I have a prayer request for those who read my blog and are not a part of my church... Via email I have just heard about an accident that affects a member of my church and is also a good friend of mine. My friends father just died in a boating accident and my former youth pastor, who was with him, has not yet been found. Please be praying these families! I cannot even imagine what they are going through.
Thanks for your prayers!!!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
First Group, Riverside from MN
The first group has come and gone. A group from the great state of MINNESOTA! The group was WONDERFUL, I could not have asked for a better group of people to start my summer working with teams. Now, every group will have a lot to live up to.
What stood out most in this team, was their flexibility and willingness for whatever, a great missionary attitute! Normally in every group there is at least 1 (usually 2 or 3) person who refuses to try new food because it may look/smell funny and there are usually people who start complaining if the work is done differently or gets to be too much or when the schedule changes too often. However, GRACIAS A DIOS, I did not have these issues with this group! Everyone enjoyed trying new food and looked at that as an adventure. When the work got difficult (as it frequently was due to the hard HARD dirt - more like rock) they continued to push through. And talk about flexibility with the schedule! They were willing to push back their free day to help get the job done! They were a huge blessing to me, not to mention the Peruvian church of Nor Oeste where they served!
The work was mostly construction, digging footings for the foundation of the church. The group was, as mentioned before, SUPER hard. It took many hours to get through little bits of dirt. But with the team´s energy, we were never short on laughs. We also visited small groups a few nights during their week here. This was a great time to get to know people from the church and community better.
If you would like to read more about the week, and through different eyes, check out the team´s blog at http://noroestechurchintrujilloperu.blogspot.com/
Enjoy a quick recap via pictures!
What stood out most in this team, was their flexibility and willingness for whatever, a great missionary attitute! Normally in every group there is at least 1 (usually 2 or 3) person who refuses to try new food because it may look/smell funny and there are usually people who start complaining if the work is done differently or gets to be too much or when the schedule changes too often. However, GRACIAS A DIOS, I did not have these issues with this group! Everyone enjoyed trying new food and looked at that as an adventure. When the work got difficult (as it frequently was due to the hard HARD dirt - more like rock) they continued to push through. And talk about flexibility with the schedule! They were willing to push back their free day to help get the job done! They were a huge blessing to me, not to mention the Peruvian church of Nor Oeste where they served!
The work was mostly construction, digging footings for the foundation of the church. The group was, as mentioned before, SUPER hard. It took many hours to get through little bits of dirt. But with the team´s energy, we were never short on laughs. We also visited small groups a few nights during their week here. This was a great time to get to know people from the church and community better.
If you would like to read more about the week, and through different eyes, check out the team´s blog at http://noroestechurchintrujilloperu.blogspot.com/
Enjoy a quick recap via pictures!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In Peru Once More!
well, I am currently waiting to get on the plane, so after a couple hard days of saying goodbye, I am gone... It doesn't feel real yet... It was a good (if not extremely busy) last couple days. My emocions are all out of wack... I am sad to leave, however excited to go to Peru.
Since starting this blog, I have arrived in Peru. It is definitely good to be back. I always enjoy being with the Peruvian people and in the Peruvian churches. I was able to rest a bit, which has definitely helped! (Since I didn´t sleep the night before coming, it was over 48 hours since I had slept by the time I got to Pastor Marco´s house and was able to sleep!) Then I was able to tour the church I will be working at. We started clearing the lot last year, and in the last couple weeks, they have been able to start construction. They have the foundation dug and quite a few columns put up. They are not real sure what exactly the team will be doing as the foundation is a more exact project (we don´t want the church to clapse on top of people). But it is definitely exciting to watch a church being built and know that what I am helping build has the potential to change people´s lives and affect a change so much bigger than myself!
Today, 2 of my good friends from Trujillo also stopped by for a visit. It was so good to see them again after a year away! It also helps me to be more excited about being here...friends always have a way of making someone feel at home! (and also fill holes in the heart!)
I look forward to filling you in as the progress continues on the church at Nor Oeste, as well as the other projects I will be helping with!!!
