Finding comfort in our troubles

In a culture that places a high value on friendship and community, I find myself listening more and talking less than usual. As I reconnect with church leaders in remote and rural settings, I am able to hear their joys and heartaches while visiting them or even while talking to them on a cellular phone. Their trust in God and their willingness to continue to spread the Gospel despite hardships and trials encourages me to persevere when I face my own disappointments and difficulties.

My dear friend, Santos Watson, is one of those brothers in the faith who has blessed me in such a way.  Santos and his wife, Griselda, are part of the Ngobe people group who live in the southern tip of Costa Rica. The sweet couple has three children and they minister to other Ngobe families who speak Ngabare in neighboring indigenous communities. The last time I saw them was last spring after they had attended a follow up session on Bible storytelling approximately two hours away from where they live near Paso Canoas. I visited their humble home in the middle of luscious plants and wild birds soaring by. The visit was particularly special because I was able to watch Griselda ride the only form of transportation they have, their beloved mare. She and Santos depend on their horse to get to places as much as we city folks depend on our vehicles to get from point A to point B.

I was by no means surprised when Santos called me on my mobile phone last Friday. He and I speak to each other regularly as Santos travels to a less remote area near his home in order to get a cellular signal. “Hermana Laura, my horse died and now we don’t have a way to get around,” said Santos in a matter of fact tone. Before I asked him what happened to his most treasured possession, I took the liberty to tell him our family’s van had stopped working and was now in the shop to be for an unknown amount of time until it got repaired. Unfortunately, Santos’ horse had been stolen by a couple of drunks and in their attempt to steal the mare, it fought back and the men decided it would be best to kill the animal. The heart-wrenching story left me speechless.  “Hermana Laura, we have a lot in common. I have to walk; you have to walk. I can’t travel far; you can’t travel far. However, if God wants me to have a horse again and if God wants you to have your van again, He will allow it. There is nothing too hard for God,” replied Santos ever so confident over the phone.

I will be seeing Santos and Griselda along with many other Ngobe leaders in a few short weeks. Our reunion will be filled with countless Bible story telling hours, the singing of stories from the Old and New Testament, dramas that involve children and youths in the telling of parables, etc. It will be a grand time to say the least. But most importantly, our bond will not be bolstered by our strengths but by the weaknesses we share. To serve out of my so-called strength would mean pride but to serve out of my weakness allows me to empathize and become a better friend.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Griselda and her horse near their home

Santos at our spring Bible storytelling training

Santos talking on his cell phone

Waving the White Flag of Surrender

Christmas is a few days away and in more ways than one, we’ve received the most wonderful gift: a home to live in.  In our December prayer letter, we asked that you would join us in praying for a home in San Jose.  As a result of your prayers, we found a wonderful home three weeks after arriving. While we looked for a home and then waited for our new landlord to make the necessary repairs and improvements, we patiently stayed at a missionary housing unit that allowed us to meet other individuals and couples who were passing through or who were getting some rest from their field assignment. Although it was not easy to have the four of us live with our suitcases in a confined space, we at least met new friends and got to know our immediate area.

Since we arrived a month ago, we’ve begun to painstakingly wave the white flag of surrender.  It became apparent to us early in our arrival that things would not fall neatly into place. The home we are living in became ready to move into later than promised. The Internet provider came three days later than they said they would come. The electrician showed up a week later than scheduled and so it goes…..

We seemed to have been taking it all in stride until our daughters took notice of the kindness shown to us by fellow missionary families who came to our rescue with bedding, towels, pots, pans and even utensils when we moved into the barren house. Our personal belongings that had been packed inside the Rubbermaid Action Packers before we left Idaho have been sitting in a warehouse nearby waiting for Customs to sign off after its full inspection.  As of today, our personal goods have yet to be in our possession. The girls were so touched by the generosity of these families that they hoped one day our family would respond in the same unselfish manner as these families have responded to us.  

