Moving to Costa Rica for our missionary work was a big leap, especially with Clayton and Carsyn in tow. One of my biggest concerns was how they would adjust, especially with the language barrier looming large. However, what I've come to realize is that play is a universal language that bridges cultures and ages.
Clayton has been a star in this regard, using American Football as a tool to connect with local children. It's amazing to see how quickly they come running when they see the ball, yelling enthusiastically to pass the ball ("Hey Muchacho aquí!"). Through these interactions, doors have opened to share the gospel, as the children's curiosity about Jesus matches their eagerness to play.
Carsyn, in her shy yet endearing way, has found her own path to friendship. Whether it's through donated soccer balls, bubbles, or her beloved baby doll Oliver, play has been her gateway to forming connections. With a little help from me to break the ice, language differences quickly fade away as she finds companions who are eager to practice their English while teaching her Spanish in return. (The kids start taking an English class in Kindergarten. While many will lose this skill as an adult due to no practice.)
Google Translate has been a lifeline, smoothing out our conversations and deepening our interactions with the community. It's been a tool for learning and understanding, reinforcing that communication is more than just words.
As we continue our journey here, we're grateful for the support we've received, from the soccer balls that sparked friendships to the everyday items on our Amazon wishlist that facilitate our work. Every contribution helps us build bridges and share the love of Christ in meaningful ways. There is still time to contribute to our August Amazon wishlist fulfillment.
Thank you for being part of our mission in Costa Rica. Together, we're making a difference—one game, one conversation, one shared moment at a time.
{If you joined our prayer list, you will soon be getting a text confirming your desire to join. The first time I needed to send out a prayer request it gave me a fit because not all of our prayer warriors use iPhones. lol I want to try out a new text group to get our prayer requests out. Sorry if you got left off of the first prayer need text. Between the panic and urgency, I didn't take time to work on the issue with the list. If you still want to sign up, here is the link: Costa Rica Prayer List an Updates }
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