Friday, April 5, 2013

April Update



So far this month we have had many opportunities to serve people in our neighborhood. We were able to bring groceries over to our friend whose husband was in the hospital. She had little food in the house and could not afford to a taxi ride to the store, which is 15 min away. She called one of our other friends in tears so we went right over and brought her eggs, beans and bananas. She was so grateful and seemed to appreciate the encouragement and company as much as she did the food. Being the hands and feet of Jesus and sharing His love is part of our everyday lives here in Costa Rica.

Our 5-year-old neighbor boy, who is being raised by his grandma, likes to greet Cailene and chats with her nearly every day. A few days ago he was washing his bike for the first time and Cailene told him what a great job he was doing. He beamed with delight from the attention! He even offered to wash her bike for her. In this picture she is giving him a scratcher sponge to clean his tires, he was so excited! Positive words and encouragement are invaluable to a boy like this who deals with a drama-filled family life.




Cornelio gives guitar lessons to several students.  He focuses on theory as well as technique. The underlying goal of these lessons is to teach the students responsibility through the challenge of learning how to play an instrument. Because he is teaching Christian songs, the students get exposed to Jesus while also having fun and learning a new skill! You can't beat that.

 


In March we had the water go out twice, both times for a full day. Mini power outages are common during this winter season in Costa Rica.  Fortunately our new water system is gravity fed and it does not need electricity. Many thanks to our family and friends in the states who made the water tank possible! We are enjoying God's continued blessings and provision over our lives here in Costa Rica.



"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
Joyfully serving Jesus in Costa Rica,

Cornelio, Cailene, & Bonnie