Poolside Service

Celebrating thankfulness!

Rainy season.  We have more rain in the month of October than we have all year (info@spreadsheettrackinghubby). This year, there seems to be no rhyme or pattern to the rain except that it is unpredictable.  A recent staff outing to a futbol game, weather tracker said no rain until 11:00 p.m. … We sat through the whole 6:00 p.m. game in soaking rain!  One day, it alters our 5:30 a.m. walk, the next day I drive through flooded mountain slopes at 3:30 p.m. for school pick-up.  The worst is trash day with flash flood conditions … driving and dodging trash bags that are being carried into the flooded downhill streets during these downpours!  My favorite though are night rains or Sunday afternoon nap rains.  Falling asleep to the peaceful rata-tat-tat rhythm on our roof is beyond blissful.  Due to these jaw-dropping, voice obscuring downpours, we have a mic and speaker 'at the ready' for class time, staff meetings, and testimony sharing as one literally can’t hear the voice speaking a mere 10 inches away.  In summary: Our shoes are soggy, our line-hung wash remains wet, and the mold is multiplying at monumental speed.  

For the past month, the wet weather has only enhanced my meditation on, the Healing at the Pool in John 5. Father’s question, and the man’s responses have been flooding my mind. “Do you want to get well?” “While I am trying to get in, someone else gets in ahead of me. There is no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.” 

It’s worthy to note the man had faith. With all the attempted dipping that seemed to be going on, I can’t imagine the water was a lovely shade of Caribbean beach blue.  Thinking on the pools formed from the aforementioned downpours, my willingness to dip in said pools feels ‘zero to none.’  However, as I meditated on the man’s response, I sensed Father’s tender voice, “There is plenty of ME to go around, it doesn’t matter if someone ‘gets in ahead’.  I have placed you here to help those around you into the healing pool of My Presence.” This, coming during a week that felt like there was no time for lounging in the life-guard chair with zinc oxide glistening from the bridge of my nose!  The anxious feelings that came with His directness, were quickly covered with His balm of peace … “You just need to be willing to help them in, trust ME with the rest.”  There are 20 beautiful souls in my daily sphere of influence and many more that I interact with weekly outside the walls of Casa Vidanet … and the water is stirring.  Whether your sphere of influence is oriented in an office, facilitating a family line, purchaser of products, stabilizing a desk in school, or creating art out of food … this question warrants pondering: 

Are you willing to watch and see where God is working and consider the title of Pool Boy?

Serving poolside ... Obey and Trust ... Be purposeful

Life "by the Pool"

September – November have passed in the blink of an eye!  Ten weeks of Vida220 are complete, 1 more month before outreach begins. In the midst of school, youth group, soccer, leading worship, play dates, cafecitos, birthdays, video calls and the grand celebration of Thanksgiving, the past weeks have been full of mentoring and discipling these dear ones through the extremes of life. We help them manage their finances, remind them to clean their rooms, and take time to help them connect with Jesus. We thank God for the gifted and anointed teachers that have poured into our family, students, and staff.  The battle has been thick, spiritual attacks have calloused our knees in prayer as we declare the name of Jesus over every heart and mind, over fear and anxiety, and over addiction as it starts to break, knowing there is power, peace and healing within His presence for every soul lounging by the pool.

Praises

Dec. – Feb., we have a place to call home, a car to drive, and churches to share life with! 

God’s faithfulness in these great things and so many “small” things.

Jedi and Adam finished 9th and 4th grade with amazing grades in their second language.

Jen’s headaches and joint aches are less!

A Thanksgiving feast with friends and family.

Bilingual worship anointing. 

To know our Kingdom purpose.

Prayers

Hoover family of 6 will be under one roof for 10 days!

A job for Jedidiah.

Wisdom for Micah as he gives leadership to Vida220.

Those filling our roles here in CR while we’re in The States.

Transition of home leave.

Rest and refreshment for our souls and physical bodies. 

Trust and obey … trust Father to do His part as we obey His prompting.

To watch and see where God is working and join Him by the pool!

Thank you to those who have partnered with us!  

If you haven't already done so, would you prayerfully consider a financial partnership for our family?  We need to raise $85,000 to meet our budget for our next 32 months.  That is $2,650 per month.  

To be part of Kingdom Poolside service here in Costa Rica, follow this link:

emm.org/support/djhoover/

A traditional Lancaster Co. T'giving day spread ...
Not your typical rice and beans but well loved by all!

