The Art of Casting

Grateful to celebrate with these MM!

The highlighted section in my Bible indicates it must be circa mid 1980's. Those Jr. High years when literally everything was touched by said highlighter because it made me feel important. As I reflected on the words deemed important at that time, I let the weight settle in my soul as I contemplated the cast. 

Perhaps it was a dark, moonlit night with clouds passing occasionally. I imagine the sleep deprived movements of casting the net in these wee morning hours were routine enough they didn't require much thought or precision. Was his cast throwing caution to the wind or was there an expectancy that 'this would be the big one?' ... As we cast off, can you feel the sea spray on your face as we set sail in the open seas? Ones smile indicates there is a sense of deep-breath-freedom and eyes-to-the-horizon new adventure ... As the castaway hides in the bowels of the vessel, hidden in the deepest, darkest corner, is there hope for a new start as he abandons, discards, or throws aside that in which he has been trapped? ... Casting on/off in the art of knitting most certainly brings a sense of joy in the starting, satisfaction in the ending and an ordered calm to ones OCD tendencies in following the repeated pattern of over-under-through ... At days end, the setting sun casts a soft, warm glow on my salt-dried complexion as I welcome His peace in my soul. 

Our daily lives are filled with a variety of anxiety producing processes and situations. Giving credit to those thoughts, take a moment and name what we're casting. "Next steps, uncertainty, fear of unknown, transition, __________." This art of casting should bring a sense of life-giving freedom as we release our human desire for control.  As I've been pondering the cast in 1Peter 5:7, I've been drawn to practice the simplicity of casting. Mentally releasing what's held in my clenched fist of control for said situation, and trusting He cares for me, I'm filled with hope and expectation not dread for said situation. Oh I know, the list won't complete itself. But in casting, I'm declaring He will direct my steps in peace. No matter what situation you're facing, there is a beautiful simplicity in the art of casting, a freedom in the release and a thrill of hope anticipating His Presence! Would you care to practice the art of casting with me? 

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 

Life on the Mountain

An attitude of gratitude feeds the soul with peace, patience, understanding, and hope. The fullness of life leaves us wondering, where did November go? I remember writing about "them" coming and here we are with 2 weeks of training left before we send them to outreach; We celebrated #21 and #18 with our Mighty Men across the ocean; hosted a Florida work team; filled up on Yoder girl's laughter and fellowship; welcomed, hosted and feasted on the friendship of the VN Board and teachers; renewed our residency and saw Father's provision where the way seemed stuck; processed our next steps out loud with trusted hearts and shared the subsequent announcement of our transition to PA next August; shared in the joy as he asked for the hand of our spiritual daughter in marriage; completed Ancient history and started Medieval history - 7th grade is so amazing! Feasted on the sweetness of the Holy Spirit's presence as our students continue learning how to listen to His voice; cooked 4 turkeys to share a traditional Lancaster Co. feast of gratitude with 78 dear ones; celebrated our 9th year anniversary in CR; and ... practiced the art of casting and releasing with expectancy. 

Praises

Moist turkey and traditional Thanksgiving treats

Healing and growth in our students

Knowing Father's will with certainty and being unified in the decision

The sweetness of walking with the Holy Spirit

The process of discipleship and the beauty of growth

The thrill of hope as we practice the art of casting

Prayers

Six Hoovers will be under one roof in CR for 2 weeks! 

A clear call for someone to fill our roles at VN

Transition, training others, timeline

Micah as he attends RBC's winter term

God's guidance in relationships for each of our boys

To practice the art of casting

Helping each other with the casting ...
I love my 'office'!

Rainy soccer Saturday under our vintage umbrella!
This camo umbrella is older than Jedidiah ...
Yes, it still keeps the rain out!

Visit with the kitchen crew ...
These girls fill my soul with joy and laughter!

A little rain didn't stop the adventure ...

OH, PA converge in CR ...

Life-giving, life-long friendships!

Yes, it really does get this cold here!