Since starting this blog, I have arrived in Peru. It is definitely good to be back. I always enjoy being with the Peruvian people and in the Peruvian churches. I was able to rest a bit, which has definitely helped! (Since I didn´t sleep the night before coming, it was over 48 hours since I had slept by the time I got to Pastor Marco´s house and was able to sleep!) Then I was able to tour the church I will be working at. We started clearing the lot last year, and in the last couple weeks, they have been able to start construction. They have the foundation dug and quite a few columns put up. They are not real sure what exactly the team will be doing as the foundation is a more exact project (we don´t want the church to clapse on top of people). But it is definitely exciting to watch a church being built and know that what I am helping build has the potential to change people´s lives and affect a change so much bigger than myself!
Today, 2 of my good friends from Trujillo also stopped by for a visit. It was so good to see them again after a year away! It also helps me to be more excited about being here...friends always have a way of making someone feel at home! (and also fill holes in the heart!)
I look forward to filling you in as the progress continues on the church at Nor Oeste, as well as the other projects I will be helping with!!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Roblealto
For 6 days I went to help out at a Daycare for underprivileged families. I was assigned to work in the nursery. I will admit that I did not have the best attitude about it...what good would it do for me to go for 6 days? Just when I would get comfortable with the people and the children, it would be time to leave, was it going to be worth filling 6 full days with Roblealto when I could be packing and getting things taken care of????
As it turned out, I really enjoyed it. I learned about the children within the first day. I connected really well the teacher of the nursery. One or two of the children and I bonded really well. It was good to know that I was able to relieve some of the work for the teacher for those 6 days. I do know if I am able to come back to Costa Rica for another extended time period, I will definitely look up working with Roblealto again. It was definitely a special place for me!
As it turned out, I really enjoyed it. I learned about the children within the first day. I connected really well the teacher of the nursery. One or two of the children and I bonded really well. It was good to know that I was able to relieve some of the work for the teacher for those 6 days. I do know if I am able to come back to Costa Rica for another extended time period, I will definitely look up working with Roblealto again. It was definitely a special place for me!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Last Beach Trip
I have been meaning to get this written for a week, sorry I am a little slow...
Late on Saturday night (a week ago) my friends asked if I would accompany them on a trip to the beach the following day (yes, I was a bad missionary and skipped church to go with friends to the beach, but it was good fellowship!!). We left at 6:30am and arrived at the beach around 9am. One never knows what they will get these days going to the beach because we are currently entering the rainy season. Fortunately God was smiling on us, for we had a very WARM and SUNNY day. The waves were a bit more violent than normal with double the currents...not only the normal undercurrent that takes people more toward the sea, but we there was also a cross undercurrent which took us down the beach. However, despite it all, it was probably the best beach experience I have had here!
We wanted to leave early so we could get home at an early hour, so we left around 6pm or so. It should only have taken aobut 2 hours to get home...I did not step into my house until 11pm! Two of my friends rode on a motorcycle, we the wheel lost air twice, but when the rest of us in the van were 15 minutes and 30 minutes ahead of them, so both times we had to go back to get them. After the second return, we decided to put the motocycle in the back of the van and squish everyone in the van. Well, by this time, the van needed to be refilled with gas. I guess, this type of van is normally filled with disel, however, not this particular van. Since here in Costa Rica, there are gas station attendents, they just started filling the van up, only to find out that it needed gas. So we had to get the disel drained, not an easy task late at night when the garage part is closed and the boss is not around. After getting the disel out, there was the discussion over who would pay for what (disel and gas) and who would take responsibility if there was some problem with the van due to the disel. It was a somewhat stressful situation (as the legal system is a bit different in CR than in the USA...not to say it would not have been stressful back home). The cops even showed up, more for our sake in case something happened to the van, we would have the cops say, not just our own.
But thank you Jesus, after a week of driving around the van, there have not been any problems, and thank you Jesus that we were all kept safe in our travels!
Now, I have a GREAT story for my last trip to the beach...
