August 2013 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

August is here and we are near the end of our first trimester of language school in Costa Rica. Michelle and I are both in full time language study. We are making considerable progress, but still have a long way to go. At the church we attend, Michelle is helping with the nursery. Jeremy was able to help with the Vacation Bible School. Each day, there was between 500-700 children. Jeremy was able to help out with security and take notes on how the church ran the VBS. It was a great opportunity for him to practice his Spanish, build relationships with the church members, and get involved in serving in a Spanish speaking church. During the course of the week, many children expressed interest in salvation and received individual counseling. Jeremy also learned that there will be another VBS in January, and he is looking forward to being able to be much more involved.

In many ways, we are adjusting to life in Costa Rica. It is a gradual process, but we are becoming more capable of communicating in Spanish. Our girls are also adapting well. Lila is also learning some Spanish. One day, as we rode in a taxi, Lila attempted to tell the driver where to turn to get to our house. Ellie also provides many opportunities for us to speak to people that we come across. Near the end of the month, Ellie came down with a bronchial infection requires antibiotics. Please pray that she has a good recovery.

We are so thankful for each of you that pray for us on a regular basis. This month, we will finish our first trimester of language school. We look forward to being able to use what we have learned much more during the break between trimesters. This month, please pray:

1. That we will quickly learn the language and be able to effectively communicate the Gospel.
2. The Lord continue to guide us in how to serve him as we learn the language.
3. The Lord give us physical health us we continue to adapt here in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz