....and so we continue on in the service of our Lord

This week has been quite eventful as well as a learning experience.

Nearly 200 homemade tamales

Saturday, all day, we had the privilege of making Costa Rican tamales.  Similar only in shape to the Mexican tamales, these had a different base and were wrapped in banana leaves.  We prepared almost 100 "pinas" which is a group of 2 tamales tied together, which made almost 200 tamales in total.  We went through this all day process in order to pass them out to families in the home fellowship as well as to homeless people in the town plaza.  We plan to pass them out on Christmas eve.  I am excited to see what will come of this as we share the love and hope of Christ.

under construction

Along with all the other things the Schockey's have going on they are also constructing a small expansion building in their backyard for the home fellowship.

Sketchy bridge, Curtis' fav

Coffee beans

Sorry, this picture does not do justice to the beauty of the Lords creation that we saw

The following day, Sunday, we had the opportunity after church to go on a drive up to the mountains.  The drive reminded me a lot of the drives me and my family would make when we were younger and my dad would drive aimlessly and find some random abandoned warehouse to which my mom would object to further exploring.  One of these aimless drives led to
an entire police squad in full tactical gear pulling up in a van and drawing their guns at us.  Another story for another time.  We enjoyed a clear view of the entire city and passed by many coffee farms.  We even enjoyed some fresh coffee beans off the plant.  It was a beautiful relaxing time. 

Before we set out to the mountains we drove through a section of town called Kokori.  It's what we would call the ghetto of the city.  It's known for it's poverty and heavy drug use.  We hope to reach out in that section of town sometime in the future.

Monday was especially fun for me.  I finally got to play soccer at a turf court down the street from our house.  I paid just about $2 to play for an hour.  There was definitely some talent out there, fortunately somehow I was able to keep up.  I was even invited back to play the next day by the owner of the court that plays there regularly.  One of the guys that was on my team turned out to be a youth pastor.  He took my number and is going to invite me to his youth group hopefully sometime soon.  There's about 60-70 kids that show up weekly to his youth group from the community.  Lord willing I will be able to participate and get further connected.  We also had the blessing of seeing one of the spectators from the soccer game come out to the Bible study this Wednesday night.  Her and her mother came out and seemed very interested.  From the looks of it they will be coming back week after week.  Praise the Lord!

We've also been talking to a sister down the street from us, consequently she lived in NJ for 14 years in none other than my hometown Elizabeth.  It's amazing, I'd say about 98% of Costa Ricans I've met that have lived for any period of time in the US, lived in NJ.  I really believe it has been a further indication of the Lord using me in NJ again sometime in the future.  All in His timing.

Giving out the gifts

Wednesday we had the awesome privilege of spending time with the kids that Calvary Chapel Hot Springs sponsored for Christmas gifts.  It was a great time of games, food, and gifts.  What an awesome time it was to see the excitement in all the families as they participated in this activity.  The best part was that the gospel was preached and many families got to see His love and provision in their lives. Thank you so much for your support in that!

All the gifts, from other donors as well

I look forward to many more adventures and feedback from you my loving brothers and sisters!  Continue to keep us in prayer and I am definitely praying for you.  Thank you for your love!