Friday, August 28, 2009
How time flies...
when you are busy! Lynae got off last Sunday morning, early, to return home. On Monday morning at 3 a.m. we took the other four interns to the beach. We wanted to take Lynae also, but it just didn't work into the schedule before she left. On Thursday morning, the Delamonts returned to the States. Yesterday and today there have been people in and out of the camp as the Youth Group's annual soccer tournament fundraiser is tomorrow all day. Katherine is taking the two interns, Amy & Kelly with her very early tomorrow morning, 2 or 3 a.m. to serve with God Festival (see previous posts to understand this partnership) at Jaco Beach. David is actually gone from the neighborhood serving with another team here in Costa Rica from North Carolina as their interpreter with Pastor Jose & Pastor Tony. Ken & I will be at the camp all day tomorrow keeping an eye on things as various Youth Groups will be coming in to play during the tournament. Heather & Kyle will be working during the tournament with other youth group members cooking food, etc. Jordan signed up to play on this year's Youth Group team! On Monday morning our last two missionary interns leave to head back to the States. Things will certainly seem very quiet and strange around the camp with no guests. And if all of this weren't exciting in itself, someone in our little family has misplaced the camera AGAIN. So, I am off to see if I can find it! Hopefully, over the weekend I can post some pictures of the much anticipated Tournament de Futbol! Until then, thanks for reading, thanks for praying!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Family Outreach Tonight
Friday, August 21, 2009
Safe and Sound, but needing prayer
I arrived back in Costa Rica safe and sound yesterday afternoon. It was fun to come home and have "Kooky" the stray dog waiting at the door of the house for me! She was so happy to see me and I was just as happy to see her too! Today, I made a special trip into the grocery store in Orosi to load up on some dog food for her. This morning we were at the camp by 9 a.m. blowing up balloons and preparing for an outreach that we will be doing tomorrow evening at the camp. It will include dinner and is geared to minister to families. Right now we have received reservations for 50 people to attend. Please keep our team in your prayers tomorrow. On Sunday in church, our ministry partner, Katherine, will be speaking and myself, Heather and the missionary interns will be doing a mime routine during the service. Lynae, see previous posts, will be leaving on Sunday morning to return to the States after being here serving with us for two months. Please pray for her safe travels back to Canada and her family. Well, after being away from the blog for three weeks, I'm back, so check in and I will be posting new ministry pictures soon! God bless and thank you for your prayers!
Friday, August 07, 2009
The waves
I guess I feel like I am riding a wave. My sister described it to me as most of the time you are fine, but then someone says something or a memory pops into your head and you start to cry. Most of the time, I don't feel particularly sad over my Mom, and in fact, I know that she is no longer struggling; no longer confused, disoriented, no loss of memory. Her Alzheimer's disease and its progression was an ugly thing. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Then, there are times when I am just sad. I just plain miss her! Today, our family will be gathering together for the first time since her passing. We are having dinner at my sister's home, and reviewing the memorial service and receiving our last instructions before the service tomorrow. I am feeling a little anxious about tomorrow's service, not having ever had to do this before, and I am not a fan of crowds. With no calling hours, there will be a reception immediately following the memorial service in the church's fellowship hall to greet family members. I am really not looking forward to that. Yesterday, Ken, Brad and Danielle helped me order flowers for my Mom's memorial from our family. It was nice to have their personal inputs and not do it alone. I know that ALL things work together for good, that God's timing is always perfect. I believe this will all my heart. I just miss her touch and wish I could have had one more hug. It's early and I am praying that people's advice is true...that time does heal.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
In the States
My Mom passed away last Friday night at 7:55 p.m. I was with Brad and Danielle heading back to our home in N.C. when I got the news from my family. Since I couldn't make it home to NY to say good bye to my Mom in time, I decided to stay in N.C. over the weekend and go to our home church, Hickory Grove, to get some "LOVE" before making the trip up North to be with my family. I'm glad I did that! We arrived safely at my Mom and Dad's home on Monday night. It has been very hard to be at home, but not have my Mom with us in the house. Yesterday, my oldest brother, Dick and his wife, Susan, arrived home safely from the mission field of Scotland. Today, I went to the airport to get Ken, Heather, Kyle and Jordan when they arrived home from Costa Rica. More family is arriving tonight and tomorrow leading up to my Mom's memorial service on Saturday, though I believe it would better be called a "Celebration of Life" service. I sat with my Dad, sister and brother today as they discussed the service and made final plans. We were interrupted so many times with condolence phone calls it was amazing to me, and a real blessing to be reminded of how many people care for our family! Tonight, we are just a couple miles down the road from my Mom and Dad's home, staying at Ken's sister's home so that other family members can stay with my Dad. Ken's parents are also here at his sister's for the summer, so that is nice for us to be able to be with them too. Please continue to pray for our family, as members continue to travel, but pray for the service on Saturday at 1 p.m. that God would be glorified and my Mom honored.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
My Mom...
