Dear Friends and Family,
We hope that you had a wonderful
Thanksgiving. Truly, we all have much to be thankful for. It is hard
to believe it is now the end of 2014. November was an exciting month
for us. First of all, we have now received our Dimex cards which are
our identification of legal residency. Somehow, this make it all feel
a bit more “real.” We were also able to cover much new ground in
our Grammar class. Up until now, our ability to communicate has been
restricted to the grammatical framework that we understand. It is as
if many new doorways have been opened in our ability to communicate
in Spanish. We are determined to put a heavy emphasis upon this time
of preparation because we know it will be essential to our future
ministry. We are now near the end of our 2nd of 3
trimesters. We were also able to attend our first missions conference
in Central America. It is exciting to see churches here with the same
passion to reach the world for Christ.
As I mentioned in our previous
letter, this was our first Thanksgiving out of the country. At our
school, we helped plan a large-scale Thanksgiving event for the
students and staff. At home, we prepared a Thanksgiving dinner and
were able to have some fellow missionaries as well as a family from
our church come over for dinner. Lila now speaks and understands much
more Spanish than ever before. She frequently will sing songs in
Spanish. At times, she easily switches to speaking Spanish. There was
a pre-school Christmas program at our school, and Lila gave quite the
performance as she sang in Spanish! Ellowyn only knows a handful of
words, but she has already said her first Spanish word: Agua! We are
very thankful to have this opportunity to learn a language, a
culture, and especially to bring the Gospel to those who have not
heard.
As you all know, we have had much
difficulty with recurring sicknesses since moving out of the states.
We have a praise that this last month was much better! This month,
please pray for:
1. The Lord to help us in learning the
language the best we can.
2. The Lord to give us direction as we
plan our transition to Nicaragua.
3. The Lord to open doors for us to
serve here during our time in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
November 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We can hardly believe it is already November! School is coming along, and so is our Spanish. Thankfully, we have been able to do very well in our classes. And while it is a good thing to receive correction from our teachers, it is encouraging that we are needing fewer and fewer corrections. We are finding ourselves more and more able to communicate with the public. We are beginning to understand the culture more and more as well. This month, the church we attend will be hosting their annual missions conference. Although this church was previously started by a missionary, it is exciting to see that it has sent forth missionaries into several other countries. It is very encouraging to see the Costa Rican people get involved in missions, just like churches in America.
Last month was a difficult month, and in some ways, we had to learn how to slow down a little bit while Michelle was recovering. She is now doing a little bit better, and though we missed a few days of school, we are effectively back on track. Besides school and church, we have been working on completing our legal residency process in Costa Rica. We have both taken trips to the fingerprint registration office, and this week, we will obtain our Dimex cards (equivalent to US Green Cards). Although, we are over half-way done with our time in Costa Rica, this is a good warm-up for establishing long term residency in Nicaragua. We have now established a good legal contact in Nicaragua. This is going to be our first Thanksgiving away from home. Michelle and some student leaders are working to organize a school-wide Thanksgiving meal for the students here at the school who are away from their families. It will be a great time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us.
We are very thankful for each of you that pray for us every month. It gives us strength to know that there are many who are upholding us in prayer. This month, please pray for:
1. That God will continue to help us learn the language
2. That God will continue to open doors and give us opportunities to share the Gospel here in Costa Rica.
3. That God will help keep our family healthy.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We can hardly believe it is already November! School is coming along, and so is our Spanish. Thankfully, we have been able to do very well in our classes. And while it is a good thing to receive correction from our teachers, it is encouraging that we are needing fewer and fewer corrections. We are finding ourselves more and more able to communicate with the public. We are beginning to understand the culture more and more as well. This month, the church we attend will be hosting their annual missions conference. Although this church was previously started by a missionary, it is exciting to see that it has sent forth missionaries into several other countries. It is very encouraging to see the Costa Rican people get involved in missions, just like churches in America.
Last month was a difficult month, and in some ways, we had to learn how to slow down a little bit while Michelle was recovering. She is now doing a little bit better, and though we missed a few days of school, we are effectively back on track. Besides school and church, we have been working on completing our legal residency process in Costa Rica. We have both taken trips to the fingerprint registration office, and this week, we will obtain our Dimex cards (equivalent to US Green Cards). Although, we are over half-way done with our time in Costa Rica, this is a good warm-up for establishing long term residency in Nicaragua. We have now established a good legal contact in Nicaragua. This is going to be our first Thanksgiving away from home. Michelle and some student leaders are working to organize a school-wide Thanksgiving meal for the students here at the school who are away from their families. It will be a great time to give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us.
