One of the mysteries of life is why so many things which seem to be bad happen to one family. To refresh your memory...or introduce you to the Marin family...Gilbert, the husband, is leading a group in a village called Llano Grande in Bible study and worship every Sunday. They have six precious children and Fanny is due to have another this week. This isn't the first time I have written about Gilbert and Fanny. I referred to them in a past posting just briefly.
A quick recent history of all that has happened in their lives...a small bakery business proved unprofitable and was abandoned; they were put out of the house they had been paying on for 14 years ( a legal, but unethical maneuver by the owner because someone else would pay more); Gilbert and his brother-in-law were starting a new business in another town (which required him to be gone all week from his family), but now his sister is taking the truck that HE has been paying on for two years from him. (It is is legally in her name, but he has made the payments on it at the bank and has the receipts.) He needs the truck in the new business. Now he won't be able to even go to the other town, much less have a means to do the business.
No one has said it, but all this may be because he and his family have become Christians and have left the Catholic church. It just seems like things continue to happen to this dear family. They are definitely under attack.
Please pray for Gilbert and Fanny Marin and their children. Pray that God will provide a good means of making a living and will encourage them. They are really trying to stay faithful in spite of all the difficulties. When we went to the study this morning, Gilbert was really "down." Appeal to the Father to help these new Christians to remain faithful, but also to provide their needs in a way that they can see Him working.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
River Trip
Just want to give you a quick synopsis of my river trip. Basically what we did was go in a van to a place north of San Jose called Puerto Viejo, then load everything on to a boat on the Sarapiqui river. The boat was about 40 feet long and 5 ft. wide, with a roof (no sides) and a 75 hp outboard motor. That was our mode of travel for the next 4 days (other than walking). We traveled down river (north) for about an hour and a half to a "mission" point where a lady missionary lives along side the river. As far as I know, the river is the only way to get there. Picture what you may have seen in movies about jungle rivers...or the Amazon. It's about like that. Saw lots of crocodiles, iguanas, and some saw howler monkeys, but I never saw any, although I heard them often. The river is about 100 ft across in places, the widens to maybe a quarter of a mile at the main river. We worked along the San Juan river, which at places is the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, so at times we weren't sure which country we were in.
The "mission" is a small farm along the river with three crude (very crude) buildings and several animal outhouses. They raise hogs, keep some cows, chickens, turkeys, and raise some bananas and a few other plants. The missionary lady is called "Dr. Ana." She does a good bit of "doctoring" up and down the river, although she isn't really a doctor. That was our base for the first two days. We slept and ate breakfast and supper there a couple of days.
When I say the buildings were crude, that is an understatement. For one thing, remember, this is on the river and it is the rainy season. Everything is muddy. I mean everything. The buildings keep a roof over your head and the rain out. That's about all. One building is sort of a bunkhouse, but when I climbed up on the bunk, it broke (no, I haven't gained weight.) so I took the two inch thick foam "mattress" (which was broken lengthwise down the middle, thus leaving a wide space with no mattress by morning) and slept on the floor, which you can see through to the ground. This matches the walls, so the decor is at least consistent...kind of an early natural river look. One interesting thing is how they (at the mission) get their gas that they cook with. They have what is called a bio-digester. Basically it breaks down the hog dung and preserves the gas, which is then used as a fuel resource.
Our meals were basically rice and beans, with some yucca thrown in. While we were on the river, I ate some canned tuna and peanuts, which is what I took. One meal we had mashed yucca, which tastes just like potatoes, and macaroni (no cheese). As you can tell, there wasn't a lot of protein most of the time.
We got up about 5 in the a.m., ate, and started up river in the boat. We were in bed by 7 most nights, since we were tired and there wasn't anything to do anyway. (It gets dark by 6.) Our task was to leave a gospel of John (which have strategic passages marked) at every house along the river. Some places there were small villages with maybe 20 houses, but most of the time there was a house about every mile or so. We worked our way to the Caribbean coast to a town called Barra del Colorado, where there were about 200 houses...very simple, some almost shacks, some better. This took about two days. After there we started back toward the mission. It was an overnight trip, with our stopping at houses (We took another branch of the river.), so we camped that night. Actually, it was more pleasant sleeping in a clean tent than at the "bunk house" at the mission.
All in all, it was a good experience. The people are very open and receptive and friendly. Only problem is that you are constantly wet and muddy.
Our problem now is figuring out how to follow up on what we did. We don't have people in that area, and it's a long trip.
So that's my jungle/river adventure.
The "mission" is a small farm along the river with three crude (very crude) buildings and several animal outhouses. They raise hogs, keep some cows, chickens, turkeys, and raise some bananas and a few other plants. The missionary lady is called "Dr. Ana." She does a good bit of "doctoring" up and down the river, although she isn't really a doctor. That was our base for the first two days. We slept and ate breakfast and supper there a couple of days.