Perks of Board meeting ...
I get to revel in the sweet fellowship of these dear friends! 

Boots, machete and nature ...
These just might be his favorite things!

Senior pics ... Really?
How did he survive those preschool years : )
PC Joseph! 

Awe ... he really does miss his brother!
He came for a quick weekend to renew his residency card!

The pug shirt lives on ...
Many precious things pass from one MM to the next ...
None as treasured as this threadbare, 9 year old, $3.00 Goodwill bargain!

El Chamo ready for a beach adventure with the students!

The dear ones that fill our days ...

The joy of friendship ...
I can't even remember getting to know them, it seems we just did.

The diversity in our environments ...
Snow adventure, the beauty of creation and 4-wheel drive!

The peace and serenity of setting up the tree
and Peppermint mocha.

Happy 9th anniversary breakfast ... 
What do YOU remember about that day? 
The blue bags, Father's faithfulness and Stacy's calm.

The art of casting ...

The freedom of the release ...

The thrill of hope in Jesus... 

Hoover Transition from Costa Rica to Pennsylvania

Greetings Dear Ones,

We trust you are enjoying Father’s peace in this season of giving thanks as you are surrounded by fall’s grandeur. We as well feel His peace as He asks us to walk in obedience during this next season. We are filled with gratitude as we reflect on your encouragement, affirmation and support over the past 9 years that we have lived and served in Costa Rica, thank you for walking with us in advancing The Kingdom.

 
Over the past six months, we have sensed a transition happening in our hearts. While we were not anticipating this change, we have sensed His peace as we trust and walk in obedience. We will be transitioning out of our roles at Vidanet in Costa Rica and relocating to Pennsylvania. We have always held the privilege of living and serving in CR with open hands, knowing it was God’s design. He led us with certainty, peace and unity when we started the process of moving to CR 10 years ago and he is leading us now with certainty, peace and unity as we are starting the process of moving to PA. We sense this is what obedience looks like.  

We plan to start transitioning out of Vidanet and move stateside in August of 2026. Details of our official end date are forthcoming as we don’t yet know who will fill our roles and when they would do so. We anticipate this transition may continue through the end of the year, 2026.  We welcome your prayer covering for our family and for Vidanet during this transition. Let us know if you have any questions. 

Covered by His peace,

Daryl and Jen 

Message from Mindi Hoover, MST chair

As I look back over the adventures of the CR Hoovers, I am encouraged in my faith and praise the Lord with a grateful heart for the many stories of God’s faithfulness that have been shared.  Thanks to the many prayers and support from you, the community that surrounds the CR Hoover family, these years have been fruitful.  Thank you for the many ways you have participated in sharing the gospel with those who have been impacted by Vidanet. 

The CR Hoover MST is thankful for the service of Daryl and Jen and their Mighty Men.  As an MST, we have been praying for them as they sought the Lord for their next steps.  We stand with them in their decision to move to Pennsylvania and are confident that the God who led them to CR is leading them to PA!

Part of supporting the CR Hoovers over the following months involves praying for their transition, offering hands to help them move, and continuing to provide full financial support throughout their service.  If you are currently giving to the Hoovers, please continue doing so until the end of their term (details to follow as together, with Vidanet and EMM, we discern their end of term). This will allow them to transition smoothly without worrying about their financial needs.  Resettling in the States is not expense-free, and they will certainly need our support.

It is a gift to have walked this road with the CR Hoovers, and we look forward to what God has in place for them in Pennsylvania.  Thank you for your continued love and support of this special family!

Blessings,

Mindi Hoover

On behalf of the CR Hoover MST

CHEERS to Sensing the Gospel

We're learning their names and
are glad they came! 

"Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came ..." Since last Sunday, this jingle has been rummaging around in my head drumming up the nostalgic memories of someone calling out ... "Norm!" While I was not a frequent viewer of said sitcom, this line has stuck with me over the years.  

