4 Ever

MAY beginnings start!

This is our neighbor Silvia and her baby Sofia who was born early weighing three pounds. After Sofia was in the hospital for 2 weeks, she was sent home now weighing four pounds. It was so nice that Silvia stopped by Bonnie's house to say hi and thank her for making Bread for her family when she and the baby were in the hospital and for the prayers. Silvia asked how old her baby needed to be before Bonnie would teach her to swim as Bonnie offered to give them a mother daughter water baby classes. Bonnie is sought out for teaching new and different things as well as caring about the details in others’ lives. 

One of Cornelio’s students came to class very sad and discouraged. His dad, in a fit of rage, had just let our students entire reptile collection go. Our student felt betrayed and deeply hurt as these were his pets and he spent a lot of time caring for them. Cornelio also having experienced fits of rage from  his father as a child could relate with his student They spent a lot of time together talking about how to honor parents but to not let their actions crush personal dreams and goals. God has created each of us for a purpose and we need to keep true to what God has called us to do using the interests, gifts and talents HE has given us.

Christian is one of our former students who graduated from our school. He was very shy and lacked confidence and focus when he came to us  When he completed our courses he was fluent in English and had goals and confidence. . His dad and he sold snow cones and mangoes to get  through the public school system. Uniforms are require for all.  This family is an example of the people we work with. They are humble and many are eager to learn new ways to  provide for their families through education. Christian is  a sophomore at the university studying business which he finds his English to be very helpful. We are involved in our students lives and we were at his high school graduation, The verse we gave him was: Phil 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

     Cailene asked several girls to come to her house to teach them some crafts and so some baking. Few have ovens so they enjoy baking with her. Cailene’s house is a safe place to come with ideas and questions. These girls have a trust and respect for Cailene and many kids stop by just to talk. Now that Cailene is a mom and had her baby at the public hospital in San Jose, many pregnant girls have sought Cailene out for counsel as they are scared and need information and encouragement. There were 8 other to be mothers in the same labor room with Cailene so the giving birth in a big hospital is much different than in the states. God is using Cailene’s experiences to share the love of Jesus and teach of the hope and peace they can have through a personal relationship with Jesus.

      Love opens hearts. When people realize God is approachable, cares and is truly interested in all the details of ones life, then and only then can one boldly run to Him

God bless you for standing with us in prayer!!! 

 With grateful hearts we say "Thank You"
to those who prayerfully help and support us.

 Lives are being changed for eternity!

Blessings from Cornelio, Cailene and Bonnie!

10th Anniversery coming to Costa Rica!

 Rebeca is a dedicated mother who wants to have her daughter take English class, but didn’t have the money. She was thrilled when we offered an exchange. She helps clean the school and her six year old daughter gets to come to class. All of us are happy for the trade! God continues to use the school to reach out.

Mom's brakes needed replacing so Cornelio was able to do that. We are really a good team helping each other where ever we can.

Ten years ago on March 25th Mom and I took our first missions trip to Costa Rica. We fell in love with the people, community and the culture. We praise God for the opportunity to live, serve, teach and encourage others in Costa Rica. 

Where is Mom? She is under the towels making a fort with the kids and eating  snacks out of the sun and pretending it is raining outside. A great way to learn Spanish is by just playing with the kids. 

Mekhi is 5 months old and weighs 20 pounds. He is such a delight. Many have come to visit him and we use that as a time to ask how they are doing and how we can pray for them. We try to use every day events to share God's  love and encourage others.

Happy EASTER!!!

We are alive in Him. Happy Easter!

     Every country celebrates in a different way. We live in a community that is mostly Catholic and they have so many traditions and rituals. Many of my friends are Catholic and we talk about growing a personal relationship with him. It is not the things we do or the rituals we perform that draw us close to Jesus. It is how we let him into hour heart to lead and guide us.

     When we are asked how Christians celebrate Easter it is a good opportunity to skip the what we like to eat and the way things might be in the states and focus on the Jesus and it is through his death and resurrection that we are forgiven and free today. He is alive and lives with in each person who excepts him as Lord and Savior. His love, mercy and grace is available to us daily. This is a great spring board for deep conversation as we let God open hearts to hear the good news.

Marvelous March!

Greetings from Costa Rica,

This month we are trying to choose carefully what we focus on and devote time to just those things. This intentional focus has streamlined our life and given us the ability to complete many tasks.

Our schools goal is to teach English and promote education so when  Kevin came to Cornelio and said he wanted to take English classes but could not pay for them Cornelio said he could do some work for him in trade for classes. Kevin is so grateful for the opportunity to be able to work in trade for English classes.  This teaches work ethic as well as being able to open doors of opportunity for the future.

                Over the past few years there have been several youth, who know some English, that mom has been keeping track of and encouraging through FB. When they have a test or concern they ask her to pray for them. One of these youth went away to college, made several poor choices and felt she would be harshly judged so she did not want to return to church. She felt she let her family, herself and God down. When mom returned from the states she invited this young girl to go on a walk. They talked about God’s love and the reason Jesus died for us and it was his sacrifice that make us able to enter the thrown of grace. We are all royalty. God desires to receive our hearts and praises to Him. No sin is too big for God to forgive. They talked, walked and prayed. This girl, repented of her sins, choose to not return to them and to ask God to forgive her. God’s peace filled her heart and she accepted God’s forgiveness and was able to forgive her self also. The true repentance and the decision to not return to the sinful choices gave such a wonderful peace and freedom.

Walking back home they made up a cheer with hand motions and joyful shouts.

“I am a daughter of the Most High King! Oh Ya…..  I am a daughter of the Most High King … Oh Ya! I am forgiven, I am redeemed and I am free. Oh Ya….” They kept this cheer up while walking and declaring this new freedom.

I have returned back to part time work teaching at the school. We are so overjoyed to be parents. Mekhi is now 4 months and 15 pounds. He just got his first hair cut to even out his bald patches and 

he has been drooling so teeth will be coming in soon. Everything is fun and new for us all!

Just being available God uses everyday situations to help and encourage the people in our life. We appreciate your continued prayer support and encouragement.

God Bless You,

Cornelio, Cailene, Mekhi and Bonnie