Home Sweet Home

There is no place like home!!! We arrived safely after 16 hours of travelling!  While the flights were turbulent, we arrived without incident!

I’m very grateful to God for having been able to visit Costa Rica.  It was marvelous! You can view my photos at  http://picasaweb.google.com/FreedomVoices5/2008CostaRica# or click on the link on the left of this page.  My eyes were opened to so much while I was gone.  Our missionaries around the world sacrifice so much for the cause of Christ.  How we must pray and support them as we are able!

 I thought I’d fill you in on Tuesday, our last day there.  In the morning, Margaret, Carolyn & I attended the English speaking Bible study.  Most of the women are missionaries/wives.  It was lovely.  We discussed Barnabus and encouragement.  Some of their discussions focussed on how to handle beggars at your gate and protection from roberry.  One woman had been robbed the week before.  I don’t think I have ever had such discussions in Bible study.  A totally different world! The women there have such a passion to minister to the Costa Ricans ~ just amazing!

In the afternoon we went to Moravia and did some souvenir shopping.  The area was quaint!  Lots of little shops with all the typical Costa Rican gifts!

That evening I had the privilege of going to the Peterson’s house church.  It began as they did marriage counseling for one couple who saw the needs of their family & friends.  They all greeted me warmly with the traditional kisses.  They planned a surprise party for Elizabeth for her birthday as well. 

The worship was so sweet!  Adrian led with guitar.  When they began to worship, they turned the light off, so it was just you & God!  The people poured out their hearts to God in beautiful songs!

Following this (and with the lights on), Pastor Steve facilitated a Bible study from the life of Jesus.  They were discussing his childhood.  Elizabeth translated for me so I could follow along.

I was so glad to see the people and be welcomed into their church.  They have a true love for one another and for the Lord.  They are a beautiful body of Christ in Desemparados.

On Wednesday, we left the Petersons at 4am!  I was sad to go, yet excited to get back home to my family.  Margaret and I both were very tired from our whirlwind trip!  So many new experiences, food and people!

I’d ask you pray for Steve & Elizabeth Peterson as well as Carolyn & Mary Lou.  They have some major decisions they are making and welcome our prayers.  They are being faithful to the call of God on their lives and seeking to serve Him to their best ability.  I pray we all are as well.

Thanks for your prayers while we were gone.  I’d appreciate your prayers as we get back into life here. ShareFest is this Saturday and I’m coordinating prayer for that day. I’m also battling a cold.

God bless you all!

Julie

This entry was posted on 9. October 2008 at 19:51 and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.