The Practice of Apprenticeship

December winds and rainbows in January!

Last fall I started an apprenticeship. An apprentice is one who takes a position of student or trainee to learn a trade from one with experience in order to gain understanding of a skill and then replicate it. We are all an apprentice of something. That which we are devoting our time and attention to and being with in order to become like and do as. Apprenticeship requires discipline, attention, patience and humility as one learns. 

If you apprentice as a baker, you hope to become better than the master baker so the world loves your flavor better than the most loved corner bakery. If you apprentice under a musician, you want your songs to be known and sold farther reaching than say, The Beatles. If you apprentice under a Jedi Master, the goal is to be a guardian of peace and justice in the galaxy, protecting the Republic and one day sit on the Council with other Jedi Masters. In all these, the goal is striving for excellence while exhibiting humility in the process. One can not harbor pride, contempt, or envy toward the teacher as one is learning or one will succumb to the Dark Side and misinterpret the heart of the Master. (Sorry, mom of boys, couldn't resist a good Star Wars illustration!).

The world's view seems to strive to go further than or become greater than the teacher of said apprenticeship. In Bible times a young apprentice learned trades, skills, or spiritual leadership through close, hands-on mentorship under a master. A life of daily, long-term following, allowing the apprentice to adopt the master's knowledge, character, and methods. One would eat, sleep, breathe and walk as the master did. 

Those of you who I share life with, have heard my latest 'soapbox' declarations ... the goal is: "Be with, Become like, Do as ... Jesus." However, as a human vessel apprenticing under my Master Jesus, I can never out-love, out-give, out-grace, nor out-shine Him. The goal is not to go further than or be greater than but simply to replicate Him. My hope is that those I interact with daily and those who read from afar, will note the effects of this apprenticeship. The difference in my countenance, response, attitude and demeanor - a.k.a. the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart. As I 'adopt the Master's knowledge, character, and methods, He will receive the glory, the church will be edified, and the world will be introduced to His heart of love and grace. 

Fashioning my heart to His. Would you care to join me in this apprenticeship? 

Life on the Mountain
This past month we've been catching our breath, relishing God's beauty in almost daily rainbows, renewing or starting new rhythms of life, retreating in a silent retreat, focusing on community, lingering over coffee on the rockers, sharing sacred moments in prayer, enjoying sweet company with Alli and Eva, hosting a few weekend events and persons who want to explore Costa Rica, Adam has passed the halfway point in 7th grade homeschool, we welcomed our dear Salas family back home, started the purging process with the goal of sending some suitcases to PA with groups this spring, refreshing in the routine of the office, piled on blankets, started the fireplace and cranked the space heater as temps dipped to the high 40's on our mountain top over the weekend and continuing the practice of apprenticeship with Jesus. 

Praise

The gift of homeschool

Living in community - we are made for this.

Elba's visa approved and she's returning to her team in CR

Sisters that pray together and for one another

Growing excitement and peace for the transition ahead

Micah's connections at Rosedale

Connection and conversation with our boys across the ocean

The gift of practicing an apprenticeship with Jesus

Prayer

A marriage miracle for dear friends

Oriana's visa approval from Colombia

Financial provision as we extend our term 4 months

Wisdom as we purge accumulated life from the past 9 years

Direction for Adam's future schooling

Our teams on outreach

God's divine appointment for our role replacements

Life in Ohio ... cold and peaceful morning walk to the cafeteria.

Life in PA ... with big boys toys!

Life in PA ... No thank you.

I'll take tropical breezes and sunshine please!

Life in CR ... this is how we do cold!
Missing the mugs of hot chocolate!

And this is how we do tropical ...

Our favorite way to do History. 

Page 67 when we are halfway through 6/7th grades!

Retreating to reflect over the past year ...
And enjoy the solitude in God's creation!

The gift of friendship and a loaned car
when you're a college boy for 6 weeks!

Friday night at the movies ... minus 2.
Disney Princess movie marathon with the sisters!

Oh the freedom of sunshine, running around the park,
neighborhood dogs and throwing ball!

No English allowed ...
Afternoon Spanish class with friends.

"Jesus did not invite people to Christianity nor to become Christians.
He simply invited people to apprenticeship."
('Following the Way' by John Mark Comer)

"Come follow Me, take My yoke, learn from Me, be transformed."

