Our Flight In

So many ingredients that we don't want to leave out the flavor of our arrival.

To sum it up....craziness.

The night before we left we had planned to pack all of our 19 suitcases, 6 carry ons, 2 stroller and 4 small children into our friend's truck. Of course, it would be too easy if it weren't raining. So, we had to change our plans and readjust the entire evening b/c it wasn't possible for all of that stuff to sit in a down-pour uncovered all night. It rained for like 6-8 hours and we scrambled to get the new plan in motion. It all worked out and we made it to the airport at 4:58 a.m. with 25 pieces of luggage, 4 small children, 2 strollers, 1 car-seat and 2 pairs of adult hands! WOW!!! Yes, it was as hectic as it sounds.

Due to the rain the day before, my dad ended up taking us to the airport so we said our good-byes quickly as we hauled our luggage and children out of the van. It happened so fast and he drove off and I was left there sobbing and feeling as if I could not catch my breath. It was difficult to have to keep going with the morning with this pain in my heart.

As we made it to through security, they pulled us aside. Lucky us!!! We were chosen to be frisked and to have every single one of our bags searched. I tried so hard to be patient and loving, but I said kindly, "Did you have to pick a family with four kids under the age of 6 and lots of carry-ons as we are trying to move out of the country permanently?" They even frisked the baby! This sounds funny now, but at the moment it was far from it.

The flights were smooth, easy and without interruption. In fact, on each flight the people who sat around us all chipped in and helped bring our bags and car seat off of the plane. It reminded us that God is in everything and He provides help with all of our struggles. The flight to Costa Rica from Atlanta was neat b/c there was a team going on a mission trip and they took up half of the plane. We were able to tell them we were going on a trip, too....for like 3 years! :)

Once we were in the airport is was LOCO!!! We had to physically take all of our stuff to 3 different check-out points. Oh....did I mention that when we got off of the airplane we went to put our children in their brand new, never before used $600 jogging stroller (thanks St. Cloud Pavement Pounders) that was purchased for Costa Rica (in case you don't know, we don't have a car). I noticed immediately that the stroller had oil on several places. I was kind of like, oh....that's not good. But what really was not good was the fact that wheel was completely broken. It ended up shattering 2 days later. It was quite an ordeal for the 2 of us, but God showed us a lot about our fleshly responses and our need to trust Him for everything. It worked out so far and we were able to have a new wheel overnighted to a team in Nashville who brought it to us and we have a perfectly good, oil-stained stroller that gets the little ones around just fine. :) We are still working with Delta on trying to get them to pay for the wheel and get the covering replaced.

Soooo......all that to say - WE ARE HERE!!! There is so much to write, but I thought I would start off with that. I am going to post the pictures of our luggage and the other 2 family's luggage as well. We had 8 kids under the age of 6 in total and well over 70 pieces of baggage. And no, we did not have any help from baggage handlers inside of the airport. They were not available until once we got outside. The hard part was over at that point. At times I felt like my head was going to pop off. I just tried to smile and stay focused. I think I prayed more that day than I ever have.

We are here....

WE ARE HERE! No computer, no phone, lots of Spanish - beauty all around us.

More later when we are hooked up electronically.

Adios Estados Unidos, Hola Costa Rica

We're outta here....sad but true. We're putting the finishing touches on our 19 suitcases and we'll be leaving on a jet-plane bright and early tomorrow morning.

Don't forget there is a 3 hour time delay from East Coast time. :)

We will not be settled into our permanent home for 2 or more weeks so don't be surprised if you do not hear from us for a bit. We will post as soon as we get Internet.

Thank you for all of your prayers and friendship. We couldn't do this without you ALL!!!!

Excitement, excitement, excitement! I think we are in a state of euphoric disbelief.

Our cell phone has been disconnected and I will e-mail out our new phone number once it is set up (with the computer, of course). It will be a local St. Cloud number that you can call and we can call out for free (thanks, packet 8). Please keep in touch - please!!

We leave, but you have our hearts. Love to you all!!!!

Adios.......

