My Garden

Here's some photos of my garden after some enquiries.......

And my sad attempts at growing things in pots - they got drowned when the rainy season started I think.

Thanks Nan

New Shoes!! Thanks Nan.

I was very excited to find a shop that sold shoes big enough for me!

Step team talents!

I've had a great time with the Costa Rica step team - so thought I'd introduce them to you and show you a bit of what has kept me entertained!!!Caitlin, Maya, Becky, Matt, Amanda, Claire and Stephen.

All singing.....

All dancing ......

All playing......

Yellow

Isn't it great that we're all different!
On the building site yesterday I was talking to the step team and Matt said that when he hears words, he visualises colours . There is a proper scientific name for it but I can't remember it! Apparently for most of us, when we hear a word, we visualise (see it in our minds eye) as if it was written down, but some people 'see' it as a colour or as an image or picture. Intriguing!!!
So anyway for the word 'Suzanne' Matt sees bright yellow!
And for some reason I'm actually quite pleased about that! (Not entirely sure why but there you go!!)

Costa Rica Step Team

I've been spending some time with the Costa Rica Step team. They have been working in Abangaritos on the Gulf of Nicoya (on the Pacific coast). They've been working alongside a church in this small rural town, where most people work in agriculture or fishing (and are therefore vulnerable to the variable prices and the weather). Belen, the pastor, has been leading the church for about 10years and they have had a real vision to reach their community. As part of that they were really keen to receive help from members of the Amistad church in San Jose, who have been trained in installing water purification system. But this wasn't for their own sake - but so that they could offer this clean water free for all members of their community - which they are now doing. (there's an analogy in there somewhere).

They have also been working to build a bigger church building t0 accomodate their growing church. Belen told us of times when people brought single bricks to a church meeting as their offering.

The step team is just helping them along the way in this project - and specifically to build a toilet block for the church, under the calm and watchful eye of Sacquedino, the builder. Initially this involved cutting, bending, and tying re-enforcement iron bars for the foundation and walls, which the team quickly got the hang of. Whilst the team was there, the schools were actually on holiday so there were a lot of children and young people around the church. In quiet times in terms of building work, some of the team were able to do various craft activities with the children, which soon got taken over by their mums, many of whom were cooking for the team. Making friendship bracelets was very popular.

There was also lots of opportunities to teach and learn songs in English and Spanish. They had a great time getting to know the members of the church and the team were really inspired by the churches warm welcome and faith in them.

The team were invited to take a large part in the 3 week night services, the youth service on saturday night and the childrens activities and church service on the sunday. Most of the team hadn´t preached before, but over the time of their project, they all were able to share a message or a testimony of what God had taught them in their lives. It´s really exciting to see people doing something new and sharing their journey with God with others.

If you want to know more about step teams go to http://www.stepteams.org/

Costa Rica

At the moment I'm in Costa Rica. On monday we welcomed a Step team to Costa Rica - and (with a bit of help) I led an Orientation day for them, and then went with them to Avangaritos (on the Golf of Nicoya, on the Pacific side of Costa Rica) and have been with them in their first few days on the project - It's been great - they're working with a fantastic church - helping them build some toilets - as well as have a big input into the 5 weekly services. It's in a fairly out of the way place - but the team are staying at a lodge right on the shore with fantastic views (and swimming). It's quite luxurious by 'Step' standards but I and they are suitably grateful! Last night I was talking with the two leaders - we sat under a palm look-out - with a view of the gulf and the mountains opposite under a clear moon-lit sky, listening to the waves below - and I was talking with them about how the teams going, and how they are feeling as leaders - encouraging them in their gifts and talking through team issues and dynamics with them - and I suddenly thought --- I LOVE THIS JOB! ----- it's just so great to be able to give people opportunities to use their gifts - to try new things - and to step out in faith. Brilliant!