Costa Rica - Here I Come!

The title of this blog might have confused you. You are probably thinking something like "I thought Jennifer said that she was going to Ecuador to be a missionary. What is this about Costa Rica?" Don't worry. I am still going to Ecuador to teach at the Nate Saint Memorial School. However, first I am going to Costa Rica to language school.

I have been given permission to go to language school in October as long as I get another $115 in monthly commitements. This means that if 4 more people commit to giving just $28 a month I will be able to get on a plane headed for langauge school in Costa Rica!

I am so excited about getting to Costa Rica. I have met 3 American families that are in school there right now. So I already know some people that can help me get situated.

I will be in language school until April 12 and then I will be headed to Ecuador to begin teaching! In Costa Rica, I will be living with a host family that does not speak English. (Although this seems scary, it will also help me learn the Spanish faster.)

I would love for hear from you while I am in Costa Rica and Ecuador. The best way to contact me is by email at jkendrick@hcjb.org. This blog will be a great place for you to keep up with what I am doing. I will also be sending out email updates. To be put on the email list, send a email to me at jkendrick@hcjb.org or post a comment here with your email and I will add you to list.

This is really happening!

So time is really drawing near! Although I have been so excited to begin this journey, it has not seemed completely real yet. However, last week I received an email that really made this all seem like it's really happen.

The first day of school is August 25! Wow! That is not long from now. I also received the school handbook to read over. I don't know what grades/subjects I will be teaching. I probably will not know that until I begin teacher workdays in August.


The email also said that I have a place to live in Shell once I arrive. I was not worried about finding a place, but knowing that this is already secure is definitely reassuring. I will be living in the 2 bedroom apartment above the school. Hopefully, I will be able to find a roommate as well.

I am at 70% of my goal! If just 30 more people commit to giving $28 a month, I will reach my support goal!

Its Time To Go!

Nate Saint Memorial School

     The school that I will be teaching at in Ecuador, Nate Saint Memorial School, is in desperate need of teacher. The students are children of missionaries who are living their lives to share the Gospel with the people around the world. Because of the school, the parents are able to focus on thier jobs of being doctors and Gospel presenters while knowing that their children are receiving the education that they deserve. I am so excited that I will have the opportunity to assist them in thier mission by making sure their children get the education that they need.

   
To give the children the desired education, the school is normally staffed with 5 teachers for grades K-8. As of this time, there are only 3 teachers for the fall of 2011. In light of this need, HCJB Global has asked that I be ready to leave the country in May 2011. This gives me 11 weeks (as of February 7th to raise my support).

Me with a child at the orphanage in Shell

How can I help?

A monthly commitment of only $28.00 a month raises my support level up 1%. With 50 more people committing to give just $28.00 a month, I will reach my support level!

How do I become a monthly supporter?

There are several convienent ways to begin giving:

• Go to hcjb.org to begin giving today. (Don't forget to include my account # 110553)
• Email me to let me know that you want to begin giving.
• Send a check to HCJB Global. 
• make sure to desginate on the check my account # 110553
• Include a note that says this will be a monthly donation 

What if I can't give monthly? Can I still help?

By all means, any funds donated can be used. Any one time gifts will go to pay for plane tickets, language school and other moving costs.