Needless to say, the four of us are learning to surrender to the cultural norms of the country as we become transformed by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.  We cannot expect to grow in patience if we are not put in situations where we are stretched to become more patient. Our patience quotient feels sky high these days but I also know our present situation has made us more humble as well. Bended knees have replaced the badge of self-reliance as we call upon God to grant us peace during difficult and challenging times. These days, Romans 12:12 comes to mind often, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

As we continue to wave the white flag of surrender, please pray that we may not only get our boxes before Christmas but that we may also be grateful in the midst of waiting.

-Laura

Saturday at the local park

Our home for three weeks - AMCA House

Our mode of transportation while we wait for our vehicle to arrive

Patiently waiting as they sit in a nearby warehouse

No House...No Car...No Problem

Tomorrow marks the granddaddy of all American holidays: Thanksgiving. It is one of the most treasured holidays because it celebrates God’s goodness in our lives as we sit around the dinner table thanking the Lord for His provision and faithfulness.

This year an American family who lives and serves in San Jose has invited our colleagues and friends, the Sanchez family and our family to a Costa Rican style Thanksgiving. They told us they would be serving turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing but they also mentioned that the famous Lizano Sauce (Salsa Lizano) will sit at tableside to flavor our holiday meal. Salsa Lizano is Costa Rica's most beloved sauce; it is not fiery hot but rather salty with a hint of spiciness lent by black pepper and cumin.

Yet with less than a week since we left the States, we find ourselves grateful during this Thanksgiving holiday for friends who voluntarily transport us to and fro and for a place to lay our heads while we find a place to call home.

 It’s times like these when we realize His every provision in our lives: food, shelter, clothes and even transportation. Our Lord and Savior sees our every need and He promises to care for His children according to His goodwill and purpose.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the kind words and encouragement we have received from our family and friends since our departure last week. May the Lord bless your time with your loved ones as you gather together on Thanksgiving Day.

-Laura

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘”What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you all you need.   Matthew 6:30-33

A wet Thanksgiving is in the forecast

Xiana showing me a tour of the kitchen in our temporary dwelling

Our faithful friend never wants to leave us

A stroll through the neighborhood

Downtown San Jose

To replace the gravy this year :)

Graduation Day- Oct 2012

After spending most of this month listening to fellow MAF missionaries and field experts on life overseas, I feel more excited than ever to leave for Costa Rica with my family in just a few weeks.

Our family and five other families made up this year’s orientation class for fall 2012. At times, Tony and I felt a bit old, as several of the couples were half our age. However, their maturity and love for the Great Commission surpassed many of their peers. After openly discussing their personal stories and listening to their devotion as they persevered through adversity, our hearts became knitted together as they also heard us share the struggles and challenges we’ve faced since joining MAF.

Some of the topics and issues that were addressed during our 8-5 schedule were: Spiritual Warfare, Serving in a Multi Cultural Team, Embracing Your Adopted Culture, Helping Your Missionary Child Thrive, Grief & Loss, Coping with Stress, and many other valuable themes worthy of discussion. My favorite seminar was when MAF invited, Nate Hamlin, a licensed marriage and family counselor, to teach the couples how to solve conflict successfully and respectfully.  The rich discussion and honest discourse that took place during the two days made husbands as well as wives feel more confident in serving together in a foreign culture.

As a result of concluding training and cross-cultural orientation, MAF commissioned all of us last week. It was a day I will soon not forget as it felt like a graduation day of sorts. All the families were introduced during chapel and Vice President, Dave Fyock, gave a moving speech on Proverbs 4:23, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.  The special ceremony ended with a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Lord for His love and faithfulness in all the He has been able to do in us and through us.  

Tony and I would like to thank so many of you for sustaining us through prayer and support. We could not have reached this important milestone if it were not for our family and friends who have stood by us every step of the way.

-For for Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.  Romans 11:36

Melissa, Laura, Tony and Dave Fyock at Commissioning Ceremony

Prayer Dedication 

Marriage Seminar in Boise, ID

Orientation- Fall 2012