Friday, July 23, 2010

Costa Rica Blog pics #3

1) Andrew, as the Apostle Paul, pays a visit to the bible study.

2) The wall is growing and nearing completion.

3) The soccer field is finished and in use!

4) Celebrating Zach, Andrew, and Hunter’s birthdays.


Today is Thursday, and progress is being made. The wall that is enclosing space next to the sanctuary could be finished by the end of this work day. Today’s bible study is centered on the Apostle Paul. The soccer field is nearing completion. Several benches/pews have been completed. And if there was ever any doubt, Jesus will bring power to this church annex today, (Jesus, pronounced Hay-Seus, is the electrician!).

We are starting to wind up the focal point of our trip, working with this special church. Last night the youth led the reflection time, (which we do every night), and it was especially meaningful as both veterans of this trip and first time youth shared their experience thus far. Let me just say that there was not a dry eye in the house by the end of the reflection. The Holy Spirit is working and moving and weaving its transforming power.

We finish the work tomorrow, on Friday. We will work our regular shift in the morning, then go back to the hotel for lunch. We will then go back to the church for our second shift, as we have all week. The difference is that the church has prepared some presentations that include dancing and music of some sort. We are excited about this offering from our friends. We will then come to point we have been dreading all week—saying goodbye! If last night’s reflection time is any indication of the emotion we will encounter on Friday afternoon, when we all say our farewells, it will be teary celebration of the relationships God has brought into being.

There is already a sense that when we leave we are abandoning the children that we have come to know and love, to a street existence that does not hold much promise for them. This compounds the emotion we feel as we begin the process of leaving. But we also know the saving power that can come from the church that has been build with blood, sweat, tears, and love. This church has the power to transform its membership and the community.

In the Carpenter’s footsteps has been in partnership with this church for four years. On this trip it has been a blessing to see the children grow, re-connect with old friends, and continue to build the relationships that are at the heart of this trip. To put it simply, today will be a sad and a happy day. We have been blessed.

El Pastor, Danny

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