Challenges (English Version)

*Note: Spanish does not translate well directly into English and vice versa, entonces I adapted the English version to make a little more sense and added a few extra details :)

Yesterday, I went to the countryside with Iris, my Tica mom, for a Sunday School teacher's retreat and to throw a surprise birthday party for one of the volunteers. I went with 18 other people and, by the end of the day, we were family, aka "Team Invincible."

When we arrived at the camp, called Roblealto, I sighed in amazement, because the view was very beautiful. We were in the middle of the mountains in Heredia. It was sunny with only a few clouds in the sky. There were many wooden cabins on the hill and each cabin was named after different places in Heredia.

First, we met our guides. Their names were Juan Carlos and Genesis. They guided us in many teamwork games, beginning with warm-up activities. We learned a chant/song about preparing a pizza, played "Cat and Mouse" with a colorful tarp, played a game called "the accordion," and tossed a ball around in a memory game. It was great practice for me in learning to understand game instructions given in Spanish.

After we learned all the names of everyone on our team, we were ready for the next test/challenge. Juan Carlos guided us to a place with a large metal see-saw. He told us that we needed to find the balance/equilibrium and maintain it for a minimum of 20 seconds. We had 20 minutes to complete the activity, but it was much more difficult than we thought. We couldn't complete the test, even when everyone stood in the middle, one person controlled the balance, and everyone held their breath. When our time was up, we had a time of debriefing with the guide. It was a great time to reflect and realize how to work better as a team.

After this, we had some clarity, and we wanted more than ever to prove that we were Team Invincible. Challenge #2 was a little lake of water and mud that we needed to cross together. We needed to help each other to cross it, and, when we had finished, we were extremely dirty and wet. Other team challenges included: walking like a spider (hand in hand ducking under ropes as we climbed down the hill), scaling a wall, crossing a log that moved when you stepped on it, sliding down parts of the hill, and another mud/water pit that we needed to cross on all fours, by crawling. There were many times that we cheered each other on: "Yes, you can do it!"

After the final mud/water pit, my team found a river to wash in, and I was very excited. The water was freezing cold but we didn't care, we only wanted to wash off all the mud. Besides, we were already dripping wet from swimming through the muddy water pit.

The best activity of all was the water slide. We had such a fun time, and we didn't care that we were fully dressed. We laughed a lot!

Later, after very quick showers, we prepared for the surprise birthday party. [Sidenote: Instead of yelling "Surprise", people here yell "We're here!" I thought that was funny-of course, you all are here, but wow the cake wasn't here before. Maybe we should yell "The cake is here!" instead.]
The party was very beautiful and the women transformed that little cabin into a quaint cafecito-driven fiesta. There was coffee, beautifully decorated cups filled with a drink called rompope (which tasted like a mix of birthday cake flavor, coffee, and something else), a cake and a pinata. [It was so interesting how toasts were given, prayers said for the birthday girl and her mother, gifts given but not opened, and everyone (all adults, except for the 15 year old b-day girl) dove for the candy as it sprayed out of the pinata around the room.] The girl was very surprised and loved receiving all her gifts.

It was definitely an unforgettable birthday party!

Desafios

Choose your own adventure: English or Spanish, Inglés o Español.
I just learned the past and imperfect tenses this week and wanted to use them in a blog entry about my weekend paseo.

Ayer fui al campo con Iris, mi mama Tica, para retiro de maestras y para sorprender a un voluntario de Escuela Dominical con una fiesta de cumpleaños. Fuimos con 18 personas y en el fin del día eramos familia, el equipo "Invincibles."

Cuando llegábamos al campamento, se llama Roblealto, yo suspiré porque la vista era muy bonita. Estábamos en el medio de las montañas en Heredia. Hacía sol y habían poquitas nubes en el cielo. Había muchas cabinas de madera en la colina y cada cabina tiene el nombre de unas lugares de Heredia.

Primero, nos reunimos con las guías se llaman, Juan Carlos y Genesis. Ellos nos guiaron en muchos retos, empezando con actividades de calentamiento. Aprendimos una canción sobre preparando una pizza, jugamos "gato y ratón" con una carpa, jugamos un juego se llama, "El Accordión," y tiramos una pelota en un juego de memoria. Fue buena practica para yo entender instrucciones en Español.

Después aprendíamos todos los nombres de la gente en nuestro equipo, estábamos listo para la prueba próxima. Juan Carlos nos guió a un lugar con una gran balanza de metal. Él nos dijo necesitábamos encontrar equilibrio y mantenerlo al minimo de 20 segundos. Teníamos 20 minutos para encontrarlo, sino fue más dificil de lo que pensábamos. No pudimos hacer la prueba, aún cuando todos levantamos en el centro, una persona controlaba la balanza, y todos no respiramos. Cuando acabábamos usar el tiempo, tuvimos una reunión de debate. Fue un buen tiempo para reflejar y dar nos cuenta de como trabajar en un equipo.