Late on Saturday night (a week ago) my friends asked if I would accompany them on a trip to the beach the following day (yes, I was a bad missionary and skipped church to go with friends to the beach, but it was good fellowship!!). We left at 6:30am and arrived at the beach around 9am. One never knows what they will get these days going to the beach because we are currently entering the rainy season. Fortunately God was smiling on us, for we had a very WARM and SUNNY day. The waves were a bit more violent than normal with double the currents...not only the normal undercurrent that takes people more toward the sea, but we there was also a cross undercurrent which took us down the beach. However, despite it all, it was probably the best beach experience I have had here!
We wanted to leave early so we could get home at an early hour, so we left around 6pm or so. It should only have taken aobut 2 hours to get home...I did not step into my house until 11pm! Two of my friends rode on a motorcycle, we the wheel lost air twice, but when the rest of us in the van were 15 minutes and 30 minutes ahead of them, so both times we had to go back to get them. After the second return, we decided to put the motocycle in the back of the van and squish everyone in the van. Well, by this time, the van needed to be refilled with gas. I guess, this type of van is normally filled with disel, however, not this particular van. Since here in Costa Rica, there are gas station attendents, they just started filling the van up, only to find out that it needed gas. So we had to get the disel drained, not an easy task late at night when the garage part is closed and the boss is not around. After getting the disel out, there was the discussion over who would pay for what (disel and gas) and who would take responsibility if there was some problem with the van due to the disel. It was a somewhat stressful situation (as the legal system is a bit different in CR than in the USA...not to say it would not have been stressful back home). The cops even showed up, more for our sake in case something happened to the van, we would have the cops say, not just our own.
But thank you Jesus, after a week of driving around the van, there have not been any problems, and thank you Jesus that we were all kept safe in our travels!
Now, I have a GREAT story for my last trip to the beach...
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Long weeks...
Sorry I have not written in a while, we have not had internet in our house for about 20 days! Luckily I do have friends who have let me use their computers, especially since the last 2 weeks have been a bit trying. My sister had surgery to remove a tumor. It was hard not being home with her and my parents, but I know God was in control and taking care of her, and my parents, much better than I could have done. Thanks to God, the tumor did not have cancer and she is now home recovering. I am so thankful to everyone who was/is praying for her, my family, and I during this time. I am also thankful to my friends who let me practically live at their house (and being as they are guys, who put up with my emotional female-wanting to be home with my family times :D God is so good!
Not much new is happening around here. I am just on the count down to my leaving Costa Rica and going to Peru. Please be praying for me through this. Every time I have left Costa Rica I have returned, this time I am not. Every other time, I was not overly excited about coming back (not that I was not excited, I just did not have many friends to come home to), now I have friends and I really want to return, but I am not. So the count down is a little bittersweet. I am SUPER excited to go to Peru again and see all my friends, but leaving Costa Rica means leaving the life I have lived for the last year and a half and the friends and family I have made here. Your prayers will be much appreciated during this transition time!
Not much new is happening around here. I am just on the count down to my leaving Costa Rica and going to Peru. Please be praying for me through this. Every time I have left Costa Rica I have returned, this time I am not. Every other time, I was not overly excited about coming back (not that I was not excited, I just did not have many friends to come home to), now I have friends and I really want to return, but I am not. So the count down is a little bittersweet. I am SUPER excited to go to Peru again and see all my friends, but leaving Costa Rica means leaving the life I have lived for the last year and a half and the friends and family I have made here. Your prayers will be much appreciated during this transition time!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Celula en Guizaros
In the same neighborhood where I go Saturday mornings for El Comedor, Bible study and lunch for the kids, we have recently just started a celula (or Bible Study group) for the teenagers and young adults. This has been something on Cecilia's heart (Cecilia is the woman God gave the vision for the Comedor). The group has met for 3 weeks now, and I have participate in the last 2 meetings.
It has been a HUGE encouragement. There are roughly 20 people coming, and a number that has not diminished! When starting up something like this, especially in a neighborhood like Guizaros, one never knows what it will turn out like. So when 20 some people showed up the first week, it was a big deal (everyone thought there would be less people). Then one thinks, well maybe they are all just curious about what it's all about and after a week or 2, no one comes any more. But for 3 straight weeks we have had 20 some people, and the same 20 some people! The teens really seem interested and want to be a part of what is happening.