Lest you be overly concerned about my upbringing, let me explain ... Father prompted my spirit with this sentiment during worship last Sunday as we sang a beautiful song, "Vuelvo a casa, a la casa de mi Padre, donde me ama y me llamas por mi nombre" (I'm going home to my Fathers house, where he loves me and calls me by name). As I pondered these words on the drive home, the sentiment of the CHEERS theme song started settling in my soul. The combination of these two songs created an image in my mind of walking in the front door of my childhood home. Take a moment to reflect on your childhood home, or your grandparent's home, or best friend's home ... someplace that generates full of life emotions as you enter the door.  

In my mind, I can feel the doorknob and the warmth radiating from the door's surface; the sound of the seal cracking as I push the door open and the smell that wafts towards me is so inviting you can taste it; I can see the décor hung on said door, and inside at the landing, which brings a flood of laughter-filled, Peg-filled memories; And the voice ... "Oh dear girl, come on in! ..."  If any of you have crossed the threshold of 2464 Creek Hill Rd., I know you can see, smell, hear, touch, and almost taste the love where someone knows your name and where they are always glad you came!

Last week we led our students and staff through a beautiful representation of the gospel using our senses. No words, yet fully bilingual, we individually experienced creation, sin, redemption and restoration through our senses. For one who is created to feel deeply, this was speaking to the depths of my bilingual soul! Before I get too deep in all the emotions and feelings that surrounded this experience, let me just take a minute to state the truth. The Bible is the infallible word of God; It is Holy Spirit inspired; it is His spoken Word, transcribed by His people; Its intended purpose is to lead me to Father's heart, while giving direction for life and godliness; It is the foundation of TRUTH my life is built on and ... it triggers my senses, emotions and feelings when I read it. I can not separate this pairing.

I'm curious, how many of you like me, use your senses when reading the Bible? I can almost smell the incense of the priest and the roasting sacrifice, see the waves trying to overtake our boat and the approaching figure, feel the heat of the furnace and the quake of the felled giant, taste the sweetness of the apple turned bitter in the Garden and hear the silence of the Passover and the birdsong of Resurrection morning.  

Dear friends, we are created in His image and I am fully confident He created us to experience His Presence and the Gospel via our senses, emotions and feelings as we read His Truth. Even those who may be a bit more emotionally guarded can smell the scents of the ballpark via the television, hear the battle cry EAGLES across the ocean, the words "meat in the smoker" will cause ones mouth to salivate, can feel the grip of the club in ones dreams and might possibly be moved to tears while gazing at a picture of the Greens. We are created in His image, with feelings and emotions, and His Word is brought to life via our senses. Lets circle back to that door ... You know the one where HE knows you by name and HE is always glad you came? Can you see, smell, hear, touch, and taste His love as you enter? Who can you invite through this door?

Sensory Gospel, Experiencing the Truth, His door awaits

Life on the Mountain

They all arrived: 1 Coordinator, 2 assistant coordinators, 3 team leaders, 15 Students, a handful of new staff and a spirit led, tender-hearted Grandparent couple ... 32 beautiful souls + leadership families, hungering for more of Jesus, are once again filling Casa Vidanet with life!  We started the year with a 24 hour retreat to reconnect, worship, laugh, play and dream of God's vision for Vidanet; In the midst of homeschool, we carve out time for catching up with seasoned staff and take advantage of moments to connect with students and new staff.  It has been a time of fleshing out job descriptions, training some in new roles and sharing the load with those who have more energy!  A new accounting system (for lack of better explanation) has been initiated and now needs to be fleshed out to see how well it works. Teaching, testimonies and language learning fill our ears as we see new faces and remember ones we've launched. The cultural diversity of this group reminds us of our creative Creator, He handpicked each one to be part of this school!  And here on our mountain top, the rain falls frequently as the sun shines somedays, and coffee fills our cups as worship fills our souls, we rejoice knowing that when we walk through the door, we enter a place where He loves us, knows us by name and is always glad we came!

Praise

Heart to heart conversations with our boys in CR and across the ocean.

We are created in His image with emotions, feelings and senses.

