I bring you good news of Great Joy!

That’s how the Gospel starts!  So why can’t it be the start of my blog right?  If it’s good enough for Jesus it’s good enough for…well.. it’s probably too good for me, Jesus is perfect and way more awesome than I!  But Jesus lives in me and he loves me (and you!) and because of Him I too have great joy and good news!  On with the show!
So the other day I got a message from someone saying that they check the blog weekly only to be disappointed that I haven’t uploaded anything!  I was so embarrassed, it has been something on my To-Do list that just keeps getting put off..that ends TODAY! 
In the past few months I have been all over the place: visiting potential project sites, setting up for my new Striders (one came last month and another is coming, Lord willing, in January!) , I started the Perspectives course a few months ago so there’s been lots and lots of studying!  I’ve been up to Canada and back! There have been baby showers, babies, weddings, engagements, a few funerals,   MY BIRTHDAY!  Sooo much English (there has been a large request for clases con Kayla)!  God is really allowing me to work in a lot of different areas in a variety of ways!

^{(my birthday pizza, some prayer at my info night – I'm in the middle there somewhere, Perspectives course group shot)}

^{(Some of my family, representing Ticolandia, working hard, prepping for Ariana!)}

^{(family and friends in the Mother land)}

^{(part of the Latin Link CR team, CARPIO, send off for one of the girls from the Costa Rican church)}

 PRAISE/ PRAYER

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• Our lovely Swiss strider (Ariana, pictured right) arrived last month!  She’s been here in San Jose studying Spanish; this weekend I will be moving her up to her project site (about 3-4 hours away).
• Costa Rica could use some serious prayer, we’re over a month into the national strike over the fiscal plan – it has included marches, road blocks and a lot of misinformation has been given, sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe.
• I have quite a few new English students (one of whom asked to learn more about the Bible so we take an extra 30-60 minutes after her class to read and learn about God) which for me has been really interesting to see the Gospel through the eyes of someone with no prior experience/knowledge.  She asks a lot of great questions – which are usually super profound and thought provoking – it’s a lot of fun.  You can pray that God would really open her eyes and allow her to fully see all that God is doing in her life, that she would develop a genuine and deep relationship with God and continue to flourish.
• My friend Ron, went home to be with the Lord.  It’s bitter sweet, because while I know he is in heaven, living it up I still miss him down here.  He was always so kind and supportive; he was usually the first person to comment on any updates/ pictures to tell me what a great job I was doing and how proud he was, he was so encouraging and made me feel like I could do no wrong!  I’m very lucky to have had a friend like him!  Please pray for his family and friends during this difficult time, that the Lord would fill them with joy and comfort in knowing that he really is in a better place.   In memory of Ron, why not tell someone how special you think they are today!

On that note I bid you adieu but not before telling you that I appreciate each and every one of you!  I would not be able to do what God allows me to do here without the loving support and care of those of you out there who keep me well covered in prayer.  I’m so grateful for the friendships, encouragement and privilege I have to be cared for so deeply! 

15 days until my birthday!!!

AND less than one month until I will be in the mother land!

Hello my peoples!   So I was reviewing all the things that have been going on this past little while and got really excited and just delighted in the reality of my life.  God is such a babe and He treats me very well, which is particularly amazing as I deserve none of it!  The other day I was reflecting on my flaws and was like “man, I thought I had dealt with this…” turns out you can deal with stuff and then, like all the ants in my kitchen they attempt return - uninvited and in greater numbers…

Thankfully, I am not defined by my flaws, insecurities, selfishness, jealousy, or any of my other bajillion sins.  I am a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).  It’s easy to get caught up in little things that don’t matter, I’m always told I’m my own worst enemy – I beat myself up, negative self talk, exaggerated expectations and then if I do give myself grace there are times when it’s not real grace, it’s fake “ah so you’re giving yourself ‘grace’ eh? How about you just call it what it is …little miss  lazy!”  haha so ridiculous!  When you take a step back and remember God’s truths and not lies from the devil life tends to be a lot more enjoyable!  Challenge accepted!



These past few months have been super delightful the Canadian boys have come, they’ve conquered everyone’s hearts and now in a little under 2 weeks they will be off to Canada to more (colder) adventures!







We also said toodlepip to our Swiss Strider in April.







I’ve had a lot of visitors (Mexicans and Peruvians and Canadians – oh my!!!), a visa trip to Nicaragua, we commissioned my Tica sister who is now serving as a missionary in Mexico,  graduations, birthdays…. I could go on and on and on!

