Happy Holidays!

The Holidays are here! Costa Rica is decorated with Christmas trees, manger scenes, and lots of lights. The weather gets cooler here and the rain stops, which is a nice change for all of us. We even have to bring out the sweaters and scarves at times.
Here is an update on what each of us have been doing lately:

DeLynn
He's been so blessed working with Raul in leading the VIDA220 discipleship school. We have 14 wonderful students that have dedicated 10 months to serving the Lord in Talamanca, Jaco and Omotepe, Nicaragua. We've enjoyed using our bed and breakfast hosting them once a month for a week. We've also enjoyed all the speakers that have put time into giving of themselves. We're seeing huge changes in the lives of these young people. This ministry is a dream come true for DeLynn.
Raul and Kimi, the directors of this ministry, are doing an excellent job with the students. They have sacrificed so much time, love and effort. We love them very much. They are getting ready to visit the States this week. This is Raul's first time to the United States. So if you see him, give him a big warm welcome!
Another highlight this year for DeLynn is being the leader of a men's small group at our church. He has been blessed by the friendships being developed.

Gloria
Gloria has had fun decorating the house for the holidays, first for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas. We enjoyed having a huge Thanksgiving meal and Christmas dinner with the VIDA220 students before they leave for their Christmas break.
She LOVES being grandma to Dylan. He loves when grandma reads him books and puts him to sleep!

Carmelinda
Carmelinda is taller than Gloria! She played basketball this past semester and loved it! Next semester she's planning on playing volleyball. When she's not doing homework, she's listening to Adventures in Odessey, doing some kind of craft project or playing basketball outside.
She is an excellent student and loves her friends at school and at church. We love watching her grow and continue to pray that God leads her as His disciple.

Katherine and Dylan
Everyday, Katherine is learning what it means to be a mom. If you are a mom, you know some days are better than others. The love she has for Dylan is obvious.
She has experience many new things in living with us like eating casseroles, baking cakes, celebrating Thanksgiving and decorating for Christmas.
God is also doing an amazing work in her heart. It's rewarding to see the change that is being bought about.
Dylan is 4 months old now. He's starting to slobber! He's the cutest kid on the block! He gets lots of attention and love by our family as well as by the VIDA220 students. He's at the stage where he recognizes us and smiles and coos when he's happy!

We look forward to spending Christmas and New Years in Costa Rica this year. We always miss our families but we know this is where God wants us for now. Blessings to all of you this Holiday season.