The Hendersons ~ On a Journey 4 Him Weblog...

September Newsletter

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Hello, Friends & Family!

 

We hope that this September Prayer newsletter is finding you doing well! We are doing good in Costa Rica.

 

Many of you have been asking about mailing us cards or small packages. Although we were given many warnings of how customs confiscates or puts a high charge on items, we find that our friends have been receiving small pkgs. without any difficulties.  This is acceptable, although you may end up paying high postal fees.

 

Directions--

Take all new items out of original pkg. wrappers.

Mail preferably in a large 10x16 envelope (cheaper for you & easier for us to pick up) using USPS.

No FedEx or UPS, please!

Take care how you mark the international customs sheet that the post office gives you to fill out; for the price it's worth...STAY CHEAP (so we won't have to pay large customs fee), and it helps to mark candy/books/toys, if you can honestly mark those. :D  No electronics or clothes, please; customs have a field day with those!

It takes about 15-20 days to get it here, so don't mail after Thanksgiving, because we'll be moving to Peru on Dec. 19. We'll give you a Peru add. at a later date.

 

Regular envelopes cost around $1.00 to mail to us. Just ask the postman/lady to stamp your envelope.

 

MAIL EXACTLY LIKE THIS (we share this address with ALL the other students!)--

Brian or Felicia Henderson

(you can also add Skylar or Sydney's name underneath our name  if it is to them)

Instituto de Lengua Espanola

Apartado 100-2350

San Jose, Costa Rica

America Central

 

 Thank you again for your prayers and support!

May God bless you!

 

Please remember to forward to Sunday School classes, missions groups, friends, family, and all prayer warriors!

 

Journeying4Him in Costa Rica,

The Hendersons--

Brian, Felicia, Skylar, & Sydney

IMB

Operation Christmas Child in Action!!!!

We've been praying and have had you praying for God to show us where He wants us to go to church while here in CR. We've visited 3 places and were going to visit another church today, BUT yesterday, while we were out shopping, a sweet couple that we met at El Lugar offered us a ride home. We had taken the bus to get there because of the store's distance from our house, and this offer was a blessing! When they stopped to let us off, we invited them to have a glass of tea or Coke with us, and they accepted. We had a very nice chat with them, and we felt compelled to attend El Lugar again today. Everyone is very nice. The children had made Mother's Day cards during our previous visit, and they were able to finish those and make a few additional crafts for me. The Sun. School lesson for adults is straight from the Bible and is a sermon in itself. I picked up words and a few phrases today. It's so difficult because I want to know what is being preached! I want to learn Spanish so badly!! The pastor did make it easier because he handed out a printed 2-page outline that I was able to carry home, and I plan to translate it into English!

After we got home from Sunday School, we were taken to a church in Cartago, which used to be a potato chip factory. Its owner, the pastor, moved his factory and turned the place into a very nice church. We loaded up shoe boxes from Samaritan's Purse (Operation Christmas Child) and a caravan of vehicles headed high up into the mountains (Irazu Volcano, to be exact) to a non-evangelized area. We wound up and around sharp curving roads into beautiful mountain range. Cattle (mostly dairy) and horses stood in the pasture and alongside the road.  Onions, carrots, broccoli, coffee, and cauliflower were among the plants that we saw as we climbed higher and higher. People walked and rode their bicycles along the road; they must have muscles of steal to accomplish getting up the mountain.

When we finally reached our destination, the three clowns led the ministry, which held a building full of kids and adults. Not only did they capture the audience's attention as they entertained, but most importantly, they led a full presentation of the Gospel.  Many prayed.  I pray that those who truly accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior continue to seek the Truth and begin a great work in this community. I also pray that those who did not receive Christ will become thirsty to receive the Living Water that He and only He offers.  

Directly after the presentation, the giant boxes that were carried in were ripped open. Children were divided into two sections, boys and girls, so the boxes could be handed out more easily. The Operation Christmas shoe boxes were handed out, with strict instructions for the children to hold their boxes in front of them, without opening them until everyone had received a box. I felt so very blessed to be a part of this...to actually be PRESENT to see the faces of the children who opened these gifts. For years, I have enjoyed collecting these items with my family, church, and students, and NOW, my family and I get to be a part of the receiving and opening of the presents!!

For those of you who collect, it is well worth it!! Continue to collect and pack as many shoe boxes as possible!!! For those of you who have never done so, the shoebox gift-giving is REAL. I witnessed it with my own eyes today. Those happy faces, the laughter, the smiles.

