I have been in Costa Rica for two weeks now!
I am happy to report that this past week has been busier than the first. We have hosted a few events at the community center and have been pouring into some of the locals and tourists. On Thursday we invited the community to come get free facials and massages at the center and had a decent turn out. The ladies loved it and we even had a few younger girls in the community come, too. We had the opportunity to talk with and get to know them while we gave them a relaxing break.
A girl on my team has been teaching music lessons to some of the younger kids. She does an amazing job connecting with them and teaching them different ways to praise and talk with God. They are currently learning a song to perform at the Gospel Night that we are putting together at the end of the month! So exciting! I am trying to get the kids to teach me Spanish- they get such a kick out of it. They laugh at us when we attempt to speak their language. It’s wonderful that they are all so great with their English. When we are walking around town, passing all of the kiddos houses, they all call out to us and wave.
A few days ago we took some of the girls to the beach down the street. I hadn’t been to this beach before- it was beautiful and the waves were HUGE. The girls laughed at me the entire time because I am incapable of diving under the waves so they just kept pummeling me. On our walk back from the beach, one of the girls taught me how to say “I love you” in the we are best friends kind of way not the you’re the love of my life kind of way. She cracks me up- very intelligent, great English, huge heart at the age of 14, and totally owns and loves who she is as a person. I think she has probably blessed me more than I have blessed her since we have been here.
This past week we have cleaned out the church, cleaned up the house, moved into the house, and organized parts of the community center. Listening to the people of church talk about the revival that is happening in this area is so encouraging! I had the opportunity to sit and talk with a lady from Jamaica that has lived here for a long time. She told me about the baptisms that have been taking place and the people that are stepping out of their comfort zones to lead bible studies and prayer groups. More and more people come to church and get involved every month.
Church on Sunday was absolutely wonderful! We are lucky enough to have a church that offers Spanish and English services. The sermon was on our identity in Christ and how important it was to truly know who you are in Him. It was a three-hour service, but still a breath of fresh air.
Thank you all for your continued support!!! I am so grateful for the kind words and encouragement you all have been sending my way! I am also so excited to tell you that I am only $2,374 away from being fully funded! Thank you all for donating and sending me on this GREAT MISSION. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to try and post some pictures with this blog. If it doesn’t happen its because I don’t live in America where the internet is easy and strong! : ) Please forgive me and I will continue to work on it! LOVE YOU ALL.
Here is a link to a few pictures so far- hopefully it works!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153855562994166.1073741831.503339165&type=1&l=c5018c959a
