Update: Preparing for Costa Rica

As we prepare to leave for Costa Rica for a year, we'd like to share how we've seen God working these last few weeks and to invite you to continue praying for us in these final few weeks before our departure.

Praises:
1.  First leg of our journey…God has taken care of some major details of our first leg. The budget airlines we are flying on do not fly every day.  We are flying out of Grand Rapids to Orlando the night of July 1 but we don’t fly on to San José, Costa Rica until the morning of July 3.  We need 2 nights lodging in Orlando.  A missionary friend with connections to Wycliffe Bible Translators has arranged FREE lodging for us at Wycliffe headquarters in Orlando!  He has also generously offered to cover expenses for our transportation costs since we fly into one airport in Orlando and need to leave from another. And……he gave us some extra spending $ for our day in Orlando.  ¡Dios es bueno!  God is good!

2.  Renters Found!!!!!  On Friday, May 4, our family’s prayer time after dinner was specifically focused on our need for renters for our home for the year.  While we were praying the phone rang but we didn’t answer it.  About 20 minutes later, it rang again and it was Ben, who had called while we were praying.  He and his wife are friends of friends who had just told them about our house for rent.

We made arrangements for Ben & his wife Stacie to come see our house the next day.  On Saturday they came over and told us they were in need of a home which they could use for ministry and hospitality since they are both involved in college ministry at Grand Valley State University.  They seemed to think our home – especially our large kitchen and family room – was perfect for hosting students.  When they left, they said they’d decide in a few days.  Less than an hour after leaving, they called us back saying they want to rent our home.  What a huge answer to prayer to have such a wonderful couple renting our home!

 They are currently in seminary housing until what date?!......June 30.  When is our house available?  July 1!!!  Perfect timing!!  Praising God for bringing it all together!

3.  We are thankful for supporters who have offered to help cover our expenses for the year.  As of May 21, we have $12,870 donated or pledged . . . about 35% of our goal ($36,000).  Our countdown to departure is currently at only 41 days!  This is reminding us that we are completely dependent on God's provisions.  He has always met our daily needs and trust He will continue to do so.

Requests:

1.    That God is preparing a safe, affordable and adequate home for us in Quepos.

2.    That we trust in God to be our Jehovah Jirah, our provider, as we wait on Him for more financial support

3.    That God continues to prepare our hearts, minds & bodies for what He wants to do in us and through us for His glory.