Thursday

Today was humbling and I cannot wait to share with you all that God did! We had breakfast at the hotel and headed to Guarari. We began with our team devotion again in Philippians 2. Several of the points we discussed included putting others needs before ourselves, humbling ourselves and esteeming others. A challenge was issued to really look for ways to put this into practice and they really did! Each day has been so relevant to our teams needs. Today is very hot and this is going to be a severely poor area we will be working. Paul encouraged them to do everything without complaining or grumbling. Today is going to be hard – and they will need to keep this thought before them at all times. We are here to be light bearers – putting forth the Word of Hope – our attitudes and reactions have such an opportunity to shine. In addition to the work we hope to accomplish, we also want to encourage the pastor and his family. We need to be very careful to guard our actions and words keeping team members encouraged.

The housing changed drastically along the drive. Many homes would be condemned in the states. They were small, housing 5 or more family members with poorly affixed tin roofs. The bus got very quiet – eyes were wide! We pulled up beside a small yellow concrete house. Our job today is painting a portion of the parsonage. We met in the church behind the parsonage – this was a small building with wooden benches that could seat maybe 70 people. It was fenced in with a small play area out front. There was a tiny kitchen where ladies were busy fixing lunch. Jimmy took half the team to begin painting the walls and scraping paint off the bars that surrounded the house. It was hot! We had just begun our work when police came on the street – with rather large guns. A robbery had just occurred – eyes were wide – but the excitement ended with no consequence.

We spent several hours painting and scraping the home. The odor was a little strong and when scraping the paint was flying. We had brought towels to donate and had meant to leave half at the Abraham Project. But in our disorganization – we had not taken them. What we did not realize was God was providing them for this project. The students tied the towels around their faces – they looked like bandits. We painted the walls a bright yellow and the iron was painted a dark green. The home looked so nice freshened up. Again – we needed the provision of towels – the student had paint all over them- it was great to have the towels to clean up.

Many people stood at a distance on the street corners watching. This is such a poor area – I would love to know what they were thinking and saying to one another. The pastor so desires to be a beacon of hope – to offer the good news of Jesus in an area that seems to have no hope. Everyone worked diligently – they are so engaged in the mission part of this trip– many are disappointed not to have another day.

The ladies served a wonderful lunch of tuna salad, rice and vegetables, and chips. It was very good! We are learning to embrace the food. Most meals are a consada with a choice chicken, fish, or steak. Every meal has rice and beans. Usually at mealtime they are so hungry from all the work – they just are glad to eat! We quickly cleaned up and set up for Bible School – Chelsea H and Chynna had spent the morning arranging everything so we could move quickly.

At first, we only had a few children. The pastor Susan, Courtney, Erin, and Jimmy began walking the neighborhood and inviting children to join us. They were overwhelmed at the houses they saw. Susan described them as the size of 2 dugouts square– they were dug out into the ground with particle board sides and tin laid on top. It was so pitiful. They began with songs. Then our students sat on the floor of the church – most of them had 2 children and colored, made animals from pipe cleaners, made bracelets, etc. It truly was a tender site. Language was not a barrier because they were loving those children beyond words. Many of the boys went outside for soccer – slowly the girls went out and blew bubbles, jumped rope, and colored with chalk. This went on for a couple of hours. We handed out suckers and then cookies. It was great! As our time came to an end – everyone got into a huge circle. Jimmy shared the gospel. We sang Alabare and Jesus loves you – and then the crosses and Bibles were presented. Tears were flowing from team members and children. They were begging us to return. In a few short hours they had bonded. Crosses and Bibles were also given to the Pastor and ladies that cooked. We had about 8 mothers there and they received one as well. They were thrilled! As we drove off – many children chased the bus. It was overwhelming. Our students have been so broken by the conditions in which others live as well as the sheer hunger for affection these children long for. They are radically being changed!

