Costa Rica
During January, we got the opportunity to return to Costa Rica to see how the kids and grandma are doing. We found them all doing well and it seems that they have adjusted well to their new living situation. Grandma and one of her other daughters are doing a fantastic job taking care of them.
While we were there, we saw other local people have been helping them with some food and supplies. It was nice to see the local community stepping up to help out this precious family. This also freed up our resources to work on other needs. Because of your generosity, we were able to purchase school uniforms, school shoes, and clothes for some of the children. The children wanted to have ice cream while we were there (what a shock), so we had an impromptu ice cream party. Even though it seems the children have adjusted well, we know that they still miss their moms and we would appreciate your continued prayers for them.
As for the moms, we are told they are doing well. We wanted to visit the moms in prison, but when we were in San José the only visitation day was the day we were flying out of Costa Rica to Honduras. We were able to talk to one of the moms and she was very grateful for all of the help people have been giving to her children. She also sounded well and it seems that this situation is changing her for the better. The moms have finally been sentenced and they received a year in jail. However, since they have already been in jail for six months, they only have to serve six months more. They should be released sometime in September of this year.
Recently we were talking to Grandma and she said that the moms could be released from jail soon. In order for them to be released early, they have to get a job and then they will also receive some additional help once they have jobs. However, if they don’t get a job then they won’t get any additional help.
You may be wondering how can they find a job if they are in prison. Well, the good news is that the Costa Rica women’s prison does a lot to help rehabilitate women. We believe one of the programs is helping them get jobs so they can change their lives. Please continue to pray for these moms.
While we were in Coco, we were able to stay with some of our local friends. This was a big blessing to us. Not only did we have a place to stay, but we also had lots of time to practice our Spanish because they speak very little English.
Honduras
In February, we went to Honduras. This trip was primarily a fact finding trip. One of the main reasons that we went to Honduras was to talk to a builder about the possibility of building on the property that we were offered to use rent free.
We found out that it was possible to build, but we still needed to work out a few details. Things like getting water and electricity to the property and also fixing the road to the property so we could get building supplies to the location. Even though the costs were rising, we still had hope on building there. However, right before we were to return to the States, we found out that the city had denied us access to hook up to the water. Without city water hook up, the only option that we had left was to drill a well. We returned to the States to pray about what we should do and also to talk with our board and get their advice. We all came to the same conclusion. Drilling a well was not an option and also the money we would be investing in this property was just too much for a property that did not belong to our ministry. We are thankful for the opportunity that we were given and are sorry that it did not work out, but we know that this is for the better.
Another thing that we discovered while we were in Honduras was that we would definitely need to buy a 4x4 truck or SUV. We rented a car while we were there and quickly discovered that this was a big mistake. Once you get away from the city, the roads are no longer paved and are very rocky and mountainous. Because a car sits so low to the ground, it just did not work out well. We were hoping to visit other areas of Honduras while we were there, but we were afraid to because of the roads.
We did find out that we could probably get a vehicle shipped to Honduras for around a thousand dollars. However, because of Honduran laws, the vehicle can not be any older than a 2009. Four wheel drive trucks and SUVs are very expensive in The States, so we are thinking that it will be best to wait and buy a vehicle when we get to Honduras. However, if anyone knows of a really good deal on a vehicle like this or would be willing to donate a vehicle, please let us know.
What's Next
We have submitted our paperwork to join the Honduran Fellowship of Missionaries and Ministries. This is an organization that helps missionaries. Their purpose is to promote unity among missionaries through providing a network of communication and fellowship. They also help missionaries with getting medical insurance and getting their residency in Honduras at reduced rates. We are excited to have found this organization and we have been preliminary approved. We are just waiting on our back ground checks to be completed and then we will be official members. By joining now it will allow us to start working on our residency once we get to Honduras.
***update we are official members of HFMM****
We believe that we are to return to Honduras and rent an apartment or house that is close to the the city of Tegucigalpa. By renting something in this area, we are able to be more centrally located and we will then be able to visit more areas of Honduras. This will allow us to take our time and find the right area that God wants us in.
You might be wondering when are we going to return to Honduras and that is a good question. Right now we are needed in The States because Cindy's mom will be having cataract surgery on both of her eyes and there is also a possibility that our son will need to have a surgery to help with his acid reflux. We will start to make plans to return to Honduras once these surgeries are done and we are no longer needed.
We want to thank you for your continued prayers, love and financial support. We know that we would not be able to do any of this if we did not have your support. If you feel lead to give to our ministry you can click here to donate online or you can mail a check to the address at the bottom of page. Also, anther way that you can support us is when you shop on Amazon use our Love Changes All AmazonSmile link and we will receive a donation from Amazon at no cost to you.
Love and Blessings,
John & Cindy Thalheimer
