First Time for Everything!

Costa Rica and I have shared a lot of first together. It's the first country I've lived in outside the States, the first place I ever sang worship songs in a different language, the first country that stole my heart.... The list is really never ending. We have also shared a lot of "big girl" moments together. The first apartment I ever lived in alone, the first oven I ever picked out and purchased, the first refrigerator I've had to buy, the first home I've really had to furnish. These are all grown up things that Costa Rica has shared with me.

Next month Costa Rica and I will hopefully be sharing another grown up moment together, as I purchase a vehicle! This is not my first car I've bought, but I've only purchased one and I was pretty much on the phone with my Dad the entire time I was at the dealership! This time it's different. I'm in a foreign country purchasing a used vehicle, thats as old as I am, from a local, and I know nothing about cars minus how to drive them with minor flaws. The entire situation is different from the states. I just learnt last week that here in Costa Rica you have to hire an attorney to do all the paper work with the purchase and the title. An attorney?? I've never hired an attorney in my whole entire life, and frankly I wasn't planning on it.

I know this all might seem crazy, but I'm really not too concerned. The ministry has an attorney I'm sure I'll be able to use, and Victor, our awesome construction guy, will be going with me to pick out the car, test drive it, make sure it's mechanically sound, and not let anyone scam me. All of these things are already taken care of.

There is one problem. I'm still short financially. The cost of cars down here are ridiculously expensive! I'm looking to purchase a 1987-89 Suzuki Samurai. These little 4x4s are great for Costa Rica! They are tiny enough to fit in all the small parking places and in the narrow streets, they are a little off the ground so a giant pot hole shouldn't be able to kill it, and they are pretty reliable. The Sami has been around for 25 years and they are still everywhere down here! That was a well made vehicle! A Suzuki Samurai will cost about $3500. This is all before the attorney fees and taxes with will probably run $500-$700.

Right now I have $3000 to use for a car. As you can see the numbers won't add up. I'm in need of at least $1000 to be able to purchase a vehicle.

With all this hassle, I'm sure you are wondering why I need a vehicle. First of all safety. Where I live, in Alajuelita, it is very dangerous. I live in the ghetto of Costa Rica. It gets dark around 5:30pm everyday all year long. Once it's dark outside, I simply can not leave my house unless I'm in a car. It is far to dangerous to walk anywhere at night. Secondly, I'm still hoping to go to language school in the fall to learn Spanish. There is a great school here for missionaries, however it's just far enough away that taking a taxi twice 5 times a week would be a ridiculous waste of money, or I'd have to take 2 buses which with all the stops and waiting, I'd be spending one and a half hours to get there, ONE WAY! There is no way spending that much time on a bus will fit into my schedule, since I'm planning to also do ministry half days while I'm in school. Thirdly, having a car will add so much convenience. When I have a car, I will be able to drive myself to the grocery store instead of taking a taxi or needing another missionary to take me. I'll be able to drive to other peoples homes and be able to visit them. I'll be able to drive the youth leaders home after our bible study on saturday evenings. There are so many ways that having a car will be a total blessing. I'm sure you can understand my need and how this can make my personal ministry even better.

If there is anyway you could help me get a vehicle I would highly appreciate it!! My goal is to purchase one at the beginning of March. I really need people's help to make this happen. I know God has a plan. Please be praying for this gift and a chance for it to better my ministry.

If you would like to help support me monthly or give a one time donation towards a vehicle or Spanish school, please contact me at Whitleeshrum@gmail.com. I'd be more than happy to answer questions or direct you on how to give either by mail or on PayPal. Thank you so much for your generosity!