Independence Day

September 15 is Independence Day here. The night before the whole community gets together and walks down the streets with homemade lanterns that the kids put together. The following morning at 3 am a truck full of people with pots, pans, horns and drums, go from town to town waking up everyone and starting the festivity.  

This year we serenaded Cornelio’s mom at 5 am to celebrate her birthday which is also the 15^th. She was so surprised to see her family there singing to her and we later enjoyed a great breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans mixed together).

At 9am the parade started and the high school and elementary school band played. Dancers and ox carts fallowed the happy crowd.

 Later, in the community gym, we watched the band play and the children do typical dancing. Costa Ricans are very proud of their 192 years of independence and I felt honored to celebrate with them. 

National Art Festival

Cornelio and I were asked to be two of the judges in the Tabarcia Elementary Art Festival. It is Nationwide so we felt privileged to be there. I was one of the three Judges for Art, poetry and music. Cornelio was a judge for music and drama.  I always enjoy it when our students as well as other children run up to greet us. They lit up and said, “Teacher, are you going to stay for my presentation?” After we said yes they smiled and bounced off. All it takes is a little effort and encouragement to change a person’s day.  We were thankful for another opportunity to participate in a community event.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.”  Romans 8:28