As we left the building, Sy. commented about how "foggy" it had become, and the temperature had dropped. However, it wasn't fog at all. We were so high in the mountains, a cloud had covered us. You could actually see the clouds below.

We delivered some of the church members back to the church and a couple by their home, and we also delivered the 3 clowns to the central part of San Jose. This is the first time I have ever had the pleasure of being in a van half full of clowns. Not just any clowns--Spanish-speaking clowns.  One could speak a little English. We had such a good time. We got so many stares and waves as we passed by people standing alongside the street or driving by...Gringos AND clowns in a van!!! 

During this fantastic trip, I felt so handicapped at times. I want to speak and understand Spanish. I had so much to say, but I could not say it. I didn't know the Spanish words. However, a smile is universal. That didn't keep me from feeling frustrated. I won't complain though, because today was a special gift and blessing from God.

   The Community Building That Sat at the Top of a Mountain    

Brian Helping Unload Operation Christmas Shoe Boxes

 

The Girls Are Ready to Open Their Gifts

 Look at the Smile on Her Face

 The Boys Are SOOO Excited!!

 

Our Clown Friends

Some Things Are a Little "Different" Here

The floors are never clean (nor your feet) because of all the dust and exhaust from vehicles/motorbikes and because of open doorjams and windows to let the air circulate throughout the house (NO A/C!!)

On each aisle of the supermarket (in the nicer stores with more variety), the employees urge you to taste or buy their product of the day, INCLUDING giving out samples to whiskey (we saw this yesterday!)!!  This would NEVER work in Lucedale!! Believe it or not, people were not lined up trying to get a taste. LOL.

We walk just about everywhere. It's easier than catching a bus or calling a taxi (in Spanish), if it's 10 blocks of walking or less.

Most streets have a guard. Our guard's name is Herman. He's 75, carries a whip, stick, and handcuffs on his side. Each guard has his own guardshack. Some walk the streets, while others patrol on their bicycles. We pay a monthly fee to him for his services.

Our "dishwasher" is Brian and me. :D 

The Latin culture is very laid-back. Time is not important! Family and friends are very important!!

There are some interesting creatures around here, including gheckos (one just ran inside our house underneath the door and back out when it saw me approaching in awe), huge cockroaches (3 inches or larger), beautiful green/blue scaly lizards, birds of all kinds, leafcutter ants, etc.  Dogs are THE pets here! Watch for doggy doo on the grassy parts beside the sidewalks!!

The houses in the cities are all barred up! You do not leave anything on your porch, unless you want someone to fish it out!  Some bars/gates have razor on top (they sell this at local stores) or bars/spikes (like ours).

Gringos (us) do not carry much money on themselves while roaming the streets, wear any jewelry worth the taking, or carry purses/bags with any valuables. Actually, I do not carry a purse at all!

Some of the storm drains on the streets are missing the grates, so there are large gaping holes. Some have jokingly called these "gringo traps."

You can buy videos here a month before they are released in the States. No comments on this, please. LOL.

We tie our garbage bags loosely so people who sift through our trash won't tear the bags and make a mess. Many sift through to collect recyclable products or food/drink. Brian has actually seen someone pull an old drink out of a neighbor's bag and drink the remainder of it.

We have extra food on hand for beggars who come to our home on occasion.

There's no insulation in the walls or ceilings. There's no need for it! The temp. is fairly decent in our town. The rain is always welcome because it cools everything off, and a gently breeze usuallly follows afterward.

Products come in boxes and pouches (milk--boxes and is not refrigerated until after you open it!; mayo, ketchup, and other condiments come in squeeze pouches!).

When someone comes to visit you, they tap on the gate (which is always locked), and cry out "Upe!" You always answer, so as to let them know someone is in the house.

I'm sure we'll think of more to post at a later date. Different cultures are fascinating. God is teaching us many lessons and ways of thinking.

God's Handiwork is Amazing!

FRIDAY

On Friday, we completed our 3 week Barefooting program, and the kids finished their Kids' Summer Camp. After our Central Market classwork assignments on Thursday, we brought all items to class on Friday and had a cultural lesson on the foods, as well as got to taste some very different and interesting foods.

