Costa Rica March 2012: Happy Surprises.

Today was one pleasant surprise after another. The first happened on our bus ride: one of our team members read an American-Indian prayer. It hit home because it not only reminded us of our weaknesses, but also of the importance of strength and faith in everything we do. Thanks to those thoughtful words, everyone was inspired to put that much more energy into the work they are doing.

Following the inspirational prayer, the second surprise was an amazingly beautiful rainbow. For the third day in a row, this sight has cheered us up as we head out to site.

Next, after a Wednesday filled with hard work, Veronica, the head of one of the families, invited us to her home for lunch. Veronica’s family and their friends taught our team some highlights of cooking traditional Tico food. Delicious specialties, such as empanadas and Quajada cheese were devoured before some team members decided to play with the local children. Soccer, as well as soap-bubbles and balloon-animals where highly enjoyed by everyone.

As if the day hadn’t been great enough already, one of the team leaders proposed to take the team to a secluded beach to watch the sunset. Sitting all together on the beach, enjoying each other’s company, we couldn’t imagine a better way to end this surprisingly beautiful day.

Pura Vida!

Judy VanOsdel (GV team member) and Cristina Cordero-Rosales (GV translator)

Below is the devotion read this morning:

Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds Whose breath gives life to the world Hear me.

I am small and weak.

I need your strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty and

Make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made And my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden on every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy-- myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades, as the fading sunset, My spirit will come to you without shame.

(american indian - lakota - chief yellow lark - 1887)