The Battle

 Life is a battle ... for we battle not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this dark world (Eph. 6:12) ...

 “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

Which one of these is not like the
other ones?

The battle is THE LORD'S therefore we rest secure in Him!  We've been keenly aware of spiritual attacks on our family and with some of the Vida220 students.  Tuesday morning I awoke at 4am and felt like someone was watching me ... let it be known, there was NO FEAR in me because I KNOW the presence of GOD is in our house!  However, I knew some 'thing' was watching me.  I prayed, declaring God's presence and dozed off again.  I woke again and as I rolled over I saw a small figure that I thought was one of the boys walking over to Daryl's side of the bed ... it wasn't the boys. Again, NO FEAR because of God's sweet presence in our house, but I knew some thing was there.  I prayed again, and fell asleep until 6:25.  As I got out of bed and dressed for the day I knew it was still there, watching me.  I stood at the door to our bedroom, looked down our hallway in the house and spoke the name and presence of Jesus in our house, covering over every inch of our house, and demanded in the name of Jesus that this presence must leave! This house is owned, operated and covered by the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! and ... by the Power of Almighty God, it left, quickly and quietly. His peace was overwhelming ...

What I've sensed from this time ... when I see or sense this thing is in our presence it is because we are crying out to God ... so in a weird sort of way, seeing it is a good thing because we are close to God and able to recognize it.  This past weekend we were feeling despair ... this spirit of defeat was gaining, we didn't recognize it or even sense it was in our house (but it was).  Monday was going to be a new day, I turned on some praise music as I made pancakes ... always a good combination! Our attitudes changed and our spirits were edified and we recognized the attack.

Old prison converted ...
death to life!

Life in the City ...
It feels like summer and I love it!  We've had some unusual rain and the winds have died down ... although my family would not all agree, I think the warmth of the beautiful sun is absolutely lovely! ... Yesterday we took 2 new modes of transportation ... Uber and the Train! Since school computers continue to give us issues we took a family education day (a.k.a. Home school field trip). We ventured to San Jose and spent the whole day exploring the Museo de Los Ninos (Childrens Museum). We were the only ones there most of the day so the boys had free reign to explore, touch, play and receive the full attention of the multitude of staff! Our ride home was not quite as open and free ... We arrived at the train station to see a LONG line.  A sweet line companion assured me the line moves quickly, she was absolutely correct!  Within 15 minutes the line started moving and all of a sudden we were running with the crowd to try and get on the train!  As we came to the train door it was quite evident that it was going to be a memorable first ride!  We squeezed our family of 6 into a space made for one, just as the doors were closing.  God's angels are all around us ... we realized as we were being pushed on the train we hadn't bought tickets!  No worries our sweet line companion told us, you can buy them on the train.  As we started to move, another sweet lady made a "youth" stand up so "this lady and little boy" could sit down! The 30 minute ride home was peaceful, stifling, and less than a dollar per person! I am quite certain we will be using this mode of transportation again! ...  “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.”

Praises

Health and strength
Reese's Peanut Butter cups
Sensitive Spirits
Brothers that choose love
Family day
Tican's are sweet, kind, helpful and friendly

Prayers
Computers that need to work ... what is God trying to tell us?
Teams on outreach ... we miss them!
Attitudes and relationships
Moving the Base
Boys to verbalize how they're feeling and us to listen

Pharaoh and son!

Dino eggs hatching

Not THE train

Seriously, mom got close enough
to take this picture!

Their favorite exhibit ...
a video game of course!

Yum, what a tasty, sweet bunch!

Hungry and tired ...

Dr. Poole would be proud!

Second favorite exhibit ... shopping at Walmart!

Choose Joy

It's 10:15 pm and I'm not feeling inspired to blog ... so, I'll share a few pic's of our week and hope you enjoy! We've seemed to have it a bit of a wall ... tears flow easily, anger rears it's ugly head in unwarranted situations, unkind words rapidly fly off our tongues, we're tired of playing with brothers, tired of the home school battle with computers, and even though it doesn't seem to be flowing freely, we celebrated love this week! Dia de Amor, Valentines day and "glad I met you day" on the 18th! Choose Joy ... 

Other highlights this week ... we welcomed William into our upstairs living space, we hosted our first 'from home' guests and enjoyed rolling around in "the egg" (picture below), we helped serve the women of El Nido in an afternoon cafecito and we had a much needed family movie night watching "Parent Trap".  

Words of hope from 2 Corinthians 5:7 ... We live by faith, not by sight! We are trusting in God who sees all our tomorrows perfectly ... He knows what we need as we face the challenges ahead ... He is our Rock, our Strong Tower, our Sustainer and our strength arises as we wait on Him! 

Feeling the love

These are a few of HIS favorite things

Ummm ... this would be rice and beans

Sweet taste from home ...
Happy 25th Kornel and Marcia ...
so blessed by your visit!

The Egg ... yup, it fits our family plus 2!

Adam's dollar donut ...
this boy wins everyone's heart!

