Tico Tuesday, August 28th

The Calm Before The Storm

Last week I enjoyed having some spare time since I was in between semesters. My NT test was hard, but everything turned out ok. I was even able to submit my final paper for my Research and Writing course a day before I thought I'd be able to! So, Saturday I hung out with a friend and then watched my favorite movie of all time (one of Fred and Ginger's more obscure movies called "Carefree"). Sunday morning I ran a race for the 1st time this year. Then in the evening I went to a fun Gospel concert with some friends. Afterwards, we went out to eat. I know a number of you have already spotted this picture on facebook, but I wanted to share it with the rest of you too. I had a really great time! (And I LOVE those chocolate cookies!)
And then, it came. My stomach started churning, and by the time I got home... I'll spare you the details. Thankfully my stomach bug only lasted 24 hours. And I'm very grateful to God for that, since I started my Theology 1 course today. Over the next 8 weeks I get to read some 2000 pages, write three 6-8 page papers and complete a number of other assignments along the way. It's intense, and though I was hoping to practice some speed-reading, I'm afraid the subject matter won't be very conducive to that. So, I appreciate your prayers in divine speed-reading, or time being stretched out so I can be able to do it all. With God all things are possible!
Thanks!
Blessings on you and your tasks for the week!
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, August 21st

This chicken hangs out at my window almost every morning. Not something I've ever been used to before.

And over the past couple weeks, I've seen, heard and experienced a number of things I never could have imagined and that no one should ever get used to. Reading an article, hearing a second- or third-hand story, or watching some slideshow about missions can't grasp this. I'm talking about the brokenness and poverty hiding behind the eco-facade of Costa Rica. I'm talking about adults that can't even write their own children's names. I'm talking about children who have been horrifically mistreated and abused and are starting to do the same. I'm talking about people who live in a makeshift lean-to with no door and one  twin bed for more than one person. I'm talking about things I've seen, related to children I know, not some identity-less face you look at and go "Aww!"
The longer I stay in Costa Rica, and the more deeply involved I get with the children and families we serve at the Bible Home, the more I learn of things that have been foreign to me my whole life. The more I see how starved of love people can be, the more I can see that Jesus truly is the only Hope for this world.
 So that leaves me asking, how can I be Jesus to these children and families? I am well aware of my own brokenness and limitations, but I want so badly to help these people. Please join me in praying for Jesus to transform these children and families, and pray for His love to flow freely through me.
Thanks. May God continue to open our eyes and show us those who so desperately need his love - and may we do something about it!
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, August 14th

Surely last Tuesday was over a week ago!  Time continues to fly by up on my dear little mountainside here in San José de la Montaña.

Time has flown too, from October 2011, when we first re-broke ground on the Arco Iris (Rainbow) house, to when it was completed last month. A house family and 11 boys (sometimes houses will have an extra child or two due to exceptional occurrences) have been living there for a month now. On Friday we had the official inauguration ceremony with representatives from the various foundations and government entities who contributed to the house's construction and help keep Roblealto running. Too bad we couldn't fly down a whole bunch of sponsors, or the special donors from the States who gave very large gifts. Anyway, the Bible Home took advantage of its time in the spotlight and highlighted the different arts and sports workshops available to the children for all the special guests. The band played, the chorus sang, the recorder ensemble played, representatives from all the sports (soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and cricket) showed off their uniforms and the kids who spend extra time helping in the garden brought some of their beautiful lettuce. Then, the chairman of Roblealto's board cut the ribbon and inside we went, with all 11 boys serving as tour guides, showing off each room's color theme and which bed and closet was whose. It was a beautiful morning in every way. I can't express how joyful I am to be a part of this wonderful ministry!
Back to my studies... Thank you so much for your prayers! I'm almost finished with my final paper for New Testament and will have taken my final exam by the next time I write to you. Please keep praying! Thank you!
Peace and joy to you,
Carrie

Tico Tuesday, August 7th

Happy Tuesday! I'm surfacing from the depths of my Research & Writing paper and New Testament studies just briefly here. The summer semester is coming to an end, and I have a ton of work left to do in the next 2.5 weeks. I covet your prayers!
As I mentioned in my Chronicle, AWANA started up again this past Sunday. I think it went really well, considering we had 20 new children with us. There is nothing like singing praises to God with these kids. It is truly a foretaste of heaven. I enjoyed standing near some of the new kids and encouraging them to do the motions. Game time didn't go so well. Our Yellow team came in last... this time. Our new kids are still catching on. But as always, we had lots of fun! In manual time, we had a welcome (back) party with hot dogs and ice cream. I can't wait to start working with my kids on learning and understanding God's Word. Thanks for praying for me to establish good relationships with them. I feel like I was able to connect well with both, but especially the girl, C. She's the one who simultaneously humbled my heart and made it soar when she told her parents and relatives Sunday afternoon (when they came during visiting hours) that I'm her best friend. Please continue to pray for the children and for me.
Thank you and God bless you!
Carrie