Newsletter

February 2012

Two months down and two in school…

This month brought upon us some new and challenging changes. Justin has continued in language school and is excelling as he has been. The opportunity also arose to put Kevin into the public school system here in Costa Rica. We spoke to some missionaries who previously attended the language institute and they had put their kids in the public school system here and said it helped the kids to get the language down within 6 months. Costs were extremely low in comparison to sending Kevin to the language institute (a little over $150 to buy him the school uniforms (3) and his books, backpack, etc… where as the institute is a couple thousand dollars). A few challenges arose on the second week of his schooling through frustration and just boy-ism; however, the issues are now resolved and Kevin is enjoying school and beginning to understand a little more and speak a little more!
Annika and I are still studying Spanish at home (of course it is easier for Annika since she is starting with no basis of a languageJ). Having Steve and Angel visit with us has helped me to practice mine a little more when I host them around the area. Next week (end of February/ beginning of March, we will attend spiritual emphasis week at the school. Basically the school has 2 chapel services a day each day to revive the exhausted students and remind them (us) that the mission field is being prepared and keep encouraged to do what we can while we are here. Justin has been busy almost every evening with homework lately as well as now we help Kevin with his homework, but we are getting the language quicker this way! We are still attending chapel services on Tuesdays and Thursdays, calling into the Piney Point Services on Wednesday nights and attending a Spanish service Sunday mornings and an English study Sunday afternoons. There hasn’t been a lot of time for witnessing this month, but again, we are having some opportunities with Taxi drivers when we need to shop, etc… Please continue to pray for those opportunities to arise and also for a gift of the Spanish tongue! J

March Happenings:
*You can talk to Pastor Chuck Sackman about a mission trip to Costa Rica this summer if you are interested.
*Mostly more school is all that is in our foreseen futures; we are also praying for clarity and

Family Corner:
The first part of February was spent finding out the benefits to enrolling Kevin into the public school system here and the desire for that changes daily in each of us, but we did decide to do it to help encourage him in the mission field and to help him learn the language quickly (it is said this route helps kids to pick it up in 6 months) and be able to make friends no matter where we end up! Kevin and I both have days we miss home-school and there are also days this option just seems best for where the Lord has us right now and we are both excited about it!
Justin is still trucking along at the Language Institute and acing all of his exams! We are attending the chapel services and Sunday services each week but it is more difficult between his homework and Kevin’s homework to find time to go out and witness, yet the Lord has still allowed some opportunities with Taxi drivers and others this month while we are out and about for our needs.
Mom and Annika are still studying at home and actually braving it slightly more to use our Spanish (what little we know – almost on the same level J). I (Bobbi Ann) had the privilege of hosting a “spa day” at our house for all the hard working missionary moms and wives and we had an excellent time; providing a much needed break for many. We have Steven and Angel (Justin’s parents) visiting with us right now and are having a great time in fellowship with them!

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” –Matt. 10:28
Our hearts from the beginning have been focused toward and desire to reach the unreached peoples of this world with the Gospel. We understand fully that this will not be an easy task and isn’t always the most desirable, but God’s word always has much wisdom and we (believers) delight in obedience – this verse teaches us we can go to unreached people with no fear of what their reaction might be to the Word!

Costa Rica (Public School):
Enrolling Kevin into and learning how the public school in Costa Rica operates has been quite an experience and one to certainly share! Once we filled out the paper work for Kevin to begin school (easy) we had to buy him blue pants, a white shirt and a gym outfit with the school logo… we also had to sew patches onto his shirts because all schools have the same uniform and are recognized separately only by their patches. There are no substitute teachers here so when you drop your child off each day you have to see if there are any hand written notes on the front gate of the school cancelling their class or dismissing school early that day. There are 3 breaks a day and barely a teacher in sight during that time. School begins at 7am and ends at 2pm (usually). You also can not easily go and pick up your child or just drop by the school to leave something for your child…you have to sign in and most of the time if they aren’t expecting you there is a chance you will not be able to get into the gate. They do allow for healthy snacks to be sent and have worked well with Kevin’s difficulty in understanding the assignments, etc… It is definitely different but I must say that when we prayed at the beginning of our parent/teacher day last week I was slightly shocked. (The public schools however are of the Catholic Church).

Praises:
*Kevin is now enrolled in school; making it total Spanish focus for Justin and Kevin!
*We were able to have fellowship with some mission wives here and Justin’s family this month!
Prayer Requests:
*Hearts to be opened to the gospel and opportunities to reach people
*A Spanish tongue for each of us
Clarity on where the Lord wants us to go after school

Thank you all for your support to this ministry. Whether it is financial, prayerful or encouraging words we are extremely grateful. Steve and Angel also delivered several goodies on their trip, many from our brothers and sisters in the states and we thank you all so much, not only for sending them, but that you love us so much to notice the things we enjoy and miss – next time we hope you all will be able to come though! - God bless!