We are very thankful for each of you that pray for us every month. It gives us strength to know that there are many who are upholding us in prayer. This month, please pray for:
1. That God will continue to help us learn the language
2. That God will continue to open doors and give us opportunities to share the Gospel here in Costa Rica.
3. That God will help keep our family healthy.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Monday, October 13, 2014
October 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
We are now nearly one month into our second trimester of language school in Costa Rica. We are making modest improvements in our comprehension and ability to speak in Spanish. While we still have many struggles, we are becoming more and more able to communicate. Our coursework is not only helping us to learn the language, but to be prepared to minister in a Spanish speaking country. For example, Jeremy has been able to study and give a presentation (in Spanish) on the history of Roman Catholocism, which is the major religion in Nicaragua. Michelle was able to study and give a presentation on Judaism. We are also required to speak with the locals on a variety of issues, which helps us to learn the culture. Jeremy has been giving weekly devotions in Spanish, and has been able to preach and serve in student council leadership of the language school as well.
Our time in Costa Rica has been a good transition for us. This is the first time we have experienced “Rainy Season,” which is now in full swing! Because there is so much rain, we are staying indoors a little bit more. On the bright side, we are now beginning to use Spanish more around the house. Lila speaks good Spanglish. She frequently asks how to say words in Spanish ,and she enjoys learning. Sometimes, she will begin singing songs that we don't even know. Ellowyn is making growing quickly. She recently started walking and even saying things like “Hi,” “Bye,” “Hey Daddy,” and “Bath!” In October, we will celebrate her 1st birthday! It is our greatest desire to raise our girls up to love the Lord with all their hearts. Near the end of the month, Michelle began having some strange health symptoms. After a couple examinations, she was referred to the hospital for tests on her heart. After two days in the hospital, the results show that her heart is healthy. The doctors found a stomach ulcer, which they believe may be the cause for the strange symptoms. She is now on medication and a special diet.
Last month, we requested prayer for our language school counselor. He has had an amazing recovery- Glory to God! This month, please pray for:
1. The health of our family, especially for Michelle to recover.
2. Our language acquisition
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to be a witness and encouragement.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
We are now nearly one month into our second trimester of language school in Costa Rica. We are making modest improvements in our comprehension and ability to speak in Spanish. While we still have many struggles, we are becoming more and more able to communicate. Our coursework is not only helping us to learn the language, but to be prepared to minister in a Spanish speaking country. For example, Jeremy has been able to study and give a presentation (in Spanish) on the history of Roman Catholocism, which is the major religion in Nicaragua. Michelle was able to study and give a presentation on Judaism. We are also required to speak with the locals on a variety of issues, which helps us to learn the culture. Jeremy has been giving weekly devotions in Spanish, and has been able to preach and serve in student council leadership of the language school as well.
Our time in Costa Rica has been a good transition for us. This is the first time we have experienced “Rainy Season,” which is now in full swing! Because there is so much rain, we are staying indoors a little bit more. On the bright side, we are now beginning to use Spanish more around the house. Lila speaks good Spanglish. She frequently asks how to say words in Spanish ,and she enjoys learning. Sometimes, she will begin singing songs that we don't even know. Ellowyn is making growing quickly. She recently started walking and even saying things like “Hi,” “Bye,” “Hey Daddy,” and “Bath!” In October, we will celebrate her 1st birthday! It is our greatest desire to raise our girls up to love the Lord with all their hearts. Near the end of the month, Michelle began having some strange health symptoms. After a couple examinations, she was referred to the hospital for tests on her heart. After two days in the hospital, the results show that her heart is healthy. The doctors found a stomach ulcer, which they believe may be the cause for the strange symptoms. She is now on medication and a special diet.
Last month, we requested prayer for our language school counselor. He has had an amazing recovery- Glory to God! This month, please pray for:
1. The health of our family, especially for Michelle to recover.
2. Our language acquisition
3. The Lord to provide opportunities to be a witness and encouragement.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Sunday, September 7, 2014
September 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
August has been an exciting and busy
month for us. We have now hit our first major milestone in language
acquisition. We have now completed our first trimester of language
school. Glory to God, Michelle and I received high A's in all of our
classes. Although it is a slow process, we are learning more and more
each day! We have now started our second trimester, and the
difficulty has been cranked up a notch. Our classes are entirely in
Spanish, and any communication in English is forbidden. We are also
required to engage in conversations throughout the community in
Spanish. While we still have a long way to go, we are steadily
getting closer to being able to effectively communicate the Gospel in
Spanish. Until then, we are being sure to stay faithful giving out
tracts, and helping in the church we attend.
In our last letter, we asked you to
pray for Ellie, who had a bronchial infection. Praise the Lord, she
has recovered well. However, Lila was then diagnosed with bronchitis.
After that, Michelle was diagnosed with bronchitis. Jeremy got sick
as well, but managed to recover without seeing a doctor. We are now
all healthy again, so thank you for praying for us. During our break,
Michelle's parents came down to visit us for one week. We enjoyed
being able to introduce them to life in Costa Rica, as well as visit
a local volcano and waterfall garden. Although our double stroller
broke at the end of the trimester, it was a timely blessing that
Michelle's parents brought us another one from the States. During our
2 week break, we were also able to a blessing to incoming students at
the school. We were privileged to help other missionaries adjust to
everyday life here in Costa Rica.
