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Celebrating a Birthday in Costa Rica!

November 5, 2005 in Day2Day, Prayer, Thanks by Dave | Permalink

How does Jonathan, our almost three year old, celebrate a birthday in Costa Rica? By having an operation of course! Tuesday, November 8th is Jonathan’s third birthday, and we spent the last week and a half preparing by spending a lot of time in the hospital.

It started with some symptoms that we found earlier in October that necessitated minor surgery. However, the day after we scheduled the procedure, Jonathan fell and cut his face, requiring emergency surgery as the cut was very close to his eye.

Now all of this is difficult enough to deal with in the states, but try navigating through the emergency room in a foreign language! We were helped by a terrific team, however, and we want to take a moment to thank our doctor, Dr. John Longworth, Jay and Nancy Dickerson, the directors of CINCEL for providing translation and taxi services, as well as the entire school for their support, prayers and concern. Thanks goes as well to those who continue to hold us up in prayer. Your prayers do make a difference.

In this picture Jonathan is preparing for the final surgery, and, as you can see, the injuries haven’t dampened his spirits. Hey, he’s rough and tough right? The surgery went wonderfully well and the stitches in his face were removed at the same time. He’ll be able to celebrate his third birthday injury free!

Not by might, not by power…

October 30, 2005 in Coffee, Day2Day, Media, Nature by Dave | Permalink

Many of us would be able to finish that verse from the book of Zechariah from memory, and it is a comforting thought that this task of saving mankind has not been left to human devices. Of course, many of us draw strength from a much more earthly source of power as we begin our mornings. That morning motivator, coffee, is in abundance here in Costa Rica, and they don’t just sell it here they grow it here.

We recently had a chance to take a side trip to the Tres Generaciones coffee plantation, and I had a chance to snap some pictures. Click on the picture to take your own tour and sample the latest feature to our website, photo albums! Hopefully, you’ll never take that morning cup for granted again!

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Life Goes on During Language School!

October 24, 2005 in Day2Day, Language, Prayer by Dave | 1 comment

If there is one thing that we have learned so far here at CINCEL it is that life goes on even when you have left the country.

As we looked forward to language school, we expected the rigors of classes, the hours of homework, and the difficulties of navigating through a new culture, but you never quite grasp the effects of culture on everyday life until you attempt to live your everyday life in another culture.

While we were in the United States itinerating, we were blessed with wonderful health. However since we have landed in Costa Rica, four out of five of us have seen the doctor! In fact, Kelly just returned today from an appointment for Rebekah. We are also facing the prospect of minor surgery for Jonathan, our almost 3 year-old, in the coming weeks.

None of these situations are emergencies, and yet, when compounded with the rigors of language and culture acquisition, they serve as “extra stress”–that is Spanish, by the way, for extra stress–that can lead us into despondency.

Still with all of the things being thrown at us now, we are thankful for what we have: a comfortable house, food to eat, an opportunity to fulfill God’s call on our lives, and supporters like you to continue to hold up our needs to the Lord. So we choose to be thankful. As Dan Betzer’s byline stated today: “I cried for the lack of shoes until I saw someone without any feet.”

So we continue the struggle that is language school, realizing that life does not stop during this process, but eternally thankful for the strength that God gives us to accomplish all things…including scheduling a doctor’s appointment in Spanish!

Hanging around in Costa Rica

October 15, 2005 in Day2Day, Media, Nature by Dave | 3 comments

Ready for anything has long been the motto of the missionary, and the folks here at CINCEL take that motto seriously. Here we are at Colinas del Poas, about an hour and a half drive north from San Jose, receiving instruction, with fellow Mexico missionaries Ryan and Christy Thomas, about how to cross from treetop to treetop during our rainforest canopy tour.

No roads? No problem. We’re trained to cross any terrain. You know, there might be something here for Speed the Light! Want to see what the experience was like? Click on the picture and hang on!

How Do You Drive in Ticoland?

October 8, 2005 in CostaRica, Culture, Day2Day by Dave | Permalink

How do you drive in Costa Rica, referred to as Ticoland by the nationals? You get a license of course!

Pictured to the left is Dave’s new “Tico License.” He spent the afternoon following classes this Friday getting his medical examination as well as standing in line to purchase his license.

The “vigorous” exam, administered by a chain-smoking doctor, consisted of about 4 medical questions, most answered by the doctor, some gym class style calesthenics, and an eye exam. After another hour of standing in line following the exam, Dave became licensed to drive anything from a small car to a large truck here in Costa Rica.