Praise

• I am seeing lots of opportunities to connect and build into others!
• As I type this another (non-blood related) nephew has just come into the world!!!
• My back and knees are doing much much better

***I’M GOING TO CANADA!!!! it’s going to be amazing (that’s also a prayer request)****

• I’ll be having a church interview during the 9 and 11 o’clock services on June 24th 
• There will be, Lord willing, a meet and greet on June 25th (more details to come)

both will be held at Cedar Grove Baptist Church <—click to see contact details for directions

If you would like to meet up send me an email/facebook message/Instagram .. haha basically communicate with me and we can put something in the books!

Prayer Requests

•  For unity, particularly within the church
• I met a homeless guy a few weeks ago, Jose,  he’s really wrapped up in alcohol and not ready to commit to getting sober.  Please pray that he would realize the path he’s on isn’t going anywhere glamorous and that he would meet up and hang out with Jesus instead.
• Nicaragua is going through a civil unrest, there are over 80 people unaccounted for/deceased and there doesn’t seem to be an end in site.  We have Latin Link missionaries there, most of the Nicaraguans here in Costa Rica have family there.  Please pray for safety and wisdom, that peace and forgiveness will be found.
• For my upcoming trip, that it would be a huge time of blessing, refreshing, and general enjoyment!!!  That there would be no complications in any borders and that I would have all the documents needed for a safe and enjoyable trip to Canada and again back to Costa Rica (in July). 
• Latin Link’s week of prayer is starting this Friday https://www.latinlink.org.uk/Blog/week-of-prayer-2018  here’s the link, if you’d like to join us!

I love you all, thank you and goodnight!  *drops mic!

I am now no longer capable of typing logically as I’m too excited about my new nephew – I've just been sent a picture aaaand I LOVE HIM!!!!!!!

Grateful!

Oh the gratefulness that flows through this body!  The other day I was mentally listing out all the wonderful things that have happened these past few months.  I was moved to tears, overwhelmed at the tangible evidence of God’s love and faithfulness!

Last night I was pondering what I was going to write for the ol’ blog – as I’ve been MIA for a wee while and then it hit me!  I would share the list – and include pictures!!!  The perfect combination!
 ENERO/ JANUARY:  New year means a new planner!!!! I LOVE my planner – this one has a monthly and daily part, it’s amazing!

• In December I received a certificate for Biblical Counselling from one of the  local seminaries.  One of my Tica friends came with her dad to cheer for me and remind me that I have family here too!

 

•  
• This year started off by celebrating with my Tico family (I have a few, but these guys’ called first dibs)  We celebrate Christmas, New Years and then usually some together time the first few days of the year.  I am very grateful for them!  Ciro (the dad) and I used to work together when I was first in Costa Rica in 2014 – back when my Spanish was non-existent and I had no idea of all that God had in store for me and Ticolandia!
  
• Jana (Strider from 2014-2016) came back for a visit!
• I helped translate for a medical caravan – and got some new pens!!! Doctor pens!  They’re amazing!  I also go to see a lot of friends and had a muscle contest with one of the local men (it was a draw, haha unless you ask him – he claims to be stronger, but I’ll let the evidence speak for itself…).

 

• Canadian visitors!!!!  Some family friends came and spoiled me just shy of rotten!  It was so relaxing and fun to not have to be responsible for anything and to just be showered with hugs, food and presents!!!! (which included but was not limited to a dream toaster, cinnamon buns from my mamma, so much tea! aaah I could go on and on!).  I was so overwhelmed and encouraged by their visit, it was so fun to just have the space to be,  to be fully accepted and loved.

• My local church had 2 camps (13-25 and 26+)  I was able to help serve in the kitchen for the younger camp and be a campista/server for the older camp.  It was a really fun to be able to get out of the normal routine and enjoy getting to know people better!

• My temporary roommate moved in on 31st She’s really great and it’s been so fun to have her here!   She’s officially with me until May – but I’m pretty charming so I may be able to woo her to stay longer!

FEBRERO/ FEBRUARY

• Latin Link International Assembly 2018- it happens every 4 years.  For those of you who have been with me for a while you may remember that I tried to go to the Assembly in Ecuador in 2014 and was denied entry at the border and abruptly deported!  This year, assembly was in Guatemala and I was able to make it.  It was a really great experience to see so many Latin Link members (some of whom I’d only ever met via email/Skype!)  there were also a lot of LAM’ers as they were also invited to participate.  It was like a giant family reunion and I fully enjoyed myself, learned a lot,  hosted the talent show (it was so fun!),  and had some very tasty food!

