What a difference it made returning to the Spanish Language Institute as a guest, rather than a student! Not that we were treated differently, but we were much more relaxed and able to enjoy our time there. Instead of studying on the terrace as was our custom between classes when we were students three years ago, we simply appreciated the view.
It was an honor for Dave to be one of the speakers at the Spiritual Emphasis Week the institute holds for its students each trimester. He had been invited by Stu and Ruthanne Batstone of World Harvest Mission to join them in bringing messages of repentance and faith to the student body. The majority of the students are prospective missionaries, but even missionaries need to learn to repent and turn again in faith to a loving Father who waits to welcome them back. In addition to the chapel times, we were able to interact with students as they invited us to join them for meals. We’re thankful for each conversation.
We were happy to find many of our teachers still at the institute and enjoyed catching up with them. There were also several fellow students who stayed on as missionaries in Costa Rica whom we visited. What a rich time we had recalling memories from our student days and being encouraged as we see God blessing their current ministries.
We were especially thankful that Ben was able to reconnect with some special friends he had made when we lived in Costa Rica. He even had an opportunity to attend the English speaking Saturday night youth group at AMCA house.
Last, but not least, we enjoyed a few days at the beach, thanks to a car loan from a friend. One might get tired of the daily rain, the humidity, and the darkness settling in at 6:00 p.m. year round, but one would never get tired of the beaches or the lush colors of the tropical rainforests.It was great to be a visitor back in Costa Rica!
Dear Dave and Esther:
Wherever you are, you have a way of making it look so colorful and wonderful. How thankful we are that you enjoyed a great time in Costa Rica and are now able to be with many of your family members for the special events this time of year. Thank you for sharing these memorable times with us.
With Love from Linda and Your Friends at Shore Points Pres. Church
AHHHH! So wonderful. I miss my time in Costa Rica and am jealous that you got to go back and visit! It looks the same… and how cool that you got to see old friends. I remember all the faces in these pictures (esp Ale!)
It was not the same without you and the Garcia gang, but sweet nonetheless.