Después de eso, tuvimos claridad y quisierámos probar que somos los Invincibles. Prueba dos era un lagito de agua y lodo necesitamos cruzarlo. Necesitábamos ayudarnos unos a otros a cruzarlo, y en el fin, todos estámos muy sucios. Otras pruebas incluyeron: caminamos de la araña (mano a mano abajo de las cuerdas), escalamos la pared, cruzamos un tronco que se movía, rebalábamos, y otros pozos de lodo que necesitamos a cruzar de 4 patas, o gatiando. Hube muchas veces cuando estábamos gritando, "Si se puede!"

Tambien, estuvé muy emocionada después el pozo de lodo final cuando el equipo encontrábamos un río para lavarnos. El agua del río era demasiado fría sino no nos importo, solo queríamos quitarnos el lodo y estábamos mojados antes de entrar el río.

La mejor actividad de todos fue el tobogan de agua. Pasamos un tiempo muy divertido, no nos importo lo que estábamos vistiendo. Reíamos mucho!

Más tarde, después ducharnos con prisa, fuimos a preparar la fiesta de cumpleaños de sorpresa. Era muy bonita con café, vasos bonitos con Rompope, bocadillos, un queque, y una piñata. La muchacha estaba muy sorprendida y le gustó todos los regalos.

¡Fue una fiesta de cumpleaños inolvidable!

Manuel Antonio

En las palabras de mi amiga, Megan: MeggoLightly

Other highlights from our trip:
*Hiking with one of our new friends and having him stop suddenly and point up into the trees, shouting, "Sloth!" We scanned the trees above and couldn't find it, then realized the sloth was right in front of us on a nearby branch, moving ve-ry-slow-ly. Very cool find.


*Just for fun, pausing on the main, tourist-filled trail to excitedly gesture at the trees above. "Wow! Look a monkey! Way up there!" We got at least five people to stop or at least ask questions. It was a funny moment to realize it only took the mention of an animal for people to stop and ask, "Where?!" Honestly, I would have fallen for our trick as well.


*The weather there was hot and humid. Whether standing still or walking the 45 min trek down the hill from our hostel, we were continually sweating. A highlight was finding a smoothie place right along the beach..seriously we wanted to dunk our faces in the frozen fruit.

*Coming face to face with a monkey (see Megan's blog for the full story)

*Enjoying a fun reggae concert and being able to understand some of the Spanish songs!

*Bartering in the local market and getting the price I wanted because "te cae bien" (basically they liked me). Also repeating the name of a vendor, "Bread Peet, Bread Peet," and realizing that I was saying "Brad Pitt." I'm pretty sure the neighboring vendors were snickering behind their wares.

*very interesting types of seeds used to make bracelets*

*Hacking through the jungle and discovering a path that led to an incredible view of the area: Jungle forest encircling turquoise-blue waters, dotted with rocky, coal-colored islands with little trees sprouting out of their cracks like a bad haircut.
*Sharing fantastic conversations and contemplating God's grandeur and majesty reflected through His creation. What an awesome reminder!

"This is My Father's World"
By Maltbie D. Babcock

This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father's world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world: why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King; let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let the earth be glad!

This is my Father's world, dreaming, I see His face.
I ope my eyes, and in glad surprise cry, "The Lord is in this place."
This is my Father's world, from the shining courts above,
The Beloved One, His Only Son,
Came - a pledge of deathless love.

This is my Father's world, should my heart be ever sad?
The Lord is King - let the heavens ring. God reigns - let the earth be glad.
This is my Father's world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.

This is my Father's world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father's world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate'er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.

*typical Costa Rican ox cart*

Estímulo

Encouragement.

Recently, I borrowed a book from the institute library entitled, First Flight: Thoughts for Fledgling Missionaries (Aulden Coble). It was written by the previous director of the institute where I'm studying Spanish. Little did I know how applicable Coble's words and specific scripture verses he cites would be to my life here in Costa Rica.

Here are just a few words I took away:

In God's commission to Moses (Exodus 4:10-12):
¹⁰ Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” ¹¹ The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

This is exactly how I feel at this moment, like I'm stepping back in time to learn to speak again, to experiment until I get the correct sounds and movements of the tongue to produce the necessary words. Slow of speech and tongue. But we can be mightily encouraged, for when God calls, He provides what we need. He made our mouths and gives us the ability to communicate through language. Why then should we feel incompetent or that language learning is an impossibility? Have patience, for God has called and will provide the words we need.

