honduran or the states. But then you can buy what you want at the store, so that solves that problem. You are not suppose to go walking by yourself, because it's suppose to be too dangerous. That really stinks. I'm so used to walking. And I think I'm homesick for HN. Isn't that a little strange? But then someone reminded me the other day that I had lived there for 2 years. Missionaries are strange people! They love their own country, their flesh and blood families, and miss them, but their hearts are in the countries where God has sent them to minister. When they say the country they were born in is not home, people look at them like the just committed treason or something. And that's not the case. I wouldn't trade my citizenship for any other other country in the world, not even Honduras. But at the same time, it (the U.S.) isn't my home anymore. But then God tells us that this world isn't our home either. So we just have to put it in perspective. When my daughter-in-law was in the army, she said home was where her feet were. I think of that often when I'm not wanting to be here. I know I need this year here to learn, but...and it's those buts that get us into trouble!! So I just have to pray, because I know God sent me here for a good purpose, for his glory, and not to die, so...get over it, Beverly.

Thursday, Deya took Corey and I downtown on the train. We could not sit together or with her. We had to sit with others and speak Spanish. That was ok. When we got off the train, we went to the Mercado, market. Wow, it was big. You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, spices, and a lot more. One of the meat venders was hollering "hey, hey," and when we turned around, he was holding a pig's head! (Of course, we had to film everything because Deya used it in our class for discussion). I'm telling you, some people in the U.S. would think that was just terrible, but you buy FRESH meat and veggies here, not something that has been frozen for however long. So I want to go back there when I need meat. I did buy an once of paprika for $.15, and I need some bay leaves, but didn't about it while I was there. Oh well, another day. We walked all over, took a bus to the other side of town, I think-I was so lost-and then we decided to walk the rest of the way home, which was about a mile or so. What a class!

It's amazing the things (attitudes) that are in us that we aren't even aware of sometimes. But God has a way of bringing them to the surface in order to help us change them. I was told by one of the teachers that I was fixing lunch for her and Ritchie in 3 weeks. I said, "Really?" She's going to combine our class that day. Supposedly it was Ritchie's idea. He says not!! That really ruffled my feathers! I like to be asked! Oh, well, so be it. I was praying, " Dear Lord, what am I suppose to fix?" He gave me an idea, so it will be ok. Then another teacher said that you're not suppose to answer your door barefooted. What?? No, it's not showing respect. My house, my friend, and I'm not suppose to go barefooted! Amazing! AND you're not suppose to put your book bag, purse, or Bible on the floor in the church. That too, is disrespectful. But, you should not leave them on your chair behind you when you are singing and praying because of thieves. Oh, yes, thieves do go to church. So I have decided to check this out with others. And to smooth the feathers.

I guess I've rambled long enough. I will overcome, because I refuse to be overcame by stuff. Because "when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory."

Love and blessings to all of you. And thank you so much for your prayers. As you can see, I need them.

Isaiah. 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear and your soul shall live...

Great news! I have a new great-grandson. Jaden Alexander born yesterday(01/22/11), five weeks early, but is doing fine and will go home this week. Thank you Lord for answered prayer. His mama was also early, and "they" said she would be in the hospital 3-4 months, but she went home in a week too. How great is our God.

I have survived the first two weeks of language school! I don't know that I speak it any better at this point, but at least some missing components are being learned, and that's definitely good. I understand most of what my instructor says, but not all. So when I'm in total confusion, she slows down and goes a different direction, which helps a lot. I'm glad I have a year. I bombed the first test in the area of making a question from answers already given. It's like after the question word, then what goes where? I can ask questions, but this really threw me. But not to worry. I have a year, and I'm not getting a degree. And at this point in my life, I'm really not too worried. I just want to learn the language. I'm more concerned about quality, not quantity. I don't know if the teachers feel that way, but...
'
So what have I done? Yesterday a friend and I went to PriceSmart to buy a card. It's like Sam's. We could split the cost and each have our own card. We took a cab there and back. She is from Chile and speaks Spanish, but she is new here, too. So even though she speaks the language, she is a little nervous at doing things on her own also. The money is different for her just like it is for me. So we both have to figure out how much something cost in order to know if we want to pay the price. Even in Honduras, I always asked myself if I would pay that in the states. If the answer was yes, then I bought it. If not, then I wouldn't. So we were very proud of ourselves and thanking God for taking care of this and getting back home. We do have cards to carry with us in case we don't know how to say where we live or the cab driver doesn't know the area. Thank you CINCEL for those. She and I decided today that we are going to be brave and start taking the bus. It's much cheaper, and it is safe. We just have to remember to look and see where we get on and off!!

A bunch of us went to the mall Friday night to eat in the food court and walk around. Some of us stayed to watch a movie. It's in English and has Spanish subtitles. That's interesting especially when they make a big deal of stating that it isn't pirated. The only way I know that is because one of the students here explained it when I couldn't figure out what was happening. And yes, you can buy all the goodies before you go in just like in the states.

We went into one of the stores in the mall which is suppose to be something like Wal-Mart. Ha! One of the guys wanted to buy a backpack, and they were $70. Yeah, $70.00. In the states maybe $15. Crazy. We have to go to Panama in March because of our visas. Everyone has said to stock up on shampoos etc. because they are much cheaper there. Will definitely be looking at that.

Every Saturday morning some of us go to the feria. That's the farmer's market here. Definitely cheaper than in the grocery stores. There are two that are open on Saturdays and Sundays. We usually are there about an hour. Some of the apples come from the states, but they are usually from Chile. And yes, they are just as good. Maybe Johnny Appleseed went there too, you think?? No, I think God just spread his goodies everywhere that the climate he made was agreeable for them.

