Happy New Year!!!
A year ago, we had no idea we'd be anywhere other than Nicaragua when we thought about turning the corner into 2019. It may go without saying then we also had no idea that 8 months into our Nica adventure we would make a quick exit under duress, return to the U.S. for 5 months, and shift gears to language training here in Costa Rica. But God is good all the time, and we trust his plan year in and year out, even when it doesn't align with what we planned.
What shouldn't go without saying is THANK YOU for all of your love and support throughout 2018! And here's to wishing you a happy 2019 from Costa Rica, and to another year of walking together with you leaning not on our own understanding but trusting the Lord with all our hearts.
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A Very Fruitful Time in the USA
While we had no idea we'd be spending any time at all in the USA in 2018 (are you picking up a theme here?) we are so grateful God took us "home" for a while. During our time, we were able to fuel up on solid biblical teaching, dive deep into the workings of G2G Missions, engage in a local Spanish speaking church, and reconnect with family and the body at Zionsville Fellowship. It was wonderful to have family and friends build so many memories with Evelyn and shower her with love. Meanwhile, Carrie and I were able to attend marriage counseling and set aside some much needed time to care for one another after the challenge of the past year.
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Language School & Beyond
We arrived in Costa Rica a little over 4 days ago and we'll begin our studies next week at The Spanish Language Institute / ILE (Instituto De Lengua Española). Over the next four months (one trimester) we'll attend classes 5 days a week while Evie attends school at "Rayitos de Sol" (Little Rays of Sun), the Spanish speaking school associated with ILE. We hope to return to Nicaragua thereafter and resume building a discipleship ministry to college students in León. As for now, we're extremely grateful the Lord has brought us here and we're eager to become more proficient in Spanish and Central American culture!
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Our apartment is the unit on the top right, and our "Big Brothers" live just below us. We're already having a great time together.
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A peek inside our apartment. There's plenty of space for living, studying, and playing!
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Our "Big Brother" family, The Rheders, have been immensely helpful in our integration. Felix (16 months) and Evie have a ball playing together.
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ILE (The Spanish Language Institute) has been equipping missionaries for over 80 years, and is just a 15 minute walk away.
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