Moon, Wind and Fire

The majestic full moon, surrounded by darkness, silently rose over the volcanic landscape ... Raging brush fires lit up the hillside as its deadly power engulfed all in its path  ... Valiant, unstoppable winds sweeping across the planes and leaving those who stood to face its power, breathless ... These brilliant displays of nature confidently declared the Glory of their Creator ... yet none compare to the power of the gentle whisper that echoes in the hearts of those who seek the Creator. Yesterday we journeyed 5 hours through the beauty of Costa Rican landscape to the Nicaraguan border to renew our visas.  As we marveled at the power of God's creation through the beautiful full moon, out of control brush fires, and strong winds, we felt the peace of God's hand going before us and hemming us in.  A flat tire at 'the perfect time' with a tire shop down the road, protection from burning trees and brush fires along the roadside, a speedy visa renewal with no issues, safety on the roads, sweet travel companions and bathrooms when we needed them!

Psalm 139:5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me ... Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 

Jedidiah ... today we celebrated God's gentle whisper in Jedidiah's heart.  He made a decision to be baptized in the creek at the Base.  We were blessed to be a part of this special day with Pablo's church.  When all were baptized Pablo asked, "anyone else?" Jedidiah boldly raised his hand, bravely entered the refreshing mountain stream, and declared he is a new creation!  Pray with us as we guide this mighty warrior's tender heart to openly display the power of his Creator. 

Valiant, free spirit ... Grounded in the Truth ... A friend to all ... No fear will hinder!

Life in the City ... This week we spent most of our time at the Base and in the bus ...  The week started with a 4-hour bus trip to Upala on Sunday for a Costa Rica Mennonite Church gathering (6 1/2 hours home).  We spent our afternoons and evenings at the base and were blessed with fellowship as the teams came home from outreach for a week of teaching.  Daryl and Micah participated in the teachings, the boys and I joined them for the evening.  We shared suppers, worship, prayer, stories, tears, and laughter ... thanking God for His faithfulness, protection, healing, arming us for battle, speaking gently to our spirit and praising our Mighty Warrior King as we declared the name of Jesus and the darkness had to flee! Friday we celebrated "Dia de Amistdad" (friendship day) by playing soccer at a very windy Bosque de Hojas followed by warming up with pizza, wings, and chocolate at Delynn and Gloria's house!

Micah Photo bomb

Praise
Health and strength
Power of God's anointing - protection
Freedom for Byron
Prayers of the saints ... that's each of you!
Rice and Beans ... His unending provision
Visa's renewed without complication
New computer battery and the exact amount of "cash back bonus" to pay for it!

Prayer
Unity in the teams
Fresh release of speaking Spanish
Parenting Jedidiah
Relationships - Daryl and I, us with the boys
Connections to display God's glory
Finding the right vehicle ... discerning the need and timing

Upala Mennonite Church

Sunday afternoon soccer

Kids at play

Liz our fearless driver

Trucks waiting for miles
to cross the border

Walking across the border

Yup, it's flat!

Luis showing how it's done

no words ... 

celebrating life

New friends every day

You hem me in behind and before ...
You lay Your hand upon me.

Celebrating Grief

Celebrate ... to do something special or enjoyable for an important event, occasion, holiday, etc.
Grief ... a human response to the loss of someone (something) we love and value.

This week we have lots to celebrate ... specifically, grief.  Why would we choose to celebrate grief?

Happy 7th Spiritual birthday

As a mama, I want to hear what is going on inside my boys ... what are they thinking and feeling ... "Use your words ...  tell me what you want ... what is wrong today? ... how are you feeling? ...  are you OK today? ... " There certainly is not a lack for displays of emotion or actions which lend me to guess what each one might be feeling and experiencing! Yesterday as I sat quietly beside Joseph trying to dig deep and desperately wanting to hear his heart when he finally said, "This was the first normal thing that feels like home, we were really looking forward to it and now you're taking it away from us!" ... (Our plans for a family night with special snacks to commemorate the Super Bowl changed when we realized there is opportunity to travel to Upala (3 hours away) with Vida220) ... I felt like my heart stopped ... those precious moments seeing the rawness of his heart were like gold to this Mama.  These words of hurt, pain, loss and sadness from Joseph don't come easy to share.  I couldn't think of anything to say that could change the grief he was feeling so I just sat and cried with him. Grief is not a normal thing to celebrate, but today I'm thankful ... thankful for Joseph's words in this grief process, thankful for God's provision and favor, thankful we are here in CR and can freely grieve that which we left behind in Akron. Today, we'll enjoy personal pizza's, Pringles, and Root beer while watching Back to the Future 2 ... We celebrate the new we are gaining and grieve the familiar we are losing.
Living for Him, dying to self, all for His glory!

Celebrating City Life 
McDonalds Ice Cream 2 times this week to celebrate Daryl and Joseph's spiritual birthday ... walking to school Daryl found a computer shop with a kind, knowledgeable man to fix Micah's computer ... 84% on a Spanish exam after a week of wondering if he was in the right class! ... Plumber Hoover is in the house, fixing 2 toilets ... grocery stores within walking distance ...

