Saturday, May 31, 2014

Our First Day in Rio Azul


What I love about our trip this year is our stretching out of comfort zones & a mixing up of our schedule that we aren't use to.  We had two days of construction and Day Care at the Abraham Project and then today we headed up the mountain to our first day at Rio Azul.  We had to unload a little bit of weight to make it up the mountain.....

Rio Azul is beautiful and shows us a side of how many Costa Ricans live.  I'm very thankful we get this opportunity to minister in this community and make relationships I hope will last for years to come.
When we first arrived to the church in Rio Azul--there was a dance ministry ministering to the kids. 

Up next it was our turn.  We had games & a lesson planned for them.  Organized chaos might be the best way explain it.  But the kids had a blast.  When we arrived there were about 40 kids...by the end we counted 95.




After the craft we served the kids lunch that we (you!) provided for them!  It's humbling to know that may be the best meal they receive this week.  After lunch we handed out gift bags that we made the kids.  I had received an anonymous donation of bags and sunglasses outside my office door about 6 months ago...at the time I was unsure what to do with them.  We finally felt led to take them to Costa Rica, added some bubbles and crayons and it was a hit!! Love to see The Lord provide!!



After our time with the kids it was time for our prayer walk through Rio Azul and to visit with one family in particular.  We got to go inside their home-which had dirt floors a tiny kitchen and a tiny living room.  Again, so thankful that we get to have our eyes open and to how others in this world live--yet this family loves Jesus and are so incredibly grateful for what they have.  Tonight as we snuggle in our own beds it makes us think twice about what we have and to not take it for granted.

After Rio Azul we headed home for a short rest time--before heading to the Abraham Project.  Our evening was a sweet time spent at the Children's Homes at the Project.  We provided a date night for the parents of the homes and we watched the kiddos.  Pizza, popcorn, go fish, and a movie.  It was a great, great night with sweet fellowship with the kids.  Unfortunately we aren't allowed to take any pictures of the Children Home kids-so we don't have any pictures of this evening, but do know it was great!

We returned home for a team meeting of sweet worship time led by John and writing down encouraging words for one another.  I love our team and how they love one another.  Thank you for praying for us!

Friday, May 30, 2014

Day Three.... A Very Full Work Day!


Good morning!  We are getting ready to head out for day four.... But before we go, here is a recap of day three!  

The students are troopers!  It was a full twelve hour work day- and we never heard one complaint!  They are hauling, lifting, sanding, and painting.  Our students are really hard workers and we are so proud of them and their work ethic!

While construction work was going on we rotated our students through the Day Care.  Each group taught a lesson on Jesus healing the blind man.  They led the children with a craft to demonstrate His great power.  

In the afternoon the great Costa Rica rains came in and we moved our afternoon Day Care activities with the children inside.  

One highlight of the day that the students I'm sure would love for me to mention is that each day at lunch  the gringos (that's us) play the ticos (the Costa Ricans) in soccer.  The gringos finally scored one goal!  The ticos still won....but still....one goal is a huge accomplishment!

After a really long day we came home to have a night in....which was needed.  We had two team meetings.  One to get ready for today and one to debrief yesterday and to talk about hearing from The Lord.  The last picture is preparation for today!

We are headed out for Rio Azul!  Thank you for praying for us!

Diego's curb side service during the down pour.









Day Two Photos!