Week 8
Tuesday
Rainy season in Costa Rica means that there is rain
at some point almost everyday. The downpour usually
begins around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. and lasts anywhere
from 2-4 hours. To attempt to avoid the rain we scheduled
an SR clinic today from 10-12 in a location in which
we had never worked before, but instead of waking
up to the bright morning sun, our day rolled in with
rain and thunder. Dressed in ponchos and praying all
the way we walked to the school to decide whether
or not to hold the clinic or try to reschedule. The
leaders here along with Kelly prayed for God's will.
As they were discussing the options for postponing,
the phone rang. The residents in the area where we
were planning to have the clinic called to say, "The
children are all here waiting, it is not raining here."
Understand that this location is a mile from where
we were standing in the rain. So then, we smiled,
"Load up! Let's go to work!"
We broke the ice by playing a variation of tag. In
the U.S. it is known by the name, American Eagle,
or in espanol aguila. The children had a great
time trying to avoid being captured by Scarlet and
Maverek, our first eagles.
Soccer coaches in the Woodland Park are going to be
fighting over Maverek as his skills are continuing
to increase.
If there are pequenitos, little ones, to be
found, you can bet I will be right in the middle of
them. Here, I and their mamas, try to make a group
of 2-5 year olds into a circle....something like herding
cats.....
Grayson shares his testimony with the help of Daniel
translating.
Anthony shows off his amazing control of the futbol.
Kelly finally pulls out an American football and the
kids ran specific routes to receive a pass. When asked
if they wanted to do something else they all said
no.
Once again using the Ball of Many Colors, Kelly preaches
to the gathered crowd.
While not what most picture when thinking of sports
ministry, this man is a typical representation of
our overseas audience. Drawn by the games, the noise,
the music or the will of God. Perhaps looking back
to his own youth, or that of his children; he waits,
watches, and listens.
This is part of the group in attendance today. In
all we had 58 kids, and 23 adults come out to play.
With 16 first time decision and not a drop of rain.
This little one, 3 years old, kept following me around
and wanted to show me how she could count to ten in
english. When I was distracted she would pull on the
leg of my shorts, saying, "!Beso, por favor,
beso!" When I gladly leaned down to give and
receive the traditional greeting of a kiss (beso)
on the cheek, she counted for me. one.....two.....fwee.......por........fibe......
Ella es requete inteligente y bonita tambien!
El ganador de la pelota hoy. This boy, Steven, won
our game of "agila" and thus received a
ball along with tracts to share the gospel with his
friends. All kids in attendence received a tract using
the ball to describe salvation and the adults received
the Book of John, both in Spanish. We trust that the
message of the ball will by far outlast the ball itself,
as we know God's word never returns void.
Wednesday
How about a tour of the small town where we've
lived for the past two months.
This is the thriving downtown area of the village
where we live, Tuis.
The cabaña to the right of the river was Grayson's
classroom.
This is the mission where the handicapped indigenous
live.
Here is the front of the school
Did we mention we always, always have a house full
of kids.
Thursday
Our last camp was scheduled for this afternoon since
all the kids were out of school. In the middle of
the night we were all awaken by the loudest thunder
we've ever heard. It rained all night, all morning
and into the afternoon. The clinic was set for 2:00,
we left the house 10 minutes til and it was still
raining. We kid you not, before we got to the plaza
the rain stopped. Of course it did, we thought. What
a mighty God we serve.
Maverek as an eagle trying to catch the other kids.
All lined up and waiting for the whistle so they can
dash to the other side.
Grayson on the move. He knocked over many little kids
but still lost.
We were glad to see many helpers from the local church
we've been working with.
Jenni sharing her testimony as the little ones watch
on.
We shared two hours with 34 campers and saw the Holy
Spirit draw close 5 new believers.
Anthony's mother works at the school we attend and
she mentioned the other day that Anthony had been
praying for a ball for a couple weeks. Wouldn't you
know that God heard his prayers and on the last day
he was, with no premeditation on our part, a winner
of a ball. These balls have been such a blessing.
We've used them not only to share the Gospel by using
the colors but they've also been a huge draw bringing
in children, and clearly an answer to prayer. Thank
you to all of you who purchased balls for us to use
here.
Here are two of Maverek's best buddies, Joshua and
Tommy. They can both explain in detail what all the
colors on the ball signify, and both have budding
personal relationships with Christ Jesus.
Friday
Our last day here was a full one and a very special
one...it's Scarlet's birthday!!!
For lunch we had our graduation ceremony. 75 hours
of classes!!!
Scarlet had a neighborhood birthday party with I don't
even know how many kids.
Water-ballon games of course led to a water-ballon-fight.
Scarlet blowing out the candles. 10 can you believe
it.
She was then told it was customary for the birth kid
to take the first bite out of the cake.
You guessed it!!!
Batters up!!!
Scarlet watching over the little ones so they wouldn't
get smashed during the dash for candy.
We leave very early in the morning to head home.
Thank you for all your prayers.
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