Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:1-2

I love Costa Rica....I love getting to teach, sing, play and just simply live life with the people here. As much as things have not exactly been turning out the way that I had expected or even hoped for them to be....as much as I miss my family....I know God has brought me here---for as such a time as this.....and for Him I will stay and continue to push through and I will choose to be joyful even in hard times and even when things do not turn out the way that I hope that they do. Because, I know that He is in control. Regardless. He is my reason.

I am volunteering at a day care that has kids from low income families ...when I am there it gives the director a break and the ability to work on other things...initially I was the "English teacher" now..When I have the freedom to do what I want with the kids while I am there....song time, stories, games, etc. It is a wonderful gift. I also have continued to work at the Kids Soup Kitchen...I have continued helping out with the Kids Club but have also started my very own English classes: Clase de Ingles con Meli.....all the kids know me....it’s such a beautiful feeling to arrive in this neighbourhood and have kids run and give me hugs and be excited to for me to be there...I also am so excited to be there and see them. I asked permission from the owner of the soup kitchen if I could use the location for my classes and then we announced it at kids club and I also stopped at some of  their homes to talk to some of the parents...it is so cool. Many of these kids come from places where they do not receive attention that they deserve or have any idea of how special they are...so it is great that I can help them learn some English but more than that I get the opportunity to love on them and they get to hopefully be an influence for Christ in their lives. <3
I had the opportunity to help out with a short term mission team of adult women a few weeks ago....it was soooooooo COOL! I was asked to help translate for their team.... (My very first time to do that!!!) ...we were working in Guarari de Heredia which is a large slum......we did a week long bible study on Esther with the women and the last day was a spa with the ladies......it was a way to just love on them....in an area where there is a lot of abuse...they came and rested and learned in peace! We taught them to make bracelets and earrings as well..... (Some who might be able to sell them to earn money!), and of course there were many little kiddies....so there was lots of playing and loving on those kiddies! (A special story to come about a beautiful experience that I had with one little toddler!)
Well, I know I haven't written in a long time, I just wanted to send a quick update...and to tell you THANK YOU so much for supporting me ....we are in this together.

LOVE,

Melissa