We do have a special and urgent
prayer request. Our campus counselor has recently contracted an
unknown tropical illness/disease that has shut down his liver, and he
is presently in critical condition. This month, will you please pray:
1. For this counselor- That the Lord
heal his body and provide for his family.
2. For our health- That the Lord help
us to stay healthy and able to serve.
3. For our communication- That the
Lord help us to communicate the Gospel in Spanish.
In Christ,
Jeremy,
Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Thursday, July 31, 2014
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
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
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
July 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
This last month, was our second full month in Costa Rica. Our main focus has been upon learning the language. Although we have so much to learn, it is reassuring when native Costa Ricans are surprised how little time we have been learning Spanish! Our heart is to get more and more involved in sharing the Gospel. Despite the fact that our language is limited, we are learning to serve in the ways that we can. Although we can't do everything that we would like to do, we can surely do something. Michelle is now serving in the nursery and Jeremy will be helping with the Vacation Bible School at the church we attend. We are looking for more opportunities to help in the ways that we can.
Although we were able to stay healthy most of the month, we were ill once again in the end of the month. Thankfully, this is just a regular part of the process of adapting our bodies to a new country. Our girls are adjusting quite well. Ellie is now crawling everywhere and pulling up on things. Lila has become much more inquisitive. Although her understanding is very limited, she frequently asks for stories about Jesus, Abraham, Samson, and other Bible characters. Our greatest desire for them is that they learn to know the love of God and cultivate a relationship with Christ at a young age.
This last month, it was encouraging to hear from many individuals who sent us emails to let us know they were praying for us. We are so thankful for all of the financial and prayer support that we receive. The apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel...” We are so thankful that you all are partakers in the Gospel and that your sacrifice will bring forth an eternal reward. This month, please pray...
1. That we acquire the language quickly.
2. That the Lord guide us in which ways to serve him until we are fluent.
3. That the Lord aid our bodies in adjusting to life in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
This last month, was our second full month in Costa Rica. Our main focus has been upon learning the language. Although we have so much to learn, it is reassuring when native Costa Ricans are surprised how little time we have been learning Spanish! Our heart is to get more and more involved in sharing the Gospel. Despite the fact that our language is limited, we are learning to serve in the ways that we can. Although we can't do everything that we would like to do, we can surely do something. Michelle is now serving in the nursery and Jeremy will be helping with the Vacation Bible School at the church we attend. We are looking for more opportunities to help in the ways that we can.
Although we were able to stay healthy most of the month, we were ill once again in the end of the month. Thankfully, this is just a regular part of the process of adapting our bodies to a new country. Our girls are adjusting quite well. Ellie is now crawling everywhere and pulling up on things. Lila has become much more inquisitive. Although her understanding is very limited, she frequently asks for stories about Jesus, Abraham, Samson, and other Bible characters. Our greatest desire for them is that they learn to know the love of God and cultivate a relationship with Christ at a young age.
This last month, it was encouraging to hear from many individuals who sent us emails to let us know they were praying for us. We are so thankful for all of the financial and prayer support that we receive. The apostle Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel...” We are so thankful that you all are partakers in the Gospel and that your sacrifice will bring forth an eternal reward. This month, please pray...
1. That we acquire the language quickly.
2. That the Lord guide us in which ways to serve him until we are fluent.
3. That the Lord aid our bodies in adjusting to life in Costa Rica.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
June 2014 Prayer Letter
Dear Friends and Family,
Last month was our first full month
in Costa Rica. So much has happened, it's hard to know where to
begin! First, we are both now taking full-time Spanish courses. We
have also found a Spanish speaking church to attend. Due to our
present lack of language, our ability to share the Gospel is somewhat
limited. However, we are learning quickly! For now, we are staying
active in giving out Gospel tracts, but we long for the day when we
can communicate the Gospel in Spanish. For the time being, we are
trying to encourage and minister to other students at the language
school, as many of them will also be missionaries in Central America.
Our first full month in Central
America could be characterized by the following word: “Adjustment.”
For the first two weeks, everyone except Ellowyn endured sickness.
After a couple weeks and a doctor visit, we are now much better!
Another thing we had to adjust to was the cost. Nearly everything is
significantly more expensive than the USA. However, there are a few
things of interest that are cheaper: Coffee and pineapples.
Thankfully, we love them both! While it may seem that life is slower,
we find ourselves having less time because common tasks often take
more time. Another change of pace is the result of using public
transportation. Speaking of transportation, our daughter Ellowyn is
now getting around by means of crawling! Despite all of our
adjustments, our greatest desire is to allow God to use us while we
are here in Costa Rica!
We are so thankful to have many
churches and individuals who pray for us regularly. This month,
please pray for the following:
1. For our family, as we adjust to a
new country, language, and lifestyle.
2. That the Lord will guide us in ways
to be used of Him even before we can fully communicate in Spanish.
3. That the Lord will allow us to
quickly acquire the Spanish Language.
In Christ,
Jeremy, Michelle, Lila, and Ellowyn Blanz
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