My first week there, Alejandra (the youth leader from my church) shared about the gift God gave us through Jesus's sacrifice. She presented it in a way that was new for me, but I liked it. She talked about a gift and how when someone gives another person a gift, that gift does not become useful until it is open. Once the person has their gift, it is theirs, but if they want to enjoy it, they MUST open it. In the same way, God has given each person a gift, it is theirs, but to enjoy it, they must first open it.
At the end of the night, she asked if anyone was ready to accept that gift and OPEN it, to pray with her...12 people prayed and accepted the gift of Salvation that night! What an encouragement!
The following week, Alejandra talked about trust. We need to trust that God is with us and guiding us. He gave a cloud of fire and a cloud of smoke to the Israelites when they left Egypt. The Israelites saw all kinds of miracles, yet they had a hard time trusting God. But that did not change the fact that God was there, that He was watching over them, protecting them, and guiding them. So...if God did that then, we know that He continues to do that now, with us.
Again, at the end of the night, Alejandra gave another opportunity to accept Christ for those who were not at the group the week before, or simply were not ready at that time. I did not get the number of people who accepted then, but I know Alejandra was talking with 2 girls when we finished!
So I ask that you please keep this youth in your prayers. They live in a poor neighborhood. Life is not easy there. And as a Christian, I imagine it will be even more difficult. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep these youth in your prayers. They meet every Tuesday night (13-17 years old) and Saturday afternoon (18+). Little by little I know that God will change this neighborhood. We started with the children, Cecilia meets with some women, and now, finally, the youth. One step at a time, one person at a time, change is possible!
Thank you for partnering with me, and through that, making this change possible!
It has been a HUGE encouragement. There are roughly 20 people coming, and a number that has not diminished! When starting up something like this, especially in a neighborhood like Guizaros, one never knows what it will turn out like. So when 20 some people showed up the first week, it was a big deal (everyone thought there would be less people). Then one thinks, well maybe they are all just curious about what it's all about and after a week or 2, no one comes any more. But for 3 straight weeks we have had 20 some people, and the same 20 some people! The teens really seem interested and want to be a part of what is happening.
My first week there, Alejandra (the youth leader from my church) shared about the gift God gave us through Jesus's sacrifice. She presented it in a way that was new for me, but I liked it. She talked about a gift and how when someone gives another person a gift, that gift does not become useful until it is open. Once the person has their gift, it is theirs, but if they want to enjoy it, they MUST open it. In the same way, God has given each person a gift, it is theirs, but to enjoy it, they must first open it.
At the end of the night, she asked if anyone was ready to accept that gift and OPEN it, to pray with her...12 people prayed and accepted the gift of Salvation that night! What an encouragement!
The following week, Alejandra talked about trust. We need to trust that God is with us and guiding us. He gave a cloud of fire and a cloud of smoke to the Israelites when they left Egypt. The Israelites saw all kinds of miracles, yet they had a hard time trusting God. But that did not change the fact that God was there, that He was watching over them, protecting them, and guiding them. So...if God did that then, we know that He continues to do that now, with us.
Again, at the end of the night, Alejandra gave another opportunity to accept Christ for those who were not at the group the week before, or simply were not ready at that time. I did not get the number of people who accepted then, but I know Alejandra was talking with 2 girls when we finished!
So I ask that you please keep this youth in your prayers. They live in a poor neighborhood. Life is not easy there. And as a Christian, I imagine it will be even more difficult. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep these youth in your prayers. They meet every Tuesday night (13-17 years old) and Saturday afternoon (18+). Little by little I know that God will change this neighborhood. We started with the children, Cecilia meets with some women, and now, finally, the youth. One step at a time, one person at a time, change is possible!
Thank you for partnering with me, and through that, making this change possible!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thanks for Your Prayers
I want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who has been praying for me during my time here. It has been a huge blessing to have you all with me in this way. I know that SO many things could have happened in the last 16 months that hasn't due to your prayers. And especially in the last month.
