Buenos días!
We’re off to another exciting day at the camp. The past 2 days have been filled with so many memorable moments its hard to describe. Last night was especially fun as Kristi, Ella Grace, Hannah and myself led the devotional right before we had s’mores. Some of the kids had never even heard of s’mores before, so it was cool seeing them make their own for the first time. I’m particularly proud of all the brothers and sisters from North River who have been serving so selflessly here. I also think it’s important to remind you that they saved their own money and took time away from their jobs to come to a place where some of them don’t even speak the language to serve from sun up to sun down. I hope you really encourage these folks upon their return. I know you’ve heard about Violeta, Jonesha, Brie and Jessica who have been here for more than a month. I’m going to have to make an extra stop at the store to buy more tissue because we won’t have enough to wipe away the tears that will be shed by those girls and all the folks here in Costa Rica who have fallen in love with them. Perhaps you haven't heard as much about Paola Pichardo who has been one of the main translators as well as serving tirelessly as a nurse. I’m grateful for her and Kim Mackenzie who helped nurse Hannah back to health after she bumped heads with another girl while playing soccer. She’s fine, and has a nice black eye to show for it! Hannah hasn’t skipped a beat, and was already up and at ‘em hours after getting hurt. Some of you may not know that Jacinto Hall is here as well. He’s been serving up the music to keep our spirits high. Nothing like the universal language of music to make things fun! He has also helped translating and counseling the boys. In fact, Jacinto and I met with Danilo (15), Bryan (14), Diego (19) and Andres (19) yesterday for a good, old-fashioned discipling group. It was so encouraging to hear some of them share they want to become missionaries someday. We shared our weaknesses and held onto the promises that we can do all things through Christ, despite our weaknesses. You’d also be proud of Jonathan Govan. He’s been a huge hit with everyone.He’s been in charge of all the games, throwing the football, playing card games, leading Bible studies — you name it. He’s a rock star for Jesus here! Michelle Wright has been an incredible influence here as well. She planned much of the program for the Singles workshop earlier and has been a joyful presence at camp each day willing and ready to serve in any way that’s needed. Such a team player. Michelle Hobbs has been an ever-present source of smiles for people. Every time I see her, she seems so joyful. She’s also taking tons of pictures, so I can’t wait to see them. Last night, Pam, Sonia, Barbara and my mother put together an obstacle course for the kids. They were blindfolded and had to rely on their teammates to avoid the pitfalls and make it to the end (sounds like a good spiritual lesson, huh?). All the kids were laughing and screaming directions at their friends to keep them from stepping on balloons or running into a chair. Too much fun! What’s also REALLY cool is to see how Cameron Mackenzie & Lauren Boyles have directed the camp. All of those years learning in the home of their parents and all of those years going to the Swamp have truly paid off. They have really poured so much of their time and energy into making this a time I’m sure these kids will never forget. And just so you know, we’re in the middle of the rainy season. It has rained at camp every single day, without fail. Bonfires have been cut short, schedules have been changed on the spur of the moment, yet Cameron & Lauren have handled all of this without any major problems. I love being led by the next generation!! And last, but definitely not least, has been the contributions of Mrs. Lin Ottenweller. For me, watching Lin interact, plan, teach, hug, cry, kiss and counsel is like watching Michael Jordan in his prime. God made Lin for places like this. It’s pretty cool to be on the same team with her.
Thank you for all of the prayers for our meetings with the leaders. We have spent much of our time talking about team leadership. Putting Ephesians 4 into practice will be a huge benefit for the church here. We’ve had two separate times with various members of the leadership group to discuss these biblical concepts of leadership we feel has helped us tremendously at North River. Ross has given his heart and wisdom and vision to the church here and they have been so thankful to have an elder and an elder’s wife to talk to. They will definitely have their unique challenges in trying to implement this type of leadership structure, but they seem eager to learn and willing to listen to our suggestions. Tonight is the final night of camp, as it concludes Thursday morning. So, we’re really looking forward to the Talent Show! Kristi was working up a good sweat teaching a dance routine so I can’t wait to see how it turns out:-) There may even be some “Ring of Honor” sharing tonight, so I’m sure it’s going to be emotional, encouraging and massively bonding.
We’ll keep you posted! Pray also for the weather to change because the roads to get to the Bri Bris have been washed out. They are hard to navigate in normal times, but with so much rain, the government has shut the roads down. Pray for sunshine!!
Much love & Pura Vida!
Jeff