End of the Year

As the school year came to an end here in Costa Rica, we decided to do things a little differently at the tutoring center. The kids didn't have homework, since they had finished with their exams a couple of weeks earlier. While school was technically still in session, no one had classes, so there were lots of extra kids hanging out at the tutoring center. We decided to take adavantage of the time to do some extra curricular activities: art projects, wood work, and cookie decorating. It was a great finale to close out our first year at the tutoring center.

As I said goodbye to the kids on the last day, it was hard to believe I wasn't going to see them for over a month while I was back in the States. I truly love getting to spend each day with these kids. It is such a privelege to be a part of their lives and to watch them slowly grow academicly and spiritually. God has been so faithful this year to give me nuggets of encouragement whenever I become discourgaged or worried that I'm not seeing enough "results". Creating the change is not my responsibility, it's God's, and I can see that He is working. I just need to continue to be faithful to follow His leading and not try to get ahead of His plan.


Jeremy working with some of the kids on their wood projects.


Everyone was very into their project.


We made letter/keyholders for them to give to their parents for Christmas


Decorating snowflakes

Visitors, Team, Thanksgiving, and Cookies

These last few weeks have found me rather busy with lots of visitors and fun activities. We hosted a wonderful team from Wasco, CA over the Thanksgiving break. I had the pleasure of having Julie and Abby working alongside me at the Tutoring Center. It was exciting to see both of them connecting with the kids and pouring their hearts out in service. There were many tearful goodbyes at the end of the week.

From Team, Thanksgiving, Cookies

As part of our time with the team, we braved another first at the Tutoring Center...decorating sugar cookies. Baking sweets is not cultural activity you will find in many homes here in Costa Rica. Most families do not even own a working oven. So the idea of decorating sugar cookies is a completely foreign concept, but one the kids were dying to try. With the help of a 2:1, child/adult ratio it was a great success. The cookies turned out beautiful and I don't think too much extra frosting was consumed in the process.

From Team, Thanksgiving, Cookies

Catalyna, Majoria, Abby, and Madai


These boys ate a lot of extra sprinkles!


Graciela and Rebeca

At the end of the week we had a giant Thanksgiving feast, including 2 turkeys the team smuggled into the country for us. (A small turkey here cost roughly $85). It was so fun to spend the evening with new and old friends, sharing in gratitude over all of the things we've been blessed with. We even got to carry on one of my family traditions--decorating your placemate with some of the things you are thankful for. :) Even though life can be challenging at times, we have so much to be grateful for!


They're really excited about turkey!