For those who are not aware, I was sick for about 2 weeks after my sister left. I lost weight (I have found out that since coming I have lost over 10lbs which is pretty exciting), did not have an appetite, and other, not so fun symptoms. After letting my parents know, who then passed on the word and many of you started praying, I started feeling better. It was probably the most obvious answer to prayer I have experienced...at least in a long time. I did go to the doctor to just make sure everything was ok, so when I go to Peru I do not have to worry about any more problems. It is likely that I had a parasite, but between the prayers (my real medicine) and the perscription the doctor gave me (just to make sure all the bad bacteria was dead) I am feeling much better!
So THANK YOU!!!!!
For those who are not aware, I was sick for about 2 weeks after my sister left. I lost weight (I have found out that since coming I have lost over 10lbs which is pretty exciting), did not have an appetite, and other, not so fun symptoms. After letting my parents know, who then passed on the word and many of you started praying, I started feeling better. It was probably the most obvious answer to prayer I have experienced...at least in a long time. I did go to the doctor to just make sure everything was ok, so when I go to Peru I do not have to worry about any more problems. It is likely that I had a parasite, but between the prayers (my real medicine) and the perscription the doctor gave me (just to make sure all the bad bacteria was dead) I am feeling much better!
So THANK YOU!!!!!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Comedor Fundraiser
With the costs of feeding at least 30 kids Monday - Friday, and then up to 70 kids on Saturdays, the Comedor was running low on money. So when there was a small carnival in the community, Cecilia took the opportunity to do a little fundraiser. A couple of us went on Saturday to help out for through the lunch hour. I have not heard how much money we made, but the Saturday lunch seemed to go very well. So if the Saturday dinner and Sunday meals went well, it would be a successful weekend. Here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Worship in English
I had forgotten how much I missed a worship service in English. Last Sunday, a friend was asked to lead worship at an English speaking church. She asked me to come along to help with translating things (she does speak English, but to make things were understood, she wanted me to come). So, I went with her and 3 other people from my church. It was SO good to sing songs in English. Most of the songs we sang are songs we sing at my church in Spanish, but to sing in your own language is great. I know when I get home, I'll probably miss worship in Spanish, as I really enjoy it, but to get out of the routine, does great things for the spirit!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Alicia has Gone
Well, the 56 days have passed and Alicia has gone...how fast does the time fly! In the beginning, 56 days seemed like a long time, but now that they are gone, WOW!! Yet, when I think about her first day here, well actually her 2nd night, it seems like such a long time ago. When I try to think about what life was like before, it's hard to remember...
It was great having her here. We haven't spent so much time together in a really long time (and not just because I've been Costa Rica, but with college and such...). It was good getting to know each other again. We did a lot together. We went to the beach, we hung out with friends, she helped at the Comedor, talked, ate ice cream ;), etc. Now I'm here trying to get things done, but I seem to get bored very easily without her constantly here to entertain me...
Here's a short recap through pictures:
It was great having her here. We haven't spent so much time together in a really long time (and not just because I've been Costa Rica, but with college and such...). It was good getting to know each other again. We did a lot together. We went to the beach, we hung out with friends, she helped at the Comedor, talked, ate ice cream ;), etc. Now I'm here trying to get things done, but I seem to get bored very easily without her constantly here to entertain me...
Here's a short recap through pictures:
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Guatemala
Here are some pictures of my time in Guatemala. Sorry it has taken so long to get them up. Hope you enjoy!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
El Comedor Prayer Requests
This is a blog I've been meaning to write for a while, but just haven't gotten around to it. The "soup kitchen" that I help with had a break over the Christmas holiday (like everything else). When we met again after the New Year, I cam to learn that we had been "kicked out" of our normal meeting place. We had been meeting in a community center and the people in charge of the center decided that Cecilia, the lady in charge of the Comedor, was trying to take over the community center (she used it every day to serve lunch to the kids and then Sat to help host the Bible study). So we had a surprise when we showed up our first Saturday back and couldn't meet in our regular place, but in a garage...very small (about 1/4 of our regular size). We weren't really sure what God's purpose was in this. Why would be kicked out of a large meeting place and be forced into a small hole in the wall that didn't fit everyone. We trusted that God had a purpose. It turned out that purpose was to get us into our own space much faster.
