A Visit from Friends

Dan and I were blessed to have two friends from our church in San Antonio come for a visit two weeks ago. Ron and Terri both came to do some mission work but their goals were quite different.

This is where Ron stayed most of his visit, at a school in the Cabecar Reservation. His time here was spent with one of the teachers who also owns his own farm. Ron spent the week living with this gentleman, teaching him Word and Excel on the computer, and learning amazing things about farming and the Cabecar people.

When Ron returned from the Reservation other farmers in the area, who are partners in the micro lending program our ministry has through ICDI, wanted to show him their farms. They have put so much work into their farms and thanks to the micro lending program, they have the means to do more with their land. You could see their excitement and pride as they gave Ron a tour of their farm. Ron can probably now tell you all about farming in Costa Rica.

Terri spent the week with us in Paso Marcos. One of the things she did was teach guitar. Playing guitar is very popular here and many people want to learn. It was a blessing to see her forge new relationships with the people in this area through a gift she has. Terri has such an amazing personality that the people she gave lessons to instantly loved her.

Dustin has also been playing guitar for awhile and assisted Terri with a couple of lessons.

One of the unique things we did was to offer private lessons in peoples homes. Terri was able to get to know several people in their own homes and experience a little more of the culture. The lady in this picture wanted to take guitar lessons but owns a little store in a near by town and couldn't leave to take the lessons. When Dan went to tell her that Terri could give her lessons at her house, her face light up! This is a woman who has always been very closed off and has never smiled at us and has barely spoken to us. Through these lessons, Terri found a new friend and so have we. God is good!

Terri also helped us with our English class. She taught for many years and has experience in teaching ESL. We were so excited to have her help. The class loved her! She is still in contact with the class by sending us simple stories that she writes in English, about her life, that the class has to read.

We love to have visitors who want to become part of our little community. Ron and Terri are now a important part of it.