"Like cold water to a thirsty soul..."

"Like cold water to a thirsty soul, 

so is good news from a far country."

Proverbs 25:25

A few weeks ago we received "news" from a far country.  It was like Christmas.  David came home with our first piece of mail.  The church in Alma sent each of us letters; everyone in our family received news from a far country.  It was wonderful to hear from life-long friends and from those whom we have never even met in person.  

They received multiple cards each, and all with fancy

little hand drawn artistic fronts made just for them.

She even received letters from adults written just to her.

Showing off the art work made just for "me," as Carson said.

She was so proud of her cards.

For us, news and communication from afar from those we love is water that renews our spirits.  I pray that our news to you does the same.  Here goes the latest happenings from the Church in Altos de Naranjo, Costa Rica.

We officially have a physical property where we can all meet together every week to serve our Lord.  The previous owners cleaned up some of the landscaping and you are now able to see the front of the building.  

We closed on the building on a Friday night, purchased chairs, and used it that Sunday.  Everyone was so excited.

Last week David and Jorje tore down the wall that you see on the right in the above picture to make for a larger meeting area.  Then, last Saturday was a clean-up day to attempt to remove all the concrete dust and clean the bathroom, so that we could actually use it : ).  Everyone worked so hard, scrubbing, sweeping, mopping, more sweeping and mopping, cleaning inside and outside walls, washing windows, and of coarse playing.

They are always all about snacks.

Happy Girl!

He stopped long enough for his snack and drink.

Deybin

Xochi 

(I think I spell this different every time,

I can't remember)

Daniel

The ladies working hard.

Jorje

Marta

I had to snap fast...she doesn't like her

picture taken.  I tell her she has such a 

pretty smile : )

This week David has worked on trying to get a permanent beam to support the roof.  That has proven to be a very difficult task.  Something that would have been very simple in the states has been very challenging here.  He is hoping to get it attached tomorrow.  After many stops at a million different places, he now has the brackets he needs to support the beam.  A few other glitches surfaced, but nothing that he can't work around and solve.  Once we get the beam and needed supports, then some plaster work will have to be done.  We are hiring that part out.  Not sure if we are going to be able to tile the floor or not, will just have to see how much the other more prominent things cost.  The room where we removed the wall to make for a larger meeting room did not have finished concrete but the rest of the house did.  

Time has been crunched lately with meeting here and there with the lawyer and previous owners of the church building, signing papers, more legal stuff.  David immediately started renovations on the building and keeping up with ongoing studies with individuals.  The kids and I have been engrossed in school work.  Trying to double up when we can (so we can relax during all of our family visits in November...who wants to do school work when grandparents are coming to visit?).  I started Spanish lessons with a "real" teacher this week and have hours of studying that I need to get done everyday, throw that in with our CRAZY life and that is what we have been up to.  

I have a gazillion pictures and stories to share, but all that for another day or late night when I can squeeze it in.  Hugs to all and hope you enjoyed our news from Costa Rica.  

PURA VIDA!