"Look At Me"

It was the normal verbiage I used to get my wee ones attention. In essence, I needed their eyes "locked in" on mine for assurance they heard said request and were moving in the direction of obedience. Occasionally there was the hands-on approach of moving their shoulders towards the direction of obedience. Sometimes I held their chin, making them repeat my request while looking at me. And if needed, there was full contact - hold their hand, walk them through the motion - when there wasn't any hint of conscious choice displayed to obey. Even now, with the maturity of my hearing, I find myself saying, "Can you look at me when you're talking?" 

Rambling through my mind recently is this process of obedience. Obedience starts with stopping to listen (coffee with Jesus). Obedience involves trusting the person asking for it (I need my Shepherd). Obedience is a choice (ignore or acknowledge the voice speaking), one that behooves us to ... well, to obey. There is something simple about looking at, giving attention to, for the purpose of obedience. Obedience seems to be my unofficial word for this season. 

The simplicity of obedience, when I am walking in a holy fear, (think deeply, completely in awe, every ounce of my being absorbed by His awesomeness), becomes second nature. While the "I wanna do it my way-stubborn-toddleresk-stance" of disobedience, leaves us flailing with anger in a cornered timeout ... even as an adult.  However, as I'm learning to take His easy yoke, I learn from Him and obedience happens before He even pulls in the other direction. Occasionally He must square my shoulders and face me toward obedience. At times He tenderly cups my chin as I repeat His request to settle it deep in my soul. And quite frequently I sense my hand in His, as He walks with me, redirecting my gaze toward the next step in obedience. 

Jesus said, "Follow Me" - do as He did, does and will do - obedience. Here's the challenge to consider ... Follow Me - obey - not just in visible, prideful, nose-held-high situations when "mom is looking", but Follow Me - obey - when nobody is watching in the simplicity in my thoughts (no one will know if I do/don't), facial expressions (I see that eye-roll), holding my tongue (I am right!) or speaking the truth in love (pray with me for them).

"Leave the outcomes to Me, follow Me wherever I lead, concentrate on keeping in step with Me." 

Where might He be asking you to walk in obedience?

Life on the Mountain

Lots of Christmas festivities enlightened the season with joy, El Nido snuggles to warm our heart, white elephant gifts filled our souls with laughter, and then all the planning and partying was done. The students left for break, our boys came home and we were a family of 6 once again in CR! We took time to bask in the beauty of sunsets, rested in His peace in the hammock, played Minecraft and games, puzzled and stayed up late talking, increased our food budget for the month (4 adult sized boys eat more than I remember!), lots of friend get-togethers, Current Frisbee Theorists reunion, a minor cycle accident, church with friends, one more game of Rook and celebrated the gift of Emmanuel. Our students returned and after 2 beautiful, full of life weeks together, three boys flew to the States. Joseph and Jedidiah back to work, school and normal life, Micah to Rosedale Bible college for their 6 week winter term. Our house is quieter once again, routine has returned and we are looking at HIM as we choose to obey. 

Praises

Boys arrived and returned without problems

Family time was full of life

Direction in relationships

Protection and healing for Micah's knee

Peace in our souls as we walk in obedience

Prayers

Connections for Micah as he studies at RBC

As we transition out of our roles at VN and move to PA

Healing for Jen's back

Visas for Oriana and Elba to return to Vida220 for outreach

Direction and wisdom for homeschool

Peace in our souls as we walk in obedience

Hospitality team ...

Just your average beautiful hands and feet of Jesus!

Feeding the family ...

Tamales made with love and laughter!

This is Us ...

The whole, beautiful, culturally diverse crew of Us!

Bilingual Christmas carols ... 

Not for the faint of heart!

Sweet El Nido snuggles ...

No, these were NOT for mom!

Where are you heading with those beauties?

Customary stop en route to the beach ...

POPS with Pop!

Never a dull sunset moment with these MM!

Boys, show me your muscles ...

Nah, we've got something better in mind!  

Why does it always end this way? 

Love my peeps!

The one and only Brothers cycle adventure ...

Short and sweet ... looking forward to next time!

Thankfully, this did not happen on the brothers ride!

Thankful for many things ... 

specifically Father's faithful protection!

My favorite Christmas picture to date! 

Some day boys ... some day you can have one too!

Their home, time and affection is just what he needed to relax ...

Thank you Familia Salas for receiving Micah on that side of the ocean!

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me (obedience) all you who are weary and burdened, 

and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me (Follow ME), 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 

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