School and other pix

School is in full swing for the boys and they are LOVING it! We are so excited for both of them and how much they look forward to going each morning. Daniel is also in school again. He is taking a spanish conversation class 2 days a week to go even deeper in his Spanish learning. When we were praying about what to do with the boys for school this year, I felt guilty at certain moments because I was not homeschooling them and have never truly felt called to homeschool them. I prayed for literally months about what the Lord would have us do and He made it very clear that we were to put them in school. Not only do they love it, but even in just 4 short weeks this year we have connected with new parents, teachers, etc that we might not have met otherwise. We are looking at it as even more ministry opportunity---a chance to love more people with the love of Christ. We had Thomas's teacher over for dinner last week and she wants to come to church with us. Who knows what the Lord will do through us and the boys this year but we are committed to being available and intentional!!! Not to mention the fact that I am now "tutoring" a few of the girls (Violeta and Fanny) from INVU and helping them with their homework each day---I guess I am doing some schooling at home after all:). It has been such a blessing to be available to love on these girls as well.

Here are a few pictures of the girls...

VioletaFanny

Micah is growing! He is trying to sit on his own..

Here areour kids and David and Eva's kids (missionary friends) at a local carnival that came through town last week

Here are John, Sheila, their 2 kids, Mandy and Michael and their niece, Katie...John is a youth pastor from Indiana and is on sabbatical for a few months with his family here in Costa Rica. We have been so blessed by their company. They had us for dinner and a swim last week and we had a wonderful time getting to know them!! Thanks guys for blessing us!!!

A Precious Girl Named Fanny

Here is Fanny with Daniel...
In November we received an email from a dear friend in Lexington. He was informing us that his wife had passed away and of course we were just heartbroken. What is more, in place of flowers they set up a foundation to raise money to send to support our mission here in Jaco. Both of us were weeping uncontrollably at the precious heart of this man wanting to support us in his wife's name. He said this is what she would have wanted. His wife, Jean, was a teacher and she and Wayne adopted a their son many years ago. She has always had a special place in her heart for children. Well, we knew immediately that the Lord said this money was to go to something special--a special project in Jean's name. Just 2 days before receiving Wayne's email we were at Fanny's house for her sister's 2 year old birthday party. Fanny is a 13 yr old who has been a part of our kid's club for many years. She is also part of our Youth Group. She is a diamond in the rough---a special light that shines amidst all the darkness in INVU. Fanny began sharing with us her dreams of one day learning English, traveling to The States, becoming a marine biologist or a doctor, etc. We were so moved by talking to her and arrived home talking about wanting to help her some how, some way. Two days later we received Wayne's email and immediately the Lord told both of us that this money was for Fanny. We met with her and her mother and talked with them about sponsoring Fanny to attend the private, bilingual school in town. She would learn English and get a better education here with more opportunity for her future--possibly college one day. They were overwhelmed with emotion and through the tears exclaimed that this was a true blessing from God. Since then, we registered Fanny and got all of her supplies, uniforms, etc. We also made cookies and brownies together and sold them around our neighborhood to teach her responsibility and so she can be a part of raising her own money for supplies. She raised $20 and we are planning on selling baked goods once a month as a part of her commitment to being responsible. She is currently in her 3rd week of school and is thriving. She LOVES it!! She even got elected as Treasurer of her 7th grade class. She is just ecstatic! We are so proud of her and are so honored and humbled at the gift that Wayne so generously gave in honor of Jean! Fanny's life is being changed forever by this opportunity! What is more, her family is starting to draw closer to God and her Mom is really seeking the Lord. She spends countless hours at our house during the week and is like a big sister to our boys. We are so happy for her!!! We are so excited to walk this journey with them. We are trusting the Lord for the finances for the coming years knowing that God is faithful and He will provide where He guides. Please join us in praying for Fanny and her family---she is a true gift to our family.

Micah-- 6 Months

First Day of School