Well, life lately has been crazy busy, resulting in no updates! Boo. Anyway, we're almost a month away from the wedding, and we're hoping for this gorgeous sunset on August 20th! This photo was taken a few months ago when my mom and I visited Sugar Beach Hotel, where Josue and I will soon marry...While at the beach with my mom, I even heard monkeys in the trees at night and an iguana in the reception/restaurant area...so I think everyone is in for a surprise! On my recent trip to the states, I brought my wedding dress down here to Costa Rica...it's hung in my guest bedroom, just teasing me that the wedding is close but not here yet!
Those headed to the wedding might enjoy this view on the way, as it is off the beaten path:)
A few months ago, Josue (Chino) and I signed the paperwork that makes us husband and wife. It's sort of strange because although we signed the papers, technically we're not married because it takes 2 months to reach the national registry...plus we haven't done our ceremony...plus, we haven't done the paperwork for the states...so I guess, you can say we're 1/3 married?! (in the process!) It was kind of strange how signing a piece of paper has so much depth...it's just a paper; but what it represents is such a big deal!!!
I came to the office as a single lady and left as a wife, with the swish of a pen...that's crazy!
We're almost there. 1 month to go!
On my recent trip to the states, my Dad and I enjoyed some quality time kayaking down the Wakulla River. It was so beautiful to see the alligators, turtles, and manatees. We enjoyed some father/daughter time, and I'm excited to have them moving down to adventure here in Costa Rica for 3 months. It will be fun to have family close!
Also while in the states, we celebrated with a bridal shower in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to Aunt Net, Jerilynn, and my mom for making me feel so loved and encouraged. We enjoyed delicious food and a beautiful view of the lake. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship and of course the presents;)
As I mentioned in the latest email update, ministry has been tough recently in the precario community. We have very few ladies whom really desire to go deeper in their faith and take steps with Christ. We've also had some problems with a local missionary with whom we have unfortunately clashed with in recent months. It is a tragedy that we can't just work side by side for the Gospel of Christ...He has refused to speak with us on the matter and wants us out of the community. Thanks to God, whom restores all things! We brought our issue to our church pastors here in Vida Abundante Church. They set up a meeting and had the opportunity to sit down with this missionary and talk about the issues. I'm so grateful that the church is doing its job and restoring unity and broken fellowship!! So often, problems are caused by miscommunications or misinterpretations that must be discussed to bring unity and/or closure. Praise God for how He is teaching us in the difficult, not just the easy...
Here is a photo from 2 weeks ago in the precario. We actually had 5 of ladies come this week so that was exciting. For the first time, we had a same-sex couple ask us to have the study at their home. It was a good chance to speak of Christ to those who won't enter the church because of their reputations.
Lately, in the Isla community, God has been doing amazing things with the kids! We've started helping with the children's ministry in this community, and the kids are absolutely LOVING IT! It's great to support the ladies of the small church, as they learn to serve and share what God is teaching them...
Many of these ladies are part of our leadership group. The Isla is just THIRSTY for Christ. They are constantly desiring for us to return and share more. They have great questions and are growing like crazy. We are prayerfully considering taking the ladies from the precario and bringing them up to this community, about 2 minutes away, so that they might grow together, uniting both neighborhoods where we work.
Please pray for our steps in ministry: where to go, what to do, when to listen, when to speak...We want to follow hard after what He has for us.
Today, I started a new Bible Study which I'm happy to say is just for ME! :) I don't teach the study. I don't facilitate very much...I'm there to learn! The study is with 4 other ladies, and we're studying a book called "Lies Women Believe." God has been calling me to look for community and work on growth in myself, so we pitched the idea to a few lovely ladies and here we are! I'm so excited to learn, to grow together, and to seek the Lord together. Chino and I hope to go to seminary some day, but until that time, we will continue to learn wherever God provides...It's absolutely imperative as a missionary to take time to pour into your own growth and well-being, otherwise you'll burn out fast. I'm thrilled to know these friends and grow through this study.
Well, I feel like you're pretty caught up for now. Please continue to pray for Chino, my fiance, and I. We've found it pretty difficult to help plan a wedding, do full-time ministry, prepare for marriage, make decisions, prepare to get a visa to the states, and normal life...it's been so busy, but of course exciting too...please be praying for us, that we might be able to juggle all of these things going on and do them well! We want to finish single life well, in order to begin married life well!
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