St. Cloud Pavement Pounders

Friends, Friends, lots of fun
Especially when they like to run

I've made some buds in our home town
We like to go running when we're feeling down

Each Tuesday and Thursday we hit the road
And run the streets while we talk a load

Just for kicks we like to race
We use each other to keep the pace

We share laughs, P.R.'s, bumps and bruises
Our running stories quite amuse us

I'm leaving my club and it's quite sad
Their the fastest friends I've ever had

What could we talk about you might say
Running, running, all the day

Marathons, 5ks and gatorade
We rejoice in the strides we have made

What will I do without them, I ask?
I'll put my shoes away til' I can run at last

St. Cloud Pavement Pounders, you're so much fun
Can't wait to come back and go for a run.....


LOVE YOU GUYS!!! MISS YOU A TON!!! KEEP ON RUNNING THE RACE FOR THE LORD!!!

Some Sweet, Sweet Fellowship

Today we had the privilege of partnering with a local church.

When we were in Virginia we found out that one of Parker's teachers was from Kissimmee/S. Orlando. She arranged for us to visit with her home church. Part of our job is to partner with at least 5 churches and encourage them to Pray, Give and Go! Each church is our lifeline and a vital part of what we will be doing. So, it was a God thing that a church near our hometown (20 minutes) was TOTALLY interested in having us visit. God totally set this up for us and it was super evident to us this morning. One guy even knew John's sister from Miami from over 15 years ago. He was able to make the connection because of our last name. What a small world!

The entire experience was nothing short of Sweet, Sweet, Sweet! The people were sweet. The worship was sweet and the fellowship afterwards was sweet. We could have easily stayed for over an hour chatting with all of the fine folks who were coming up to us. It warmed our hearts. 2 separate Sunday school groups said they were adopting our family in prayer. WOW! We are so honored and thankful. I encouraged one nice lady to think about joining us in Lima in a few years on a short-term trip. She said they were too old - between 50-70. I told her that that age group is usually some of the best, most effective workers and can reach people we can't reach!

Something funny that happened.....today when we were sharing together on stage (there are like 500 people in this church), I was saying that we will be planting churches that are.....I looked at John and said, "What's that word again." He said, "reproductive." I said, "I should know that word since we are so good at reproducing." Everyone burst out laughing and some people even clapped. In case you don't get it - we have 4 kids and have spent the better part of 6 years reproducing. It was unintentionally funny and John playfully pulled the microphone from me so I wouldn't get us in anymore trouble. Then, my hubby did his best job ever in conveying our vision and encouraging the people to join us. I was so proud of him and just wanted to run right up on stage and kiss him and hug him. It made me proud to see him shine!

This morning was nice! I can't express enough how sincere, sweet and friendly this congregation was. They are transitioning to a new Pastor b/c theirs retired after 20 years. We have visited many churches over the years and this one was definitely one of our favorites. If you live around us, check out South Orlando Baptist church - you won't be disappointed.

Thank you for having us - it was truly our pleasure.

Thank you God for allowing us to partner with such a sweet extension of yourself!

Saying Goodbye

This week we are faced with saying good-bye to those we love the most.

We have been feeling strengthened, but the sadness is intense and breathtaking.

Last night we said good-bye to our Pastor and his wife. I just wanted to wrap them up and take them with me. I knew the evening was coming to an end and I just kept talking and talking because I didn't want them to leave. Because once they left that meant we would've said good-bye and that means this is all real. By the way, Pastor Steve and Shannon are dear friends and supporters - not just our pastor and his wife. Ugh...it's was soooo sad to see them walk away. We could've swam in my tears. SAD! SAD! SAD! Good, but sad!

Today we said good-bye to Pastor Craig and his wife, Helen. They have been super-duper blessings to our family. Friends, helpers, co-laborers in Christ. Once again.....very hard to walk away. So many memories, emotions, feelings.

Goodbyes are not forever - right? We have the future - even if that means 3 years or so. And if that never happens, there is always heaven.

Even with heaven, I still don't like saying goodbye!

ILC Pictures

It's hard to describe where we have been for the last two months, but here are some pictures of the ILC campus, our quad main living area, our suite, the auditorium where we had classes everyday from 8:00 to 3:00, the cafeteria and the playground outside our quad.

