Tiempo de Lectura

Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes. Through a book we can travel to new worlds, experience different time periods and ideas, and begin to build dreams for our own lives. Unfortunately, reading is not a popular pastime here in Costa Rica, despite their seemingly high literacy rate. A large part of the problem is the lack of exposure to reading as an enjoyable activity. For awhile now I've been wanting to start a reading group with some of my more faithful 4-6th graders at the Tutoring Center. Josh found several copies of The Little Prince, in Spanish, for me, and I've been reading it through trying figure out how I'm going to get my kids excited about reading.

Then on Monday, I decided to stop in to one of the few used bookstores I've seen here in Costa Rica. Luis, the man who owns the closet-sized store, is a kindred spirit. We talked for almost a half an hour about the need to provide reading opportunities for kids and the magical experiences books allow us to have. He wants to help me build my little library in Los Guido. I bought a few children literature books to start with.

Today all classes were canceled in Los Guido, a far to common occurrence, which left my 4th-6th graders with nothing to do and no homework. I boldly suggested something they had never done before. Reading hour! As I glanced up from reading with Naiomi, I experienced one of my proudest moments yet in Los Guido. All of my kids were reading. Catalyna was pacing back and forth engrossed in the book of tales I'd purchased on Monday. Maidi was sprawled out on a bench with a pile of children's books beside her. And Alicia was hidden in the corner with her first ever chapter book. Even Jeff was reading the daily newspaper. It might not seem like much, but this small start is a huge encouragement to me. As well as, a reassurance that if good books are provided, children will read them if given a little push.

Lovingkindess in the Darkness

Most often it is through trials that we are able to get a glimpse of how much God really loves us and how fragile we humans truly are. These past few months have been filled with many trying circumstances, and at times I felt there was no way I would make it through. But God is continually faithful, even when we struggle to believe. He gives us the strength to hold on in faith, especially when we can't see our way through the darkness.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to get away and visit a friend who lives out in the countryside. We spent several hours walking through the mountains marveling at God's amazing creation. In awe at the way He carefully designed each plant, shrub, and tree with a special purpose: to protect from landslides, provide shade for other plants, serve as homes and food for much of the wildlife. God's design in nature continues to remind me that He has a purpose and design for my life too. (I know this is elementary, but I frequently need reminding.) God is continuing to work together all the aspects of my life, the good and the trying, for His glory. Upon returning to the city, I read Psalm 107...

" Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.

Whoever is wise will observe these things,
And they will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD." ~v. 8,9,43

He loves us and will always provide for our needs as we walk with Him. This does not mean it will always be easy or "fun", but often through the dark times we are able to understand His lovingkindess even more.

From Weekend in Q-Town

From Weekend in Q-Town

From Weekend in Q-Town

Josh and I with the amazing view behind us. (If you want to see more pictures of the beautiful countryside, click on the album link)