Two months ago our landlord asked us to leave our house so that he can renovate and sell it. We took that as our cue to think about long term plans.
First, we intend to keep teaching at ESEPA here in San José, as well as online. Gary is full-time, and while Karen is part-time, she has been urged to teach as much as possible in ESEPA’s certificate program. Gary also plans to continue teaching intensive courses in Cuba, plus keep up with his writing. As Karen would say, “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise”, there’s no reason to leave CR until retirement age.
That was the easy part! ESEPA wants us, we want to stay, there’s every reason to stay and none to leave.
Karen: And more than ever we have a great sense of urgency. When we first came to Costa Rica in 1998, our aim was to work our way out of a job. That meant training new professors for ESEPA and preparing leaders for the Church. We’ve worked hard towards that goal, and seen a lot of beautiful fruit along those lines! But there’s still SO MUCH to do! So Gary is now serving as Academic Dean and focusing more and more on preparing our Master’s degree students to be our present and future professors.
Gary says: “A picture is worth a thousand words”: here is our roster of professors from last term. The 15 people circled in red, we have helped to train during our time here at ESEPA. Ten others are Latin Americans from other institutions.
But Karen asks: Yes, that’s all fine, but where are we going to live? Well, God has stepped in and we have been offered a wonderful house 2 blocks away, for just a little over $200/month more than we pay now! This dear couple is giving us a BARGAIN the likes of which we never would have even dreamed of. Plus it’s completely and beautifully furnished. We are due to move Valentine’s Day weekend. Pictures to follow!
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Prayer requests for 2015
- That Sammy will be ready to return to school next week
- That our move will go well – around Feb 15
- That God will bring us up to 100% support level
Financial needs for 2015
As we noted last month, the rent on our new house will be a few hundred dollars higher than what we are paying now. In addition our health premiums did in December what they always do, rise.
You can give us a one-time gift or become a partner through our mission’s website at www.worldventure.com and search for “Shogrens”.
Many blessings to you! Gary and Karen Shogren, Missionary Professors to Costa Rica and Beyond
Visit us on http://shogrens.com
Karen Shogren
Gary Shogren
Shogrens in Costa Rica 