First let me apologize for missing last month's entry - it slipped my mind until we were already in December. I was able to participate in a Christmas outreach activity last weekend and wanted to give you a picture of Las Delicias, Guanacaste, a more rural area of Costa Rica. Here we still see caballeros or cowboys riding along side of their cattle in the dirt roads. The land is more open and arid than San Jose, with beautiful mountain scapes in the background (sorry my battery died before I could take any scenery shots!) This church plant started with the conversion of family members of a couple that attend our church, Impacto Vida Nueva. It is really more of a Bible study since our coworkers, the Colliers, can only travel the 5 hours each way once a month and there is no regular pastor in this remote area. The family was precious and impressed me with their hospitality despite their meager house and simple lifestyle. They were proof that we need not wait until we reach a certain income level to give; they gave sacrificially.
Here in the photos you get a glimpse of their home; the wood walls, basic amenities, farm animals roaming freely outside. The children and adults came from even farther away for this annual celebration hosted here. A Tico couple wanted to provide a small health fair for those who needed help as well as for the Mother's of children in attendance. Here Esteban checks the blood pressure of one of the grandmothers.
Despite the terrible dust (we are now in the dry season) the kids enjoyed the games and treats we brought. There were close to 200 in attendance and 19 people made a decision to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. With a strong catholic influence in Costa Rica, it will take time and people to follow up on these decisions, which is a challenge since the location is so far away.
Here, my friend Andrea holds one of the little boys. Next to her is a photo of the porch of the house where many gathered to sing songs while we awaited the arrival of all the kids. Again you can see how dusty everything was from the dirt roads and winds. It was an added blessing to talk to a group of university students who came to practice their English conversation skills. I also tasted my first tamale, a mixture of corn meal, vegetables and pork wrapped and steamed in banana leaves. The family, with the help of an aunt, prepared over 250 of these traditional Christmas tamales to share with all who attended - what a treat! Perhaps when you think of what you have and receive this Christmas, keep in mind that all we really need to celebrate this holiday is an open and generous heart.
