The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
8 years ago
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Crazy First Week!
While it has been wonderful to be back here in Costa Rica, it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing. This past weekend we experienced a very terrifying event in the form of a car accident. Miraculously everyone was okay, but I have to say I'm still kind of shaken up. It is absolutely incredible to see how God's hand was over the whole day. He truly was watching over us, and I am so thankful. Cailah did a great job of sharing the story on her blog. Rather than retell it, I'm just going to direct you there through this link Click Here Please join us in praising God for his protection and keep praying for us as we try to sort through all the emotions and logistics of a major event like this.
Monday, January 25, 2010
California
It's always wonderful to have time with friends and family, and this past month in California was no exception. It was a great mix of traveling to see friends and family around California, and relaxing time at home doing the day-to-day activities. One of the challenges of being an older sister from a distance is missing out on a lot of the everyday activities in your family's lives. This last month at home was a great opportunity to stock up on a lot of those, memory making experiences, especially since EVERYONE was home for Christmas. The time was filled with lots of laughter, bike riding, cooking, shopping, kids' basketball games, painting nails, and other things that just aren't the same via skype or telephones.
All of 9 of us siblings, plus our friend Steve, spent an afternoon miniature golfing. I'm pretty sure there were many rules broken, but we had a great time!
Benje, trying to give Kat some pointers
Rina, Blake, and Karlee taking a break from the all the strenuous activity.
I'm not sure any of us made this whole without a little assistance.
The girls and I also spent a lot of time making yummy meals and desserts for the rest of the family. Both Kat and Rina have the makings of great chefs. I am so proud of them!
Special Adult Dinner with Papa, Dad, and Mom at my favorite restaurant, Le Bilig.
In addition to a wonderful time with my family, I was also blessed to spend time with many dear friends and supporters. Even though the time was short, it was so encouraging to share life and all that God has been doing. I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures while traveling, but here are a few.
Brad and Sara Osbrone, my best friend who has been living in London for the past year. It was so refreshing to my heart and soul to be able to spend several days with her. We just get each other.
David and Krichele Jeffcoach. I love these guys. It was so exciting to hear about the adventures God is preparing for them too.
Jeff and Kristi Davids and their newest one, Sienna. We had a great time all hangout for the traditional New Year's gathering.
Thank you to everyone who made the effort for us to be able to spend time together, and I'm sorry to everyone I missed. I know it is impossible to be able to see everyone, but I wish I could. It truly was a wonderful time in California, but I am also equally excited to back in Costa Rica. I know that God has a lot planned for this year, and I can't wait to be a part of it unfolding. I only hope I can keep up. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to keep them coming.
All of 9 of us siblings, plus our friend Steve, spent an afternoon miniature golfing. I'm pretty sure there were many rules broken, but we had a great time!
Benje, trying to give Kat some pointers
 |
| From California |
Rina, Blake, and Karlee taking a break from the all the strenuous activity.
 |
| From California |
I'm not sure any of us made this whole without a little assistance.
 |
| From California |
The girls and I also spent a lot of time making yummy meals and desserts for the rest of the family. Both Kat and Rina have the makings of great chefs. I am so proud of them!
 |
| From California |
Special Adult Dinner with Papa, Dad, and Mom at my favorite restaurant, Le Bilig.
 |
| From California |
In addition to a wonderful time with my family, I was also blessed to spend time with many dear friends and supporters. Even though the time was short, it was so encouraging to share life and all that God has been doing. I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures while traveling, but here are a few.
Brad and Sara Osbrone, my best friend who has been living in London for the past year. It was so refreshing to my heart and soul to be able to spend several days with her. We just get each other.
 |
| From California |
David and Krichele Jeffcoach. I love these guys. It was so exciting to hear about the adventures God is preparing for them too.
 |
| From California |
Jeff and Kristi Davids and their newest one, Sienna. We had a great time all hangout for the traditional New Year's gathering.
 |
| From California |
Thank you to everyone who made the effort for us to be able to spend time together, and I'm sorry to everyone I missed. I know it is impossible to be able to see everyone, but I wish I could. It truly was a wonderful time in California, but I am also equally excited to back in Costa Rica. I know that God has a lot planned for this year, and I can't wait to be a part of it unfolding. I only hope I can keep up. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Please continue to keep them coming.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
A Good Year
Thank you so much to all of you who having been praying for me. You are a crucial part of God’s work in Costa Rica. Without prayer and God’s leading, all our good deeds are meaningless. Thank you for joining me in covering Los Guido, Costa Rica and myself in prayer. I know that nothing I do is a result of my own efforts, but what God has allowed me to do. Please join me in praising the Lord for all He has done this year, as well as, seeking His will for this next year.
Praises From this Past Year
~God’s great provision this past year
* A location for the tutoring center
*A wonderful home
*Continuous financial support
* Good friends in Costa Rica
* Continuous strength and energy
~Lives being changed for Christ, both students coming down to Costa Rica and kids in Los Guido
~Kids coming faithfully to the tutoring center and the opportunity to build deep relationships with them and their families
~Amazing teammates in Costa Rica with Students International (SI)
~Countless more things that God has done this year
Prayers for the Coming Year
~Continued wisdom, strength, and discernment in working and building relationships in Los Guido
~The new year at the tutoring center
*New leadership/mentor program with older kids
* I could have someone there to assist me everyday who speaks Spanish and is good with kids.
*I would be able to involve parents more and build deeper relationships with the whole family.
~My Spanish would continue to improve
~Continued unity among SI Costa Rica staff
***Most importantly: That God would remain at the center of it all. Specifically for me, that I wouldn’t get so caught up in what I think needs to be done, that I forget the one who is in control of everything.
I love this Psalm and it is my song for this year. God is good, all the time.
Psalm 146
Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD.
I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly.
The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Praises From this Past Year
~God’s great provision this past year
* A location for the tutoring center
*A wonderful home
*Continuous financial support
* Good friends in Costa Rica
* Continuous strength and energy
~Lives being changed for Christ, both students coming down to Costa Rica and kids in Los Guido
~Kids coming faithfully to the tutoring center and the opportunity to build deep relationships with them and their families
~Amazing teammates in Costa Rica with Students International (SI)
~Countless more things that God has done this year
Prayers for the Coming Year
~Continued wisdom, strength, and discernment in working and building relationships in Los Guido
~The new year at the tutoring center
*New leadership/mentor program with older kids
* I could have someone there to assist me everyday who speaks Spanish and is good with kids.
*I would be able to involve parents more and build deeper relationships with the whole family.
~My Spanish would continue to improve
~Continued unity among SI Costa Rica staff
***Most importantly: That God would remain at the center of it all. Specifically for me, that I wouldn’t get so caught up in what I think needs to be done, that I forget the one who is in control of everything.
I love this Psalm and it is my song for this year. God is good, all the time.
Psalm 146
Praise the LORD! Let all that I am praise the LORD.
I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.
When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.
But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God.
He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are weighed down. The LORD loves the godly.
The LORD protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked.
The LORD will reign forever. He will be your God, O Jerusalem, throughout the generations.
Praise the LORD!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)