Bring on the Rain

If you know anything about Buenos Aires, Costa Rica, then you know it rains. Like every day. The strange thing is that it hasn't rained at all during the day since we've been here (apparently it rained one night, but I didn't hear it)...That is until today. We have been very thankful for the good weather God has blessed us with because it allowed us to door knock all during the day. I've commented on the weather just about every day, saying "why hasn't it rained today?" Honestly, I just don't understand. I'm not used to it being dry here, that is if you count 95% humidity as dry. There are a lot of people who like to complain when it comes to rain. "I hate rain because I don't like getting wet." "It ruins the day." And so on. Today, a few of us got to experience one of the many reasons why rain is a good thing. Rain is a great thing when you have about 20 kids, some adults, a bucket full of water balloons, and a water hose. This afternoon was a blast. We played for what seemed like an hour outside, getting soaked and enjoying our mudslide. What a beautiful thing rain can be if only you let it. 

Life is a lot like rain. Life likes to bring things down upon you when you're out. The problem with rain is, you can't control it. The problem with us is, we like to be in control. Oftentimes, we don't realize that we still have control over part of the situation: our attitude. Our lesson tonight was actually about our attitude. Unfortunately, I failed to get the name of tonight's speaker, but he did an excellent job and had some humorous illustrations for us. He said that in order for us to have the right attitude, we must fill ourselves with the bread of life which is Christ. Rain can be a great thing if you have the right attitude about it. Yes, the rain kept us from door knocking this afternoon, which was a little disappointing. And yes, rain does make you wet. But what's wrong with getting wet? If you regard hygiene as important at all, then you probably get wet pretty often. Rain is also responsible for keeping various plants and animals alive. Rain is a blessing. Playing with those children today gave us a connection. A language barrier is completely disregarded when you're running around screaming and throwing kids into mud puddles. Or in the case of some, being thrown into mud puddles. I heard one girl say this was the best time she has had on the entire trip, and I agree with her. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! (see picture below). The reason we had so much fun was because we looked for the good in our situation. We choose to be happy despite our circumstances. It's so easy for us to get caught up in the bad things in life and allow them to control us. There is a wonderful woman on the trip with us this week that I had the pleasure of talking to the other day. She talked about something that happened in her life that most people would consider a tragedy, but she viewed it as a blessing because it allowed her to be here with us on this mission trip. It inspired me. So the next time you think that all your problems are raining down on you, remember that your problems are actually blessings in disguise. 

The classes for today went well. I heard that the men's class has already presented an idea for the class for next year, that's how excited they are about learning the gospel! I continue to hear that the ladies class has been greatly enjoyed. The two Vacation Bible Schools for the day were amazing! The first was at the San Martin school and the second was at the school in the middle of downtown. The children were such a joy to interact with and they were all excited to see a bunch of gringos. Even some of the teachers went along with our activities and songs. I heard the second VBS for today has been the best one yet! It only continues to get better. Another Bible study took place today and they had a great group to work with. 

Tomorrow's activities are still up in the air a little bit...the only thing that I know for sure that is planned is the baby shower for Daniel and Meribel's daughter, Daniela, and the gospel meeting at night. I guess we'll allow God to take control and see what good He can bring through us tomorrow.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Romans 8:28

This will always be one of my favorite verses. God causes ALL things to work together for GOOD. That means that every time it rains in our life, God is causing good. Why do we have such a hard time believing this? Is it really so hard to believe that the one who created us, saved us, and loves us is working good in our lives? Let's all get our minds/attitudes/thoughts in the right place, on heavenly things and serving our Lord so that He can use us each and every day to do His purpose.

The wet girl in the TORCH shirt,

Leah

Side note: Our other pictures include: Mr. Thad Butts teaching the men's class, Mrs. Linda Moran teaching the women's class, and VBS at the school on Thursday.