Cookies!!!

Good Morning!!

I just wanted to share some of the fun I had with my little neighbors this past weekend. Last Wednesday my neighbor girl Melina asked me if she and some other neighbors could come bake cookies at our house. We had done this several months ago and now she wanted others to join in on the fun. Most of my neighbors do not have ovens so it was a big deal for them. Saturday afternoon seven kids from ages 3-8 showed up. While the cookies we baking and they were taking turns cutting and decorating, we played "uno" and freeze tag in our back yard.

We talked about the kids who wanted to come but couldn’t so we decided to share this experience and make them a plate of cookies and for their families too. Eating one cookie now and sharing one with each member of their family was a new concept in big families when survival (each person for them self) is what comes to mind first. When they were all done and ready to go I asked them to help me clean the kitchen too. (We talked about sharing, now for responsibility hands on lesson.) Each person either helped with the floor, dishes or counters. Teamwork became a fun task and encouragement and laughter filled the room. Soon it was all done. 

 I still have a mental picture in my mind of all 7 kids with a plate of cookies in their hands and a big smile on their face as they went walking down the path to their homes. What a joy to be building friendships and the trust of the parents in my neighborhood. From this trust we continue to talk about the love of Jesus whenever we can. A good reminder is that a little effort goes a long way. God is so good and I am thankful for these little moments that He places in my life.
Psalm 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.
God bless you this week,

Cailene

A Big Month

        What a blessing it was to have my cousin Danica with us for two weeks this month. She was able to see the side of Costa Rica that most don't get to see. One day we had a game day with the kids we have been teaching music to. Most of them have been brought from Nicaragua to have a better future here in Costa Rica (this means an education and food every day). There were over forty kids who showed up. Cornelio gave a lesson on unity for Jesus. Then I explained basic hygiene and how it is important because our bodies are temples of God. The rest of the time was spent playing games and passing out dental and school supply. As the kids were sitting in a circle, a stack of cement blocks came down. By God's grace the girl there jumped out of her seat in time so she wasn't smashed. We saw a miracle of God. Out of 40 kids playing in a 20' by 20 foot room,  the 8' tall block did not touch anyone. The whole day was a blessing for us as we saw God take control of every situation! 

                   

                         Danica and Cornelio passing out supply.

        A few days later, we were coming home from San Jose and again our guardian angles were working double time.  As we were going down the highway at 60 miles per hour, the hood of our car flipped up on the windshield. It was dark and raining. We heard cars squeal around us as Corrnelio tried to put on his brakes gently with out spinning out. He guided the car to a stop by fallowing the cement divider between us and the oncoming traffic. Then he flipped the hood down and pulled over. The five of us in the care were all scared, but not hurt. Our windshield didn't even get a scratch! We have proof by the big dents and paint taken off  our hood that God really is always protecting us. We are so grateful that God NEVER takes his eyes off His children. 

Joshua 1:5 "...I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."

        We were invited to join the Costa Rican YWAM (Youth With A Mission) group from San Jose. There was a church group from Wisconsin coming for a week and they needed us to be interpreters, help in the kitchen and participate in face to face interaction with the people in the city of Jaco. Jaco is a town littered with prostitution, drugs, alcohol, and gangs  but in the middle are the most tender of God's creation- the children.  
            During this week we are entering Jaco as prayer warriors and love givers of Jesus as we put on and participate in children's church, vacation bible schools, construction projects, bible distribution and mentoring and loving upon the kids and teens.

            It was an honored to be asked. It was a great experience but stretch for us because there is so much to do in such a short amount of time. This team had several things they had brought with them and we got to just come along side them and assist in a VBS, talking to the people in the streets and inviting them to join in some group activities.  Everyone was blessed but God blessed us who were the givers so much more. It was an amazing experience. 

           The prayer cover going into and out reach like this is very important. Knowing we have that from our family and friends all over the world gives us the confidence and strength to continue on these adventures. Thank you to all our faithful prayer warriors!!

             We returned to our small town exhausted but so happy to have been asked to be part of this out reach. We offered to be on call anytime if they might need us again. Now, back home we continue to minister to the ones around us and teach English and lead worship at our church. We have been very busy with the everyday things that come our way. I love the saying that says, “Tell the good news about Jesus, and if necessary use words.” We live each day to its fullest and trust that the lives we are investing time into and encouraging are making a difference and giving hope to many.

 Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Cornelio and Cailene leading a youth group 

Reaching rural Costa Rica with Music



Happy Students with Cardboard Keyboards!



                                                                                      

      There are parts of Costa Rica ignored and forgotten. One of these areas is where the “squatters” live. These people are on government land and have built small corrugated tin houses to protect themselves from the rain and sun. They are very small and few have running water or electricity. Most have dirt floors. One of these places is about a 30 min drive from our house.

       A Pastor came to us and asked us if we would come to his church and teach music. He explained that they had saved for a long time and now they have a small keyboard but no one knows how to play it. 

     When we arrived for the first group lesson there were 16 students.  We taught some music theory and rhythms then divided into two groups.  Cornelio took the guitar students and I took the keyboard students. When in the states I had talked to my music teacher and got some great ideas how to teach on a cardboard keyboard to teach finger patterns and scales. The students practice on the cardboard keyboard then rotate to me and I work with them individually on the one and only keyboard. Cornelio has the same idea going with the guitar.  

 The Pastor said he would charge a small fee each week equal to about $1 per person so it would show commitment and accountability. He gathered up the coins after the first group lesson and was embarrassed as how many could not pay and was trying to figure out how much money he needed to put in so it would at least pay for our gas to come. Cornelio took the small handful of coins and said, “Pastor this is just the right amount. The students are eager to learn and we will be back next week” The Pastor shook hands and with great appreciation said thank you, we look forward to having you come back.

It has been a joy to see the students of all ages get together as they learn about music and worship.



Cornelio Teaching Guitar Theory

                                                                            

Easter Week

We send greetings from Costa Rica to each of you during these next few days leading up to Resurrection Sunday. We pray for a special sense of the Lord's presence as you prepare for a triumphant Resurrection Sunday! We are rejoicing with you by sharing the Good News about the Empty Tomb! We celebrate our risen Lord!