We are praying for Gods work through you team.

We are also praying for your safety, and spiritual growth.

vinwman, Buffalo14

Last Day... AHHHHHHH

Hey Guys, this is Lisa. Just wanted to let you know about what has happened today.

Well, for one thing, we had to say goodbye to the kids without them realizing we weren't coming back. It was hard because I can imagine how they will look tomorrow when they realize we won't be coming. They just continued on like they were counting on us to be there the next day. That is mostly because the group here has another day with them. The adults however, knew we where going. Fernando was crying today. It was especially funny because Norma was just smiling at us. Does that hint at something ?????? :P

I hope to see you all soon. Megan's, Charis', and Sharla's friends say hi. Oh, and Aleisia's (sorry I spelled that wrong :{

byee!!!!

Sunday at the Market

Today we immersed ourselves a bit more in Costa Rican culture. We went to the farmer's market in San Rafael. We tasted some local delicacies and did a bit of shopping. The cups in the photo are the Rural Costa Rican version of a slushy. Made from sliced fruit and sugar cane ground up right before your eyes. The Spruce Grove gang did street ministry in the central park in San Rafael.

The picture of the little girl was taken in the park near the market. She was throwing the bird seed into the air with such reckless abandon that she was drawing a crowd of onlookers. Its neat to see Ticos willing to thoroughly enjoy simple pleasures of life like hanging out at the park with friends, meeting new friends, or feeding the birds. We've really grown to love this country and its warm and engaging people. Verna's brain won't stop planning for next year.

All the local staff send their best wishes as well. Suzy, Alvaro, and Tiffany are pictured above just hanging out with us on a lazy Sunday afternoon at YWAM Heredia. Just waiting for the cow bell to call us to dinner. Wish you were all here with us still.

The Dahlke's

Work continues in Guarari

Today in Guarari, we helped rebuild the fence by the community center. We also installed a gate so the kids can use that space as a playground.

There were about 90 kids in VBS today. More of the kids were asking about members of our group and were disappointed when we had to tell them that you are all in Canada. Charis' friend wanted to say hi as well as Megan's. Vince's gaggle of girls seemed to be lost without him.

Some of the adults visited Dona-Marina's house and Rosita's house. They have problems with leaking roofs and their kids are getting sick. The last picture was taken inside Rosita's house. You can see the gaps where the water comes in. The group plans to make repairs to the roof on Monday. Dona-Marina and Rosita are mother and daughter. They are the ladies in the picture with Verna in the last post.

It is raining again, like every afternoon. Yesterday, the rain decided to come down extra hard. We all got soaked.

We took Phil out for dinner last night to say goodbye. He flew back to Seattle this morning. But I think he likes us so much that he might just stop to visit us in Red Deer sometime.

We hope you are all doing well. God Bless,

LISA!!!! and glen.

Spruce Grove Alliance in Guarari

Today we went back to Gaurari with the Spruce Grove group. Not very many kids. Our group had the luxury of being here when kids were on break from school. Tomorrow should be much more crowded. Crossroads Youth Misssion guys will probably recognize some familiar faces in the crowd.

Josue asked if Josh was coming and was very disappointed when we told him Josh was in Canada. Megan's little friend also asked if Megan was coming back tomorrow.

Last night Mario gave a concert for the group. Alvaro and Monica also say hi. Phil is leaving for Saskatchewan tomorrow. Shannon went home two days ago. We'll be home next week.

Its great to see the kids again but not the same without the rest of our group here.

The Dahlke's

The latest from the Dahlke's

We've had a busy week serving the guys that were here working on a water purification system and getting ready for the Spruce Grove group. We took a much needed break to the beach last weekend to recuperate. Davalyn, Tiffany, and Jenny travelled with us to a little secluded beach called Palo Seco. We swam in the Pacific Ocean, dug for crabs and walked through the jungle. We saw two different kinds of monkeys, sloths, alligators, lizards, butterflys . . . . But mostly we just relaxed and recharged.

In the photo with Glen in the jungle you can see a spider monkey just inches above his head. The group shot in the restaraunt was taken at Manuel Antonio park. The restaurant has no walls and is suspended over a cliff in the rain forest. We had our meal during a down pour.

The Spruce Grove group arrived last night. They are doing the same training we did three weeks ago. This afternoon they are in downtown Heredia on the cultural immersion exercise just like we did. Its neat to see this group coming back each year to do the same work. About 5 or 6 of their group are here for the third year in a row and several more are here for their second time. They go to Guarari to serve with Fernando & Norma on Friday.

Already we have had some interesting discussions with the group leaders about their long range vision to support the work that is going on here. Two of their board members are here now and several others have been here before as well as their youth pator and senior pastor. They have made a commitment for regular financial support as well as their moral support through their presence here. Our hope is that Crossroads Church will follow their lead and remain involved for the long haul.

The Dahlke's

Yesterday we went to Norma and Fernando´s house for a visit. We delivered the computer and stayed for coffee. In Costa Rica "coffee" is a major meal. They fed us Guacamoli and chips, sweet corn bread, stuffed figs, and this chocolate coconut thingy.

The pictures are from our Saturday visit to Guarari and yesterday at Fernando and Norma´s house. The little girl is wearing Mister Vince´s headband as a skirt.

Today has been more goat duty and meal prep and clean up.

Lisa & Glen