"The fastest way to learn a language is to speak it." (Dr. Milton Cowan/many past ILE students)
"Three variables are involved: aptitude, motivation, and opportunity." (Coble 14)

My favorite chapter in Coble's book was entitled, "Why Are You Here?" (Eph. 3:7-9)

Coble quotes one linguist saying, "motivation to learn a new language arises from a deep-seated eagerness to join a new community." I loved this challenge to reflect, "Why am I here?": Not only to learn Spanish and prepare for living in Panama next year, but to better understand Latin culture, to get to know people and leave changed. My prayer is that these conversations are beautiful exchanges, where we learn and grow from each other and understanding new perspectives on the world. Ultimately, I want to know Spanish in order to build relationships and communicate the deep love of Christ and how He changes lives.

In order to get the most out of the language learning process, we need to follow the Colossians 3:17 rule: "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
This theme of performing with excellence occurs again in Ecclesiastes 9:10: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Although, language learning takes energy, dedication, time, perseverance, and a willingness to change old habits: "One thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14). Even when I feel exhausted from speaking/thinking in Spanish all day or my brain is overloaded with new concepts and grammar rules, I need to remember these verses and not lose heart, remembering the One who has called me is faithful.

"Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, to him be glory in the church, and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever, Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

The other unique thing about being in language school is that I am not alone. I have set out on this journey alongside some incredible brothers and sisters in Christ, and we can support and encourage one another along the way. I am incredibly thankful that my classmates have a great sense of humor and an even greater understanding of grace.

Together, we can hold firm to God's truth: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in your weakness." (2 Cor. 12:9) Thanks to Christ, we can see each grammatical blunder or word mispronunciation as a chance to say, "This isn't of me. I'm doing/learning this for a greater purpose and may God's name be glorified."

As I was sitting in the AMCA devotional/song session tonight, I was really struck by this thought. We were singing, "Knowing you Jesus, knowing you. There is no greater thing."

Ultimately, what I say doesn't matter; when it comes to friendships, love is the primary goal. This is accomplished through the acts of "going," trusting that "God is with my mouth," and letting His light and love show through my words and actions. In fact that's all I can do at this point, and I know God will lead and guide for what comes next.

Philippians 1:27
"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"

Coble closes with one of my favorite passages in Scripture, which takes on new meaning as I am in the throws of learning Spanish, especially verse 4.

Psalm 139: 1-5
¹ O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
² You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
³ You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
⁵ You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.

*Selected passages, quotes, ideas taken from:
Coble, Aulden C. First Flight: Thoughts for Fledgling Missionaries. Instituto de Lenguage Espanola, San Jose: 1986.

AMCA Day 1

When I first heard about AMCA's (Asociación de Ministerios Cristianos) teaching english ministry, my heart lept. I had been praying about how to get involved in ministry, as it seemed the people who were involved were ones that had studied here/lived here longer or ones who had connections established here with their mission agency. I yearned to get involved in ministry again and to get to know more Ticas (Costa Ricans). AMCA sounded like the perfect place!

The first Wednesday was the first class, a one-size-fits-all time of instruction mostly meant for new comers. I could hardly contain my excitement and had an incredible time starting to get to know some of the students who would be coming to the AMCA classes. The model class (run by the director, Cynthia) consisted of reading, speaking, and listening to English. Cynthia used a lot of humor and taught some basic facts about English: "It's easy! English doesn't have masculine or feminine articles, it just has 'the'. 'The book', the pencil, the ball. Very easy!" I had never really thought about it like that, and I could see the comfort level in the room rising as students sighed in relief that learning English wasn't going to be the insurmountable challenge they thought. Sandwiched between the two parts of the English class was a time for cafecito (coffee break) and Cynthia's husband, Chris, did a small devotional (in Spanish) and taught the students an English song: Jesus Loves the Little Children. It was so amazing to sing that song and look around at some of the AMCA students, knowing that they were hearing the gospel loud and clear and praying that they would experience the depths of God's love for them, His children.

Find out more about AMCA here! Be in prayer for relationships to be built in which to share/show the students the gospel, for wisdom in teaching English (thankfully I'm co-teaching with my neighbor), and for patience/understanding between the teacher and student and vice versa about learning a language.

Iglesia de Vecinos

One of the hardest things about leaving Santa Barbara was saying good-bye to Montecito Covenant Church, the church that served as my "family" over the past 5 years. There I was surrounded by a vibrant, intergenerational body of believers that not only preached the Word but lived it with their lives. Opportunities to get involved were endless, and I always felt welcomed. Even after returning from Honduras, walking through MCC's sanctuary doors felt like I was coming "home."

Entonces, arriving in Costa Rica was difficult as I had to alter my expectations for what a church home would look like there. I wanted a church that was 1) was welcoming, 2) not too difficult to reach, 2) had solid Biblical doctrine/preached the Word, 3) put Christ first and foremost, 4) had opportunities to get involved. My first Sunday, God pretty much dropped a church into my lap!