Feeling thankful to share life with these dear ones!

Thank you God for friends, a backpacking trip and a new hobby!

These two are becoming quite the puzzle fanatics ...
The bonus is they love spending time with me doing them! 

Crazy hair day at youth group ...
no other explanation needed!

Fall pictures for this handsome 10 year old
"Bringer of Light"

And for this 16 year old Tender Heart. 

An old game with new friends ...
These dear friendships were not anticipated but GREATLY appreciated!

He has now claimed the title of "Tallest in the family"
much to the elder's dismay!
He literally seemed to grow two inches in two weeks! 

The end of 9th grade ...
He held his own with this crew of 4 girls ... 
And, I think he rather enjoyed it!

Fun and laughter filled our lives from the quick friendship between
these Ohio girlies and Costa Rican boys!

The Lorax and a Truffula tree ... 
how creative!!

A quick weekend trip to marry off one of his buddies ... 

"Make sure someone takes a picture of you in your tux!"

Last class day of 4th grade ...
Celebrating by wearing Christmas PJ's!

Coffee with one of my girls ...
spending time "Poolside" ...

John 5:7
I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. 
While I am trying to get in, someone else gets in ahead of me. 

Lessons from Bri

"Bri, you must stay outside!"

Since August a hummingbird has been visiting my Hiding Place space for her morning routine. I heard her before I saw her. It was the sound of her rapid fire wing motion as if they were in combat with the banana leaf upon which she was perched.  Water from the consistent overnight rain showers collects in the vein of said leaf and Bri, (short for Colibri) as I've affectionately named her, has taken to visiting "my space" for her morning activities.  After her brief splash bath, she darts to a neighboring branch that has the perfect spotlight of sun (literally it looks like she is on stage) to "flap dry - rest - flap dry - rest - etc."  Her breakfast of champions consists of sweet nectar from the delectable fiery red bloom of the tree next to her sun spotlight.  Had this been a onetime occurrence I would have noted her presence as a smile from Father.  However, lest ye be concerned that my Coffee with Jesus has morphed into the sport of bird-watching, let me explain what He has been showing me.  

As we contemplate and plan for a home leave at the end of this year, anxiety, uncertainty and inadequacy tempt to rear their ugly heads. Church presentations, sharing our story with friends old and new, catching up on life and grieving the loss of connection, connecting hearts with what God is doing through Vidanet while we reconnect our souls with those who know our depths and ... what will people think ...?  Father has been affectionately planting Luke 12:24 in my thoughts for a few months.  "Consider the Ravens".  My response to this all too familiar passage has been a bit like an all-knowing teenager ... "Yeah, I know trust You and stand on your Truth.  You feed, clothe, and take care of 'these' and You love me so much more." In my prideful stance, He pursued.  As if His Spirit's prompting wasn't enough, He was now trying to get my attention visually with not just one visit but daily visits from Bri!  For more than a month, I've tried to ponder and meditate on His promise "and yet God feeds them." Thick headed or menopausal brain fog, He has now spelled it out clearly in black and white.  "Anxiety, uncertainty, and inadequacy are the result of considering your future activity without ME."  But, but, but ... 

If we believe God continues to call us to work with Vidanet in Costa Rica, we don't need to do the convincing or asking.  As we trust (His call), obey (His prompting) and stand on His Truth (vs. 30 your Father knows that you need them), He will feed us, clothe us and provide purses that don't wear out!  Verse 31 spells out our part clearly ... but seek His kingdom and these things will be given to you as well.  And so, we will speak in honor of Him, share Holy Spirit moments, connect hearts to Jesus and remember this lesson from Bri.  

Is there imagery of your future that needs Father's presence? 

Would you care to join me in the spotlight of His provision? 

Lessons from Bri ... He loves me more than these ... Believing in our Provider

Life on the Mountain

In the midst of our daily routines, our days are full of interactions with our students, 13 beautiful souls that are hungry for God's life changing Word. Living in community with our beloved staff and processing life together has been the sweetest gift from Father. The routine of Vida220 feels refreshing!  With 27 physical bodies living at Casa Vidanet and 17 living outside our walls, there is ample opportunity for the following: virus' going viral, bacteria batted around, motherly medical advice to be offered, financial figuring between countries, praying over testimonies, processing post Vidanet possibilities and discipling their hearts towards Jesus ... while our hearts listen intently to the words from their lips, we are intentional about seeking first His Kingdom as we mentor these beloved ones in our care.  There has been much spiritual warfare - specifically manifesting through dreams/nightmares. As we pray corporately, anoint areas at His prompting, we believe God's presence prevails in this place! Would you join us in prayer?  