(Latin Link team 2018, reason for the season, LAM team 2018)

(Peru, England and Costa Rica all together!, a little talent show hosting, group of very talented people… and Kayla)

(out with the old and in with the new!  We said “Toodlepip!” to Alan Tower as he has stepped down as International Director and big “Helloooo! to my friend,  Mr. Paul Turner).

• After the Assembly wrapped up we had a few days to have our annual Central America South team conference (Latin Link Nicaragua and Costa Rica).  This was a good opportunity for some team bonding, administrative house keeping and voting in a third member for the leadership team – which as it turned out was me!  I was little shocked at first (as I was only told I had been nominated maybe 10 minutes before the meeting!).  Once digested though, it’s pretty exciting!  I am encouraged and honoured to be able to serve on the team and to have this opportunity to have a greater influence!

Upon returning from Guatemala I was absolutely delighted to receive my Auntie Shana (my youngest, most beautifullest maternal aunty!)  * Yes I know, bold statement! But she brought me homemade honey and the most epic popcorn! *  She’s also probably the only aunty who reads my blog!  Case and point – she’s a babe!   I really loved spending time with her and showing her around! 

After Auntie Shana shipped off I received a pair of Striders from Ireland who are currently serving in Chile – spoiler alert – they’re wonderful and I love them!  I knew that they were coming to CR a few months ago as they emailed me to ask for ideas of where to go, to stay etc. (obviously I said they had to stay with me!)  Then I officially met them in person  at the IA and now that they’re a part of my life I do not even know how I survived without them before!  It was SO fun to have them here with me, to be able to hear about their experiences and goals.  I made it my mission to seduce them to come back and serve long term in Costa Rica, I feel like the odds are in my favour!

 

Also, they’re famous!  They were featured in Latin Link’s magazine – Latin File

Carpio programs have finally started up again! (I’ve been working on my Latin pose – so far I have not been successful

• My latest nephew (not blood related!) Benjamin was born!!! Look how cute he is!  Please pray for him and his family!  Benny’s a babe but there have a been a few complications and he could use some extra prayer!

MARZO/ MARCH

• Met up with the Costa Rican LAM team to spend time with a LAM board member (from Canada) who is here visiting.  It was encouraging to be in a room with over 305 years of mission experience in Costa Rica – LAM has a real history here.  We were even fortunate enough to speak with the President of Costa Rica, who called to thank us for our work and allowing God to use us here to bless the country. 
  

Last week I was able to go spend some time with Nela and Eliza (recap, Nela used to live with me back in 2015).

• I was able to go up to Aguas Claras this past weekend to spend some time with the community- visiting the church, the family I lived with during last year’s Step team and attending a 15th birthday party!!

  

I was able to meet up with a small mission team from a high school in Surrey (Canada) – one of the boys (the bringer of my gifts! I’ve known since he was a baby!), who came bearing presents from the North!  While the trek to meet them was not an easy one, it was totally worth it!  Before we parted ways their teacher/leader suggested they pray for me.  The kids were so sweet and it really encouraged me – there may or may not have been some tears!   


Prayer:

• Two boys with LAM arrive on Sunday to serve here for 3 months.  Please pray for their experience here, spiritual growth, their mentors (both are new ones who I will be training tomorrow).  It’s a bunch of firsts!  My first boys, first time with these new mentors – I’m quite excited about it all!
• My Swiss strider is finishing up her time here with us in CR, please pray for her last few weeks.  That God would really bless her and speak to her.  Give her closure and peace and the ability to fully digest all that has happened while she’s been serving here the past 5 months.
• On February 26, the son (32) of a lady in my Thursday bible study suddenly passed away.  The autopsy revealed that it was a fungus that had infected his entire body.  Had it been discovered two weeks prior it would have been treatable and most likely saved his life.  Please remember the family in prayer – I knew the son and the loss came as a shock and has brought a lot of confusion.  At the end of the day one just has to trust that the Lord is good and that there is purpose in this.  Please pray for peace and comfort for the family, as obviously, this has had a major impact.
• I’ve been making really great improvements with my shoulder/back – physio is going really well!  Please continue to pray that my body would continue to heal and improve!

A rainbow is the perfect reminder of God’s faithfulness and promises.  He who has called you is faithful – He won’t leave you hangingMy rendition of 1 Thessalonians 5:24