Good-Bye Costa Rica

This last week started the beginning of my goodbye parade. First, I had my final oral exam at my language institute followed by the final "empleada bible study" for the trimester. Then, all that was followed up by teaching my final lesson at the House of Restoration on Thursday. Now, it is the weekend and I just had my last national small group bible study.

For me leaving Costa Rica is not a time to get sad but a time to remember how far I have come. I remember leaving Bolivia in 2007 after more than 3 years of service and having never given my testimony in Spanish in public. Now after less than 9 months here in Costa Rica I have given my testimony many times and led more then one bible study. I once heard a very smart missionary say language learning does not drive your service, service drives your language learning. I have seen that happen in my own life so much this trimester. I have been very dedicated in my studies but I have let my service teach me more then school ever could.

New Apartment in Santiago del Estero, Argentina

God's Promises

The Ladies Studying at "Restoration" Made My First Empanadas

Well, I have not posted in months! The biggest reason being the mixture of amazing outreach opportunities God has put in my life and a lagging sickness. But here are a few picture of the things that filled my February and early March. " The House of Restoration" was live and kicking more than usual this month. We had some women return to the house after they had been back on the streets for a while. More then that, we had a lot of new faces including Veronica, who was demon posed when we first met her but now walks with the lord. Please continue to pray for me as I wrap up language studies this month take my tests in early April and then arrive in Argentina April 25th.

Feliz Ano Nuevo

As the New Year is just a few hours away, many families here in Costa Rica have already begun to celebrate. They have chosen the 12 desires they want to see happen in 2009 and they will just wait till the clock stricks 12 and share them with their family as they eat 12 grapes. This signifies their effort and desire for good things to happen during the New Year. Many people also wear yellow clothing which is said to bring them luck during the New Year. I myself have some things I would be blessed to see happen within the next year. As I pray daily, I want God's desires to be my desires, I know only if these things are of the will of God will they come to pass. I am going to share with you my "blessings in waiting" list.

Blessings In Waiting

~ to have a steady nutrition and diet program ( working around allergies and vegetarianism)

~ to crave God's word all day long.

~ to constantly continue becoming bolder in my faith ( sharing Jesus no matter where I go)

~ to have more invitations from friends, to get out more

~ to have my health continually improve

~ to allow my self-esteem not only to multiply but to use it for God's glory

~ to have more national friends and language partners ( that are routine)

~ to be a keeper of my word, no matter how big or small the situation may be

~ to be open to whatever changes or experiences God sends my way

~ to be an example for my family and friends near and far

~ to never stop learning but not to let it rule my life ( find a hobby)

~ to continue to love the Spanish language and through that allow my skills to improve

~ to learn to budget being a good steward of the money I am given always.

~ to have more opportunities to work with children, my passion

~ to keep God first always, no matter what might seem more important, and through that be an encouragement to others.

2008 In Review~

2008 was filled with many hidden blessings! After 3.5 years in Bolivia I had to spend 8 solid months in the US and aside from going through major culture shock, it was a great time of renewal and quality time with my mother and home church.

I finally completed the process and was accepted with to the International Mission Board. This had been a goal I put in the back of my mind and left it till God's timing called. It was a long 9 months of processing but what a blessing it is to be with such a supportive mission board.

I was sent to San Jose, Costa Rica with 4 families I knew and had went with training with to better my Spanish knowledge. I honestly did not think I knew as much as I do! This time of cultural training and mentorship has been incredible.

Meeting an incredible national family where I have learned to step-up and lead a bible study in their home.

May God continue to send the challenges my way because with Him I can do anything!

Flying By His Grace,

Sierra

Meet the Mitten's

Well, what can I say when we least expect it God brings some pretty neat accessories into our lives and though you might be thinking I am talking about something warm and sharp looking to go with your new winter coat (if you're in the Northern part of the US you are using that a lot right now) you are wrong but nice try! This holiday season God gave me a great gift and yes they are called Mitten's but they are a family of 6 and they are here in Costa Rican for the same reason as I am, to learn Spanish! I met them at the institute where we study but had not gotten to spend a whole lot of time with their family because they didn't go one month during the trimester when one child or parent didn't get sick at least once.

So, one night last week I got a call from Emily (the head Mitten, hahaha) and she asked if I would like to come to their house for dinner and a night of games and fun? I was super excited because you have to understand they have 4 beautiful daughters of all ages starting at age 1 and ending with a very mature 10 year old and everyone knows how I love children and these last few months I have been having child withdraws! So, I went to their house and they gave me the choice of staying in or going out somewhere, even maybe somewhere they had never been in San Jose, since they don't get out much. So, we went to Terra Mall, one of the largest malls ( at least that I have found so far) and we had a blast! It was really fun to enjoy a "fallish night" the wind was blowing and there was Christmas carols being played and everything was decorated to the nines ( my mom will be proud I used that term!) We did nothing that would be termed special to the common person at the mall but you would have thought our freedom was unleashed! I just loved the idea that I was out enjoying life freely with new friends! How often do we take that for granted? Something the young girls shared with me that night and through out the week was how simple having fun is, how easily we forget that. The girls did not flood into the nearest toy store ( they saw this first, haha) they went into the book store and must have spent close to an hour in the children's section, and that is what they picked out as one of their Christmas presents (as a teacher I wanted to clone these children!) Later in the week one of them came over and played Uno with me! We don't need parties, or fancy things, give us a book and a deck cards! I give God all the glory for allowing me to celebrate another holiday abroad, and being able to be in contact with my family and friends. For friends like the Mitten's who brought me wonderful banana bread and wished me Merry Christmas on a day that could have been not so merry.

As for me and the New Year, it too will be full of more M words, mold free and moving! That is right, I will be moving before the dropping of the ball and the saying of Happy New Year. I have been very blessed to be able to house sit for the last month for some fellow missionaries who spent the holidays in the states. However, I still have 4 months to go before my time in Costa Rica is up so, I will be moving to an apartment Dec. 31st ( around there!) Please do keep this situation in your prayers, I am still a little nervous about the apartment and in need of working out some nutritional issues.

As the New Year approaches I pray all of you will be able to not only have American friends in your lives but that God will place national friends in them as well. As well, God will strengthen your example among the nationals!

Time Flys and Friends Do Too!

During my first trimester here in Costa Rica I have been truly blessed to have made some great single missionary friends. However, when missionary is part of your title so is "movement." That is right, along with hellos, there are always those dreadful goodbyes. The best part has been that two of the friends I have gotten closest to, have been either in one of my classes or in my mission so we have been able to become more then just accuantances. Tiffany ( middle of the right picture) is headed to Mexico and Laura ( in the picture on the left) to Argentina, next week. God puts what we need in our lives even when don't realize we need it yet!

Christmas In the City

Christmas is positively in the air in the city of San Jose, Costa Rica. Everywhere is decorated and has been since the beginning of November ( some places started decorating as early as September, when all the left over goodies were onsale from the year before.) However, the greated part of this holiday season is getting to share it with friends!