My Mom has been running a fever of 102+ and has not drank anything since July 22nd while in the nursing home. She has been having a problem with her heart and the doctor has said she is acutely ill having only a few days to possibly a full week to live. He asked my Dad to let the family know. So many things run through your mind during times such as these; so many scriptures that bring comfort, so many memories that can never be taken away. Still, there is the human side of letting go and the spiritual side of releasing her back to God with thanksgiving for the time that He allowed us to have her on "loan". There have been a few times in my life when music has been a huge comfort to me! This is one of those times when a particular song just keeps returning to my mind. I've been listening to the Chris Tomlin CD, "Hello Love" for a few weeks now off and on. Not ironically, the Lord, I believe, has been preparing me for the days that lie ahead with my mother's apparent death and using "I Will Rise" to minister to me! I'm not sure if my Mom has ever heard this song, but I know if it weren't for the fact that she is in a coma-like state right now; surely she would remind her children of the scriptural promises within the words of this song.
"There's a peace I've come to know,
though my heart and flesh may fail.
There's an anchor for my soul,
I can say, "it is well".
Chorus:
"Jesus, has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The victory is won.
He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise, when He calls my name.
No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise, on eagle's wings,
before my God, fall on my knee,
and rise, I will rise".
"There's a day that's drawing near,
when this darkness breaks to light.
And the shadows disappear,
and my faith shall be my eyes".
Repeat chorus
Thanks be to God! I love you, Mom!
"There's a peace I've come to know,
though my heart and flesh may fail.
There's an anchor for my soul,
I can say, "it is well".
Chorus:
"Jesus, has overcome and the grave is overwhelmed.
The victory is won.
He is risen from the dead.
And I will rise, when He calls my name.
No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise, on eagle's wings,
before my God, fall on my knee,
and rise, I will rise".
"There's a day that's drawing near,
when this darkness breaks to light.
And the shadows disappear,
and my faith shall be my eyes".
Repeat chorus
Thanks be to God! I love you, Mom!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Missionary Intern Tsunami!!!
Lynae is still here as one of our missionary interns. Tomorrow evening we pick up the Delamont's from the airport. They will be interning for the month of August. On Saturday, we pick up an 8-person construction team that we will be hosting at the camp through Global Outreach Mission for one week. On Sunday, we pick up Amy R., who is another intern for the month of August. She is returning to us having interned under us last summer, so we are all so excited! The kids will be accompanying us to the airport to get her since they are so very excited that she is coming back! A week from this Sunday, the construction team leaves and we go to the airport a week from this Monday to get our last August intern. Having five interns for one month should be very interesting, but really help us to get things accomplished around the campground and in ministry! Busy days ahead! Please keep us in your prayers and be checking back for updates frequently.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday's ministry with the Orphan Home, kids accept the Lord!
At the close of Wednesday's activities, Lynae sang and shared her testimony with the kids. Ken wrapped it all up with an explanation of the plan of salvation and an invitation to accept the Lord. We had three Youth, (the kids who attended were from ages 4-18), accept the Lord today!
