A Special Visit!

This last week was Holy Week, which meant most things were closed for a week of rest, reflection, and time with friends and family. We followed suit at the Tutoring Center, except for one special event on Wednesday--Cafecito with Leah!
Leah, my dear friend and our assistant teacher from last year, came to pay us a visit during her Spring Break. The kids were so excited to see her. They haven't stopped asking about her since she left last December, wondering when she's going to come back to visit. During her time living here Leah made a big impact in our kids' lives through consistently loving them in a myriad of ways--intently listening to their silly stories, patiently working on reading syllable for the 20th time, and developing creative art projects each week. It feels like she is still here with us. On Tuesday when we started back to the normal classes at the Center, several of the kids couldn't understand why Leah wasn't there, why she had to go back to her job in the States. One child said, "But she belongs here." I agree. Thank you Leah for a wonderful week.


Leah and a few of the kids


Leah and I went to the beach for a few days. It was great time of relaxing and catching up on each other's lives. It was a really refreshing week!

Tropical Weather and Scarves

Even though Costa Rica is far from being a cool climate area, scarfs are big deal. When the weather drops below 60 F, everyone breaks out their winter wear. The girls in Tutoring Center have been asking me to teach them how to crochet so they could make their own scarves. Unfortunately, back in college when everyone was learning how to crochet scarves and beanies, I was too busy studying in the library or cooking Family Dinner. So week after week, I have to keep telling the girls, "Sorry, I know you think I know how to do everything, but I don't know how to crochet." But then I had a great idea.

In Girls' Group we've been talking about how we can share the talents and interest God has given us in order to better our community. To help get us started, I invited my friend and fellow staff member, Maria, to share with us her talent of crocheting. The girls were so excited! The plan was for Maria to come once and teach us the basic stitch. But the girls are so in to it, we're doing a whole series. Right now crochet-floral hair clips are all the rage. Maria is teaching them how to make this cute barrettes for themselves or to give as gifts to their friends. Some girls even talk about selling them once they get really good. The materials needed are cheap and easy to get, so it's a great pastime for the girls. By the time the temperature starts dropping again, the girls will be able to make beautiful scarves in all their favorite colors.




(L to R) Maria, Lisbeth, Yendry, Stefania, and Cindy


Shawdin, Yurly, Cata, and Deborah all deeply concentrated on practicing their first stitches. It was great to see the girls helping teach or re-explain it, as some learned faster than others.


Alicia, trying to figure out which side of the yarn the needle is supposed to go.

Thank you Maria for sharing your gifts with us and having patience as we learn!