This morning we had a chance to do some painting at a school that is in a very poor and rough neighborhood. We were really sure what we were going to be doing but we stopped at the hardware store on the way to buy paint and supplies. When we arrived at the school we found out that we would be painting their cafeteria walls and tables. We had only 2 hours to paint while some other from the group went to the store to buy groceries to distribute later in the day. So we sanded, painted and rolled, and got the job done.

Allie and Janine

Lisanne and Hillary sanding tables

After lunch we met up with Ricardo again and he brought us to a community where we were able to deliver 60 packages of food. This is a community that one of the fern farmers lives in. It was very eye opening. We were delivering one plastic bag of food that Ricardo said could last for 3 months if they rationed it well. Most of the homes we visited didn't even have a way to cook food. One of the really interesting things about our experience living here at the hotel and even just being in Costa Rica is that there is such severe poverty right next to beautiful homes.

Next we delivered bags of jerseys, shorts, and balls to Fut.i.val which is a ministry led by 2 former World Cup national players. After they retired they started Fut.i.val which stands for Faith - Integrity- Values. They have invested in an extremely poor ghetto area. They host a clinic 3 days a week. First they gather the kids and speak to them from the word and talk about Christian values. Then they play games and end with more testimonies and teaching. They use donations as rewards for good behavior. If they see a child coming consistently and working well with others they can get new cleats or clothes. It is a great example to see they way they selflessly give to this community that could never give anything back to them. They are following God's plan.

Our last game was after a long day and it was expected to be a pretty challenging match against much older girls. The girls played really well despite being tired, cold and wet! The score was 0-1. After the game Liz was able to give her testimony and we handed tracks to the other team.

I think it was a fulfilling way to end our time here in Costa Rica.

We will boarding the plane shortly. Please pray that these things that we have seen and heard will stay in our hearts.