Please continue to pray for them and for us as we follow up with them through our continued ministry at the Orphan Home!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The Orphans at the camp and a prayer request!!
**PLEASE PRAY**: With the extension of the kids vacation to include next week, the Director of the Orphan Home has asked if we would be willing to host another group of 30 children from the orphanage on Wednesday. The orphanage houses a total of about 123 children. We said that we would be more than happy too! Please pray as we have invited five youth from the Youth Group to join with us in this ministry on Wednesday. Our desire here is to lead by example, and in asking them to help us, we pray that it will develop servant hearts within them. We have another partnership which we have formed with "God Festival" and they will be sending us "Willy" their clown and a few of their professional face painter's for Wednesday as well. They also already sent down an industrial popcorn machine to use and their cotton candy machine. Please pray for their safety as they travel through San Jose on Wednesday morning to come to the camp! Pray for the children and for us as we attempt to bring them Jesus, in how we live and through what we teach!
**PRAISE**: A week and a half ago we had the Youth Group at the camp from Michigan (see previous posts and pictures) rental. We found out today that two Costa Rican kids were saved during their ministry at the camp! PTL!!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Quick post - Ministry Update
A "fly-by" post as it's been a busy week. I've got some pictures to post of a group that came in Wednesday from the States through another missionary agency to use the camp for ministry. We got the last group out on Monday, cleaned and the decoration team for this group arrived on Tuesday. The rest of the group arrived on Wednesday and they also invited four area churches to participate in children/youth ministry with them as the last group from the States did. So around 65 people leave today at 2 p.m., and then we go in and begin preparations for a Fun Day we have planned for 30 kids from the orphanage who are coming to the camp tomorrow!
I will post pictures over the weekend!
I will post pictures over the weekend!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Things often get worse before they get better!
I've been sick since Friday afternoon. It all started with a runny nose, but by Saturday morning I could hardly walk. My hips hurts, my legs, elbows, even the creases of my arms, fingers. Of course, it had rained quite hard and I am still having problems with bone pain since my surgery. Seemed like the high-dose calcium that my physician put me on was helping with that some. Sunday, I felt like I would have felt better if someone laid me in the road and ran over me! Well, I have strep throat, a double ear infection and one of my ear drums has already ruptured. Sinuses are all clogged up. I got started on some antibiotics, but the strep plaques overnight continued their progression and are now on top of my mouth and on my gums causing even more swelling. I think some of the kids at the orphan home are sick and maybe I should have taken better precautions!
This is the second week of "winter" break here for the kids. Yes, it is July, but yes, it is considered winter in Costa Rica. It's hard to adjust to that mindset when it's 78 degrees outside! Actually, we don't technically have "seasons" here they say, like summer, winter, spring and fall. Just dry and wet season and it is wet season now. On the news last night they announced the kids will also have an extended week off next week due to the flu!
So, this week, I won't be ministering back up at the orphan house because my own health is already too compromised and all the little hugs are nice, but giving the kids the "Cooties" wouldn't be!
(Mama Isa did bring over sopa de pollo and arroz con leche, though! She said, "eat lots, you will feel better".....OKAY)!!! :)
This is the second week of "winter" break here for the kids. Yes, it is July, but yes, it is considered winter in Costa Rica. It's hard to adjust to that mindset when it's 78 degrees outside! Actually, we don't technically have "seasons" here they say, like summer, winter, spring and fall. Just dry and wet season and it is wet season now. On the news last night they announced the kids will also have an extended week off next week due to the flu!
So, this week, I won't be ministering back up at the orphan house because my own health is already too compromised and all the little hugs are nice, but giving the kids the "Cooties" wouldn't be!
(Mama Isa did bring over sopa de pollo and arroz con leche, though! She said, "eat lots, you will feel better".....OKAY)!!! :)
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Ministering to the Orphans and a full day!
