The Rain in Costa Falls Mainly on the "Coast-a"

Well, we just got out of a heavy 5-day rain storm which caused a fair amount of flooding. Although my yard stood in a few inches of water for several days, thankfully the house itself stayed dry. The Cruces didn't fare as well in their "tree house." A lot of rain blew in under the roof and got things pretty wet (it's an open-air house).

On the first big morning of flooding, I went out in the rain and helped my neighbors dig a drainage channel and create a culvert for water to flow into. It was very satisfying to watch thousands of gallons of water start to drain off the flooded street, which had gotten as deep as my waist in one part.

Later, I helped my friend Jose, age 23, mop the water out of his flooded house and had a nice visit with him. We ended up reading a Bible story together that I thought would have special meaning for him, then discussing it. Jose has been through some hard things but really wants to draw closer to God. He is asking me encourage him and keep him accountable. I am really happy about the opportunity I have to help Jose grow in his faith and maturity as a Christian.

Recently, I've found several opportunities in town to witness in non-pushy ways. One thing people are always curious about is the skate park. When people find out that it is free to use, and that we provide free equipment, they are always curious. A neighbor who is a Jehovah's Witness asked me yesterday: "How can it be free?" This gives me a great opportunity to talk about the love of other Christians who don't even live in Puerto Viejo, but want to reach out to the youth here. Then, if the person is receptive, I can take it a step further and explain that this is our way of showing the youth of Puerto Viejo that God loves them, and that God's love for me is what motivates me to serve at the skate park. Most everyone in town appreciates the skate park as positive thing for the youth, which I feel helps us be a good witness for Christ. We're not a Christian club which excludes "non-members." Everyone is welcome here!