This was "home" for 8 weeks and we really miss it. We ate, worshipped, learned, cried and laughed with 80+ other missionaries. We truly became a family. I realized that after spending 24/7 with the other families and singles, that we spent more hours with these folks after onnly 8 weeks than most people people from back home. So leaving was yet another hard separation and goodbye. Most of them we will never see again until heaven. But we know they are going out to do the same work and apply the same things we learned at ILC. - John

Williamsburg

Better late than never.......here are some highlights from our phamily trip to Williamsburg. We had a blast!

Costa Rica Living

Here are some pictures of our home for the next year in Costa Rica.

As my good friend Heidi said, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy."

I know, I know....it looks like we'll be living in a cage. Okay...so we might be, but at least we will be safe and will have our own pad. Don't feel sorry for us - we signed up for this.

Reconnecting

Trying to explain to you the bevy of emotions that have been circulating in my mind and heart might just be impossible.

Returning to St. Cloud after saying good-bye at the end of April has been paralyzing for me - literally. Most of the difficulties we have encountered I have been prepared for and prayed up for....in short, I expected them. So it comes to me as a complete surprise that I have been home for 5 days and have found myself unable to connect with friends and church family that I have to say good-bye to in 13 days. I have tried, but it's as if I am physically unable to make the first step.

We had plans to have a special lunch date with our pastor, a girls' night out, kid's baptism, running club (not to run of course, but to hang out with the buds), and to make stops at all of our friend's homes to hug their necks. None of it has happened!! All I can say is that I am sorry. I wasn't joshing you when I said I have been virtually paralyzed.

I guess I'm not the rock that I thought I was. It's ironic because last week I was amazed at how well I had been handeling all of this and this week I have realized that I am not as tough as I think I am sometimes. I have limitations and unexpected setbacks. I'm only as strong as God allows me to be!

God has called me to a life of transparency so I just wanted to honestly share my heart with you....it's not all happy, happy, joy, joy 24/7. I do take refuge in the Lord. However, right now I am grieving and struggling to reconnect with this life we left 9 weeks ago. Normal? Healthy? Selfish? I dunno.......

Back in Florida

We are back in St. Cloud, Florida until July 20. We will be staying in Deland, FL with Johns' Mom and Sister from July 7-10. If you want to get in touch with us, please call us at 4073612042. We would love to get in touch in person. :)

We are still reeling from our time in Virginia. We feel like we are almost in a mini-culture shock now that we have left our Christian Bubble. Each day we are more excited to get to Costa Rica. The countdown begins......

WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today I received a message that the medical nurse here at the IMB wanted to speak with me ASAP. A few close friends prayed for me as I made my way to hear the bad news. As you can imagine, my pulse sky-rocketed and my stomach filled with nervous butterflies. I was super anxious and just knew that it was probably bad news. The entire time we have been here, I have just been waiting for the pink slip. It is still unimaginable to me, even at this stage of the game, that we are really going to be missionaries and that I even qualified! LOL!!!! So I have, jokingly, been waiting for the ball to drop or the door to close.

Well, it doesn't look like that is going to be happening. I sat down at the nurses desk and she said, "You have medical clearance." WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Praise Jesus!

My knee has made huge strides in the past 6 days and I am walking quite well. I am TOTALLY encouraged and know that this is because of the prayers of the righteous.

Costa Rica here we come!!!!

Whatever It Takes

Can you believe that we are drawing close to an end here at ILC? Our training will be over in 3 days. It is hard to fathom how much we have sat (flat butt syndrome has definitely kicked in), how much we have eaten (yeh, you'll notice when you see me) and how much we have learned about all things missions and God related (we still feel inadequate and under prepared).

It would be quite difficult to recap 8 weeks of information overload, but I can highlight a few points and share with you my heart as we head to the next stage of language school in Costa Rica.

