As we head out, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to my family and friends who are praying for us.  I cannot wait to see what God has in store for our team, individually and for the precious people of Costa Rica!  Until then.....

Love,
Suzie

What's in Store?

Wow! How did September get here so quickly? Our second family mission trip will be upon us. We are all very excited and a bit nervous. At least this year we know a little bit more about what to expect when we get there.

We are reminded daily about the need to remain in prayer about this trip. Every family on our team has experienced some level of difficulty that has caused them to consider not going this year. These trails have confirmed in my spirit that God has planned great things for us and the people will encounter while we are there. Please keep us in your prayers.

We just received our tentative schedule for the trip. I wanted to share it with you.

Thursday, September 22. Arrive in San Jose and travel to Turrialba. Puppet show and Bible study at the feeding program.

Friday, September 23. Puppet show and visit classrooms at Turrialba public school. Puppet show and fun with the kids at the local orphanage in the afternoon. Service project around the Messenger of Hope Church in the evening.

Saturday, September 24. Service projects at and around Messenger of Hope Church and International Impact Ministry. Hand out Spanish Language tracts at the park in the afternoon.

Sunday, September 25. Worship and puppet show at Messenger of Hope Church.

Monday, September 26. Travel to Grano de Oro. Puppet show, crafts, and games at Mission School. The women will teach sewing to local women at the Mission.

Tuesday, September 27. Return to Turrialba. Feeding program in the evening.

Wednesday, September 28. Puppet show and fun with the kids at the local orphanage. Worship services at Messenger of Hope Church in the evening.

Thursday, September 29. Back to San Jose for our return flight.

Things will likely change, but this will give you an idea of some of what we will be doing while we are there. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Trusting & Praising God in the Storm and in the Dark

Numerous times this summer, we lost electricity because of thunderstorms.  These storms were so heavy at times that huge chunks of white hail covered our green grass in minutes!  Many roads were blocked due to fallen trees or deep pockets of water which covered the roadway, causing drivers to re-route.  One evening, we lost power before I could prepare dinner.  My children wondered what we would eat...especially since most of our dinner was in the freezer!  With a flashlight, I scoured the pantry for something to make.  Ah!  Two cans of tuna fish!  Then I remembered....my oldest child does not like tuna.  So, with two cans of tuna and a container of peanut butter (for the non-tuna-liker), I prepared dinner.  Sitting by dim candlelight and thankful for the protein, we ate....and waited.  "When is the power going to come back on?" asked my child.  "I have no idea," I answered.  With a gruff moan and a huge sigh, I could barely make out the frustrated pout on his face.

What does one do in a dark house?  Candlelight and flashlights help light the way through the house; but, searching for things to "do" may be frustrating for some.  By the two-hour mark of still not having