Ministry? Aw, yes, ministry. Well, my ministry appears to be to help those along the way with their faith in what God's word says. And I'm not for sure if that's the way to say it. However, one young fellow(he's 24) told me the other day that he was my mission. Really? It seems I'm always correcting, preaching or whatever to him. Bless his heart. And when I have prayed for him, God answered that night or the next day. This young man has a wonderful calling on his life to help the kids in El Salvador. He has been there 2 years already. He can speak very well, but he doesn't have all the other stuff that comes with learning language. So here he is. And me. God definitely has a sense of humor. So next week Leticia and I are going with him to his church. It's an arm of the one he attends and works with in El Salvador.

What else? I miss my family. I miss Honduras, and I don't think I'll ever get use to all the bars on my windows and doors. Locked gates going in and out of the driveway. We in the U.S. do not realize the freedom we really have. Oh, to hold on to it.

I'm thankful everyday for the Lord Jesus Christ. He is so awesome. Never did I think I would be doing what I'm doing, let alone at the age I'm doing it. Now I understand Abraham and Moses much better than before. God doesn't stop using people when they reach a certain age. If we are his children, we serve him until the day he takes us home. It isn't just the "young" that he calls. He has a plan for all of us. It's the world that says, "You have worked long enough, and now it's time to retire." And do what? Serve ourselves? Die? No. And God doesn't call everyone to leave their families, homes, etc. and go to a foreign country. But he does call us to serve him, and be a light in the place he has put us. I pray that God's kids will read his word everyday in order to really know who this great God is. He will reveal himself to anyone that truly desires to know him. And when he does that, you'll never be the same.

Thanks to all of you that help support me in offerings and prayers. May God bless you abundantly.

Ps.68:19 Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits...

Here it is, a new year. As a child I never thought the year 2000 would be a reality. It was like a sci-fi movie that just wasn't true. I just couldn't think that far ahead. So now it is eleven years after! Many people make new year resolutions and I probably did to in my younger years, but no more. It just doesn't make sense to me to do that. I have goals, but it's one day at a time.

Christmas time was good. I spent time with my family and friends. And I loved seeing the changes in my grand-kids. They are growing up so fast.

And now I'm in Costa Rica at CINCEL, the language school for the missionaries that are going to Spanish speaking countries. It's a close knit bunch already. God's people connect with each other, and they grow into families. And the family just keeps growing! It's amazing to think that I have brothers and sisters all over the world. It is interesting to hear everyone's story of how the Lord moved in their lives to get them on the mission field. Every story is unique, but then so is each one of us. God has a plan for each of us, whether we're on the mission field or not, and he uses everything in our past one way or another to bring us to where we are today and to use it for his glory. I shudder to think where I would be today if God was not active in my life. It's a scary thought.

I have been here for 4 days and it has been busy. My apartment is 2 big rooms with 2 baths. They made 1 big apartment from 2 one room apartments. I'm so glad because I need space. Perhaps that's why I like to live in the country. God is so good, and he takes care of little things. For example, my rooms are shades of my favorite colors, green and brown. The coffee cups are like mugs that I like to use to drink coffee. I have a large closet and a queen size bed that is very comfortable. I have cable and the internet. I'm right across the driveway from the entrance to the school. It can't get much better than that.

This morning we went to the fruit market. It was very big. We share things when there are too many for one or two people. Ritchie (who is 25 , single, and stationed in El Salvador) and I split avocados and limes. Too many carrots in a bag? Share them. I just bought one huge carrot which will last me all week, whether I cook it or use it raw. There is nothing like fresh vegetables and fruits. Right now I'm cooking 3 beets, and in a few minutes 3 of us are going down the street to buy eggs. So we went, and now we're back. Great little store down around the corner. We also found a nursery, so I want to buy a couple of live plants next week so my nest will really feel like home. Just gotta have plants in the house!

There are many AG churches in San Jose, but tomorrow we will go to the one around the corner. I think it has 2 morning services. So it has to be really big. Will see.

Well, today we didn't go to the one around the corner! We went to another, and the pastor is the Superintendent over the AG churches here in CR. Some things I understood, and some I did not. However he likened Gen.1 with our lives. The world was created by God and then God brought order into it. Our lives are not in order when God calls us. He brings order by bringing light which of course is Christ. And then somewhere in his message he said that we have to live God's word and culture and not the culture in which we live. Ritchie nudged me and said that he felt like he was sitting in my living room, because I had just "preached" that culture message to him before we left for church. He had said,"oh, my God." When I said you ought not say that he responded that it was the culture here. Well, that was an open door and I walked right through it! They say it in Honduras, too. When I asked why he said it, he said he didn't know. We ought not be using God's name in vain. The culture of the kingdom of God is different than the culture here, in the U.S., and Honduras. Jesus went against his culture many times, and was loved or hated by those around him. We have to follow in his path. This is the second time that this culture theme has been confirmed for me. The last Sun. in the states, I went to church with my youngest son, and his pastor also made the same statement. I love it when God confirms something that he has given me. Oh happy day...

One missionary is here from Chile and is going to India. She is here to learn English and then Indi (?)when she arrives there. I will be helping her with English while she helps me with Spanish. Grandma used to say "turn around is fair play".

So tomorrow classes begin. I am so ready!!

Many thanks Lord for your peace, and for your daily care of us, and you truly do load us daily with benefits: family, friends, everything that we need and desire even when we aren't sure what those things are. And thank you for remembering my family always.