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Thoughts on learning to Surf
Two years ago Jeanne and I were preparing to move to
Costa Rica. We had been to Costa Rica and even Puerto Viejo, but nearly six
years earlier. Our recollection of where
we would soon be serving had faded. In many ways it was like going to a place
we had never been. During our preparation time in Phoenix, I (Paul), discovered
Fuel T.V., a cable show devoted to board sports. I started learning to surf
even then as I watched professional surfers take off on huge (sometimes the
size of a two-story house) waves.
I had the confidence that comes from watching something but none of the
experience. The pros make it look so easy. I soon realized, on my first day of
trying to surf, that it was going to take a lot more practice and patience to
learn. I had no idea what waves to surf or what to do once a wave came. I went
head over tea kettle several times. I scraped my shin on my surfboard. I got
sunburned and felt pretty much like I should focus on some other sport.
I stuck with it though, and little by little, with the
help of some experienced surfers, I can finally start to see which waves are
good and which ones are not. I heard a surf competition coach teaching some of
the really good surfers here that it is not always how well you surf that wins
the competition, it is catching the right waves that separates the amateurs
from the pros.
What am I trying to say? Becoming an
overseas missionary has been harder than we thought it would be. We have made
various mistakes and gone head over tea kettle several times in the past two
years. We have had various scrapes and bruises along the way. At times we
have wondered if we should be thinking of a different vocation. It is always
those times that we take stock in what God has done through us. We have learned
that most of the big hits have happened through personal relationships. We have
een getting better at knowing which waves to catch and which ones to let pass
by.
Surfing has taught me that sometimes God moves us along as waves move a surfer.
Jeanne and I have ridden the wave that brought us to Alternative Missions and
to Puerto Viejo. We have helped start a vision that God will carry out.
However, along with Alternative Missions leadership, we have come to the
realization that this is the right time for us to step back from the current
team and seek God's direction for our next phase as missionaries.
We believe the Lord has confirmed our call to come to
Costa Rica and we want to be available to whatever He has planned. We are sure
it is better than we can ask or imagine.
pvpablo@gmail.com
pvjeanne@gmail.com
011 (506)
750-0595 home
011 (506) 836-8930 cell
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Residency?
About 18 months ago we were meeting with a local expert
on residency in Costa Rica.
He told us that the easiest way to become residents was to have a child born in
Costa Rica. We laughed and told him we had already waited nine years for a
child so he better continue to give us other options. What we didn't know then
was that Jeanne was already pregnant with Azán! God has both blessed us with an
amazing son who reminds us of His goodness every day, and also confirmed that
He wants us in Costa Rica.
Last Tuesday we met with immigration and learned that we are now permanent
residents of Costa Rica!!!! We would like to express special thanks for those
of you who gave towards this specific need. With permanent residency we will be
able to apply for work
permits and thus eventually become more self supported. We also can stay in
Costa Rica for as long as we want without leaving. This will save us much money
and hassle in our
future ministry.
Current plans?
During the next few months Jeanne and I will be praying
for direction as we continue to live and work with the local residents of
Puerto Viejo. We are supportive of Alternative
Mission's vision for Puerto Viejo and pray that the skate park and music café
will be a great success. Finally, most of all, we pray that those we meet will
encounter God's love and choose to believe in Jesus Christ.
Support?
We are grateful for your continued support in prayer,
encouraging letters and financial giving. Currently our financial support will
continue to be processed by Alternative
Missions. Money you send will reach us through the normal channels. However, we
are
speaking with other churches and missions agencies to act as our administrative
and pastoral support. Once we know who is called to partner with us in this
way, we will
notify you.
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