Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Home again, home again in San Jose

Well, we got back to San Jose on Sunday afternoon and we have been trying to adjust to being back.  We were so tired because of the jam-packed week we had in The States but it was more than a blessing to be with family and friends for a short time.  We truly feel like last week was a gift from the Lord and we are so grateful for it!  While we were home, Thomas had an appointment with his eye surgeon as he does regularly and he was prescribed glasses.  He looks adorable in them and is doing really well adjusting to wearing them daily.  Here is a picture of Thomas sporting his new glasses!

Upon returning we were informed that the kid's spanish school (and every other school in Costa Rica) was closed by the government due to the swine flu.  Our school is still open so the kids are staying with Concepcion some days and other days we are taking turns keeping them.  

We can't believe how fast time has flown by!  In less than 4 weeks we will be moving to Jacó permanently!  We are finishing up our last few weeks of school and will be moving our first load of stuff this weekend.  We are so excited about what the Lord has for us there and the ways we will begin to serve.  Please pray for us as we adjust to a new place and to everything the Lord has for us there.  Please pray also that the kids will adjust to life in Jacó quickly.  

A few months ago Daniel had the privilege of helping to tear down/rebuild a home in "Los Guidos"--a slum neighborhood about 15 minutes from where we live.  Anyway, we posted pictures of the house and the horrible living conditions for this family.  Well, the house was completed 2 weeks ago and the new one is amazing!  God has done an amazing work here!  The entire house, including running water and electricity, only cost $7,000.  The family is so excited and amazed knowing that this has been a gift from the Lord.  Also, a few months ago the children were covered in sores and bites due to extremely unclean living conditions and no running water.  When we visited them 2 weeks ago, the kids were so clean and appeared so healthy--a true testament to the benefit of running water and better living conditions!  We are so blessed to have been a small part of sharing Christ's love with this family in need!  Below are before and after pictures of the house and kitchen!!!  
           
House before                                                              




House after
 
 Kitchen before                                                      
 

Kitchen after

Please pray for the following as we finish up our time here in San Jose:

**Our move to Jacó
**Adjustment for us and the boys to life in Jacó
**Our health (especially against swine flu)
**Our safety
**Our church in Jacó--Capilla Calvario Jacó
**That we would be sensitive and obedient to the Lord's leading in all situations

We love you and thank you all!!!

    

3 comments:

Dawn Stoudemayer said...

Welcome back!!

Dawn and family

Mari said...

Glad you had a good time! Will be praying for the transition.

Rhiannon Turner said...

It's Tara! I just wanted to thank you so much for your email...I will never be able to put into words how much it lifted me up and encouraged me, so thanks for taking time to offer some sage advice :) I'll be praying for you and I promise to let you know how it all pans out. I am talking to Oakley on this Sunday!!