More than Half Way

We’ve now past the half way mark. Almost done, with a few more small projects to go and some finishing touches. It is really incredible to see 24 women, ranging greatly in age and abilities, come together and form relationship, work out solutions to difficult problems and overcome obstacles. The key word for any sort of group missions project is: (all together now) FLEXIBILITY. And that has truly been the major ingredient in this missions outreach.

As North American women representing the church in Southern California, we bring with us a lot of presumptions and expectations for how things are. All the while we keep in mind that the very most important thing is that we come to serve others, our family, in the name of the One who came to serve and give Life - Jesus Christ.

Some things from today:
The sewing masterminds, Jeannette and Linda, have been working nonstop to piece together amazing curtains with complex detail and creative organization. Cindy touched up and repainted the metal security bars that cover the windows so that they would not appear rusty or worn. Jill picked up a paintbrush, and was even seen on a ladder, painting the upper lefthand corner in the studio apartment. These sitings go somewhat unconfirmed. Renee, Veronica and Sharon led the team hitting the second apartment and are scheduled to be finished tomorrow. Joyce is working on her mural in the kids room. Claudia, Cher and Jean are working so diligently to coordinate the things we brought and distribute them into the apartments which have need. Others are filling the necessary roles of running around from place to place and completing odd jobs that need to be done. Robin, Betty, Jill and I finished yet another strip of wallpaper today in the small apartment, with Debra’s help. Debra and her husband are learning English, so they can be missionaries in India. She is a dentist who will be serving the people of India as an Assemblies of God missionary. Unfortunately, as Debra was helping us, a paint pan fell from a ladder and just missed her. No baptizing in paint, just a big splattered mess of beige (or tan?) all over the white tile in the studio.

Also exciting was an evening for play. Ten of us explored a mall in Tres Rios, where we had dinner, and others went back to the hotel to play some games. Another exciting day for the women’s team of 24.

A personal note - today is extra special for me, as I get to spend my thirtieth birthday serving alongside these women in this amazing country of Costa Rica. A few things that I absolutely love about this country are: the language, the congenial nature of the people, the simplistic way of living, the focus of family and preference for family and friends and the vast variety of natural resources. In this small country is a representation of city, rainforest, the Pacific Coast, Atlantic Coast, a huge variety of wood and stones and birds and flowers. One word that describes the people of Costa Rica (Ticas) is - polite. Coast Rica is famous for being an excellent place to learn the Spanish language and a nice, safe place to visit and vacation. I am looking forward to seeing downtown San Jose and going out to the waterfalls on Saturday.