Praises

The visa battle with Honduras was short lived!

Celebrating 19 and 16 years of life for 2 of our Mighty Men.

Experiencing God bible study to mix up our routine.

Life giving connections with VN board.

God's financial provision for needs of our staff.

Sunday sabbath in the midst of busy life.

Neighbors to share life and raise our kids with.

Upcoming events filled with peace from our Provider

Prayers

A Vehicle to use on our home leave from December 21 - February 2024.

Job for Jedidiah (16 years old) on our home leave. 

Joseph personal connections.

Micah wisdom in his leadership role.

Adam as he shares Jesus' love with his classmates.

Join us in placing a spiritual covering over our students.

To seek His Kingdom and not give in to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and inadequacy. 

We've been encouraged to share our specific financial need for our next term:

We need to raise $85,000 to meet our budget for our next 32 months.  That is $2,650 per month.  Would you prayerfully consider a financial partnership for our family?

follow this link:

emm.org/support/djhoover/

An inside visit with a hummingbird is not a good idea!

SO thankful for connections for our social one ...
I can't even imagine life before AMCA!

How many pair of glasses are REALLY necessary to see the solar eclipse?
Their perseverance paid off ... we had a magnificent view!

This one who loves change, persevered for 18 months ...
The longest timeframe I have not touched his hair with a scissors!
Before ...

After ...

Teaching this dear one, the first "daughter" how to drive stick! ...

Our daily routines are worlds apart ...
So thankful for snapshots into his life! 

The start of his celebrations ...
"No, I don't need a party ...
but I want to celebrate with school, 12/21, family, friends, and AMCA"
Four days of celebrating and he's officially 16!

How well do we really know Jedidiah?
A laughter filled game of "Beat the Parents" proved he keeps most of us guessing!

The smile of a boy whose
 teammates chose him as Captain for the tournament game!

One of our El Nido cherubs, Baby Deric ...
full of smiles, enamored with my blue eyes and
lights up when I talk English to him! 

The weather app predicted rain at 11:00pm ... 
It's a Soccer game in Costa Rica,
of course we sat through the whole game in the rain!

His team, his sport, his turn in the spotlight! 

And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Luke 12:24

Clothed with These

He puts this on, Every. Single. Day.  Monday through Friday, it gets wet, weathered, well-worn and washed (occasionally).  Without change or hesitation, its versatility lends it to always be the top article of his daily at work attire.  This regifted treasure has graced his studly physique for approximately 6 years and counting.  With wisdom, another similar article was purchased as backup however, the sentient remains that this first-string player has more years of wear and tear before it is retired to the hall of fame. 

In the normalcy of routine, Father spoke this uncanny parallel.  Just as Daryl routinely clothes himself daily with this irreplaceable Under Armor sweatshirt, so should I clothe myself with these … Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.  Clothed in this wardrobe God picked out for us, leads us to take action to meet another’s need which in turn opens doors to share love, specifically Father’s love.  Reality is, as I walk with Jesus every single day, I should routinely – without hesitation or second thought – finish off my attire with these … just as Daryl routinely – without hesitation or second thought – finishes off his attire with the comfort of said item.  Unfortunately, being clothed with these doesn’t mean a selfless, stress free, worry free, anxiety free, life.  No, it simply redirects my direction to another closet.  A closet filled articles that indicate the peace of Christ dwells in my heart.  

The absurdity of this parallel spoke deeply to my soul in my role as hospitality coordinator (a.k.a. need-meeter).  If I am clothed with anything other than these, I will attempt to meet their needs out of pride, worldly wisdom, and an ‘I can do it’ mentality.  In my daily routine, it is a vital necessity that I first meet with Jesus, clothe myself with these and walk confidently by His side trusting that He will meet the needs around me … for His glory!  

I’ve been pondering the fact that it would appear easier to clothe myself with these if yours truly were not such a slave to fashion and my closet had fewer resources.  However, I’ve come to the conclusion that even in routine, clothing myself with these basic, all-purpose garments is still a choice.  Made easier only as I walk intimately with my Clothing Designer.  

What are you clothing yourself with today?  Would you care to join me in refreshing your closet so that the peace of Christ dwells in your heart? 

Choosing His attire ... Their needs are met ... Filled with His peace.

