What happened over the course of the past week at church is really wonderful and exciting in a number of ways. Bathrooms, light fixtures, the rest of the platform, and new projectors all got installed, mud was covered over, areas were finished and painted, and while cleaning and cleaning and cleaning, I was able to get to know several people from church better. And God was doing some work on my pride--reminding me that all my hard work should be an offering unto him, not so people could see me and say what a good hard worker I am.
The inaugural weekend itself was amazing. We opened with a worship concert on Friday night. Our youth group's band did a very nice job opening and the band that followed them led us in a wonderful time of worship as well. Then the inaugural ceremonies were Saturday and Sunday evening. We had two identical ceremonies so everyone could fit. There was singing to the Lord; brief performances from the theater ministry out of which our church was born and a glimpse of the circus that has also stemmed from the theater; a video of our church's history; a children's choir; glow sticks (symbolizing being light in the world); video greetings from Marcos Vidal (a Christian musician from Spain who did a concert for us a few years ago to help raise money for the building), Rick Warren, and others; a homily; prayers; and then the cutting of the ribbon, followed by a high energy song declaring God's greatness and strength. (I wish I had a video! Here is a
similar version.)
The final surprises of the night started with a
cimarrona (see-ma-ROH-nah), a band very typical of our beloved province, Heredia. It consists of percussion, a couple brass instruments, and a saxophone, and is accompanied by people in giant masks/costumes who dance around. They led us outside where we then had fireworks! As you can see, there were a number of different elements contained in the ceremony. They all served to remind us who we are, whose we are, and what we are to do. But above all else, it was a big fiesta celebrating God and his grace, faithfulness, love, provision, power, strength, nearness, holiness, and desire for everyone to know, love, and worship him. And we all got to dress up to celebrate--that was fun and made it even more special.
My heart is overflowing with thanks and praise to God: a year ago I was just arriving to Mexico, not knowing what God had in store for me. Now I have had the privilege of being back in Costa Rica for six months, being a part of this special time with my church! Praise the Lord! I look forward to what he has in store in the future! He is so GOOD!
May you see his goodness in your life this week,
Carrie
The final surprises of the night started with a cimarrona (see-ma-ROH-nah), a band very typical of our beloved province, Heredia. It consists of percussion, a couple brass instruments, and a saxophone, and is accompanied by people in giant masks/costumes who dance around. They led us outside where we then had fireworks! As you can see, there were a number of different elements contained in the ceremony. They all served to remind us who we are, whose we are, and what we are to do. But above all else, it was a big fiesta celebrating God and his grace, faithfulness, love, provision, power, strength, nearness, holiness, and desire for everyone to know, love, and worship him. And we all got to dress up to celebrate--that was fun and made it even more special.
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