Last year they were able to buy a plot of land, but the land had nothing...grass and dirt. Last week, Keith, the mission working closely with Cecilia, got a temporary structure built so last Saturday we were able to meet together in our very own place!! When we thought about it, we knew that if we continued to be able to use the Community Center, we would be in no hurry to get the property built up. We had a great place to meet, so there wouldn't have been any hurry in getting something new done. Yet, by being kicked out and forced into tiny quarter, has made it necessary to get our place built. There is still a lot that needs to be done, but at least we are now where no one can kick us out! The kids have a place to call their own. God's love and Word can be spread to them all!! Praise God!
Please continue to pray for the Comedor ministry. There are many kids with rough backgrounds and not a strong Christian influence daily. Pray that we can be effective in our 1 hour a week Bible Study. Pray that the construction would get done so we have an effective/efficient place to work and study and more children and parents can come to know the love of Jesus Christ and accept His perfect Gift!!
Last year they were able to buy a plot of land, but the land had nothing...grass and dirt. Last week, Keith, the mission working closely with Cecilia, got a temporary structure built so last Saturday we were able to meet together in our very own place!! When we thought about it, we knew that if we continued to be able to use the Community Center, we would be in no hurry to get the property built up. We had a great place to meet, so there wouldn't have been any hurry in getting something new done. Yet, by being kicked out and forced into tiny quarter, has made it necessary to get our place built. There is still a lot that needs to be done, but at least we are now where no one can kick us out! The kids have a place to call their own. God's love and Word can be spread to them all!! Praise God!
Please continue to pray for the Comedor ministry. There are many kids with rough backgrounds and not a strong Christian influence daily. Pray that we can be effective in our 1 hour a week Bible Study. Pray that the construction would get done so we have an effective/efficient place to work and study and more children and parents can come to know the love of Jesus Christ and accept His perfect Gift!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Alicia is Here
Last week Alicia came to study at the Language Institute for a 6 week intensive course. She started Monday, so before classes started, we have just hanging out and getting her used to hearing/"speaking" Spanish as well as what life is like here. We have been doing other random things with friends...such as rollerskating and going to the movies. It has been good sharing a little of my experience with her! Now that classes have started, it limits our time doing things, but hopefully, we'll still get to do/see many things!
Monday, January 12, 2009
Earthquake Update
In case you haven't heard in the news about what are the current numbers and events of the earthquake here in Costa Rica, I'll share what I know. The numbers may not be accurate as they are changing as new things happen everyday. But the last number I heard for the death toll is 14 people, but that is expected to raise as there were a lot of landslides and people were buried. Then there are about 40 people missing. Due to damages on the road, there are people stranded in the mountains.
Also, some of the roads have been so destroyed, they can't rebuild them, they have to just build new roads. Being here in Costa Rica, who knows how long that could take and how good the road will be once it is build (Costa Rica has some of the worst roads in Latin America even though it is one of the richest).
There are many people who are without homes. They don't have much. With some minor earthquakes, more like rumbles, many have been sleeping outside in the openness. It is safer to be outside than inside, but they don't have anywhere to live either. This can be dangerous because they are in the mountains and at night it gets fairly cold.
Please continue to be in prayer for the people affected: those with family members who died or are missing, those who don't have homes, and for the repairs that must be done. Thank you!
Also, some of the roads have been so destroyed, they can't rebuild them, they have to just build new roads. Being here in Costa Rica, who knows how long that could take and how good the road will be once it is build (Costa Rica has some of the worst roads in Latin America even though it is one of the richest).
There are many people who are without homes. They don't have much. With some minor earthquakes, more like rumbles, many have been sleeping outside in the openness. It is safer to be outside than inside, but they don't have anywhere to live either. This can be dangerous because they are in the mountains and at night it gets fairly cold.
Please continue to be in prayer for the people affected: those with family members who died or are missing, those who don't have homes, and for the repairs that must be done. Thank you!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Life in Costa Rica - Earthquakes
The last couple days we have had some earthquakes. Being from MN, it isn't something I'm used to. This morning we had a 6.2 earthquake. It was the strongest earthquake I have experienced so far. I think it was good, at least for me, to have a couple the last couple of days to "prepare" myself for a larger one. Then after the strong earthquake, we had a couple more trembles. The epicenter wasn't near where I live, thank goodness, but it destroyed many homes where it was the strongest, there were also 3 deaths.