Platino Lasagna and
Mango, Avocado salad!

 delicious Pastelon - Platino Lasagna, YUM! ... American food - hot dogs and french fries ... friends to share our hearts with and pray with ... Joseph choosing to help Jedidiah with rainbow loom designs ... our 3 Mighty Men riding the public bus alone, I always want Micah with me when I go anywhere new! ... Jedidiah's constant chatter walking me to Market, a sweet reminder that I am never alone! ... Letter from home with a $1.00 ... Watermelon at $.25/lb ... Mango season ... financial partners for the New Base, miracles from Heaven and Favor from Father ... Delynn, Gloria and Carmelinda's safe return from the States ... Micah's understanding of Spanish ... Adams hugs for anyone and everyone he meets ... and, we celebrate each of you for without you we would not be here.

Plumber Hoover ...
where's dad when I need him!

Praises
-health, safety, sunshine
-listed above as all we're celebrating

Prayers
-health and safety
-parenting our boys different personalities
-Micah's computer needed a new hard drive ... pray school will be restored when we reload the program.
-date night
-Vida220 teams returning for a week of training
-boldness to speak
*Please let us know how we can pray for you!*

Letter from Mimi and Pop-pop
with a dollar inside.

$1.00 Donut, Yum!

Celebrating Dad's life in Christ

Yes, it's really this warm!

"In Three Years ... "

Bloom where you're planted!

What causes these simple words to evoke so much emotion in me? Why does my heart ache so much when I hear these words innocently spoken by our boys? Until recently, I've let these words slide through the cracks of conversation into the pool of emotions that cause them to be spoken.  While Daryl and I are asking Father daily for His heart, His purpose, His life to give us direction ... our boys are thinking ... "In Three Years" ... life will return as we knew it. While it's good to remember life as we knew it, if we're constantly thinking about returning to PA, we will not live life to the fullest here in CR. Yesterday I suggested that we stop saying those words and think about what God wants to show us in this time. God in his faithfulness has brought us here for such a time as this.  In the midst of a new life where most things are different ...we are thriving in the center of His will not merely surviving these three years!  Hidden in the recesses of my heart is this quote ...  "Bloom where you're planted."  Although these words are not His inspired Word, Father has brought them to mind often when I felt unsettled with the place He chose to plant me.  So today, as always, the Lover of my Soul brings these words of inspiration ...

I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

"The Eye of Water"

Life in the City ... This was a busy week ... no time for solitude except in the wee hours of the night! Last Sunday we enjoyed a family day at Ojo de Aguas ... swimming pools filled with a natural spring spilling out 359 liters of water a second – more than 5,000 gallons a minute.  Daddy and the older boys braved the 'high jump' while Mama and Adam splashed in the shallow end! ... This week I walked to grocery shop with my little two wheeled cart in one hand and Jedidiah's hand in my other.  He was my protector as we walked the streets of Heredia.  Sweet company, supper, Rage, soccer, playing puppy with Dylan and hair cuts with the Vida220 team ... our mornings were filled with school, afternoons with more school and our evenings with conversation and study of this beautiful language! ... The boys are excited to start language study with Ligia ... they enjoyed a snack and learned 'things from the table.'  As expected, Jedidiah made us laugh with his quick understanding and ability to say a few phrases! Micah is understanding a lot and what he doesn't know, Joseph quickly reminds him! ... Adam is saying new words everyday ... Blessed by Rosario's prayers again, receiving and giving "God bless you" with the lady at the bread store we frequent ... thanking God for Daryl's ability to fix things around the house ... and the highlight of the week ...

Entering ... The Volcano!

Today's adventure visiting the Poas Volcano!  The boys were excited to wake up at 6:15 for a day of adventure.  We bought bread to eat on the way. loaded Adventures in Odyssey CD's and set out through the winding hills of beautiful Costa Rican country side.  Arriving at our destination did not disappoint.  One massive crater surrounded by rock and barren landscape and another filled with rain water surrounded by a lush green Cloud Forrest.
Blessed by the warmth of the sun ... In awe of the clouds we could 'touch' ... Amazed at the handiwork of our Creator!  Thank you Father for planting us in Costa Rica!

Praises
-Each of you who are holding our arms up for the Lord's Victory
-health and fresh fruit
-warmth of the city sun and refreshing breeze of the mountain
-we made a decission on table, chairs and veggie cart
-physical strength to walk ... and walk some more
-family time
-healing for Daryl's dad
-financial partners for the New Base

Standing above the clouds

Prayers
-the Vida220 teams coming home for a week of teaching
-relationships
-minds that retain language and tongues to speak it
-letting go of "in three years"
-the move to the New Base
-that we would bloom where God has planted us
-boldness to speak
-Lord, lead us!

Adam making friends
everywhere we go!

platform of decision! 

Refreshing water ... hot day

my new veggie cart 

Fresh Avocado ... delicious!

 God's handiwork

such sweetness

 Bloom ...

 God's thumbprint!