TeamDuggan

It is a tremendous privilege to raise children and watch them choose God’s path.  Benjamin didn’t want to be baptized until he really felt confident it was his own choice and not just what a kid raised in a Christian family does because it’s expected.  He also didn’t want to be baptized in a church baptismal or someone’s pool.  What he chose was to be baptized at a youth retreat here in Costa Rica.  The mountain waters at eight thousand feet elevation are a bit brisk to say the least.  But he’ll never wonder if he was fully immersed!  It was my great privilege to perform the baptism in this beautiful location and this was something none of us will ever forget.  Eighty witnesses, many of whom live a missionary kid life like he does, cheered for him as he came up gasping.  May this be a marker in his life.

After three long days in meetings with various ministries, good food and great fellowship, what better way to top off the trip than an evening of jazz? Bob spent twelve years in Honduras and used his amazing gifts in music to train a new generation of gifted musicians. This evening we went to a cafe where some of his former students were playing and he joined in. What an amazing performance! Truly music crosses cultures and generations. Don't you wonder sometimes what the bands in heaven will be like?

The deaf in Honduras can be lost, particularly among the poor. Abused or neglected because they are not perceived as valuable, the deaf need a different approach. Today I visited a school for deaf children that exists to serve these kids in the name of Christ. Do you ever wonder if these teachers and administrators really enjoy what they do? I think the joy that exudes from this photo clearly answers that question.

How can beauty come from ashes? In this third in our series of videos from Latin America/Caribbean we see a part of what God is doing to transform lives in a place where hope is rare.

We met when she crashed the senior picnic at our college president’s home. I was sitting with a group of friends and she joined us to talk and eat. A day later she dropped me a note asking to have coffee together and a friendship blossomed. Sometimes I think if she knew what she’d be in for she’d have run away as fast as she could. I, on the other hand, had no clue how blessed I would be to have this woman by my side for decades.

This Fall will mark thirty years that I have known this amazing woman. Thirty years of shared experiences, challenges, thrills and frustrations. She has supported me as I’ve moved through six careers that had us living in some wild places, with money and without, through doubt and triumph. What is even more amazing is that she considers it a life she’d live over again despite the fact that she hasn’t had what most would consider a normal life.

I suspect when we are face to face with our Savior we’ll learn about many blessings he gave us that we never knew. And I suspect the biggest blessing that I have received will be my wife who has been a major reason I’ve been able to do the things I do. Proverbs 31 describes a similar woman that is celebrated by her family and the community. My wife is that woman, and her family will rise up and call her blessed.

I am very excited to introduce you to some of the people we work with in Costa Rica.  Although my role takes me to many countries, this is home and we have the privilege of working with these people on a regular basis.  Thanks to Doug Peterson (with help from Jenn Stork) for the terrific work.  You gave sacrificially of your time and resources.  The value speaks for itself.  And for those who have been here…that’s Jose & Gabriela’s daughter.  She was a real trooper during the filming.

Would you consider joining us in ministry? God can use anyone with a willing heart to serve the kingdom in missions.

For the second time in my life, I asked a father for his daughter’s hand in marriage. No, I’m not changing my marital status. The beautiful woman above is still the love of my life. This time it was for a Costa Rican who felt his English wasn’t sufficient to the task of communicating his heart to his prospective father-in-law in Nevada. It was quite an experience as I empathized both with the young man asking and the father hearing that his loved daughter is at this momentous point in her life. I was called in to help navigate language and cultural barriers, yet the message was clear…this young man wanted to show honor and respect to the father of the girl he loves. That message crosses all cultures and set this couple on a path for healthy relationship and marriage in the future.

Settling back into Latin America has been relatively easy-– crystal clear skies, warm breezes, and Costa Rican neighbors greeting us with huge smiles, running to their gates as we stroll the neighborhood.

Going through items we left behind, packed and carefully stored, with dehumidifier packets and all, has been hard. You see, a leak during rainy season allowed some water to reach our things, which went undetected…my reference books completely damaged, and my medical equipment partially so…a cost counted, as those books and my non-waterpoof doppler wand need replacement.

The cost of time, thoroughly cleaning loads of laundry, hanging it in the sun, only to find another wash is necessary, leading to the cost of electricity and water….

But the hardest hit to my heart thus far? The process of sorting and discarding handcrafted ornaments lovingly made by my four precious children in young childhood, as these were not plastic or metal, they were paper,felt, fabric or plaster ornaments no amount of water, detergent or sun could heal. Thankfully, only about ten were destined to the bags of trash, many were able to be restored and will still grace our Christmas tree next year.

All of us face costs in following Christ. As I sorted last night, and tears fell down my face, I was tempted to blame this temporary setback on this lifestyle that God has led us to. But then I remembered that those in New Orleans post-Katrina had mountains of ruined things and they were living where they always had.

Using our time, money, talents and whole being in investing in others, rather than the temporary trappings of this world are what bring my family contentment. And living life serving others has brought great joy and peace. Thank you to those who allow us to have one foot in each continent. For those who give sacrificially and who pray for us often. I felt those prayers last night when I so desperately needed them.