Not that he has plans to do much driving. Cars here in Costa Rica are expensive, and the purchase of a vehicle takes time and lots of money. Costa Rica imposes an additional 37% tax on all car purchases. Most Ticos use public transportation including the numerous taxis and public buses, but the license will provide a necessary form of identification as well as provide discouts throughout Costa Rica.

We’re Not in Missouri Anymore!

September 24, 2005 in CostaRica, Day2Day, Nature by Dave | 3 comments

We thought that you might like a look at one of our house guests here in Costa Rica. With no winter to speak of here in San Jose the spiders have opportunity to grow quite large!

In actuality, there are only two seasons in Costa Rica, dry and rainy. Right now, were in the rainiest month of the year. It rains here nearly every afternoon. This will continue until December when the dry season begins. We have come to find out that the umbrella is a necessary item…sometimes the hard way!

Can You Guess?

June 21, 2005 in Day2Day, Ministry by Dave | 5 comments

They’re both Godzwas. They’re both missionaries, but can you guess which one is going to Mexico?

Dave got the chance to team up with his twin brother, Mike, when they had the opportunity to share about missions together in Mechanicsville, MD at Living Word Community Church. Mike shared about Chi Alpha at American University where he has served as campus pastor for 6 years. Dave had the opportunity to share about Mexico and our plan to follow Jesus’ commmand to make disciples there.

Following the preaching, they were able to minister together in music, as they lead an extended time around the altar. Even though it is almost 10 years since they graduated from CBC, this was the first time that they have been able to minster in the same service. Thank you, Pastor Wickham, for providing the opportunity!

Now about that lead question: If you said that Dave is the one on the left, then you guessed correctly!

Friends Along the Way

June 16, 2005 in Day2Day, Thanks by Dave | Permalink

We’ve been blessed as we’ve been itinerating in Southern Missouri and beyond to be able to foster wonderful relationships throughout our fellowship. We want to thank those of you who have had a part in helping us along the road and those of you who have gone the extra mile to include us into your church family. One such relationship was deepened as we got a chance to share lunch with Matthew and Kristi Mason in Ellington, MO.

Rebekah had a fun time playing with Caitlin while the boys got to play on pastor’s drumset following our excellent lunch at the Orange Blossom. Even more fulfilling was the chance for Kelly and I to share in the joys and challenges that come with following God’s call as we spent the afternoon together. Isn’t this what carrying one another’s burdens all about?

Thank you Masons, and thanks to all who have made our itineration a joy.

Road Trip!

May 24, 2005 in Day2Day, Thanks by Dave | 1 comment

We headed over to the Cape Girardeau section of Southern Missouri this weekend for two services, AM in Fisk and PM in Dexter. We had a great time ministering in both services and we were encouraged to see a good response to our message, including several around the altars on Sunday night.

A special thank you is in order for Ronnie and Francine Monehan who took us into their home for some much needed rest on Sunday afternoon. Thanks as well to Mikey, Lizzie, Joshua, and Jason Kohlbaker for readjusting their sleeping arrangements for the missionaries on Sunday night.

Here are some shots of the kids with Pastor Mike on Monday morning. Who says these MKs don’t have any fun?


Busy Weekend!

May 16, 2005 in Day2Day, Ministry by Dave | Permalink

We’ve had a busy weekend! We had planned to be in the Kansas City area for two services, one in the city and one in Blue Springs, just to the east, but our service inside KC had been cancelled. Fortunately, after a few phone calls, we were able to schedule a 10-minute window (that’s missionary speak for a short presentation within a service) with Pastor Ted and Fran Furry in Nevada, Missouri in the morning and then drive the rest of the way to Blue Springs for our service with Pastor John and Mary Ann Martz. Here is a picture of the kids in front of the church in Blue Springs.

We were thankful for the opportunity to share about Mexico in both services, but we were espcially grateful for the opportunity to pray for a team of students at Blue Springs that will be leaving for Reynosa, Mexico for an Ambassador in Mission (AIM) trip in June.

We believe in short-term missions trips. Our call to missions was cemented during an AIM trip to Dominican Republic, and a first hand experience of cross-cultural ministry will enable many in our fellowship to break away from everyday life and see, not only the needs of the countries they visit, but how God is moving all over our world. It births compassion, motivates prayer, and empowers service during the trip and after. So if you have the opportunity, as a youth or as an adult, to take part in a short-term missions trip, I encourage you to jump at the chance. Rick Warren says that this is one step to becoming a “World-Class Christian,” and I agree.

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