SATURDAY

We started the day by going to the Feria, which is the fruit and vegetable outdoor market. It's amazing how inexpensive their fruits and vegetables are here. We bought chayote (tastes kind of like turnip roots), papas (potatoes), tomates (tomatoes), pimiente (bell pepper), and a variety of other good finds! There is a beautiful little park on the hilltop that we visited directly after our shopping. Sk. and Sy. loved playing on the playground. This day was different. Sk. made a Tico friend, who could speak English. He took Sk. to the adjoining futbol (soccer) field, and a gang of boys wanted Sk. to play with them. Unfortunately, Sk. wore flipflops, so he told the crew he'd wear better shoes and join them next Sat. As we sat on the hill watching the kids play, a dad and his two sons (in their futbol uniforms) walked over. I thought one of the boys was going to try to sell me something, but instead, the 7 or 8 year old leaned close and gave me a big kiss on the cheek. I was at a loss for words. They smiled, and continued on their way. Brian and I smiled at each other, and it was later that I remembered that Sat. was Feliz Dia de Madres (Happy Mother's Day!). What a sweet surprise and way of experiencing Tico culture!

SUNDAY

Mr. Ronnie, our driver, picked the Byrd family and us up soon after 9 AM, and we took the "fast" route to Arenal Volcano. Up and down, winding, we drove through the mountains, ears popping and stomachs fluttering. Three (mas o menos--more or less) hours later, we arrived. Los Lagos in Las Fortuna is a beautiful work of nature. The hotel sat at the bottom of the volcano. It featured trails with crocodiles, butterflies, iguanas, frogs, and many other exciting works of God's nature. Exotic foliage and trees surrounded everywhere we went. Ronnie, who became a part of our family, took us for a ride in the van to chase the lava. We became the "Lava Hunters."  He knew the places to take us, and he would pull over on the sides of the road at a second's notice, for us to see the exciting views that God has to offer. We got to see the volcano blow out flaming orange chunks of rock in the pitch black darkness, as we sat and waited and waited and waited. The sounds of the alive volcano were an occasional rumble. One might mistake the sounds as thunder.

MONDAY

We got to ride some more to see a beautiful bridge with a flowing rocky Arenal Rio (Arenal River). We actually got to wade out, but our tender feet cried out in mercy because the rocks were not kind. Later, we hiked up into the rainforest. As we started the trail, Mr. Ronnie pulled out his huge machete and began to make us hiking sticks with forked ends. He definitely has done this before. It definitely helped us climb the mountain trail, which was rocky and muddy. When Brian pulled out a stick, Mr. Ronnie said it would do no good because it didn't have forked ends to pin the snakes down.  I watched him closely as we trailed behind. He would stop occasionally and look into the trees and listen. I kept thinking that a huge anaconda or python was going to pop down onto my head. Thank God, He was merciful and let those creatures continue to hide in the forest, out of my view. We got to stand in lava ash (a trail down the mountain) where it had once flowed. The exotic flowers and trees were beautiful and breath-taking. We hiked around a lake that had a hue of green, but was crystal clear when you peered into it. A camp used to be here, but it was closed down after some hikers decided they would hike up the volcano into dangerous territory; the volcano blew where it had not blown in years, and the gases killed the brave hikers. After we continued to hike, we came to a clearing, that had a wonderful view of the landscape around and below it.

During the day, we also got to discover pizote, which are kind of like a long-nosed raccoon, but much more interesting. Ronnie had a stash of fruit that we were able to hand-feed these creatures with.

At the hotel, there were hot pools (springs), warmed by the volcano, and cold swimming pools. Each area had slides. We transferred back and forth from hot to cold, from cold to hot.

During the day, we got to see the volcano throw out rock. You could not see the glowing red, but the rocks did leave a trail of white as they sputtered down the sides. That night, we went again on our hunt, but to no avail. Ronnie took us to a look-out observation point, and we sat underneath a canopy as the sky drizzled out rain onto us. Total blackness from the volcano. Bugs that sounded like clinking glasses cried out. Lightning bugs glowed down the hillside. Finally, after the children began to fall asleep one by one, Ronnie went to get the van. We had walked up the hill, but he decided to try to drive up the slick trail to get us with our heavy loads (children). After a certain point, he could not go any further. It was too steep. We walked down to meet him, and he had to back down the mountainous trail, which was lined with timbers. We all prayed and held our breath, but no fear--Ronnie was an excellent driver!!! 

TUESDAY

After we toured back through the butterfly, crocodile, leaf-cutter ants, and other beautiful trails, we began our journey back to San Jose. This time, we took the "long way" home. Ronnie stopped by a place that is known for its iguanas. Underneath the store, along the edge of the river, up in the trees, under the bridge, stood and climbed hundreds of iguanas. I did not realize these creatures could climb trees!! When they nest, they dig caves to have their babies in, but otherwise, they are everywhere! They can grow up to 45 lbs.!!!  The males were an orangish color. The smaller ones (about 2 ft. long or less) are cute and green.

We also stopped by a park in a town beside a Catholic church, which has cedars cut into all kinds of wonderful shapes. Whoever the artists were, they put a lot of work into this park!

We returned home after 6 PM. God's creation is amazing. He has created all of these wonderful, beautiful sites. Imagine what He can do with our lives, what amazing things He can do, if we will only let Him. I'm thankful for all the beautiful sites that we were able to experience. I am thankful for a safe and healthy weekend.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT TONS MORE PICS ON OUR FACEBOOK PROFILES!!!!

Revelation Song - Phillips Craig & Dean

He's worthy of our worship!!
Praise our king--Jesus Christ!!

He's Rocking Our World

I've started a Bible Study each morning called, "Beloved Disciple," written by Beth Moore. So far, I am really enjoying it and delving into the Word of God. Today, I gave a devotional to our group (that is being tutored in the Barefooting Program).  In Mark 1:16-20, Jesus Christ began calling His first disciples. Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, & John were called by Jesus, and they responded by following. Originally, they were fishermen, but Jesus made them into fishers of men. He turned their worlds upside down, just as He has turned ours upside down.

As I loaded pictures onto a flashdrive this afternoon to use with my digital photo frame that my fifth grade students and Ms. J. gave me as a going-away present, I couldn't help to feel a little sad that I am not at Central teaching this year. Never in a million years would I have dreamed that God would call us, plain, ordinary US, to travel internationally to tell others about Him. I keep pinching myself to see if I am in a dream. No, I am not!  I am thousands of miles away from home, which now is a travel trailer. We sold our home for Him. We've left our families for Him. As the disciples left, we have also left. The journey that He has us on will one day be well worth it. He continues to teach us so many things. He's working on our imperfections and teaching us to be more like Him as He continues to draw us nearer to Him. He continues daily to make provisions for us.

As it was with the disciples, we also had a choice. Obey or disobey. Which would it be?  After much prayer and our hearts continually being burdened with His call, we chose to obey. I won't say that every day has been wonderful or easy, but thank God He continues to place a peace and joy in our hearts that only He can give. He equipped His disciples for the task. I have faith that He is equipping us. The Bible says He has gone before us, behind us, and is continually with us. Praise God for that!  Day after day, He continues to prove to us that His Word is TRUTH.

On Sunday, I had a really frustrating day. We are visiting churches to see where we are needed in ministry. Soon after we start our classes at the institute (which begin in September), we will be used. After 2 1/2 hours of Spanish Sunday School (really a sermon for the adults) and morning service, I only had picked up a few words and phrases. Some days it seems like I can comprehend, and other days, I freeze up and go blank. This particular morning, I couldn't even keep up with the chapters in the Bible or the hymn page numbers. It's easy to let the devil get his way and get discouraged if our eyes are not focused on God, the Mighty One, the one who called us and who WILL empower and equip us to establish His task that He has placed before us. Don't listen to the devil's lies. Focus on God!

He's rocking our world because we chose to obey. Will you let Him rock your world?!!  Choose to follow Him today!!

PRAISES--

*  Sydney and Skylar have had all smiles this week. For Sydney, she's had no tears as she enters her Summer Camp classes.  PRAISE GOD!!

* Thank God for His daily provisions!

PRAYER REQUESTS-- 

*  Pray that God leads us (and we'll listen and discern where He's leading) to a church that He wants us to minister to as a family.

* Health and safety as we live in Costa Rica

* Transitioning for us (we all have new teachers and friends to make in the near future when the 2009-10 school year begins)

* SPANISH!!!  (comprehension, memorization, application, fluency/pronunciation)

* Family that we've left behind to be given His joy and peace as we follow Him

Splish, Splash, It's Rainin' in Costa Rica!

Interesting Things That Have Happened This Week --

MONDAY

We finally got our own internet!!!  They told us it would come between 8 and 2, so B. opted to stay home from our Barefooting classes. After our class, our coordinator, Pam Grumbles, took us to her neighbor's moving sale. When I arrived back at our apartment, I was pleased to find out that the internet had just been hooked up, and I was excited to announce that I had purchased us a 3rd-hand (LOL) television. (Note-Things get recycled here. Electronics and appliances can be rather expensive!) We'd said we weren't going to do tv, because of lack of time and because of Sk. staying tuned in to it instead of being active. However, we changed our minds. We were told countless times how a tv could help if we played Spanish programs, or English with the Spanish subtitles. It's really fun to watch/listen to Hannah Montana, I-Carley, and Bakugon all in Spanish.

TUESDAY

WOOOOOOOOOOo...I left this lesson TOTALLY stressed out!! I didn't understand a lot of the Spanish, so the instructions blew me away. We had to break into two groups, catch a bus to downtown San Jose, ask people on the street (IN SPANISH) how to find a bus stop (they are EVERYWHERE!!!) to Zapote. They would answer and point, and we would follow. One person said, Aqui (here), while another pointed on down the street. We kept asking and asking, and we found the bus more quickly than I expected. As we were getting on, we had to ask another person yet again if this was the correct bus. Then, we had to ask the driver would it be stopping near the Multiplaza del Este. He nodded yes and said, "Si." After on the bus, we had to ask someone to make sure we got off in the right place. Buses are rather crowded here, especially during particular times of the day. It is cheap, and most use it for their way of transportation. Before we got off, people were everywhere! The seats were filled, and the aisles had people standing from the front to the back of the bus. B. stood up to give a woman his seat. God made provisions along the way..helpful strangers pointing us the way, an English-speaking girl in the line in front of me who answered my pitiful Spanish with English, a lady on the bus with a Carrion uniform (which let us know she'd probably be getting off at the mall where we were heading!). We finally arrived, and the plaza was the same that we'd been to the weekend, so we were able to show the Williams, who were with us, around. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, and the stress was gone!!  Because of the time, we caught a taxi to our apartment so we could pick the kids up in time for school.

WEDNESDAY

After we had Dona Olga and Dona Judit for lessons, B. and I decided to walk around to complete our homework assignment. Most every day, we have some sort of question(s) to ask people on the street, which is nerve-wracking, but helps us practice our Spanish. Most are very helpful and friendly. As we approached someone to ask what their favorite month/day of the week was, a car came flying through (as most do here) and splashed through a puddle, which in turn flew up and sprayed me head to toe.I had to giggle about this one! I've always seen it happen on tv, but now I was the victim! We continued on.  

Our neighbor, Cara, loaned me her stroller, and walked me to Pali, which is a small grocery store that sells 5 gallon bottle of water. Although this grocery store was small, I liked it. It has some very good prices. The stroller was a life saver on the way back home! :)

On Wednesday night, B. stayed home with the kids and gave me the opportunity to visit the Teatro Nacional (National Theater) to see the play "Casa de Munecas" (A Doll's House). The Grumbles picked me up a little after 7 PM. We traveled to downtown. It was exciting to be out at night and see the city. It was very busy. Lots of hustle and bustle. We parked. A kid helped us back the van into a parking spot. We walked ato the theatre. People were milling everywhere. Beggars were asking for money, holding their cups out to all who'd give them a coin or two. Dona Olga arrived with her family (husband, son, and daughter), and we were given our tickets. The inside of the theatre was beautiful. Although we sat in the back on the main floor, there were 3 other balconies. I had read the synopsis of the play, so I could follow what was going on. It was fun to catch a word or phrase or two occasionally that I recognized. However, by the end, my brain felt as if it were fried from trying to think so hard. I was thankful I had been invited, and it was great to be a part of this event! 

THURSDAY

Again, we opted to walk around after class. This time, we ventured even further out. We got on the main road and wandered about trying to find Pequena Mundo, which is a like a cheap version of Sam's with lots of surplus items, and no membership is required. Luckily, we carried our umbrellas, because it began to sprinkle right after we started walking. The people here are known to walk without umbrellas or rain jackets because they are very vain. They'd rather look good wet than have all that garb to carry/wear. Some do carry umbrellas, but rain gear isn't easy to find. Anyways, we realized why some opt not to carry umbrellas. The wind picked up, and ours were blowing everywhere, including the rain getting our clothes soaked. We continued walk. We were already wet, so why not!?  After SIXTEEN blocks, including crossing a 4 lane and a 6 lane expressway, losing my flipflop mid-way through the 4-way (and having to pick it up with my toes and drag it, running across so as not to get run over--LOL), we arrived!! We enjoyed looking in the store and getting to experience some of the Costa Rican rain. After all, we only have lots more to come. September and October are the rainiest months here!!

