Como Say What?!

An article I wrote for my brother's prayer letter...

I recently returned from Costa Rica, where I had the opportunity to visit J, Karen and Jeffrey. I am writing to testify that they really are learning and not just enjoying the good life of the tropics! I enjoyed seeing them in their learning environment, and was impressed with how the Spanish vocabulary spews from their lips... even little Jeffrey is speaking and understanding Spanish! While there, J asked me what was the one thing that stuck out the most in being in a different culture. I didn't even have to think about it... not being able to communicate with people was difficult for me!

I now chuckle at the notion that I thought I would be able to speak Spanish when I arrived in Costa Rica. After all, I took three years of Spanish in high school and I still remembered important phrases such as, "Donde estas el bano?" However, I wasn't even out of the airport before I realized I would not be putting my language "skills" to use any time soon. I was reminded how essential language is in building relationships with people, and how becoming fluent in a language is even more essential in order for missionaries to have an effective ministry with nationals.

One of J & Karen's prayers for their ministry is taken from Colossians 4:3-4, "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." This verse has become more real to me since visiting J & Karen in Costa Rica. Not only is it our desire as Christians to proclaim Christ clearly for others to understand, but how much more so for missionaries who are taking the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14).

As J & Karen finish their last semester of language school, let us lift them up in prayer... may they not only be able to proclaim Christ boldly, but with clarity as well. To God be the glory!

Excuses, excuses...

OK, so I can't believe I haven't posted in over a month!! Here are a couple of excuses...

First, I was in Costa Rica for ten days visiting my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. They are missionaries with the Christian & Missionary Alliance, and are in language school in Costa Rica. We did lots of things while we were there. The first couple of days we stayed in San Jose where J & Karen live. I was able to go to church with them, and the funniest thing happened there, but I'll let my brother share that story with you some day (keep checking out his blog at www.spurlings.blogspot.com for the story). Later that day, I was able to celebrate Jeffrey's 2nd birthday with his friends. The day after his birthday, we went on a canopy tour, where we zip-lined through the rain forest. I would have pictures to show you, but I was too afraid to have the ability to take pictures and would have dropped my camera for sure! I won the record for going the fastest down the line (I couldn't quite get a grasp on how to slow down). As I would come closer and closer to the end of the line where all the other zip-liners were waiting (on a small tree stand, way up high, may I add!), I could only see fear in their eyes as I came flying their way. They split just like I imagine the red sea did, and I was stopped by the tree... ouch! This happened approximately eight times, but who was counting? After that, which by the way, was a lot of fun despite my speed, we went white-water rafting. This might have been my favorite part of the trip (besides seeing J, Karen & Jeffrey, of course!). At one point, the tour guide had Karen move to the front with J & I, and we went through some FUN rapids. I heard our tour guide say something, so I looked back and he was no longer seated in our boat, but instead was above our boat flying through the air! I thought for sure we lost the tour guide, but he landed safely in our boat... pura vida! We spent three days in Manuel Antonio, which is on the Pacific Ocean. Here we went to a nature park where we saw all kinds of animals, from sloths, to LOTS of iguanas, crabs, white-faced monkeys, and more. I also got to see how they make my favorite drink... COFFEE and brought lots home with me to enjoy (actually, I'm enjoying a cup right now).

After I got back from Costa Rica, I worked that week and then headed off to NYC to bike in the 5 Boro Bike Tour. Two of my friends and I biked the 42-mile tour, but when all was said and done, we biked well over 5o miles that day. It was a GREAT experience... one I hope to do again next year!

So... I guess those are two worthy excuses for not posting anything new to my blog... if anyone even noticed! :o)