My Tica family are evangelical Christians and very involved in their local church. Iris y Yasmin teach the early morning Sunday school por los ninos, and Geraldo serves as an elder/greeter, etc. When I entered the church with Geraldo for the first time, the pastor immediately greeted me with a big hug and said "Bienvenidos, esta es su casa." (Welcome, this is your house.)

(this is their communion bread--bread balls, how convenient!)

It is a smaller church (less than 100 people), located just around the corner from where I'm living, so not only is it convenient, but it is so easy to get to know people! From what I was able to understand of the sermon (which increases each time I go!), the pastor seems right on point and the prominence is placed on glorifying Christ. The church also stresses a huge emphasis on prayer--I'm not sure I've ever seen a church pray so much! The congregation meets every Tuesday nights for two hours to pray and then dedicates one night a month that is spent entirely in prayer, from 10p-4a or 5a. No wonder God is visibly at work here in Costa Rica.

After a few Sundays of getting to know congregation members and what a typical service was like, I approached the worship pastor to mention that I played the flute, if he ever needed one in the worship band. He smiled and said (in Spanish), "Practice is on Friday."

(From the church, you can see the three crosses!)

Well, that was easy. I showed up Friday night for a slightly disorganized but overall productive two-hour worship practice session. The best part though was figuring out different accompaniments while the guitarists/pianists jammed to the melody of one of the worship songs after practice was over.

Showing up Sunday morning, flute in hand, I noticed four chairs placed in a semicircle at the front of the church. After inquiring, I learned that a Costa Rican music group (mandolin, guitar, keyboard) was going to play that morning. We would play after them. Also, the worship leader told me right before the service that there would be a pause in one of the songs where he wanted me to sing in English. "Por que?? Estoy solo gringa en la iglesia!" (I'm the only gringo-N.American, english speaker, in the church!).

It all worked out, and both music groups were able to glorify God with their talents and gloria a Dios I didn't forget any of the English lyrics! I'm also grateful, because following the church service, I get the chance to debrief with my Tico family over lunch. Geraldo half-jokes that all his prayers during the service are that we'll have fish for lunch! Ha!

(Geraldo, looking very official, in front of the church.)

Joining the worship band on Sunday morning
(notice the worship pastor's youngest son on the tambourine)

Sube!

When my adventurous friend, Megan, told me that there was going to be group hiking up to the Three Crosses on Saturday, I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” I had heard horror stories from people who had gone in months past and found themselves rolling down the mountain. However, I heard 1) we were going a different/easier way down the mountain, 2) Patrick (who has been on the hike at least 7 times) was leading, and 3) it would be perfect weather to go (no mud slides).

So this morning I strapped on my keens and walked over to meet Megan, Patrick, Nathan and Sani at the bus stop. Three buses later, we arrived to our destination and began the long ascent up the street. And we hadn’t even begun the actual hike yet!

That to say, we were a little breathless by the time we reached the trail entrance. We stopped and took “before” pictures and admired the incredible view of the city. As we continued on our way, we realized that the Ticos right behind us were heading the same way. We struck up a conversation with them and learned they were evangelical Christians as well! What a God-send!

As we climbed, we helped each other up and encouraged one another with scripture and singing praise songs. The husband of the group would turn around whenever he saw us resting and offer us hard candy “por energia”. Haha!

When we reached the first cross, I was elated! The view was breathtaking and you could see the entire city of San Jose! I wondered what surprises the next cross would hold.

Hiking to the second cross was a little more challenging, with more rocks you had to step over and twists in the trail. Although it seemed it took longer to reach the first cross. Also along the trail, we saw cows scattered on the hills, and you had to carefully watch your step, not only because of unpredictable holes but also because of the sizable cow droppings hidden amongst the tall grass.

The second cross was at the top of a pyramid-like structure. We listened as the husband of the Tico group recounted a bit of the history. I’ve heard a lot of rumors about the place, but his tale seemed likely. He told us there used to be several quesarias (cheese factories) up on these hills and a pastor of a church in San Jose came up and built the crosses almost as fortresses to protect their property when they were away. (*Disclaimer: Not sure I have all his facts straight; it was all in Spanish.) The cross structure was fun to climb, nonetheless, and again, you could see miles in all directions.

The distance to the third cross was probably the shortest route in our journey, but what I thought was most challenging to summit. For one thing, it was straight up and had steep places you had to use your hands to pull yourself up. Thankfully, the guy in front of me lent me his hand.

All too soon, it was time to descend. In the past, people just hiked directly down the hill, but we took a safer, although much longer route switchbacking down and around the hill, crossing shallow rivers, and avoiding cows along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed

the descent. Everyone was much more relaxed, took time to enjoy the views and we even waded into the ice-cold water running over the rocks above to form miniature waterfalls.

Five hours after we began the hike, the end was in sight. I think I yelled “Civilización!” a little too loud. But I was excited to see houses and the road again. Together, by the strength of God, we had made it!