CR Reflections - Jan, 2009


Many people begin the New Year by giving thanks for the blessings they received in the old one. This tradition seems especially appropriate for us, since we’ll be celebrating our 1st year of missionary service in Costa Rica on January 3, 2009! In this letter, we’ve decided to borrow a technique made famous by TV show host, David Letterman, to share with you only our “Top 10 praises.” To us, each & every one is a blessing—maybe even a small miracle—to give great praise for. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (Hope it’s Costa Rican!), and praise!

The Happs’ Top 10 Reasons to Praise God for 2008:
10. Rainy season has finally ended! So while you’re shoveling & freezing, we get our summer! (Sorry.)
9. We took our first family vacation in 1 1/2 years, 4 marvelous days on the Caribbean Coast, where we had the beach almost entirely to ourselves. From the beach, we saw anemones, sea urchins, & even an eel!
8. Meghan is doing extremely well at Moody—being challenged & encouraged as she prepares to spend the rest of her life serving the Lord. She has a godly boyfriend of whom we heartily approve, and their courtship has been truly God honoring.
7. Lindsay continues to get straight A’s as a sophomore, and as a “veteran” to life in Latin America, to moving, to saying goodbye, etc., she’s been a blessing to all the students who are at her school only until their parents complete language training and move on to their country of service.
6. We’ve finally discovered the right combination of medicines & activities to keep Jordan from getting tonsillitis during rainy season! She’s been healthy since August, and she continues to bring us great joy.
5. Marcette has enjoyed the missionary women’s Bible Study she’s been attending, but she’s really looking forward to joining a new one this year with more Costa Ricans, some of whom are neighbors of ours. One even has a daughter about Jordan’s age!
4. Henry has had great success as the IT Director of LATN, and he enjoys the work. For once, he’s working in his “sweet spot”!
3. We’ve finally found a church! After 11 months of searching, we’ve finally found one nearby with sound doctrine, engaging worship, and a nursery!
2. Though our support needs have greatly increased this year, the Lord continues to provide. Many thanks to those who have increased their support for us this year!
1. And the number one reason to praise God for 2008: This is the year that Henry’s mom came to know Jesus as her Savior! Though we miss her terribly, we rejoice in the fact that we’ll see her again in Eternity.

We thank God for allowing us to continue serving Him in Latin America. Please continue to pray for us and our team as the ministry grows. We truly feel that we are on the cusp of great & exciting developments. 2009 is shaping up to be a banner year for LATN, and we need your prayers now more than ever!

May you be blessed in great & wonderful ways this New Year!

In His Grace,
Henry, Marcette, Meghan, Lindsay, & Jordan

Prayer & Praise
· Praise God for His blessings & provision.
· Pray for LATN’s 57 continuing students in 14 countries to do well in their classes & serve God with integrity.
· Pray for our continued protection and guidance.

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