His infallible Word to guide us through life. 

We have home leave housing secured for August 2026!

We've had a healthy start to Vida220.

God spared Omar's life and is healing him!

Prayer partners to blanket us with Father's Presence, protection and provision.

We have a place where He loves us, knows us by name and is glad we came.

Prayers

Micah and students are currently on a jungle adventure - while a strong weather pattern is brewing.

Clarity and direction for our next steps - to walk in obedience.

Healthy balance between emotions, feelings and truth.

Wisdom and God's guidance in relationships for each of our 4 Mighty Men. 

To find life in homeschool routine.

May the new accounting system be efficient, practical and make life easier.

To invite those around us to the One who loves them, knows them by name and is always glad they came! 

Friday night football season ...
something they've not experienced until this year! 

Homemade, gluten free, mozzarella cheese chunks ...
the perfect pull says it all! 

Our table looks a little different this year but heartwarmingly familiar ...
3 guy leaders instead of girl leaders!

Happy Independence day CR ... 
Adam catching up with previous classmates.

All smiles before the climb ... 
The smiles afterwards were partnered with wobbly knees!

The High Ropes ...
not for faint of heart or weak-knees!

Red shirt on the left found the perfect way
to decompress on a Saturday! 

Yup, CR has racoons too ...
and they're as pesky and intrusive as they are in the north! 

In his happy place ...
He may have suggested a presumptive call to the taxidermist
to see how long the wait might be ...
just in case! 

Walking with them through the door ...

"Mom, he got me flowers!" ...
Stated with a smirk after he was summoned to the gate
to receive and deliver said flowers to yours truly!

The Shepherd,
soft green pastures, quiet waters,
there is restoration and direction,
a comforting Presence in the dark valley,
a table prepared with an overflowing cup,
the scent of anointing oil, surrounded by goodness and love,
the door is open to dwell in His house.
 Psalm 23

Sensing the Truth 

Positioned by Grace

Title: Brothers.
Position: one who ALWAYS has your back!

I've been reading and savoring the book, "The Awe of God" by John Bevere. If you haven't read it, you should. It is simple yet profoundly deep.  This is a reflection on the latest chapter ... 

Do I hold a title or position? 

A title is the name given to something to identify or describe it. I utilize many titles in my life, daughter, wife, mom, hospitality coordinator, mentor, and nurse to name a few. A position can be described as a particular way in which someone or something is placed or arranged. I position myself under God's authority as I mentor and disciple students and staff. 

Using the title of nurse signifies that I might care for people, work in a hospital, freely discuss in detail the miracle of the birth, the disease process or bodily functions without embarrassment, and will most assuredly be asked to evaluate ones injury, rash, recent ailment or bodily discharge. My position as a nurse (a.k.a. on someone's payroll, under their authority) signifies that I obey the nursing code of conduct, adhere to the rules and regulations of my hiring agency, complete the required continuing education credits and as their advocate, will invest in knowing my patients needs and desires to give them the best possible outcome.

A title offers a relationship without commitment. While a position is emotionally invested in and passionate about said position.  I'm a nurse vs. I'm a labor and delivery nurse who walks intimately with families through the most miraculous, beautiful and challenging experience of their lives (stated with passion in my voice and most likely adding a few more descriptive details!).     

My title as a Christian or follower of Jesus might simply be that I believe in or possibly know who Jesus is. However, my position as a Christian or follower of Jesus, reveals that I spend time at my Table or in my Hiding Place where I pursue knowing Him intimately. There is a passion to seek, follow, obey and replicate Him to the world around me. I can't not do what He leads me to do. The difference is simple (and the premise of said book) ... Holy fear. For those who have walked in Holy fear/the awe of God, this may seem simple, obvious, and like I'm redundantly renaming title and position. 

But this ... this is where the veil was lifted. In sharing Jesus, what am I offering? Am I simply offering them a relationship without a commitment to unconditionally obey His Word ... "At least they asked Him into their heart" (title received).  Or, am I willing to walk beside them, inviting them to understand His love, and modeling simple obedience to His Word as together, we seek to find out what pleases the One who offers us a position by grace. 

