Do It All In The Name Of The Lord Jesus
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3: 17
The year 2014 is well underway and we haven’t posted a blog. Sometimes it’s because of lack of time – just too busy and other times it’s because trying to boil down a day-to-day life as missionaries in Costa Rica just doesn’tseem to be easy, when you sit down to do it!
Today was a “get a lot done day,” as many of our days need to be.
The day began at 6:00 AM. Well, it actually begins to get lighter out our window at about 4:45 AM, but we officially got UP at 6:00 to go for a walk / run. It’s been awhile (before Christmas vacation) since we’ve done this, so it wasn’t really what we were feeling like doing, but we were glad that we went. This is also an important part of my (Diana’s) prayer time, which I typically do in Spanish.
Returned to the house, took care of the animals, got breakfast ready and welcomed Randall 
(from Los Anonos) for a time of devotions and prayer for the community. Then Les, who is mentoring Randall, spent time with him.
Probably looks a bit like everybody’s day! But 1 thing that has been different for us is how many things we do by-hand down here. It’s just the way it is. It takes a lot more time, but it typically saves money. So I got 3 loads of wash done hung and waiting to fold the last load – not dry yet. Using the dryer even 1 time a week sky rockets our electric bill!
Car battery was dying, so Les called Dante and took the car in and had it replaced. Price wasn’t too bad, but about 25% more than at home. But we feel much safer now! Then to the post ofice to mail birthday and anniversary cards to the states (late again!). Les is preparing for tonight’s Small Group – we’re still working our way through Passport. It’s been really good, although at 1 day per week, it’s taking a long time. At the same time, I have been working on a presentation for fund raising.and hung outside on the line to dry (haven’t hung clothes out since I was a stay-at-home-Mom, until we came here). So far we’ve washed dishes 4 times today, in cold water of course! The sink is small too (yes, that really is just one pot in the sink!). Since there’s not much work space in the kitchen, dishes are a constant. Just ask our assistant Lindsay! Time to make a big batch of oatmeal mushroom burgers, which are really yummy, so we can have them on hand in the freezer for quick meals. Also time to use our pressure cooker to cook up a bunch of black beans and freeze them. DEFINITELY cheaper than canned. Swept lots of floors! where are Jessie, Shannon and Lindsay when I need them?!
Last night I designed and wrote a marriage certificate for a couple that is getting married this Saturday. They had a civil service 16 years ago, but it’s very important to them to commit their marriage to God. So it’s not really a renewal of vows, but a commitment to God. I’m waiting for feedback on anything I need to change on the design or content.
Administrative and organizational things are a continual challenge. As we prepare for VAYA, we had to find ways to store all the materials and T-shirts. Temporarily in plastic bins in one of the bedrooms. At least out from under foot for awhile. Les is sorting receipts so they can be scanned and we can track what we spend and where we spend it.
I’m in the middle of cooking Sopa Negra (a black bean soup) for dinner – since I had all of that lovely broth from the pressure cooker. Dinner will be in about 2 hours, followed by a walk down through Los Anonos for tonight’s Small Group. We’ll get home, walking back up what we fondly refer to as Mt. Everest, around 9:00 PM.
The rest of this week – more of the same plus calling several churches in the states. Also a visit to the dentist for both of us (an all day process, due to the wait). Then, a 4 hour + process of going to immigration. It looks like they may be ready for us to sign papers for our “Religious Residency.”
So what does a day really loo like? Wonderful spiritual devotions with people who are just learning about the importance of this, great Bible Studies with people hungry to know more of God, opportunities whenever we walk through the community and everything is interspersed with mundane family and household things, administrative things and fund raising things. Did I mention that it’s all in Spanish?! And today, got brought to mind this verse, “And WHATEVER you do, in word or deed, do EVERYTHING in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3: 17. Amen