Squatting

 A primary focus of our ministry this month has been a fairly large community within walking distance of our home here in Costa Rica. A place referred to, by the locals, as Verbana. It is a squatter community. By definition, squatting consists of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied area of land and/or a building– usually residential – that the squatter does not own rent or otherwise have lawful permission to use. The Costa Rican government does not recognize nor regulate anything that goes on here.
 
Nearly 10,000 Nicaraguan refugees call Verbana home. The residents have gathered whatever building materials they can find and try to make some semblance of a home. There are rows upon rows of tin structures with concrete floors. Narrow walkways made from used pallets and any other scrap wood are what keep residents and visitors alike from walking in the constant stream of sewage and trash that lies beneath. Inevitably, rats were scurrying across the ground. There were mangy dogs everywhere. Most times I struggled to identify if they were pets or just strays looking for their next meal and a comfortable place to lie down.
 
We walked through the neighborhood inviting children to the feeding center that occurs at the foot of the mountain community each Saturday. Music blared from the homes and the open doors revealed mothers cooking whatever they could scrounge up to make a meal. There were little children sticking their tiny hands out of boarded up windows while others ran alongside us and shouted “Gringos!” (A non- derogatory term used to describe anyone who is not a native of this region.)  I tried to snap as many pictures as I could, but our contacts urged us to stay in as one single tight knit group to deter desperate thieves from robbing us.
 
Our journey led us back to where the feeding center would take place. A fold out table was sitting alongside one of the tin homes. There were 4 large dishes brimming with rice, beans, pineapple, and coleslaw. The children gathered with a bowl or plate they brought from home and waited for the blessing. With tiny voices they repeated the prayer then waited patiently for their dish to be filled. I was blessed with the opportunity to serve these children. We were instructed to give one scoop each, and even still there was not enough for the kids who came late. It was so heartbreaking!
 
Last week we had the opportunity to lead a vacation bible school for the children of Verbana. We had 4 stations that the kids rotated through each of the 3 days: lesson, music, crafts, and game. Each day the four teams split and were responsible for a station. My teams’ theme was Hopes and Dreams. We felt it was extremely important for the kids to know that their dreams do matter and the Lord has a plan for them. In spite of their current situation, Jesus loves them and answers prayers. I could not wait to go each day and see their little faces light up when the Gringos came to spend time with them. Many of these kids do not have a male role model in their lives and are desperate for praise and love.
 
I could not help but notice that Verbana looked more like a prison than a place you or I would consider calling home. As we spent more time there, my attitude began to shift. I started to see the people the way that Jesus sees them – beautiful sons and daughters of God who are trying their best to make ends meet. They are really good people with amazing hearts!
 
I couldn’t help but think of the lyrics of the Brandon Heath song “Give Me Your Eyes.”
 
This is my prayer:
 
 

 
 
**I urge you to add the people of this community to your prayer list. Children and adults alike need prayers. First and foremost pray for their salvation. Please pray for the children’s innocence and safety. Pray the adults find work and someday will be able to move their families to safer more suitable housing.