May 2014 Prayer Letter

Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings from Costa Rica! Last month, we made the transition from life in the states to life in Central America! We started the month by finishing a 17 hour drive home from Peabody, MA. After being gone for over a month, we had to catch up on a few things at home. Next, our mission was to begin trimming down our possessions dramatically. You never know how much stuff you accumulate, until it's time to put it all in a few suitcases and kiss the rest goodbye! It was also a bit hard for Lila, who did not understand what all of this meant. She kept a good spirit for much of the time and looked forward to getting on the big airplane to flying to Costa Rica!

Early in the month, we took a trip to Atlanta to meet with the Consul of Costa Rica. While gathering the proper documents and certifications felt much like a graduation test, meeting with the consul was much like the commencement! Jeremy's family had a big get-together in GA. His family was a big encouragement and blessing to us. Michelle's family helped watch the girls as we did a lot of work around the house. During the last week or so, we stayed in the prophets chamber at the church. We then had a big yard sale and sold off the vast majority of our things. The hardest thing of all, is to move away from our family and friends. Many people would never understand why we would do this. Jesus said, “every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Though we may say “goodbye,” it is only “goodbye for now.” One day in Heaven, we will see those who heard the Gospel because somebody was willing to follow Jesus.

As we transition into life in Central America, there will be sickness, trials, and many other hardships. We are so thankful for those who diligently pray for us. These are they who know, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” This month, please pray:

1. The Lord to strengthen our bodies as we adjust to life in Costa Rica.

2. The Lord to help us learn the Spanish language

3. The Lord to use us as a witness during our time in Costa Rica.

In Christ,

Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz