I wanted to share something really cool that happened last week. I'll try to retell this story in such a way that you can share in my excitement and joy. First I need to set the stage with some important background information:
The picture above is of a young girl named Laura who I met over a year ago. She is 9 years old, and the oldest of three children. Sadly, her father passed away last year from terminal bone cancer, he was only 33 years old. Her mother, Maria, works in San Jose trying to make ends meet, so the children are cared for by grandma. Grandma is widowed herself, and living off her husbands pension. Their combined incomes are not enough to cover all of the expenses. They all live together in a very poor community called Juan Pablo. The living conditions are almost as sad as the story. Now with that said, it's important to know that I have not seen Laura in over nine months, partly because her grandmother told me that Maria had taken the children and moved in with the her mother after her husband died.
The picture above is of a young girl named Laura who I met over a year ago. She is 9 years old, and the oldest of three children. Sadly, her father passed away last year from terminal bone cancer, he was only 33 years old. Her mother, Maria, works in San Jose trying to make ends meet, so the children are cared for by grandma. Grandma is widowed herself, and living off her husbands pension. Their combined incomes are not enough to cover all of the expenses. They all live together in a very poor community called Juan Pablo. The living conditions are almost as sad as the story. Now with that said, it's important to know that I have not seen Laura in over nine months, partly because her grandmother told me that Maria had taken the children and moved in with the her mother after her husband died.
This is where the story starts to get neat. Last month a short-term mission team came to serve in Juan Pablo. While working in Juan Pablo they met Victor, a 13 year old boy that lives in Juan Pablo. He has not attended school for the past three years because his parents couldn't afford the uniforms, registration, books, and other materials. However, he is going to school this upcoming year because of some caring people donated money for Victor's schooling. I shared Victor's story the mission team and shortly after the mission team returned home, a team member emailed stating they were interested in sponsoring a child. They asked if I knew of any children that needed help. The challenge wasn't finding a child, the problem was trying to pick which child with so many in need. I explained that I would pray, and send some photos of different children.
Well, I bet you can guess where this story is going. Last week I was walking through Juan Pablo with Josh and Tim. I was heading to a house that is in serious need of repair, and has the potential for a future project. Well, guess who is living right across the ally way? Yep, you guessed it, Laura! Grandma recognizes me (the goatee helped), and remembered me praying for her dying son on several occasions. She welcomed, or actually insisted, that we come into her home. After offering coffee and show a picture of her dead son, I asked if we could pray for the family, and asked if she had any specific needs. She explained that money was tight, and she didn't know how she was going to buy her granddaughter the needed uniforms for school! I was giddy, Josh prayed for the family and we left.
To finish the story, the team member has agreed to send some money for school uniforms and materials. So now I get the privilege of returning to the house with the good news that God has provided! It's days like this I love my job.
I've been thinking about how all of this transpired. Some could say that this was a series of random events, or what I want to believe is that we have a caring Father in heaven who loves Laura more than I could ever imagine. Maybe I caught a small glimpse of a God, who is constantly working all things together for good and is doing more than I could ever ask or imagine. Be excited that God is working here in Alajuelita.
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