Tonight I’m going to write what would appear to be more of a traditional blog- words, thoughts, opinions, and no pictures. Pictures to come...
Today, like every other day we started with devotions. For the last 2 days, I’ve been asking people to share what they have been reading, because it has been really encouraging to walk around and see people reading their Bibles, so why not verbalize and share what God has been teaching us. Tomorrow we will be spending the morning reflecting on the book of Philemon- something that we will all have read and be able to discuss.
Right after devos, we were asked if someone from our group could lead an evening Scripture reading and a few words- this is a BIG thing because of the language barrier. Camp Roblealto loves having us here, but their program is in Spanish, and we are far from fluent. So this was a great opportunity. From the group, Harald stood up and said that he would do it- Harry wants to get into missions later in life, so this would be a good spring board for that, and he did fantastic. He spoke on James and Galatians, and how when we look in the mirror, we see all kinds of things about ourselves that we want changed. And just like how we can’t change our physical appearance without work, we can’t change our walk with God without wanting to improve our relationship with Him. Harry challenged the kids to put off their old selves and be hearers and doers of the Word. Their program staff were very thankful, because without even knowing their intentions, God struck a chord through Harald tonight. Many of the youth have been coming year after year, and every year, leave on a God high, but then quickly revert back to the ways of the world; it’s materialism and vanity. By using the analogy of the mirror, it is a daily reminder that they can have. Well done Harald.
On the maintenance end of things, the last few days have felt great because a lot of things have been accomplished and projects completed. Harald, Micha, Josh and Maya spent a lot of time working on building new benches for the campfire pits, and those are now finished. Danielle, Jesse, David, Rebecca, Kira and myself finished off a big painting job- staining the inside and outside of 2 new buildings that were built this year (Gideon also helped in the project, but he is colour blind- so he thought that we were staining the buildings green, instead of brown).
Today we were given the big tasks of digging a 30 metre trench for a water line, and window washing on 3 large buildings- both of which we finished before the end of the day- even though the window washing was a bit scary and required some jerry rigging of ladders and broom handles. If you are reading this, please keep this info privy from health and safety committees everywhere!
Programming is also going really well. Today Micha was working with the film making skill to make a video for tomorrow night- he got to kick one of the campers into the pool like in 300- right in the chest, while yelling at him in Spanish- it was awesome! Nathan has jumped right in, and is really enjoying his time, and is following the groups around and catching everything on video. Gideon is a trooper, fighting a hurt wrist, he is pumped up, enthusiastic, and is probably the best Spanish speaker in our group.
Amanda has taken over the task of doing laundry for our group, and ploughed through a mountain of clothes over the last 2 days, while caring for those with stomach ailments, and managing the newest celebrity in Costa Rica- Grace Henderson. Wherever Grace goes, an entourage of eager babysitters and baby holders follows; cameras are involved, and the Spanish word for cute is put to good use.
As an extra note, Arthur’s services were borrowed for this week to be a counsellor for the oldest group of boys (17 year olds), and he’s gotten right into it. It’s great to see rough and tumble, exactor driving, chainsaw wielding Arthur doing song actions with the campers at sunset.
Costa Rica is great, and it seems to be bringing out the best in everyone.
Thanks for reading,
Dan Henderson
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