And We're Open!!!

The Tutoring Center is officially open for business, and we have had a great first two weeks! We had a wonderful group of ladies from Guatemala, Austria, and the States who helped us out during our grand opening. It was such a blessing to have experienced teacher and Spanish speakers helping me work through all the kinks of being in a new space with new students. They were so patience, flexible, and willing to do whatever needed to be done in the moment. Thank you ladies!

(L to R) Me, Marie, Claudia, Rebekah,
Suzi, Rachel, and Nivia


Nivia playing Oraciones Divertidas with Carlos. Everyone needed a review of parts of speech in order to play this game :)



Claudia with one of our new families


In the second week of operation, Blake joined me as a full-time assistant. He does great with the kids. A lot of the kids who are new to me, already know Blake from his time doing sports in the neighborhood with Diego. He provides a great bridge in helping me build relationships with these kids. I'm also really thankful to see that almost all of our faithful students have followed us over from the old location, even the ones who have a longer walk. Our 4th grade and up session is at capacity everyday, and art time is been overflowing both weeks!

Kids waiting to get in for the afternoon session. Everyone has their homework!


Making new friends. Catalina and Daniela



It's so exciting to see everything coming together! The kids all seem really content in the new space and the neighborhood is very happy to have us there. We're off to a good start!

The New Tutoring Center!!!!!

After countless hours and labors of love the New Tutoring Center is ready to open its door to students. Tomorrow is our first orientational meeting. On Tuesday the Center will be open with its full schedule of activities including tutoring, library, art, cooking, and Girls' group. We're excited! The community is excited! Everyday kids and parents pass by, anxious to know when classes start. Thank you for continuing to keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we start out on this new step of the journey. The neighborhood we're working in is a tough one. But I was reminded yesterday as I hung out with the kids in the park, it's a functioning community. There are a lot of rough edges, but in their own way, they're making things work and supporting each other to the best of their abilities. I know I am often blinded to hope by the seemingly dire circumstances of my kids. Yesterday was a reminder that my kids don't need me to save them from their circumstances, they just need some more tools to use. I trust that the Tutoring Center can do just that for the community. But more importantly, I hope that it can be a place that reminds us all of how much we are loved and valued by our Creator; that each student, parent, volunteer, and teacher who comes through the gate will become a bit more of the person God created them to be.

Blake made this lovely video tour so you could have a visual of the new Center. A HUGE thanks to everyone who helped make this dream possible!!!!

California Christmas

Hey Everyone! Sorry it's been awhile, but I figure all of you have been equally busy with the holidays and beginnings of a new year. :)

I'm back in Costa Rica after spending some much need time resting and being with family in the U.S. The month of December was a crazy whirlwind of end of the year activities, packing up the Tutoring Center, and saying goodbye to how things have been for the last year and a half. I arrived in California, tired but thankful to be with family, an endless supply of hot water, and fresh blueberries. It was so refreshing to enjoy time with family and some close friends. I didn't spend as much time traveling around, though I would have loved to haven seen so many of you. During this trip I felt it was crucial to take some time to rest, so I could return to Costa Rica recharged for all the new things 2011 holds for us here. I am glad to say that doing less, seemed to be just the right thing for me. I am excited to be back in Costa Rica and feel ready to dive into all this year holds. The new Tutoring Center looks amazing!!!!! There's over 500 books waiting to be shelved in the new library, and a whole bunch of kids anxious to be a part of all the new Center has to offer. I would love to be able to share it all with you firsthand, so come visit!

Here are a few pictures from my time in the States. I wish I had more to share, but I did a terrible job of documenting. It's something I need to work on this year.