Please be praying for the families affected by this earthquake.
Please be praying for the families affected by this earthquake.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Campamento de Jovenes
Last night I returned from a 4 day youth camp with my church. I went as a helper. I helped lead different activities, set up and tear down. There were 4 women and 6 men who were helpers and as such, we were the last to sleep (usually around 11:30-12) and were the first to get up (usually 5:30, and one morning I had to get up at 2:30am to wake up 1 girl from every cabin then I had to get up again at 4:45am to wake up everyone). So it was definitely an exhausting week!
There were activities all day with a little free time. I enjoyed meeting some new people and building on friendships I had before.
Please be in prayer for the youth who attended the camp (there were about 75 youth, ages 12-26ish) as they get back to "real life". Pray that they continue to seek after God and set an example to family and friends of what it means to be a Christian.
There were activities all day with a little free time. I enjoyed meeting some new people and building on friendships I had before.
Please be in prayer for the youth who attended the camp (there were about 75 youth, ages 12-26ish) as they get back to "real life". Pray that they continue to seek after God and set an example to family and friends of what it means to be a Christian.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Fun with Friends
Through teaching English I have had the opportunity to meet a couple guys who have invited Doug and I to hang out with them as they do different activities. Here are some pictures. The are from different events: playing pool/fooseball, going rollerskating, New Years Eve, and going to a carnival close to our home (Zapote).
Happy New Year!
This year was a new New Years celebration as well. At my church, they have a New Year's Eve service. 8pm starts the praise and worship time, 9pm starts the preaching, 10:30-ish starts the testimony time (of what God has done in the last year), 11:30-ish starts Communion, then between 12 and 12:15 it's greet the people around you, wish them a Feliz Ano Nuevo, and bless them. Finally when that is all done, it's time for food! It was a fun time.
I went to the service with Shirley, Krish, and Doug, then while there, spent some time with some new friends.
As we greeted everyone after the new year, one of the pastors here, who is the dad of my somewhat adopted family here, told me that I didn't have to feel alone because I was with family there. And that is a true statement. If I couldn't be with my parents, siblings, and extended family members, I knew I was in family with my brothers and sisters in Christ in Costa Rica. Having made many new friends over the last couple weeks, it was a fun celebration.
I hope you all had a great 2008 and have an even better 2009! We never know what the year will bring, but keep searching God's face and no matter what you face, it will be a good year!
Side note...for the next couple days (Jan 1-4) I will be helping with a youth camp for my church, please be in prayer for this as I only know a handful of people going, my Spanish is far from perfect so as I explain games and answer questions I hope I understand, and camp here is a little different than the camps I went to back home, so I really don't know what will be happening. There are about 90 people going to camp (this is a camp through my church, so there are 90 people from my church with only a few from outside). About 20 of the people are leaders and the other 70 or so are 12-25 year olds who are participating in the camp. Thanks for your prayers!
I went to the service with Shirley, Krish, and Doug, then while there, spent some time with some new friends.
As we greeted everyone after the new year, one of the pastors here, who is the dad of my somewhat adopted family here, told me that I didn't have to feel alone because I was with family there. And that is a true statement. If I couldn't be with my parents, siblings, and extended family members, I knew I was in family with my brothers and sisters in Christ in Costa Rica. Having made many new friends over the last couple weeks, it was a fun celebration.
I hope you all had a great 2008 and have an even better 2009! We never know what the year will bring, but keep searching God's face and no matter what you face, it will be a good year!
Side note...for the next couple days (Jan 1-4) I will be helping with a youth camp for my church, please be in prayer for this as I only know a handful of people going, my Spanish is far from perfect so as I explain games and answer questions I hope I understand, and camp here is a little different than the camps I went to back home, so I really don't know what will be happening. There are about 90 people going to camp (this is a camp through my church, so there are 90 people from my church with only a few from outside). About 20 of the people are leaders and the other 70 or so are 12-25 year olds who are participating in the camp. Thanks for your prayers!
