We are Celebrating!

As many of you know, Palmera (our friend who makes art out of palm branches) has had a rough road. In short, he had a bad knee injury which put him in the hospital for a few weeks. As a result, the Lord began to use this time to speak to him. He gave his life to the Lord and began a miraculous change (from drugs, demon possession, cutting, etc). While he was in the hospital in January, his 3 children were removed from the home from social services (with good reason.) Over these past 8 months God has really been working in him and he is truly a changed man. He has been following all the rules that PANI (social services) has set including attending counseling and Narcotics education classes, all while growing spiritually and being held accountable by men in the church. Well, on Thursday night he got a call from PANI and they told him he was going to get his kids back on Friday. So, on Friday we welcomed his three kids: Eileen, Rainer and Angel with open arms!! We had brownies and coke, Kentucky Fried Chicken and we celebrated. It was such a time of rejoicing, weeping and a true testimony to God's faithfulness. Here is a picture of the family reunited.

Fun Times...

Since mission teams and visitors have gone for a few weeks, we are catching up on many things we put off doing so we have been equally busy this last week. From Thomas splitting his head open, to roasting marshmellows over a fire with the neighbors, to school celebrations for Costa Rican Mother's Day--we have had our share of fun as well. Many of you have asked how the adoption process is coming along and we are still in a time of waiting. PANI has everything they need and we need to attend one parenting workshop at some point. We are waiting for a call about attending the class and other than that--we are just praying and waiting. We know God's timing is perfect and if this is His plan for our family then it will definitely be worth the wait. At times we are anxious because we are ready to add to our family but again we know that God's timing is perfect and we trust Him fully. Please join with us in praying for this process and for this time of waiting that at times can be difficult. God's Word says that "Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength...They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31" We are trusting in Him with all of our hearts, not leaning on our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledging Him because we know that He will direct our steps. (Prov.3:5-6)

Thanks for praying--we love all of you! The following are a few recent pictures...

Thomas taking his first communion at church after inviting Jesus into his heart

Roasting marshmellows with the neighbors in the front yard

Thomas's Mother's Day goodies he made for me at school this week

Our "Mommy and Me" picture for the Mother's Day board at school

When Thomas split his head open, Jacob wanted a bandaid just like his brother...