Discipleship. Who can you invite into position?

 

Life on the Mountain

August rest. Two words that I find challenging to unite. It was restful in that we had no scheduled groups or students on base. Less than a week after the hard goodbyes were complete, three of us traveled to visit family and friends in PA while one of us faithfully provided a stable presence in the office at VN. The hours in PA were not near long enough for my mama's heart ... but it was so good to experience life through their eyes. Laughter, wrestling, a multitude of bodily noises and the challenge to 'lock in' as 4 Mighty Men were under one roof! Time of laughter and sharing my heart with dear girlfriends is equally never long enough! We took 24+ hours away to celebrate 24 years of Us and process life before and after said 24 years. Saturday cleaning was less intense because rest and books in the hammock took priority, games and Little House on the Prairie was a nightly routine and as September started, Adam and I established 7th grade home school routine and we turned our focus to preparing to receive students and staff.  Team leaders have arrived signaling the start of a new Vida220 school year and the return to 'normal' routine which causes us to ponder ... who might we invite into position? 

Praises

Safe travel and full of life connections with family and friends

Home school is becoming routine

Taxes are done

Adam finding connection at youth group

J & J are connected in PA

August rest

Prayer

A female team leader would be helpful

Micah - as he gives leadership to a new school of Vida220

Wisdom - reorganized financial tracking seems like a foreign language

Staff unity as we start a 'new year'

Clarity for next steps

Eyes to see who Father leads us to invite to a position with Him

"Sure son, come on in and see how I fly the plane!"  

I guess it pays to be curious!

Mimi is shrinking ... But her arms can still hold them close!

Summer afternoon rain shower slip and slide ... almost as warm as CR! 

Mimi's kitchen was officially open for business ... 

Eggs MTO, just like Ma-maw's kitchen 40 years ago! 

God was creating space for my Mama's heart! 

The 5 of us 'just happened' to arrive at the coffee station at the same time!

And, these 5 rocking chairs on the porch 'just happened' to be empty 

at the perfect time of morning when they should have been filled! 

It was as if time stood still ... 

Hangin' with the cousins at Spruce Lake!

I don't know who's heart was fuller ... 

Adam's or Mama's!

First, first day ... 

Last, first day ... 

"The world is waiting Tender Heart, go give em' Jesus!"

Just 4 boys launching rockets ... 

Rockets that were bought at an outlet in CR for $1.00! 

"Seriously Mom, this is an AMAZING deal, I'm not wasting my $1.00" ...

Oh She of little faith! : ) 

Not gonna lie ... 

This may be called an addiction!

Freeze n Frizz soft serve is what summer evenings are made of!

Celebrating 24 years of Us ...

Thankful for the gift of time to process life before and after said 24 years! 

Someone is a bit of a fan ...

EAGLES - first Thursday night football in "forever"!

Position ...

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, 

and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders”. 

Deuteronomy 33:12 

Know your position and invite others to theirs. 

Investing To Say Goodbye

Loving, investing in, launching these amazing people!

If I'm being honest, anticipating the month of August, I have thoughts of steeling away from everyone and everything.  Avoiding 'that' cashier because I don't want to talk; waiting until the 'usual' people won't be there to get groceries; going to a different pharmacy because I just don't want to engage in one more conversation; letting Daryl take the van so I couldn't possibly leave the house; even avoiding 'my people' because my heart aches and needs to regroup. "Wait, what?! But you're a missionary, you love to share Jesus by serving and caring for others!"  If 50-somethings threw tantrums, this is what it might look like ... "You can't make me love new people, You can't make me care for them, You can't make me invest in them personally and you most certainly can't expect me to say goodbye with a smile!" ... yup, you get the whole embarrassing picture! As I sat with my Table Companion this morning, coffee in hand, I lamented through tears, all the hard, unasked for goodbyes ... My heart thrives on investing, loving, and walking with these dear ones that He continues to place within arms reach, I just wish the goodbyes didn't feel so deep! As my tantrum-tears slowed, He filled my heart with His peace and gently reminded me of this beautiful liturgy I have read often ... 

