Reflections on 2008
Finishing 2008 marked the end of our first full year in Costa Rica. On the whole Pam and I experienced the healthiest year we have had in quite a while. Pam is due to have her year 4 CATscan soon, which will confirm, God willing, 4 years of being "cancer-free." The climate here seems to set well with us, and we certainly have enjoyed the fresh veggies and fruits which are abundant. A mango or papaya smoothie for breakfast is high on my list of favorite flavors! God surely has been kind to us.
From Floyd's perspective:
Year 2008 was an intense year of language learning and/or relearning for both of us. As a prof for courses in both bachillerato (bachelor's level) and maestria (master's level), I felt that pesky internal drive to build vocabulary and communicate at least at the 8th-grade level with my students! (I hope to sound more like a college-educated person this year!) Whether I accomplished the goal or not, well, you would have to ask my students! I received many encouraging comments from them about the courses I taught, and we all had fun laughing at some of the weird Spanish phrases, or the not-so-infrequent mispronunciations I would come up with from time to time. God must have a sense of humor to use our stammering for His glory!
I had the privilege of leading the academic team at ESEPA Seminary in 2008. As Academic Dean, I asked the department directors to review all our academic regulations and offer suggestions to improve them. We closed loop-holes (students always find these; it does not matter what culture you are teaching in!). We spelled out more clearly what seemed to be ambiguous. We streamlined the process we go through to offer our courses in the right order and at the right frequency. Just academic stuff, but that is what I do as an administrator!
The academic calendar for us runs from January through mid-December. We graduated six this year, and enjoyed a great time with families and friends of the graduates. Our Rector, Dr. Gary Shogren (far left in the picture), has been on furlough all of 2008, but was able to join us for the graduation exercises. We had a very delicious catered meal following the ceremony. The grads and their families seemed to appreciate the extra special touch our staff gave to the occasion.Some of our grads have already left Costa Rica to become involved in ministries in other countries. Others have signed up for the Master's program at ESEPA and will have to endure another three years of hard labor! But their desire to be well prepared to serve their Lord is obvious. Thank the Lord with me -- for being part of "formando siervos conforme al corazon de Dios" ("forming servants conformed/according to the heart of God").
For our first Christmas in Costa Rica in 2007, Pam and I instituted "The Academic Dean's Christmas Party" at our home. We invite all 
faculty and staff, along with their spouses, to participate at no charge to them. Just our way of saying "thank you" for another year of faithful service. About 30 attended back then. This year we had our "second annual" Christmas party on December 12--and 41 were in attendance! Our house was filled wall-to-wall! Festive spirits, fun times and scrumptious food all contributed to a memorable occasion.
faculty and staff, along with their spouses, to participate at no charge to them. Just our way of saying "thank you" for another year of faithful service. About 30 attended back then. This year we had our "second annual" Christmas party on December 12--and 41 were in attendance! Our house was filled wall-to-wall! Festive spirits, fun times and scrumptious food all contributed to a memorable occasion.Times like these remind us of how blessed we are to be a part of this community of believers here in San Jose. The body of Christ is vast, through-out the world. It has many expressions in various cultures and communities of faith. God is teaching us daily that He IS building His church--what a joy to be a part of His plan!
From Pam's Perspective:
I believe I have had a year of intense learning. Learning about the culture, the people and the language of Costa Rica. For me it has been much study of Spanish, and of course preparing my heart for whatever the Lord may have for me. Since I needed much more prep than Floyd for Spanish, I was not able to be as actively involved in ministry as he was. However, the Lord has provided opportunities to teach others and counsel in English. The Lord has taught me so many things regarding service to Him. Serving Him may include intense discipline in studying a language so that you can just talk. We usually think of it in other terms, but the Lord has shown me that I am pleasing to Him when I submit myself to learn this amazing Spanish language for His honor and glory.
Christmas was a great time for us. As Floyd mentioned we were able to open our home to the ESEPA faculty and staff. I enjoyed having them over and it was great fun preparing the many different foods they seemed to enjoy (you can guess who actually prepared the food in our Floyd and Pam team!).
We went home for 3 weeks to Ohio over Christmas. As parents of married children, this was our "off 
year." Most of you will understand what I mean. We have to share our kids every other year with our married kids' families. We live all over the place in the States. However, Alicia, Dave, Anna and Ellie were able to be with us for a few days. It was brief but, oh, so much fun! We do seem to appreciate the time together since it is "here and there." We may not have a house in the States, but we still have a home. We stayed with Floyd's sister Brenda and husband Tim, and they made us feel so at home. We thank them once again.
year." Most of you will understand what I mean. We have to share our kids every other year with our married kids' families. We live all over the place in the States. However, Alicia, Dave, Anna and Ellie were able to be with us for a few days. It was brief but, oh, so much fun! We do seem to appreciate the time together since it is "here and there." We may not have a house in the States, but we still have a home. We stayed with Floyd's sister Brenda and husband Tim, and they made us feel so at home. We thank them once again.
Projections for 2009
From Floyd's perspective:
Although we barely got started with the Cuba aspect of our work in 2008, we are primed and ready to move along with it in 2009. The brothers at Los Pinos Nuevos Seminary in Santa Clara, Cuba, will take the lead with the Masters in Bible program, and other seminaries are invited to participate as they can. The plan of studies has all but been finalized, and the first classes are scheduled to be offered in February this year. Pray with us that our visas will be approved by the Cuban Department of Religious Affairs so we might join in and teach a class this year in Cuba.
We are still scheduled to finish the present "round" of classes for the Bachelor's level students at Las Palmas Seminary. They only lack two courses to finish: one will be offered in person, and the other by CD and correspondence. The latter is the best we can do until full internet capabilities are available to our brothers and sisters in Cuba. Keep praying!
We started a new year of Bible study in our home in San Jose last Thursday evening for missionaries and others who want to improve their Spanish and learn some Bible while they are doing it. We are teaching the Book of Acts from a modern language Spanish Bible to get the best exposure possible to currently spoken Spanish in print. We answer grammar questions and Bible questions--whatever comes up. Those who come represent at least 5 different missions agencies. We have wonderful fellowship in our simple study and we have formed a unique learning community to meet a felt need of missionaries. Pray that this format will help all God's servants improve their effectiveness in their Spanish language ministries.
From Pam' Perspective:
The Lord has opened up a door for me to teach a ladies Bible class in Spanish!! I am very excited and a bit nervous, not in teaching the Bible, but in teaching it FOR THE FIRST TIME in Spanish. These will be new believers and some coming who do not know the Lord. Some I will know since I have met them through my teaching English as a second language. We have hit it off pretty well so far. I will be starting in I John and continuing into II and III John. I sincerely ask that you pray for me. Naturally, I want to be filled with His Spirit to teach, but also I will need His help with Spanish--no trouble for Him since He knows all languages. I begin Feb. 10.
Pam and I would love to hear from you, and how we might pray for you as well. Contact information follows:
email: felmore2@yahoo.com
smail mail (usually takes 7-10 days to arrive from the States): Floyd and Pam Elmore, Apdo. 782-2350, San Francisco de Dos Rios, San Jose, Costa Rica
Send gifts to help us continue our outreach to: Messiah's Outreach, P.O.Box 230, Wheaton, IL 60189-0230
