Where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal

It's never a good feeling to see police officers in your yard when you come home. Thankfully, I live by myself, so I didn't have to worry that something tragic had happened to one of my family members.

While I was in Florida for one week of wedding preparation, premarital counseling, and tax filing, thieves broke into my house. When Barrett came by to see if I was home yet, he noticed that the door was open, and notified the police. This is the second time in four months, but the first time in my new house, which has a tall fence around the yard and bars on the windows. The thieves came in by busting in the wooden front door, splintering the door jamb. The front door is the only opening that does not have metal bars over it, but now I will look into getting a second outer metal door installed. Thankfully, the only thing I know the thieves took is my propane tank. These are frequently stolen in our area because it's easy to get cash for them.

Of course, my closets and things were all ruffled through, but mercifully the thieves didn't turn everything upside down or break things intentionally. I wonder if perhaps their main goal was to "case" the house for a future break-in.

In any case, I am thankful that the damage was so minor and I know that God has all these circumstances in his hands. It's a wonderful thing to be in a position where you have to trust God this fully. Half an hour after repairing the door with Barrett, I was at the skate park for the Friday youth night activities. I know the devil will use many tactics to try to get me to give up and go home, and I will not let this second break-in affect me in that way.

Jesus said: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." - John 10:10 (NIV)

Surf contest photos... and some artwork!

In my spare time I've been painting a little with acrylics. I even stretched my own canvas to paint on, but have also been painting on pieces of driftwood.

I painted this for my friend Alexander (Peace) as an engagement present (he also recently got engaged). He loves to spearfish and eat fish. The Bar Jack (what he calls Green Jack) is his favorite to hunt underwater and to eat...


I sponsored young Carlos for two divisions in the Puerto Viejo Open Pro surf contest. He did very well in the "grommet" division, earning 4th place. Notice the "Hazelton Surfboards" sticker proudly displayed on his board!

With obvious excitement, Carlos runs to the beach for his heat in the surf contest.

The lifeguard stand was converted to a judges stand for the surf contest.

"Downer" is a really powerful surfer and has an aggressive style. It's been great getting to know him through our house church and youth activities.

At 16, Jordan is one of the top junior surfers in Costa Rica and loves to skate at Concrete Jungle. He is also learning what it means to be a father. His baby girl is just a few months old.