praise report

well, we have been here for two months, and besides my language skills, it feels a little more like two years, but in a good way. this week, God has shown a lot of favor upon us...opening doors for new friends, connections within the community, and jobs.

right now, the Manuel Antonio Expo is happening. As I understand it, it is a way to get the top people, agencies, hotels, etc. connected in the tourism world here. people are sharing information and sharing thier vision to help manuel antionio to become more of a tourist destination and to bring this community together. connections, connections. well, somehow Kim got a booth for the association, (for the center) to get donations, get the word out to the community and other agencies. this is a great opportunity.

jared, and others have been working hard to put together a movie to show the progression of the center from day one. (it is a great video). Last night, i went with jared and kim and his wife to a evening of presentations for the expo. one guy basically shared a strategic plan for manuel antionio and the other lady represented an angency helping to stop human trafficing here, especially within the tourist realm. then, kim shared the DVD of the progression of the center and spoke a little about the center. at the end of his brief update about the center, there was a time for questions. there were no questions, just an applause for what Kim has been doing.

being involved in the expo is such a great opportunity...especially so early in our time here. jared has been able to meet the top hotel owners and even begin friendships. he also realized that he has been going to the gym with a lot of the men, and never knew who they were before :)

tonight, jared will be speaking and sharing a little about the center. please pray for that time.

yesterday, i met up with one of my friends for coffee. it was a good time of sharing and laughing. during our time, she asked how long i was planning to be here, and i told her atleast two years. then, she was trying to talk me into living here for long time, like her and her husband.

also, this week at school, there has been a lot of talk about the upcoming school year (the school year ends in december). i had a short meeting with the principal to give him my resume and university degrees. he saw i have a specialty in science and mentioned that the school is planning on teaching some science in english next year...which would be awesome! i also found out that the principal is counting on me for next year...which is also good news.

unfortunately, the school is new and there is A LOT of teacher turnover. however, i hope to stick it out and help to develop the school in whatever areas i can. we are really wanting to build the english program, so please pray for direction in that.

so all this to say, God has been doing more confirming for me, for us. i know we are called to be here, and this all just helps. i wouldve never expected all this to happen so soon. praise God. he is really bringing us into this community and we are fitting in well. thank you for your prayers, they are necessary and very helpful. it is hard being away from friends and family, and your prayers help.

we will post pictures from this weekend and other things soon.

oh yeah! kim found a hosuse for the guys! it is a good price, and will house about 15 men. praise the Lord. hopefully it all works out, it has been a long process to find another house, but all in His timing.