Here is a verse that I read today that sums up how we will be going into the mission field:

1 Corinthians 2:1 "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

At times I am paralyzed to share Christ (yes, even missionaries have this problem at times) because I don't have the right words or the right amount of knowledge. God has been teaching me to share His message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.:) I share this scripture because it comforts me to think that even the Apostle Paul, yes, the man who wrote a bunch of the New Testament and helped build the Christian Church, struggled with these same things. But notice he then says he decides to know nothing else except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I leave here with a lot of knowledge, but at the end of the day, this is SOLELY what we will be building the church on.

God has show me so many things about Himself, and also many things about myself - most of which are not pretty. It is so humbling to sit before God almighty and see His perfection and grace and love and then to take a good hard look at myself and see the sewage that often rots in my heart and mind. At times I still do not understand why God is asking me to join Him in His work. He doesn't need me! He's already at work without me! What good am I to Him? Awwwwww........He has plans that are greater than what I can imagine. Plans for me, plans for John and the children and most importantly plans for the people in Lima. I am just asked to obey Him. I say "yes, Lord, but why me? I am so messed up." And then he reminds me of the verse in 2 Cor. 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness." I know that whatever the Lord plans to accomplish through us, it will be through His power. It takes a lot of pressure off of me to know that this is not about what "we" are going to do, but yet what God is already doing.

We leave here tired and excited and exhausted and a little bit plumper then when we came. This is only the beginning of this life of following Christ to the ends of the earth, but yet it feels like an ending of sorts......an ending of American ways and comfort, an ending of all things familiar, an ending of family and friends on a daily basis and an ending of our life here in this country. But yet, it is the beginning of an intimate journey with our Lord. A journey we are most certain will have its ups and downs, sicknesses (lots of them we hear), days of extreme joy and days of extreme sorrow.

If you are reading this, then that means you are going on mission WITH us. It means that YOU are a part of this great commission. It means that you care and are linked arm and arm, heart to heart with us as we go to tell the Nations about the great gift that God offers through His son. As we go, we leave you in our thoughts and prayers everyday. It is your friendship, your prayers, your constant encouragement, and your personal Faith, that their is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ, that enables us to press on day after day.

We commit to you that we will do, in God's power, whatever it takes to get the Gospel to the people in the South Cone of Lima, Peru. WHATEVER IT TAKES!! Thank you for coming with us! The journey is just beginning!

Jess

A change of heart

If we are going to reach a person we have to make sure that their worldview is changed. We can't expect them to change their behavior and consider that salvation. You don't enter into a state of grace by obeying laws and rules.

You enter into a state of grace because God, the Holy Spirt, through Christ Jesus draws your heart to Himself.

If someone is only changing external behavior, we do not call that salvation, we call that behavior modification.

God wants our heart! He wants all of us! He wants to indwell in us.

There is no amount of good works, deeds or efforts that can bring us into a state of grace. In fact, the Bible even tells us that "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, this not of yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works - so that no one shall boast." Ephesians 2:8-9

Yesterday we spent the afternoon talking about animism and spiritism and reaching the core of the people that we are working with. I learned that we cannot just reach their external, but their core worldview has to be changed (by God and the Word of course).

This was a big eye opener for me as I could very easily say that their behavior has changed an call that salvation because I can see a change. Yes, we do want to see a change, but it HAS to start in the heart.

Knee Update #2

Not so fast......everytime I say I am getting better I have another set-back. Please continue to pray for COMPLETE healing. I am back on the handicapped scooter and have had major pain since Wednesday night. We spent the entire day in Washinton D.C. walking - walking too fast I might add. We were trying to dodge the downpour and lightning strikes. The colder weather here and rain makes it worse.

I put my running shoes back in the closet. I'd be happy just to walk and sit pain free.

This week we have been learning about the persecuted Christian and the persecuted church. I came to the realization that if I never run again I still have a great life! I will probably never know suffering like many others. I am so thankful for this perspective of reality.

I think I have finally surrendered this running thing to God and I am okay with it - truly okay.
I have also realized the only thing I am in control of in this world is what I put into my mouth (food, that is). And when I get to Costa Rica I might realize I'm not even in control of that. :) So it goes....at least I'm not suffering or persecuted. Although I would count it all joy....I hope!

Prayer is needed, complete healing would be great, I am waiting and hopeful......