We worked with the children today from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. I had made a commitment to be back at the campground at 3:30 and was late in getting back because we took the bus back. Once there, I helped set up and cook dinner for around 50 Youth Group kids. The American group is still here and today through Saturday morning they are hosting four other local, national, church Youth Groups at the camp. They are all spending the next two nights with the American Youth Group. Heather and Kyle have been at the camp since 9 a.m. working with the small groups as interpreters. They seemed to be having a good time with all the other Youth. They were invited to spend the night at the campground too! It's been a busy day today, but a lot of fun! Days like these I just go to bed at night exhausted, but thankful for the really fun and enjoyable ministry that we often get to be a part of with children and Youth! It makes me so happy!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Orphan Home Ministry-Prayer Requests
Yesterday, and yes, I forgot the camera again (sorry); we went to the Orphan Home to do an all day ministry. I mentioned before about a new intern we received last week. Her name is Lynae. Lynae is a professional music teacher when she is back in Canada. Yesterday, she taught four hours of guitar lessons at the Orphan Home. In the morning, she did two hours of classes, a half hour each to four students. The Orphan Home was gracious enough to serve us lunch and we spent about an hour eating and chatting with the Orphan Home staff. Then, in the afternoon she did another two hours of lessons, a half hour again to four more students. During the time that she was teaching, Heather and I had the children in a "holding" room awaiting their class time. We did children's ministry with those students; a Bible story, crafts, games and memory verses. This time with the kids in children's ministry has been awesome. Usually when we are there at the Orphan Home ministering we are working with the "masses", large groups of children of all ages. The way that their Educational Director set up the lessons is that in the morning we have a group of younger children and in the afternoons we have older children, more youth group-aged.
PRAYER NEEDS:
Please pray for us as we have made a commitment to minister at the Orphan Home every Tuesday and Thursday for the next five weeks. Pray for Lynae as she teaches music; guitar and piano lessons. Pray for Heather & I as we teach to these small groups of children, but at a much more intensive level than we have ever had the opportunity to before. Pray for discernment as we are already working on next week's lessons. Pray for the children's hearts to be open and receptive. Pray for good behavior, it can be kind of rough!
I'll try and get some pictures tomorrow as we minister and post them on the blog before the end of the week.
PRAYER NEEDS:
Please pray for us as we have made a commitment to minister at the Orphan Home every Tuesday and Thursday for the next five weeks. Pray for Lynae as she teaches music; guitar and piano lessons. Pray for Heather & I as we teach to these small groups of children, but at a much more intensive level than we have ever had the opportunity to before. Pray for discernment as we are already working on next week's lessons. Pray for the children's hearts to be open and receptive. Pray for good behavior, it can be kind of rough!
I'll try and get some pictures tomorrow as we minister and post them on the blog before the end of the week.
Monday, July 06, 2009
The "benefits" of a relationship with God/PRAYER REQUEST
Tonight I was reading in the Book of Psalms. I love Psalm 103. I keep this one close when I'm going through "stuff" in my life. Stuff like missing my family, thinking about my Mom or when we have a particularly frustrating day with the ministry. I find that when I make an effort to focus on Him it minimizes the pains of my heart and a sense of healing pours over me.
I really don't have anything "new" to post today. Scripturally, I thought I'd share this Psalm. It ignites my soul! I hope that it does yours as well.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our inquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him"...
**EDIT: I noticed that when I began this post I said I didn't have anything "new" to report tonight. In the middle of writing this, I got a phone call from Ken asking me to run up the road to Katherine and David's home (our ministry partners). Heather was in their house alone babysitting Alianna, their 18-month-old baby. She called her father crying because she heard voices outside their house and someone was trying to break into their house from the outside. (Katherine and Kyle are with Ken. Kyle took a good slice out of his finger tonight and Ken needed to take him to the hospital emergency room for stitches. Katherine went along to help with Spanish). Heather didn't want to call me because I was home alone with Jordan. Needless to say, Ken called me and I ran to the camp, got three of the guys who are staying there this week with the short-term team, and we went to the house. Heather had activated Katherine and David's alarm system from within the house and scared the people off. PRAY for Heather tonight who has really been shaken up by all of this and in all honesty, I have been too. I needed to come home and use an inhaler for my asthma. I may be a missionary, but I was a Momma first! And, PRAISE Him that our child remained safe**
I really don't have anything "new" to post today. Scripturally, I thought I'd share this Psalm. It ignites my soul! I hope that it does yours as well.