Life on the Mountain

They came - 3 Vida220 coordinators, 3 team leaders, 9 staff (old and new), 13 students! And, we are learning to know, love and disciple them!  This is what community, relationship and challenge are all about.  The first two 'new people' weeks are always full of medical questions, advice and challenges. (He is our need-meeter!)  There seems to not be many quiet moments as we spend our days at Casa Vidanet.  Little Caesars has blessed our bellies and wallets at the end of these busy weeks for our Friday pizza and movie night! 80's day costumes; Parades, lanterns and a week off school for our beloved CR independence day; Staff orientation and updating job descriptions; Youth group for Jedidiah is once again in our routine; Jump center birthday celebrations; A visit with our favorite ER doctor, Dr. Jenkins, for a sprained thumb; New staff driving lessons;  Life-giving shopping buddies; And ... making a closet choice in the routine of life to clothe ourselves with these. 

Praise

Staff who desire to serve Jesus in the routines of base maintenance, hospitality, administration, communications and community service.  

Friends to share life with

Sprained not fractured thumb

Students who desire to grow with Jesus

Jesus' presence to meet simple and complex needs

Prayer

As we look to another term of service, December 2023 - August 2026

Would you prayerfully consider financial support for our family?        

https://www.emm.org/support/djhoover/

Clear direction for school options for Jedidiah

Wisdom for Micah and team as they coordinate life for our Vida220 students

Adam's tender heart to process as his best neighbor buddy moves to another house

Jedidiah to be a leader in our home and outside our walls

Joseph connections and friendship

Lean into the Everlasting Arms as we face challenges with family life, leadership and mentor relationships. 

To clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

80's themed school day ...
Reliving my Jr. high and high school fashion statements! 
Collars up and peg your jeans!

Celebrating Kids Day ...
He was seen only by his blue shoes and stripped socks!

Kids day is always more fun with a buddy! 

These mighty men have stolen Mama Jen's heart
 with grandmotherly affection!  

Adam representing the role of Adam!

If this picture could talk ...
stories and laughter with every expression! 

He ran the torch from the center of town to school
to kick off the independence festivities! ...
Proud mama moment!  

Lantern parade with school friends.

Another year, another independence day parade ...
His musical ability is amazing!
To God be the glory!

Our beloved Professor and 2 brother duos!

Jump Center memories ...
Bruise/abrasions from jumping and landing on his back learning to Wall-walk!

No caption needed! 

Two Jedidiah's!!!
Ones first name, the other's middle name! 

For the love of learning ...

The Cabin and the 70 ... two of his favorite things! 

Colossians 3:12–14
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Settled in Ambassadors

I have felt 'off' recently.  As to what that off feeling is, I've yet to figure out.  A full of life summer followed by a very quiet August? Stress, a Lupus exacerbation or menopause? Micah living under our roof for a few weeks or Jedidiah being old enough to process next steps? Transitions and hard goodbyes or the anxious thoughts of new people I will grow to love?  Contemplating the mirrored image of greyer hair, deeper wrinkles and a wider waistline, is it my lack of feeling youthful? ... Nah, the slow whistle from my studly sidekick as I walk out into the day tells me that can't possibly be it! 

As I processed with my bed warmer during a night away from normalcy, I realized the following ... Seven years ago we were planning, packing and prepping to leave life as we knew it in Lancaster Co., and finally, seven years later, I feel settled into life.   

Feeling settled in somewhere is what makes leaving so hard. One can feel settled in for a weekend, a week, a year or a lifetime.  But the feeling of being established, connected and having people who know us personally brings a very settled feeling to my soul.  Reflecting on life in Lancaster Co, we had position, purpose and a daily plan. We had neighbors we loved to connect with and family "just down the road". Normal life was routine and often happened without thought. Our purpose and plan for life was to be representatives of God's love in our jobs, school, neighborhood, and wherever we journeyed throughout the day.  If you will, we were ambassadors: a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified person or activity.  Our plan was to raise up disciples of Jesus to openly display the power and love of God, starting first and foremost with our Mighty men.  Even as I write this, reflecting on the normalcy of how we lived our lives, felt supernatural in the way God opened doors for us to share Him. Living as ambassadors for Jesus felt comfortable and enjoyable, conversation flowed and connections were deep.  And in His tender hearted fashion ... in the midst of feeling settled, established, and connected, He moved us to move. Out of our comfort zone, to gain a broader world view and into a more mature intimacy with Him.  

