Friday July 24 - Hasta Luego

We say "hasta luego” and “si, proximo ano", what else would you say?

I did not have a handkerchief to bring to the Friday short workday and goodbye service. So I brought a hand towel....not enough. As Merlino mentioned, there was a localized flood in Puntarenas. We finished off a few remaining construction details, purchased some supply line and a toilet lid for the special project, gave away whatever clothes, gifts or personal articles we wanted to offer and then prepared for the service. We had live music, traditional dancing, prayers, thank yous, gifts, awards, and finally a multitude of hugs. We had made so many friends in a short time. We worked, played and taught together all week and it is hard to see it end. We have watched many a child grow up, friendships grow stronger and the love of God is the common thread; the fuel, the glue, or whatever metaphor fits best. As Sonia said earlier, these people are full-of-it and it shows. We will be back because the Fray Casiano church still needs our help and we have a covenant with them.

Thank you all for supporting the ministry of In The Carpenter's Footsteps.

Solo Deo Gloria

John

Friday July 24 - The Full Armor of God

A Nuestra Familia de Christ Presbyterian:

Ellen Hicks and I decided to do the Bible lessons for this Mission Trip on Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Full Armor of God. For months we prayed and researched material appropriate for the Fray Casiano children. We did encounter a few obstacles, especially with the "Sandals of Peace", but God kept reaffirming us about our lesson theme.

Today we concluded a week of infused, contagious enthusiasm from children (and adults) that we might think don’t have much. In reality, they have it all. These people get it. It is not about what you don’t have, it’s about being content with the blessings the Lord bestows upon us. It’s all about the love.

If I have to pinpoint the highlight of the week, there are two. Last year "Chombo", a rebellious boy, drew some inappropriate signs on my T-shirt when I passed it to be signed by the children. This year I asked him if he realized that what he did was wrong. He answered yes and I told him I thought he owed me an apology, which he didn’t do. Chombo came to all lessons, twice a day, tried to participate and did all the crafts. I kept showing him that I loved him and didn’t bring up the T-shirt issue again. By Thursday all the children had "The Full Armor of God", including Chombo. When I asked him to sign this year’s T-shirt he was surprised. I could hardly hold back the tears as I read it: "forgive me, Alfredo". He no longer goes by his nickname. Again, it’s all about the love.

These are out winners, Rodrigo and Rosangela

My second highlight was also a true blessing. On Monday morning I challenged the older children to try to memorize the daily Scripture from our Bible lessons. I had brought a special gift for the winners; one for a boy and one for a girl. Yesterday afternoon Rodrigo didn’t have any competition. He recited Ephesians 6:10-17 with few errors. It was difficult with the girls. Both Rosangela and Kimberly did an outstanding job. But there could only be one winner. They said that winning didn’t matter, that the important thing is that they were memorizing Scripture. Never mind who won; it’s all about the love.

Today, after the farewell our brothers and sisters from Fray Casiano had for us, I was trying to make a clean escape to the bus as I could no longer hold the tears. Rosangela (yes, she won) intercepted me, hugged me and crying said that no one had ever challenged her to read, memorize and enjoy Scripture the way I had. She promised to maintain her sharpened "Sword of the Spirit" with daily Bible reading. She promised to stay close to the Lord.

Glory be to God

Sonia Carbonell

Friday July 24 - Sewing News and ESL

Costa Rica Sewing News

What an exciting week to find so many women and one teenage boy eager to sew! Once the seven sewing machines were cleaned and oiled, material and sewing notions sorted, women were anxiously waiting to begin sewing projects. Indeed there were many projects constructed, from clothes to purses and chair covers for our bus. Our men constructed a couple of tables for our machines and cutting. By Thursday we could have used 10 or 12 sewing machines as ladies waited patiently for their turns. Accolades go to Martha Ann, Neasta and Kathy for their diligent support of this activity. They were truly a Godsend! Patricia, a church member has the fabric to prepare a large banner for the church. Our sewing week concluded with the women and children participating in a Fashion Show.

Seeing how eager these women were to sew for themselves, their children and each other, I met with Patty, Buddy, Tom and Pastor Carlos with Efren translating. Pastor Carlos agreed to letting the women establish a sewing circle in the church, using the sewing machines on Saturdays and the women would be encouraged to start a sewing/craft business. A $28.00 donation was made to the sewing circle to help the women get started.

Lastly, we discussed the possibility of offering ESL (English as a Second Language) classes next year and Pastor Carlos readily said he’d like to see ESL offered to adults as well as children.

Jan Conkright