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our inquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him"...
**EDIT: I noticed that when I began this post I said I didn't have anything "new" to report tonight. In the middle of writing this, I got a phone call from Ken asking me to run up the road to Katherine and David's home (our ministry partners). Heather was in their house alone babysitting Alianna, their 18-month-old baby. She called her father crying because she heard voices outside their house and someone was trying to break into their house from the outside. (Katherine and Kyle are with Ken. Kyle took a good slice out of his finger tonight and Ken needed to take him to the hospital emergency room for stitches. Katherine went along to help with Spanish). Heather didn't want to call me because I was home alone with Jordan. Needless to say, Ken called me and I ran to the camp, got three of the guys who are staying there this week with the short-term team, and we went to the house. Heather had activated Katherine and David's alarm system from within the house and scared the people off. PRAY for Heather tonight who has really been shaken up by all of this and in all honesty, I have been too. I needed to come home and use an inhaler for my asthma. I may be a missionary, but I was a Momma first! And, PRAISE Him that our child remained safe**
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Youth Groups...American and Tico
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A new missionary intern
This morning began early with us leaving for the airport at 4:30 am to pick up our newest intern from Canada, Lynae. Lynae is 29 years old. One of our "other" ministries through Global Outreach Mission is to use the campground as a "hub" so to speak, where people who are interested in spending a bit longer period of time, (other than being on a short-term team of one or two weeks) on the mission field can go and be exposed to the culture of the country, and experience missionary life firsthand. Lynae will be with us for two months. She will be learning basic Spanish from Katherine, our ministry partner, living in the home of Gloria, our camp assistant cook and baker. Lynae's gifts are with children and she is educated in the field of music. Next week, she will be going with us to the orphanage just to play with the kids and get to know them and allow them to feel more comfortable with her. Then in July she will begin teaching keyboard lessons at the orphanage to some of the kids.
So, over the next two months, please keep Lynae in your prayers as she serves here in Costa Rica along with us. Pray for her safety, her health, being away from her family, as we work as a team, the adjustments to the culture and food here. Pray that God would use her mightily for His kingdom!
So, over the next two months, please keep Lynae in your prayers as she serves here in Costa Rica along with us. Pray for her safety, her health, being away from her family, as we work as a team, the adjustments to the culture and food here. Pray that God would use her mightily for His kingdom!
Labels:
Blessings,
Serving in Costa Rica,
Summer Interns
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Ministering at the camp
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Welcome Home!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Saturday catch-up
Saturday is usually a catch-up day in our home. A day to do laundry, clean the house, clean through the refrigerator, try and catch-up on emails, etc. I've not been sleeping well as of late. While I was gone in the States our neighbor added a fourth dog to his entourage! Somehow, Ken has adjusted to the neighborhood "noises" of chickens, turkeys and dogs and sleeps pretty well with the exception of his sleep being interrupted due to robberies. Again, last night someone was in the camp even with renters on the grounds. They broke into one of the cars parked inside the closed gates. As soon as the car alarm went off they fled the campground. Ken was up until 1:30 a.m. with police filing reports. Well, while I feel like going back to bed already; I suppose that there is much that I could be doing here on behalf of our family. Maybe tomorrow I can sneak in a nap!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Always exciting and always a challenge!
Today has been interesting to get much of anything done, around the house, at the camp. First, we lost power. Then, the community turned the water off for a good portion of the day. It's funny how often I go to the sink and turn on the faucet expecting water to come out. Right now, the power has come back on, so I am boiling water to do the morning and noontime dishes. We never really know what to expect here in our little neck of the woods with regard to ammenities. It makes it all a challenge and kind of fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)