We came back to the hotel and had about an hour before dinner – tonight there is a surprise. The students gathered by the pool and were ready for a treat – and they got one! Jimmy took them upstairs where there were 3 giant piles of pizza boxes. He had a tray and told them pizza was different in Costa Rica – he took the napkin off and presented them with a pizza with rice and beans on top! Eyes got wide – he then said the 3 piles were rice and beans pizza with chicken, steak, or fish. There was silence – some said no way – then he laughed and said – meat lovers, pepperoni, or cheese! Everyone died laughing! Of course –no food should be wasted – so any ate the rice and beans sample as well!

During devotion time, Jimmy read Hebrews 6. He encouraged them that it is not possible for God to lie. He has promised eternal life and a relationship with Him. Jimmy is 34 years old. He told them that in life they will have things happen to them and wonder why. Our students have been so overwhelmed with why they were born in the states and these they have served are so impoverished. We must have faith that God is in charge of all things. He calls us to have unwavering faith. These with nothing are doing that - it is not as easy for us because we have so much that we depend so little. He said that during the tough times in life we turn our eyes to God. God has spoken truth – He does not lie – He is waiting for each of us to step into the truth He has spoke – Jimmy asked them if they would be willing to take His words as the reality that they are? The seniors love Jimmy – he was raised in Costa Rica and only has become fluent in English in the last two years. Often it is broken – and some words are a little off – but the kids are hearing him speak from the heart about true faith in God. You can see the intensity and sincerity in his eyes as he speaks. He is inspiring them to a much deeper level of trust and faith and the need to deny self and serve!

During our share time many reflected on their time with the kids. Since most only had two children – they had such personal experiences. One small girl when given a Bible asked to be read to. One student said tearfully – that she came to serve them and instead she was being so blessed. We brought suncathers to give the children and one girl asked Jimmy what they were for – he explained and she said – I do not have windows in my house – so humbling. Over and over again our team members are feeling extreme shame for how ungrateful they live.

One team member expressed how wonderful this week has been – she said I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to read Bible! Oh praise!!!!! Others were overwhelmed that families of 6 live in houses smaller than their bedrooms!

One person said that where these kids live is a place we would not even want to go into to get something out of. Others remarked on the joy the children exude – it is so contagious! The boys said they had been given nicknames by their new friends – Brandon was big Joey, Andrew F was gringo, and Jonathan was Joseno.

One of the girls said she had learned this week that even if we don’t think we have something to give we always have God’s love to give. Another said that God can break down barriers like language. The children did not get frustrated when they/we could not understand each other. One girl said she is not a “touchy feely” person – but this week has been open to physical affection – God broke through her barrier. Another – who has an aversion to runny noses – wiped a nose and dirty mouth of a child. Another was reminded of what she learned in Hosea 11 and that God’s love transcends everything and breaks down barriers (like kids/crafts).

One of the boys acknowledged how fascinated he was by Jimmy’s language – being able to speak Spanish today in sharing the gospel and English well enough to speak to each of our hearts in devotion time. He acknowledged that he wished he took his Spanish class more seriously – all agreed.

I then challenged the students to really reflect about all the profound things God has taught you - what is He speaking to their hearts? I reminded them that if

we say that today is just another fun day – we have “missed” what has happened over the last few days. God is at work in these students’ hearts – and He will continue to work. He has so much in His word and in your prayer life that He desires to share with you – I challenged them not to deny Him the time or opportunity for Him to continue to speak to them.

I wish I had a new adjective to describe this week - I think I cannot find one because it is so far beyond description. I did not get to post this on Thursday because I have had the privilege of spending some personal one on one time with students. We have shared our hearts. Many are wrestling through some issues and are having encouraging breakthroughs. Oh how I pray that individuals will step up and continue one on one disciple time with each of these guys and girls when we get home. God has begun such a powerful work in them! They need your prayers and support when they get home!!! Keep praying – we love you all and look forward to the opportunity for you to hear from each of them how God has exploded in their lives! Tomorrow we head to La Fortuna.