Retreat

Paul and Bridget on retreat near Poas Volcano.

July 14 was the two-year mark for us coming to Costa Rica, and we planned a retreat for a few days at the end of July. Some friends recommended Los Pastos Oasis. It is affiliated with Life Impact, a ministry who’s headquarters is in Bend, Oregon. They have houses around the world and offer rest and refreshment specifically to pastors and missionaries. Los Pastos Oasis is about a two and a half hour bus ride northwest of us, at the base of Poas Volcano.

Before we departed on retreat, we helped a friend clean her new apartment. Since we were leaving town the next day, we left all of the cleaning supplies with our friend in case she might need them. The funny thing is I (Bridget) usually clean the house from top to 

The casita (guest house) at Los Pastos Oasis.

bottom before we go out of town. I kept trying to sweep and mop the floor or scrub the bathroom. I was becoming very aware of how much time I spend cleaning. Even when we were at Los Pastos Oasis, it was the same thing again except Ericka Harris, our hostess, cooked for us and washed all the dishes. Friends and family will attest to the fact that I like to jump in and help with the meal preparation and clean up. Then on the third day of retreat, we were given an outline for a time of silence with God. So that afternoon I got out my Bible and sat and listened to God. He brought to mind the story of Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. While Jesus was visiting these sisters, Martha was worried about getting everything ready for her guests, but Mary was sitting at Jesus’ feet. Jesus gently reprimanded Martha and said Mary had chosen the good part, by listening to Jesus teach. It was a good reminder and I am trying to set aside time each day to just listen to God.

Our hosts, the Harris family and Oso (Bear).

Los Pastos Oasis, being at a higher altitude, has a wonderful view of the Central San Jose Valley. We arrived just as the clouds were gathering in the evening. A warm sweater felt good as the temperature dropped and mist hung in the air. Our hosts, Tim and Ericka Harris, showed us around the casita (little guest house) and grounds. After getting settled into our quarters, we went to the main house for dinner. They are a delightful family and made us feel right at home. Their two boys, Luke (age 7) and Aaron (age 5) are being home schooled by their mom and dad. Luke shared the book he wrote on drones (unmanned aircraft) and Aaron gave Paul a drawing he had made of helicopters. Later in the week Bridget was able to encourage Ericka and direct her to a few online teaching resources.

Beautiful grounds and a view of the Central Valley.

The grounds at Los Pastos Oasis are beautiful. They have some fruit trees, a lot of turf, and many tropical flowers that attract butterflies and birds. Tim cares for most of the grounds himself and he was very interested to know Paul had been a landscaper. One morning the two of them just walked around the property and Paul gave Tim some advice on what fertilizers to use and tips about pruning trees and shrubs.

Throughout the week we had some good conversations with each other and with Ericka and Tim. Near the end of our time together, Ericka shared the story in Mark 6:45-52 where the apostles are struggling to row against a stormy sea. Jesus sees them, gets in the boat with them and immediately the winds calm. She reminded us that even though things have changed with Paul not being able to fly this year, God sees us. We are waiting and struggling for a time but we can count on God to show up.

We read in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers on August 2:

"The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being delivered in adversity, which is something very different…

The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength….

If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment."

Thank you for faithfully partnering with us financially and prayerfully. A special shout-out to those who sent extra funds to cover medical expenses. This August 22 I (Paul) have a follow-up appointment with my doctor. My health has been good and my strength is steadily returning so I am hopeful for a good meeting. I'll keep you posted of the results.

Serving Him,

Paul and Bridget