The challenge of readjusting

A seven inch moth in the bedroom. So cool

Things have been pretty interesting here in Costa Rica since we have been back. The rainy season is in full swing and it is dumping rain as i write. Meanwhile, Zachariah is sitting next to me playing a computer game using a crab to throw coconuts and break stuff. Over all we are finally starting to get resettled about our return from the States. August was pretty emotional as we readjusted to being in Central America. Not that we are fully adjusted yet.

Zachariah showing off his muscles!

Karen has been working like crazy getting ready for the next quarter which starts in three weeks. We have a number of staff members that are going to be getting some more training and will not be available for the daily operation of the base. As well we are still going through the growing pains of moving from being a small base to a medium size one. This means lots of headaches as we figure out why we do the things we do and how we can do them better.

The leadership team of the base has been meeting weekly as we have been facing a lot of changes stemming from the rapid growth of YWAM San Jose. There are so many people coming and going, wanting to serve and come and study with us and it has been a real challenge to give order to the potential chaos. We want to use what God has given us to the greatest of our ability.

The boys are doing well although we have two scares with Gabriel this last month. He injured a muscle in his leg while paying at school and was in a lot of pain. We decided to take him in to the doctor to see if any permanent damage was done and so far he seems to be fine. A few days after the leg incident Gabriel started complaining of severe stomach cramps. After consulting my dad, who is an RN, we decided to take him back into the hospital thinking that the pain could be his appendix. We thank God it wasn't, but only a bad infection in his throat that had spread to the lymph nodes. After a good round of antibiotics he is feeling much better.

All our doctors visits, in addition to our resent car repairs, has meant a lot of extra expenses for the month. (almost $1000) So if anyone would like to make a special donation we would really appreciate it!

Our next major event is the upcoming Bible Core Course which for those of you who are new to our blog is a 12 week intensive bible study course that we started at YWAM San Jose last year. Our second school of this year is set to begin in exactly three weeks. At this point we have 8 students enrolled, from the USA, Canada, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Germany. We actually had several more that want to take the school but since have only 2 staff members (myself and one other) we had to turn them down. I hate telling people no but with only two staff we will have a difficult time keeping up with all the homework that the students will produce.

As we get back into life here is Costa Rica we are excited about this next phase but at the same time we know what a strain it is on the family and we covet your prayers. If you get a chance check out the pray requests section at the top of the page.

Many blessings in Christ,

Douglas, Karen, Gabriel and Zachariah