Christmas
I know I'm a little late writing a blog about Christmas, but such is life...
Here in Costa Rica, the tradition for local families is to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve (so Dec 24 is Christmas). So this year, I stayed with my host family on Dec 24 to celebrate with them. The other part of the holiday tradition is that families don't get together until 7, 8, or 9 pm, then eat between 10:30 and midnight. It was a bit different to be eating a full meal at 11:30pm, but it was fun celebrating with family.
For dinner we had turkey. It was the first turkey that the family had ever cooked, so I was asked if it looked alright and if I would carve it...I eat turkey, I have never cooked nor cut it...So it was an interesting experience for me. The turkey ended up tasting really good! It had a more sweeter taste than what I've ever had at home, with a sweeter stuffing and a sweeter gravy (it sounds like a really sweet meal, but it wasn't, just sweeter than what we eat at home). It was different ending the meal with a coconut flan and a crepe type thing...not the usual pie and such that we are used to, but still good.
After eating, the presents we opened. It was complete maddness...everyone opened whatever they got as soon as they got it, no order, nothing. It was a bit difficult to watch because I never knew where to look. Around 1am people started heading home, so by 2 am I was able to go to bed! It was a fun, but different Christmas.
Then on our Christmas (Dec 25), we got together as OnMission and celebrated Christmas a little more "American tradition." We had turkey, but more to how we eat it and all the holiday trimmings! It was great having this time together and being a family while so far away from our blood families. After dinner we played Phase 10 (lots of fun even though I didn't win ;) ) and then when dinner had settled (a little), we had dessert and exchanged gifts - a little more orderly than the night before.
Even though I was far from home and wasn't able to spend Christmas with my family for the second year, I can say that I enjoyed Christmas. I actually think it was better this year than last. Although the weeks and days leading up to Christmas were much more difficult. I hesitate to write this, knowing that Mom and Dad will read it, but, it was definitely much harder being away this year. I was more homesick knowing that my family would be celebrating together and I would not be able to join them. This has just made me all the more determined to be home next year!
Here in Costa Rica, the tradition for local families is to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve (so Dec 24 is Christmas). So this year, I stayed with my host family on Dec 24 to celebrate with them. The other part of the holiday tradition is that families don't get together until 7, 8, or 9 pm, then eat between 10:30 and midnight. It was a bit different to be eating a full meal at 11:30pm, but it was fun celebrating with family.
For dinner we had turkey. It was the first turkey that the family had ever cooked, so I was asked if it looked alright and if I would carve it...I eat turkey, I have never cooked nor cut it...So it was an interesting experience for me. The turkey ended up tasting really good! It had a more sweeter taste than what I've ever had at home, with a sweeter stuffing and a sweeter gravy (it sounds like a really sweet meal, but it wasn't, just sweeter than what we eat at home). It was different ending the meal with a coconut flan and a crepe type thing...not the usual pie and such that we are used to, but still good.
After eating, the presents we opened. It was complete maddness...everyone opened whatever they got as soon as they got it, no order, nothing. It was a bit difficult to watch because I never knew where to look. Around 1am people started heading home, so by 2 am I was able to go to bed! It was a fun, but different Christmas.
Then on our Christmas (Dec 25), we got together as OnMission and celebrated Christmas a little more "American tradition." We had turkey, but more to how we eat it and all the holiday trimmings! It was great having this time together and being a family while so far away from our blood families. After dinner we played Phase 10 (lots of fun even though I didn't win ;) ) and then when dinner had settled (a little), we had dessert and exchanged gifts - a little more orderly than the night before.
Even though I was far from home and wasn't able to spend Christmas with my family for the second year, I can say that I enjoyed Christmas. I actually think it was better this year than last. Although the weeks and days leading up to Christmas were much more difficult. I hesitate to write this, knowing that Mom and Dad will read it, but, it was definitely much harder being away this year. I was more homesick knowing that my family would be celebrating together and I would not be able to join them. This has just made me all the more determined to be home next year!
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