While we are not leaving Costa Rica, quite the opposite as we just renewed for another term, I'm realizing this off feeling I have is perhaps the settled feeling of the normalcy of life here.  We are established, connected and have people who know us personally. Our purpose and plan hasn't changed much from Lanc. Co ... We are ambassadors sharing God's love and grace with Flor at the pharmacy and Minor at the hardware store. We continue raising up our Mighty men as well as those the Lord places within our reach to disciple, mentor and counsel to be representatives of Jesus and take God's love to the nations.  

It would appear that being settled in as ambassadors looks like normal life, right? We live life in behind the scenes roles, figuring finances and hosting the masses, supporting and collaborating with our leadership team, affirming and caring for those we give leadership to and being a home base for those the Lord sends out. As we gallivant through normal life, God's grace allows us to use our roles at Vidanet as a platform to share why we do what we do so that wherever we go our attitude and actions are held accountable.

This should not be a guilt-evoking thought but rather one that walks in the freedom of His grace ... being a "settled in" ambassador for Jesus Christ is taking advantage of every opportunity that tugs on our inner spirit.  Greeting Carlos at the meat counter and asking about his family even when I don't have meat to buy, speaking a blessing over Victor as he brings recently harvested mango from the back and picks the two best ones for me to purchase, helping a dear one learn how to confront in love to aid in her healing process, letting go of 'my' plans to be part of completing His, saying no because 'that' would not be honoring to Jesus, relying on His boldness to share the Good News with a heart that is destitute, and perhaps the most challenging, adjusting my attitude while living normal life to reflect The One who I am representing.

As you represent Jesus in the normalcy of daily life, 

how is He prompting you to step out of the normalcy of your comfort zone?  

Ambassadors through normalcy ... Settled in ... Challenged out of our comfort zone. 

Life on the Mountain
We've had three weeks to organize, reorganize, and figure out a new way to organize our beloved Casa Vidanet while our staff had time off.  It was time to wash, clean and throw out that which didn't hold enough value in certain eyes;  We were blessed with a weekend at the beach to recharge; We enjoyed  quiet moments with friends listening to their hearts;  Late night conversations and afternoon at the movies; We enjoyed time for a few extra ice cream outings;  Birthday parties and welcoming another precious wee into our Vidanet tribe; Micah bought a motorcycle and had his impacted wisdom teeth removed (we're 3 for 4 ... Adam declares his will not need to come out!); Joseph started his second year at Thad. Stevens, camped with family and went backpacking; Jedidiah worked diligently on homework, and exams and continues to fill our house with conversation, worship and song; Adam won first place explaining Rocket Science in his school science fair; We celebrated 22 years of wedded bliss graciously covered by Father's grace; and ... we are resting in the peace of being settled in as ambassadors for Jesus Christ! 

Praise

Healthy baby

Staff connections 

Healing on Jen's joints

Connections with church and community

Time with Micah

A job for Joseph

Time to organize and rest 

Settled into normal life as ambassadors of Jesus, reflecting Him.

 

Prayer

As we look to a third term of service:

Would you prayerfully consider financial support for our family?        https://www.emm.org/support/djhoover/

    

Quick healing for Micah's mouth

Wisdom for Micah's new role

Connections for Joseph in PA

Health, strength and grace to start a new Vida220 school year

Heart connections with new staff and students 

Safe arrivals for new staff and students Sept 12 and 22 

Sensitivity to HS as we represent Jesus to the world around us! 

Birthday shenanigans and celebrating another year of life!

Joseph on vacation mode ...
Can he spend a whole week with nothing pressing to do?
Yup, he did! 

Thankful for family who surround Joseph!

My happy place ... 
The sun, sand and surf where I can think and process clearer.

Big boys play ground ... 
Where laughter and exploring fills this Mama's heart!

Another year in love ...
Practicing his whistle ... 

He needed his own mode of transportation ...
When did my little boy get so big?

El Nido Moms and babies ... 
Always full of chatter and little baby squeals!

Cleaned up for a night out with Adam as our photographer ...
He actually took a decent 'non selfie' picture this time! 

First Place in the Science Fair!
His explanation of Rocket Science was highly inspired by his big brothers!

Jedidiah got second place in high school science fair ...
He loved explaining Rockets to the youngsters!

Chipmunk cheeks ... thanks to 4 impacted wisdom teeth!
How to help this one rest and be less active ...

But I will sing of your strength in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  
Isaiah 59:16