Learning New Ways

My heads spins when I think about everything that has happened in the past two weeks. We boarded a plane in Reno, Nevada and that same evening landed in San Jose, Costa Rica. We met many of the wonderful members of our new church family: the English Christian Fellowship. We ministered in our first worship service. We rented a house which we will occupy on September 1. We acquired Costa Rican phones. We opened a Costa Rican bank account. We’ve found a vehicle that we are in the process of purchasing. We’ve identified some furniture items to purchase. And I even found a superb lap pool and was able to get in three swims.

Our days have been filled with hustle and bustle trying to get settled and lots of waiting. Each step has required learning new ways of doing things. For example, this week I went to the bank four days in a row because I keep discovering new things that I missed earlier. The good news is I’m now on a first name basis with the bank employees and we’re having fun chattering together about life!

The other day at lunch Pam, with a huge smile, said, “I love being here!” She’s enjoying sleeping with the windows open every night, the cool air, the fresh fruit and the adventure of learning new ways of doing things. Millie has also been a rock star. She traveled on the plane without any problems and is having fun exploring all the new sights and smells.

From the outset, Pam and I have said that we did not want to rest on our laurels and live on “cruise control.” Putting ourselves in an new entirely context for life and ministry has accelerated our learning curve to warp speed. For example, it is the rainy season in Costa Rica and yesterday we drove (slowly) through a torrential downpour the likes of which neither of us had ever seen. Apparently, it even shook up the locals because the rain’s intensity blew up local social media posts.  While we were driving, I grinned and looked over at Pam (who was not smiling) and said, “Well, we wanted adventure! Here it is!”

This Sunday I begin a new 13-week series through Nehemiah. If you want to follow along, the messages will be posted on ECF’s website.

Please continue to pray for our settling in. Pray that we would listen carefully, love well and serve joyfully.

Peace and blessing ~ Steve