November 11: Praises from the week

We've had a number of reasons to give thanks this week:

1.  Vielka, a second grader, shared with me that she's been doing her own art projects at home that are based on ones we've done at school.  I told her I'd love to see them so the following day she brought in four projects that she had done on her own.  It was wonderful to see her extending her learning outside of school! 

Vielka showing off her 'Tree of Life' project that she finished in this week's art class.

 2.  Friday night = Family Fun Night.  The pastor at church invited us and our other friends from church to enjoy their pool.  The pastor and his wife couldn't be there but we are grateful for their generosity and hope to go again sometime when they can be there with us.

There was a light drizzle for part of the time but that didn't stop the kids from having fun in the pool.

Our first cookout since moving to Costa Rica!  Adjacent to the pool area is this large grill & outdoor kitchen area.  We had fun grilling hot dogs and even got to make s'mores!!

3.  After struggling for two months, George's skin problems seem to be coming under control.    This past Tuesday George finally went back to the pharmacist who had given him some pills and lotions for his skin ailments three weeks ago.   Those aids had only given minimal comfort and healing and it was clear they were not the answer.  This time the pharmacist on duty provided a stronger cream as well as the option of a steroid shot to boost the immune system and help the healing.  In only a few days there has been dramatic improvement and George is now a lot more comfortable in the heat and humidity we encounter here.  He is very thankful for this progress and hopes that complete healing is just around the corner.

4.  "Chance" meeting with Jonathan, the tattoo artist who had been in the rehab program until recently.   Nathan and George ran into Jonathan on the street on Friday.   We had been looking for a chance to thank him for the drawings he made for us and for caring enough to leave them with one of the other guys so that we could get them.  That action showed a level of consideration that we had not expected and it impressed upon us again that inside his "rough" exterior there was someone considerate and caring.
     After some light conversation about how he was doing, Jonathan shared with George and Nathan that he had been asked to leave the rehab center due to some conflicts there.   He admitted that he was having a rough time of it . . . sleeping on a friend's couch and looking for work each day.  He hinted that he had been turned away by some church programs because of his looks.  He is worried about his future.  George gave him some of the food from our lunch, which he was carrying at the time . . . Jonathan eagerly accepted this simple gift and told us to look for him if we make it to the little tattoo shop he works in down by the beach.   Then George and Nathan said a prayer with Jonathan right there on the street and bid him well as he went on his way.   Pray with us that seeds sown will take hold and that truths will grow into a life change for Jonathan.