For most of our time in Costa Rica we have been working with a program on Tuesday’s called ‘La Cometa’ and Wednesday through Friday with a lady named Bella Flor in, apparently, the most dangerous slum in Costa Rica (Mom please don’t worry, we are fine). La Cometa is a government ran human resources building. It has nice facilities and offers different classes and just an outlet for people all throughout the community in Tirrasses. Our team splits into three groups; one goes with older women to help practice their English, one gives a drawing class and the other watches/entertains/plays with their children. Katie, Olivia and myself get to hang out with the precious kiddos that come in and out during the day!! I clicked really well with a 10 year old girl one of the first times there, and ironically I cannot remember her name… Whoops!! She understood that I was still learning Spanish and was able to reword things when I couldn’t understand her or another kid. We bonded over the fact that we both have asthma and carry inhalers with us and that we both did ballet. She told me she was a Christian and that “Jesus es mi mejor amigo” and I excitedly said “tambien!” She then asked about my family at home and about my parents and asked if they were together. I said yes and she shared about how her parents had recently separated and that she lives with her mom and brother. I’ll just say we got pretty close pretty fast and I’m very excited to keep building that relationship for the next few Tuesdays!!
The other place we go is the definition of a slum. ‘Houses’ slammed in tight with each other and a ridiculous amount of people in the same vicinity, trash everywhere, including the river which carries an awful stench. We work alongside of Bella Flor who is the epitome of anything good in that community. She is a strong lady who fearlessly shows Jesus. She is respected by everyone there, even the gang members. She is the local pastor and provides food daily for the many kids who don’t have any and gives them the opportunity to hear the gospel. She does A LOT with her limited resources. We pretty much have free rein in deciding what to do while she’s preparing the food and have used the time to do Bible skits, color, teach English, play outside and make beautiful friendships with so many children.
Please pray for protection from lice!!! A few girls in the community had to shave their heads because it was so bad. Everyone on my team except Amanda and I got lice in Thailand at the girls home and it took forever to get rid of. Pray that we will not let it interfere with us loving on the kids and just that it will stay away completely!
Also, as of recently, I am fully funded!!!! Crazy!!! God is so good!!! Thank you all so much for your financial support. It really was an incredible journey!
