Those were the words Mauri exclaimed as we pulled up to La Carpio. Coming here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve seen many photos, but, as the saying goes, you can’t really know unless you’ve experienced it. Today, I experienced a small part of the story of what Community of Faith does here in Costa Rica’s La Carpio. It’s nothing short of amazing, blessed…and full of love.
This is Antonio (the guy in the white shirt). He’s the Community Center Coordinator here in La Carpio. As soon as we walked down the broken path, all of the kids were calling his name. He’s so great with the kids and they mind him so well. Antonio is in the center every day, showing up for the kids, playing with them and giving them a place to be. One of the things I love about being a photographer is the ability to see how relationships form and thrive from a distance. Antonio’s relationships with these kids are amazing.
Today in the community center, we played games…lots of them. Keri is one of our missionaries here. He and his wife Mauri come down to La Carpio twice a week to spend time in the community. Today Keri brought the fun. We limboed, stomped balloons, played keep away and much more…Above all this, we loved. The children were so happy to have us there spending time with them. When you’re here, you’ll have a kid in your lap, hanging on your back, or sitting down next to you.
Flaco is another part of the support team here in La Carpio. Today, he taught a lesson. The kids were so eager to answer the questions. They all seemed so happy to be a part of this learning process.
If it already seems like we had a full day here, trust me when I say we did. We left the hotel early, got to La Carpio early, and the clinic opened early. This trip we have two wonderful doctors as well as a nurse here to see patients, help them in their ailments and get them started on vitamins. If you’re a member of COF, you know that our goal isn’t to just fix something that our society would say is broken, but to help empower people, teaching them and encouraging them. While we don’t offer the clinic every time we come to Costa Rica, when possible it is just one way we can help people.
We also had a great time face painting and giving manicures. The little girls ate it up and loved seeing themselves done up. Most chose butterflies, but then the boys came in and soon there were dinosaurs and spiderman masks running around the center.
These 3 girls are apart of Mauri’s bible study. She meets a group of women in La Carpio every Tuesday to teach God’s word and offer encouragement. These young teenagers come to the study and try and learn as much as possible. It’s not a very common thing that young girls would join older women in something such as this. They’ve also been through a lot of hardships but are encouraged by this weekly study. Please pray for them that they would continue to seek after God.
Disclaimer: if these images seem a bit off, my apologies! I’m posting from my laptop and fear it’s monitor is not calibrated 🙂
gifts 124 -135
smiles
silly little girls
and boys
people willing to give their time
and their heart
tres leches cake
avocados
roofs to block out water, be they made from tin or not.
beautiful blooming plants
safe bus drivers
an after-God’s-heart mission team
bottled water
Sooo glad you are there! Wish I were there to experience it with you, but so thankful to have your beautiful words and images to share with us! Love you! Praying!
Christie pictures are beautiful! It sounds amazing to be there! Prayers to all of you! May love surround you! Many blessings!
Fantastic!
Christie, you have done a wonderful job! I am so pleased you are doing this. I went on the first trip in June and fell in love with the people. I was so touched by La Carpio and what COF is bringing to them. The entire mission family there are nothing less than angels. They made me feel like family. I can’t tell you how much I learned from them. I miss them very much and I know I left my heart in Costa Rica. It changed my life. Again, thank you for what you are doing. It helps me to feel closer to them and I get excited just knowing you guys are there bringing smiles to the children.
My prayers are with you all, have a blessed week and be that blessing!
So wonderful Christie!!!! I am so happy you are there!!!! What a joy to share your talent, love and time. Safe journey mama!! XOXO
This is absolutely amazing. I hope I can be a part of something like this someday, truly making a difference. My prayers are with you!
I am so in love with your pictures. They tell such a beautiful story. I’m so happy that you got to go and capture it and, most of all, see it for yourself. Can’t wait til next month!! I am so ready to be there! Love you!