Lead me by Your mercies through these hours that I might spend them well, not in harried pursuit of my own agendas, 

but rather in good service to You. 

(even when I want to avoid)

Teach me to shepherd the small duties of this day with great love, tending faithfully those tasks you place within my care and tending with patience and kindness the needs and hearts of those people You place within my reach. 

(even if only for a season.)

Nothing is too hard for You, Lord Jesus. I deposit now all confidence in You that whatever these waking hours bring, 

my foundations will not be shaken. 

(even in the goodbyes.)

At days end, I will lay me down to sleep knowing that my best hope is well kept in You and in all things Your grace will sustain me. Bid me follow and I will follow. 

(even as I love, invest and launch ...yet again.)

In the hard goodbyes or in the gift of continued fellowship with those who are called to return, in the full days or in the not so full days, as I choose to trust His plan and purpose, His peace permeates my heart ... and by His grace, I continue to love, invest, and launch for His glory!

As you choose to trust, who might He be leading you to love, invest in and launch?  

Life on the Mountain

July finished up Vida Missions, took Daryl safely to Kenya and back, engaged us in Kairos, prayed our people through L10 challenge, relaxed 2 days at the beach with these amazing humans, played hide and seek around San Rafael, giggled through an amazing talent show, celebrated a graduation and celebrated the acknowledgement of exclusive relationships (in God's time of course!), then sent them out to be world changers! August started with multiple airport runs and tear-filled goodbye hugs, sharing food and life around our table with dear ones who lingered in CR, washing the mountains of bedding and donations, enjoying sweet Eva snuggles, and letting the tears fall in acknowledgement of the deep joy it has been to love, invest and launch once again.  

Praises

Daryl returned safely from Kenya with testimony of God's faithfulness!

Graduated 18 amazing students and leaders

A future focused job for Jedidiah

Heart connections even as we say adios

Provisions from Father in ways we didn't imagine

Opportunities to share Him daily

Prayers

August 12th travel to PA to see our boys and family! 

Shoulders in need of relaxing

Details of taxes and finances

Seek Jesus first and trust (school, future, raising Adam)

Communication and connection in our marriage

Trust His plan as we love, invest and launch! 

This One was such a gift to share life with, cry with and laugh with. 

"We can't leave yet, we're in the middle of a one on one!"

Teaching them the importance of investing in friendship!

Happy birthday Mimi! 

These boys bought her flowers! 

His new look ... 

Time will tell if it remains! 

Investing in these sisters is SO life giving ...

Cherishing these moments until we will be physically present with each other. 

Vacation mode ...

No, I'm NOT!

No, they did not find me, nor see my grey hair and wrinkles ... 

And, yes, Adam, an "old lady" can look cute and pregnant with the right amount of make-up and a wig! : ) 

These homeboys "hid" at the basketball court hoping no one 

would ask why they were not in school! 

Some of the hard goodbyes ... 

We've walked through a lot of life in the last two years!

I like them A LOT! 

"We part ways not in darkness, 

but in the quiet knowing that Light still leads us forward

- just on different roads." 

   ~ Luke Kramer

The Fantastic 4! Our amazing Vida220 leadership team ...

So incredibly blessed to watch them grow, 

mature and develop into more of God's character as they served!

Always time for one more puzzle with this dear one 

because a week of puzzling over Christmas wasn't enough!

Meeting her people softened the goodbye a bit!

Ohio, Honduras, Costa Rica and PA
Their worlds collided, so why not go thrifting together! 

Kenya ...

Adios amigos ...
"This is the last time we'll see each other until January" ... 
But amazingly Father provided 2 more playdates before they all traveled! 

Launching them with this promise from Isaiah 58:11 ...
The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame. 
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.