News from Judith and Alekcey: Open Doors and Stained Glass Windows

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

I Corinthians 2:9

Dear family and friends,

Each year has its unique challenges and blessings (these are not mutually exclusive), and this year is no different. We continue to be amazed at God's timing in opening doors that had been shut, while at the same time closing other chapters in our lives. We try to be sensitive to what He is leading us to do, and not just assume the direction we should take.

One of the doors God has reopened recently (more like flung open) has been the proposal for changing the government healthcare model for the Cabecar people in this area. When we first felt the need to start thinking about this (aprox. 4 yrs ago), we thought, "The need is obvious, but how are we ever going to be in a position to change this?" . Well, thank goodness that we don't have to see the big picture in order to be obedient, and after all these years, God has opened up the door to work with the higher government healthcare officials and present the proposal in the next 1-2 weeks. This is just the beginning, and there is much work to follow; but we are encouraged by what has been taking place.

Here is another door that is being opened: Any of you who know us know that we are always full of ideas and dreams. One that we had often considered as an "impossible dream" was a helicopter transport service for health and infrastructure reasons in the remote access areas of the reservation.

We won't bore you with the intricate details, but here it is in a nutshell. A month ago we were blessed by a visit of two U.S. helicopter pilots who are exploring the possibility of moving to Costa Rica with their families as full-time missionaries to start a self-sustaining helicopter program. This program will provide rotor-wing medevac and transport services under Hospital Clinica Biblica, with the profits going to serve the underserved in remote access areas of Costa Rica (mainly, the Chirripo and Talamanca indigenous territories). These pilots have a wealth of abilities and information (both ex-military - one has even flown in our mountains before), and are humbly seeking God's direction for their lives in this area. We are still in the early stages, and need a helicopter, but look forward to seeing how God directs and provides in all of this.

Judith continues to lead the Art Mentorship Program in Tsipiri with adolescent Cabecar girls. It has been a blessing to study God's word, pray, and work together. This year the girls are working on a series of four stained glass windows for the Tsipiri church. It has been slow going, but the process of growing together has been wonderful.

During Semana Santa (Holy Week) this year, we were able to visit a few of the girl's homes and be a part of the baptism celebration a couple of the girl's brothers in the Chirripo river (along with Philip Jones and family). It was a really wonderful time, with opportunity to deepen relationships as we shared time together on the hikes, in their homes, and, of course, in the river.

One of God's special blessings to us this year was the opportunity to share with Judith's sister Jill's family, who were here for several weeks. Jill and her seven kids adapted well to Costa Rican life, and seemed to particularly relish "jungle" life on their visits to Paso Marcos and Tsipiri. The girl's in Judith's art class really enjoyed some organized games with Jill and the kids - which were sometimes slightly changed in order to fit the context. Case in point: one item of a scavenger hunt was to bring back a live chicken in a sack - boy did the kids have fun with that one.

In March, a couple of dear friends (and ICDI founders) from San Antonio visited us: Ron Sweet, who had some very interesting adventures on his own with the natives on the reservation, and Terri Kruse, who shared her musical skills by giving guitar lessons in and around the community of Paso Marcos. One of the great blessings of their visit was seeing their personal ministry and relationships with the local people taking off (our involvement was minimal). There are many people in the community who are looking forward to their return.

Last, but definitely not least, we have been blessed to have the Long family join the work permanently in Paso Marcos. Since their April 20th arrival, there have been three family units (plus volunteers/teams coming in and out) living at the Centro Emanuel in Paso Marcos. It has certainly had its challenges, but our prayers and striving for unity have brought us together in a wonderfully unique way.

We look forward to where this journey continues to take us all.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.

Enjoy the pics below!