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!

Everyday Opportunities

My neighbor asked if I would have time to do her hair using my curling iron.  Hardly anyone  in my neighborhood have curling irons or hair dryers. She is 15 years old. She and I talked and shared for 2 hours while I fixed her hair. I asked her deep questions about her faith and what were her personal goals in life. Cornelio's English student canceled so he came home early. 

She got all nervous and said she had better go so Cornelio didn’t get mad that someone was in his house. I told her to relax and we would finish and Cornelio wouldn't mind.  When Cornelio came in he just did the normal things he usually does then asked if we were hungry. She looked at me and said, “Is he talking to me too?” I said yes and she just watched as Cornelio made dinner for all of us. This young girl shared that she had never seen a relationship like ours and how we were so relaxed with each other and took care of each other. She said she now had a different view of men and that her standards for herself and future mate were at a different place. We had no idea that she was watching and observing our every move and that it was a testimony of our love for each other.  Praise God for the everyday opportunities and growing new relationships. Sometimes we wonder if we are really making a difference in others lives and we are. It’s these kinds of opportunities that let God’s light shine as we glorify Him in our testimony.

          Having grown up in the rural community where he and Cailene now reside, Cornelio understands the dire need for education. His joy and personal satisfaction comes from doing what he loves–helping people and serving those in need. Not only do they work to establish economic stability in their area by teaching English, but also to instill a sense of community and faith in those who previously had none.  They want to leave a legacy of working together and teach others to reach out to those in need. At CGC Costa Rica, Cornelio and Cailene promote a lifestyle of hope, personal goal setting, and a personal relationship with Jesus. Because of the volumes of rain and small homes where they live, the only place to gather with friends is at the bar. Through CGC Costa Rica, Cornelio and Cailene hope to make a change and offer their community a new way to come together. Many missionary teams come to Costa Rica, but this young couple does not expect others to make good things happen for their community. They want to actively participate and share in the hard work.

C G C stands for: Cornelio, God, Cailene