The kids got to experience a little of the rain as they walked home from school today:

A Lot of Firsts

Today, Brian called Crystal and me a taxi to the mall. We finished our homework, which entailed us asking in Spanish how to say an item's name in Spanish and its price. We had to do five items each. Some people thought we are annoying, while others were very nice and helpful. We also walked across the street to the giant-sized Costa Rican rendition of the Dollar General. We enjoyed browsing through the wide array of items. I hailed the taxi as we left, and a nice-English-speaking CR greeted us. It was a perfect opportunity to practice our Spanish, while he practiced his English with us.

We decided to try a different church this week in a totally different direction from where we walked last week. This church is called the Chinese Baptist Church. A Chinese service is during the morning, and a Tico service takes place in the evening. Although we thought it was a shorter distance, it turned out to be about the same...a 15-20 min. walk from our apartment. In addition, we had to cross several very busy intersections to get there. We were told the service started at 6 PM (and it said so on the sign), but when we entered exactly "on time," the preacher seemed to be in mid sermon. To our surprise, we noticed the communion table was set up for the Lord's Supper. We were not sure how they would do that, or if they would even offer us to partake of it since it was our first visit. After about 2 songs, they served the Lord's Supper, and they did invite us to partake. We really had to pay attention, since the service was entirely in Spanish. Then, the service ended!! It had actually begun at 5:30 PM, so we caught the tail-end!!! It's kind of funny that we walked in at the end, just in time for the Lord's Supper. There were many N. American's there, and we were greeted profusely in English after the service. We met an American professor from the University of CR, who gave us his name and told us to call him anytime if we needed his help.

Thank God for a good week here in CR. Thank God for safety and health, for helpful people, and for teaching us many things.

The Second Commandment

The entire family decided to venture to the market. We gathered up a carry-bag to put our finds in and walked several blocks to the feria. Before we entered the outdoor market, we had to pass cars lined up and down the street. People were everywhere, buying the mostly fruits and vegetables, but an occasional jewelry, flower, or souvenir vender was wedged in amongst them. We saw other North Americans, because this city is loaded with quite a few N. Americans, due to the many who attend the languge institute, whether for IMB or another independent mission organization.

We strugged with listening intently to the Spanish-speaking venders to make sure we were paying the correct amt. of colones, because some did not have their prices laid out on little cards with their goods. As we left one vendor, I noticed a man bend over and pick up a wad of money that someone had dropped as we walked by. He stood up and held it out to me, but it was not us that had dropped it. I had heard that many CR here are very honest, and this was nice to see firsthand.

We bought a CR plate for our wall from a lady, who also was selling crucifixes as well as Mary with the baby Jesus. As we started to walk away, she handed Sy. a super tiny little Mary. Sy. had brought her own little bag. I realized that this could very well be used as an idol to many, but it was a very sweet gesture that she gave our daughter a gift.

We ended up buying about $13 worth of fruits and veggies...a melon, and a kilo each of potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and hairy fruit (I must find out the name of this peculiar looking fruit). Fruit and veggies are very inexpensive here, unlike the States.

Later, we took a taxi ride (the kids and my first!) to a nearby mall to practice our Spanish for our tutor. That was a hard task with the kids, but we made do. We found a very neat place across the street from the mall, called El Rey, which was like a huge Dollar General. On our ride to and from the stores, we tried practicing our Spanish with the drivers. Everyone is usually very helpful.

After we returned, rested, and walked to buy freshly baked break from a nearby bakery, we walked with our neighbors to try out a fast food CR restaurant. As we got there, we noticed something was definitely going on. Loud speaking on intercoms was going on across the street, where lots of people stood milling, as if they were waiting on something. They stood in lines on both sides of a particular street. We were in a congested area, but the area was even more congested as they waited for something special to pass. A parade?  What was going on??  People pressed together, and pushed to see as police cars wailing escorted the speciality in, policemen on foot surrounded whatever it was that was coming through. Then, we saw it. A huge idol of Mary was being brought through. Parents held children on their shoulders to see it. Some even got so close so they could reach out and touch the decoration.Others followed the object as it drove through. Cold chills ran down my arms. I pray that someone reaches out, even me, and tells them the truth:

Exodus 20:3-6

You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God , am a jealous God, punishing the children for th sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand (generations) of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Tomorrow is a special holiday here, and one of my homework assignments is to find out what the occasion is. I have a feeling that what we saw somehow might relate to this parade of sorts.  Please pray for the peoples here in CR.