When I say the buildings were crude, that is an understatement. For one thing, remember, this is on the river and it is the rainy season. Everything is muddy. I mean everything. The buildings keep a roof over your head and the rain out. That's about all. One building is sort of a bunkhouse, but when I climbed up on the bunk, it broke (no, I haven't gained weight.) so I took the two inch thick foam "mattress" (which was broken lengthwise down the middle, thus leaving a wide space with no mattress by morning) and slept on the floor, which you can see through to the ground. This matches the walls, so the decor is at least consistent...kind of an early natural river look. One interesting thing is how they (at the mission) get their gas that they cook with. They have what is called a bio-digester. Basically it breaks down the hog dung and preserves the gas, which is then used as a fuel resource.
Our meals were basically rice and beans, with some yucca thrown in. While we were on the river, I ate some canned tuna and peanuts, which is what I took. One meal we had mashed yucca, which tastes just like potatoes, and macaroni (no cheese). As you can tell, there wasn't a lot of protein most of the time.
We got up about 5 in the a.m., ate, and started up river in the boat. We were in bed by 7 most nights, since we were tired and there wasn't anything to do anyway. (It gets dark by 6.) Our task was to leave a gospel of John (which have strategic passages marked) at every house along the river. Some places there were small villages with maybe 20 houses, but most of the time there was a house about every mile or so. We worked our way to the Caribbean coast to a town called Barra del Colorado, where there were about 200 houses...very simple, some almost shacks, some better. This took about two days. After there we started back toward the mission. It was an overnight trip, with our stopping at houses (We took another branch of the river.), so we camped that night. Actually, it was more pleasant sleeping in a clean tent than at the "bunk house" at the mission.
All in all, it was a good experience. The people are very open and receptive and friendly. Only problem is that you are constantly wet and muddy.
Our problem now is figuring out how to follow up on what we did. We don't have people in that area, and it's a long trip.
So that's my jungle/river adventure.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Costa Rica Roads
Pro 4:26 says, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established." (KJV) The Message version says, "Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you."
Now, we all realize that is talking about attitude of life, not literal roads. Roads can be wide and smooth. They can also be narrow and rough.
We took a three day "scouting" trip this week and encountered just about every kind of road imaginable. Costa Rica roads are notoriously bad, so traveling on rough roads isn't all that unusual, but I was impressed at the varity of roads we encountered on this trip.
Here's a brief description and some applications to life that came to my mind as we traveled:
As we left San Jose we traveled through the mountains for several hours. If you've ever driven mountain roads (2 lane, narrow, winding) you know the going is slow. Trucks and/or slow vehicles just bog up the whole thing. You know where you are going, how to get there, and usually, have a scheduled time of arrival. Problem is...things keep getting in your way. There's not much you can do...oh, you can pass on curves and take your chances, but it isn't advisable. The consequences can be disastrous. Patience can be frustrating, but you better learn fast. If everyone else just had the same ability and power for speed that you have, we could all get there a whole lot faster...or...maybe crash and burn together.
Ok, so we made a hard turn to the west and crossed over to the coast highway. Wow ! What a shock. Has to be the best road in Costa Rica...wide, relatively flat, smooth, new. Just sit back, relax, and cruise. If only they could all be like this...
Turned off that road on to the Osa Peninsula. How do I describe that road? Oh, it's paved...well, half paved. At one time it had been all paved, but now only half. Half is an estimate because I didn't actually climb down into any of the potholes and measure them, and the little tape measure Mitzi carries in her purse is only one meter. Maybe if I had measured one, I could have done a little multiplication and come up with a figure, because surely I hit half of them...while deftly dodging the other half. Ok, the road of life application...life is often like that, full of potholes. You do the best you can, but try as you may, some just can't be avoided.
Now back to the great coast highway...We're cruising along, enjoying the ocean vista when abruptly, the highway ends. No warning. Nada. Well, the highway doesn't end actually. The pavement ends. Now we are on...what? Not exactly gravel, not dirt, more a mix of rock and mud. No, this isn't a small break in the highway. This is the continuation of a major thoroughfare for 50 or 60 miles. Application: Better not get too complacent in the easy going. Rough roads are ahead, and usually there isn't any warning that they are coming. Sure, enjoy the good times, but be prepared for hard times. Paul said he knew how to abound and how to be abased. Good attitude for driving and for life.
One last road. Our trip wasn't a pleasure trip exactly. We were working. Of course, Costa Rica beauty isn't a bad place to work. Along the way we wanted to stop at a beach. Just a short stroll maybe. So we picked one of many signs pointing to this or that beach and turned down a dirt (read, mud) one lane road. (No expense is too little for roads in CR...even roads to popular spots.)
