The Two Houses

The week has been pretty amazing thus far. To end the week, we started the day with a devotion after breakfast led by Tom, the director of Portantorchas. The passage we covered was Matthew 7:24-29 regarding Jesus' parable about the two houses, one built on the rock and the other built on sand.

We've probably all have heard the story before, but not sure if this angle has been taken yet. Who ever thinks that they're building their house on the sand? We like to always think we're the ones building on the rock. Can we really build on the rock? This was one of the points that stood out. Without Jesus in our lives we cannot. Therefore, we can look at the passage as that we are the house, but Jesus is the builder if we let Him. Another take home message that stood out to me was that we don't actually know what our house is built on until the rain comes aka trials in our lives. The passage talks about the rain coming (and it will eventually!) and washing one away. We'll be able to tell how we're built through our seasons of rain.

So ongoing with this view for the day, we proceeded back to Excelencia Familiar, the children's home. Being the third day there, and learning different things each day, I feel we're being able to start to build some sort of relationship with the tias (aunts) and the children. The tias are really the servants here not us. I feel that we're lucky to be given the opportunity to serve the otherwise "invisible" heroes here. The tias take care of about 10 children each ranging from the ages of 1-14 years old. I've heard that 1 child is a full time job already.

We continue to beautify the home by painting literally from the floor to the roof and everything between. I had the duties of the ceiling (by default due to my height) and today was the roof. Carlos (one of the students who came back to Portantorchas) and I paired up to take on the big task. Over here, there are probably less policy and procedures in terms of safety and neither is the Newsong treX team have any professional painting experience :). On the roof, I was able to observe Carlos, whom is a very hard worker, but also patient with us, and a teacher as well. His English is broken, probably less so than my Spanish, but we're able to communicate and share together. In doing so, it's almost like the iron sharpening iron parable in two different languages yet achieving the same positive result.

Throughout the past few days, a few thoughts come to mind. I've met people from around the world here. At Portantorchas, students from all over the world come here for a semester or multiple semesters to study the bible to further the kingdom through ministry or missions later on. There's people here from Germany, various parts of the US, Peru, etc. Eventually, God's word is taken to whichever corner of the planet they came from. Even the story of how Portantorchas came to be is pretty amazing (which would be a whole post in itself). As for the orphanage, Excelencia Familiar, what goes on there is pretty essential for the kids. The children are basically saved from otherwise poor situations in which they would not have a fighting chance to thrive. They are abandoned, abused, neglected and are relocated by the US equivalent of the Department of Child Services to homes such as this. What makes this place special are the people. From the director, Nathan, who has moved from Houston, Texas to basically dedicated his life for the past few years to help run the child shelter, but the tias who actually do the caring and genuinely love the children. What makes this place different than other places are that these tias who care for the children have God's love in their lives and are able to let it flow outward to the children. In addition, there have been previous mission trips that have helped developed and improve the houses and land where the children live, learn, and grow. Therefore, building a house on rock.

We eventually wrapped up our Friday singing and dancing with kids with one of the songs we learned and practiced the hand and body motions. The kids joined in with us jumping, singing, and dancing in freedom. Even the tias got into it. It was videotaped so everyone will probably be able to see this sometime in the future and see our "dancing" skills.

Time is flying by here and hope to update more as we go.

que rico!

Hola!

Today was our 2nd day at Excelensia Familiar and I already feel like I'm home. The tias that we have been so blessed to spend our days with are some of the most selfless people I have ever met. The Lord has truly blessed these women with hearts of gold and the gift of service.

During the day we continued to paint the interior of the house. My continued prayer is that the Lord will bless the work of our hands so that it is pleasing not only for the inhabitants of the house but for our Father in heaven.

Despite having some challenges with the language, I feel like God is allowing us to speak to each others' hearts, so that the "barrier" is nonexistant. One of my teammates shared last night, about the difficulty in the transmission of language; to her, it is an outpouring of vulnerability and humility between two people. After contemplating her statement, I couldn't agree more. Taking a chance and risking humiliation looks very differently for everyone. I just pray that the Lord would totally reveal and diminish any bit of pride that is in me and any of my teammates.

Something I immediately realized upon arriving at the orphanage is the joyous simplicity that the children seem to posses. Growing up in the U.S., a sense of materialism and egotism, is apparent everywhere, especially inside me. It may be premature to make the following statement, however, I feel like that same sense of materialism and consumerism is not present in this place. I can't help but feel God's protection and guidance upon my teammates and myself.

Tomorrow, we'll probably get to share some lessons with the children so please pray that we can say exactly what the Spirit leads us to, nothing more and nothing less. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. It really means so much! We love you all!

-Sara

We´re here!!

Praise GOD! Our team finally arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica!! We had a smooth plane ride, all our luggages are in one piece, and we safely arrived at Portantorchas where we will be staying during our 2 weeks.

We met our hosts: Tom Marcus (from Newsong Irvine, director at Portantorchas), Sara (his wife), Jorge (staff at Portantorchas), and Damian (a students at Portantorchas). I already feel so blessed to be here. They are wonderful hosts and have welcomed us with open arms. Jorge said that ¨we are like family to them¨ (because of the Newsong connection). Amen!

I already feel like we belong here. God is completely with us. He is already here and has everything prepared for us. We are now here to meet Him in every way.

The weather is a little wet right now. It was raining a little bit, but there´s a nice cool breeze outside. The campus here at Portantorchas is beautiful. Lots of green fields, a koi pond, and we´ve already encountered fun critters like a huge cricket-like insect and a red crawfish. Apparently there are huge ducks that wonder around during the day.

To give you an idea of what we will be doing day to day:

• Mornings - Painting the inside and part of a roof for the boys´house at the orphanage
• Afternoon - Hang out with the children at the orphanage (about 18 boys and girls)
• Evening - Debrief & prep for next day

¨May the God who gives endurance & encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with ONE HEART & MOUTH you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ¨ (Romans 15:5-6)

Please keep us in your prayers!! Thank you so much for your support!