"Chubby Bunny"

     We are four weeks deep into our final trimester of language school. Our hearts are preparing to say goodbye to close friends and dear teachers in just a few weeks. We are also ready to see many cherished friends and family in the States when we visit in December. And finally, our hearts are bursting at the seams to arrive in Mexico and begin our journey in ministry as a family.   

      As for right now, the idea of treading water comes to mind, but at least we are above the water. Each trimester has presented its own difficulties and successes. We can now do more than just ask “where is the bathroom?” in Spanish. The best analogy that I can think of is Chubby Bunny:

     Several years ago, as a youth, I was introduced to the game Chubby Bunny. In the game each person takes a marshmallow and puts it inside of their mouth. To be able to continue, the person must say, “Chubby Bunny”.  Each round requires you to put another marshmallow in your mouth. The first few rounds are fairly easy, but as the game progresses it gets harder and harder to say the words because your mouth becomes fuller and fuller. For the past nine months, this has been how it has felt to learn how to speak Spanish. There are other similarities to “Chubby Bunny” and language learning. Frist of all, you have to be willing to laugh at yourself. No matter how foolish it may feel to try and speak, it is important to try. Next, you have to accept that others are going to laugh at you. This is not meant to be rude or uncaring, in most cases, it is just funny. In addition, you should realize ahead of time that things might get a little messy. Finally, you have to encourage others. There are times when you just can’t take anymore and you spit out the marshmallows, but this is not the end. That time is when it is meant to encourage others to continue to try. All along in the back of your mind, you realize that it was so much fun, you are ready to do it again.

Blessed beyond the curse,
<>

Ordained Appointments

Shoulder story: For the past 8 months my shoulder has been giving me problems. I have continued to stay active with sports and the gym, but I knew that something was not right with it. On Tuesday, Sept 3, I went to see the doctor at our language school. He recommended that I get an MRI. I made and appointment for the next day to have the MRI and in the same day, I made and appointment to see the Orthopedic Surgeon on Friday, Sept 6. During my visit to the surgeon, I discovered that I had shoulder impingement and a SLAP tear. He recommended that I have surgery. We scheduled it for the following Friday.    

A brief history: We have been in Costa Rica for the past 10 months studying Spanish. We just started our third trimester of language school two weeks ago. In August, we said goodbye to many friends at the school, because they moved on after graduation; however, we also got to begin new friendships with the incoming class of students.

God’s orchestration:  Each Monday we have a Bible study during our break at language school and the last thing we do is take prayer request. I ask for prayer for my shoulder and for my upcoming surgery. After our study, I was approached by one of the new students, Doug.  He asked me what was wrong with my shoulder. I was able to share with him about my issue and he then told me that he is an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in shoulder repair and people with my same problem. Back in the states, part of his work included working with professional baseball teams to help with SLAP tears and shoulder impingement.  He told me that he would be glad to help in any way and that he would pray for me. I was grateful for his willingness to help, but also somewhat apprehensive, because I had just recently met him.  The following day after our chapel services, another new student approached me, Matt. He told me that back in the States he was a physical therapist and that if I needed any help with therapy, he would be glad to help. (During all of this time, I just didn’t have a good feeling about the surgery) Thursday, I had the opportunity to preach and give my testimony in Chapel. Afterwards, Doug came back to me and asked how I was doing. He said that he had been praying the past few days and he did not have a good feeling about the surgery. I told him that I would talk to my primary care doctor at the school that morning and talk with him about all my new information. Doug came to my house and looked at my MRI. He confirmed everything that the other surgeon had said, but he also said that over the past 5 years that the way that they rehabilitate these types of injuries have changed greatly.  Most can be rehabbed. That afternoon all three doctors, Deb and I met and talked about my options. We decided that we would attempt a cortisone shot and rehab.  Right before I got the shot and afterwards the two surgeons and myself took time to pray together.
Tomorrow, I start physical therapy with Matt and Doug. In the past 10 months I have come to learn much about the Spanish language, but I think I have learned more about the mercies of God.

A recap: God is in control…