I'm talking really just a lane. We debated on whether this was actually the road to Turtle Beach as the sign said, but continued on. After about a quarter mile we came to a stream flowing across the road. I'm a brave soul. Ok, you think I'm going to tell you a story about trying to cross and getting stuck. Nope. I'm also...well...up in age, and am fairly secure in my manhood...don't have much to prove...or have given up trying to prove it. We did the right thing. Turned around and went back. Changed our plans. Went to another beach. It happens. New routes have to be taken. Plans have to be changed.
I lied...I have one more. Just came to me. We continued on, on all kinds of roads...toward home. We even had to take a detour which delayed us a little, but it was ok. We were on the road toward home. A little saddle sore. Everything didn't go as planned, but all in all, it was a good trip. We met some interesting people and made some new friends. And we were sure glad to get home.
You make your own applications. The road of life is varied...often fun and easy, often rough and hard. But all along the way, our Lord rides with us, gives us direction and, when needed, comfort. His word is like a good road map giving us guidance, and his holy Spirit is like a wise navigator.
Now, we all realize that is talking about attitude of life, not literal roads. Roads can be wide and smooth. They can also be narrow and rough.
We took a three day "scouting" trip this week and encountered just about every kind of road imaginable. Costa Rica roads are notoriously bad, so traveling on rough roads isn't all that unusual, but I was impressed at the varity of roads we encountered on this trip.
Here's a brief description and some applications to life that came to my mind as we traveled:
As we left San Jose we traveled through the mountains for several hours. If you've ever driven mountain roads (2 lane, narrow, winding) you know the going is slow. Trucks and/or slow vehicles just bog up the whole thing. You know where you are going, how to get there, and usually, have a scheduled time of arrival. Problem is...things keep getting in your way. There's not much you can do...oh, you can pass on curves and take your chances, but it isn't advisable. The consequences can be disastrous. Patience can be frustrating, but you better learn fast. If everyone else just had the same ability and power for speed that you have, we could all get there a whole lot faster...or...maybe crash and burn together.
Ok, so we made a hard turn to the west and crossed over to the coast highway. Wow ! What a shock. Has to be the best road in Costa Rica...wide, relatively flat, smooth, new. Just sit back, relax, and cruise. If only they could all be like this...
Turned off that road on to the Osa Peninsula. How do I describe that road? Oh, it's paved...well, half paved. At one time it had been all paved, but now only half. Half is an estimate because I didn't actually climb down into any of the potholes and measure them, and the little tape measure Mitzi carries in her purse is only one meter. Maybe if I had measured one, I could have done a little multiplication and come up with a figure, because surely I hit half of them...while deftly dodging the other half. Ok, the road of life application...life is often like that, full of potholes. You do the best you can, but try as you may, some just can't be avoided.
Now back to the great coast highway...We're cruising along, enjoying the ocean vista when abruptly, the highway ends. No warning. Nada. Well, the highway doesn't end actually. The pavement ends. Now we are on...what? Not exactly gravel, not dirt, more a mix of rock and mud. No, this isn't a small break in the highway. This is the continuation of a major thoroughfare for 50 or 60 miles. Application: Better not get too complacent in the easy going. Rough roads are ahead, and usually there isn't any warning that they are coming. Sure, enjoy the good times, but be prepared for hard times. Paul said he knew how to abound and how to be abased. Good attitude for driving and for life.
One last road. Our trip wasn't a pleasure trip exactly. We were working. Of course, Costa Rica beauty isn't a bad place to work. Along the way we wanted to stop at a beach. Just a short stroll maybe. So we picked one of many signs pointing to this or that beach and turned down a dirt (read, mud) one lane road. (No expense is too little for roads in CR...even roads to popular spots.)
I'm talking really just a lane. We debated on whether this was actually the road to Turtle Beach as the sign said, but continued on. After about a quarter mile we came to a stream flowing across the road. I'm a brave soul. Ok, you think I'm going to tell you a story about trying to cross and getting stuck. Nope. I'm also...well...up in age, and am fairly secure in my manhood...don't have much to prove...or have given up trying to prove it. We did the right thing. Turned around and went back. Changed our plans. Went to another beach. It happens. New routes have to be taken. Plans have to be changed.
I lied...I have one more. Just came to me. We continued on, on all kinds of roads...toward home. We even had to take a detour which delayed us a little, but it was ok. We were on the road toward home. A little saddle sore. Everything didn't go as planned, but all in all, it was a good trip. We met some interesting people and made some new friends. And we were sure glad to get home.
You make your own applications. The road of life is varied...often fun and easy, often rough and hard. But all along the way, our Lord rides with us, gives us direction and, when needed, comfort. His word is like a good road map giving us guidance, and his holy Spirit is like a wise navigator.
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