Dios es bueno todo el tiempo; Todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno

So November, although it was filled with routine and schedule, was really an amazing spirit-filled month.  I feel like God is really bringing me back to the basics of my faith and teaching me so much in the process!  It has been amazing the clarity and direction that He provides when we give Him time to do it.  I feel like God has really been making clear to me His purpose for my time here in Costa Rica and how it can prepare me for the next calling that He has in my life.  This culture is really pushing me to step past culture and religion and really look at what the Bible says and what God says.  It is amazing to me some of the differences that I am seeing between the church as a whole here in Costa Rica and the church in the United States.  It has been super important for me to take a little of what I have learned from both to bring a different perspective to my readings and prayers!  I think that God has brought me to Costa Rica as much for my own spiritual growth as anything else, and it has definitely been a time of growth and reflection!
In addition to all of this amazing God time I have been having, classes, both English and Spanish, having been going really well!  I am at the top of my class in Spanish! jk...I am the only student, but really they have been going really well.  I have been learning so much and it has really given me so much more confidence in speaking Spanish in front of people.  I still have a long way to go, but I really have overcome a lot of the things that have been holding me back, and it is so exciting!!
English classes have been wonderful!  I am having SO much fun teaching adults and youth.  I always thought that I wouldn't enjoy adults as students, but they really come with such a passion and desire to learn that I really admire, and it gives me such a passion to teach!  Here are some pictures from Alajuela and Limon of some of the things we have been doing in class:

Our "Pictionary" review game the night before the test 

Boys winning

Manuel looking at me like...you want me to draw what?!? haha

Our autobiography presentations: Esteban

Cecilia's presentation :)

Our November birthday celebration: Happy Birthday to Manuel and to my mommy! :)

Limon: playing games to teach colors

Jonathan's group

We also were able to go to another church close by one afternoon for some preaching, skits, and drama presentations.  They were all so amazing but the lighting was awful so I didn't get very many pictures, but here are a couple from the skits that were done:

I also had a super amazing Thanksgiving.  I missed my family a lot a lot, but with Skype and Jonathan and his family I was able to have a Thanksgiving to remember!  I just want to say that I super thank God for the gift of Skype I don't know what my family and I would do without it! I was able to pray with my family and watch them all eat! hahaha!

Jonathan and his mom fixed this super yummy Thanksgiving meal...no casserole, but still AMAZING!

We searched and searched and finally found a football game mixed in with all the soccer games! :) Because what is Thanksgiving without football?!

The Brooks house on Thanksgiving Day... The Howells talking to me on Skype

Logan, Jonathan and me on Thanksgiving day!

I also had a special visitor come for the week of Thanksgiving to spend some time in Costa Rica and with me!!  Shannon Finnegan, a friend of mine from school saved up money just to come and visit me!  We had lots of fun!  We went to Volcano Poas...well at least I think we did.  We couldn't see anything because of the fog and rain, but I am sure there was a volcano there somewhere.  We also went zip lining at a place that I have never been before, and we went to the beach! :)  Plus, we went to Pops everyday!  For those of you who don't know what Pops is, it is the reason that everyone gains weight when they come to Costa Rica! :)  It is the best icecream shop ever...super yummy!  Shannon, I love you lots and I really appreciate your visit! It was right when I needed it the most!  

Leccy, Me, Jonathan, and Shannon getting ready to go on the zip line tour!

Precious Shannon

Shannon and I making a pretend volcano because you can see behind us...well, nothing

At the beach enjoying the beautiful weather!

I also went to my first Costa Rican wedding.  Jonathan's younger brother got married this passed weekend.  It was super different than anything that I have ever been to, but it was really pretty and lots of fun.  Here are some pictures from the wedding ceremony:

The family of the groom

The time the wedding started...just so you know it was supposed to start at 3! haha! I love CR!

The man making the super scared face in the background...that is the bride's father! :)

This month has definitely been an amazing one.  I have learned so much about myself, about the Lord, and about my faith in Him.  I have grown so much since I have been here and I can't wait to see what else God has in store.  He has been taking me on a journey that is sometimes nice and easy and sometimes super bumpy, but every bumpy stretch and every easy stretch have taught me something new.  I am so thankful for this experience and for all of your love and support.  You are truly helping to build the kingdom of God here on earth, and I appreciate your dedication to this mission.  I love you all lots and I hope to see you soon! :)

ABC 123

What an amazing week!! I have been having so much fun! I feel like I am finally in my element and doing something that is the perfect fit!  The first 4 classes in Alajuela have been amazing.  I can actually see growth already in some of the people in the class and their faces are bringing me such joy!  I am so excited for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays!!  The first two weeks we have been working on letters, letter sounds, numbers, days of the week, months, dates, colors and shapes just to kind of get a basic knowledge of the language.  Although many of the people in my class have taken English classes before and have a pretty good understanding already of the material that we have been covering I have been giving the classes in English so they are getting accustomed to hearing the language and speaking with the right pronunciation....well, Georgia pronunciation anyway.  I'm not really sure I can call the "the right pronunciation" :) I felt like it was better to get them hearing the language with things that they already knew a lot about so that as the weeks get more complicated in subject matter they are at least used to me speaking in English for explanations.  I think it is really helping them to think more in English and less in Spanish during the class!
So far we have had 8 people consistently coming to class.  There are a couple more that are interested but have had trouble coordinating classes with work or school schedules.  We have been singing songs and playing games like we are all little kids, but it has been so much fun, and I really think that the people in the class are having a good time...they keep coming back anyway.  Some are even inviting friends!
Friday we have our first test, so pray that it doesn't scare anyone too much!  Pray that my comments and corrections would be given in an encouraging and loving way so that I would reflect the Lord in all aspects of my teaching, and that they would be comfortable trying in all circumstances even if it does mean that they make mistakes.
Here are some of the pictures of our fun so far:

These are all the notebooks, pencils and papers for our first day!

This is our "please make Taylor a good teacher" prayer! :)  

Micheal and me dancing the letter sounds

Everyone else dancing the letter sounds :) Precious!

Everyone tired from dancing! 

I also found out on Friday that I would be teaching English in Limon on Saturday as well.  I knew that these classes were going to start soon, but what I didn't know was that they were going to start the next day!  These classes went really well too.  The group in Limon is a little younger.  I'm not exactly sure, but I would say that probably everyone in the class in under 20.  They were a little more nervous to begin than the class in Alajuela because we hadn't done the interviews and really gotten to know everyone ahead of time, but after the first few minutes they were ready to go, and they were a little sad when the class was over.  We had people calling the church all afternoon after the class saying that they would like to attend the next class!  This Saturday we had 8 people, but we are expecting almost 20 people for the following class.  We may have to break this group up into two smaller groups...how exciting!!!  Because I am only in Limon every other weekend we are going to try to do classes on Saturdays and Sundays for an hour and a half each.  If this doesn't seem to be working we may have to go to Limon more often, but we are going to try this for now!  

Here are some of the pictures from Saturday:

First 15 or so minutes...intense, scared, confused faces on the right

Intense, scared, confused faces on the left....

Everyone beginning to loosen up a little with some partner games!

I am just soooo excited!  These classes are going so well, and I finally feel like I am absolutely without doubt in my element!  Please continue to pray for this ministry and that it is absolutely that before anything else.  I don't want these to be just English classes.  I don't want to just be a teacher.  I want to be an instrument, so please pray that God would be able to use me as such. Pray that I would open myself to being a vessel for His plan, His word, and His work.  Pray that I would be a reflection of the Lord in class, out of class, on the bus, walking down the street, in the supermarket...everywhere I go and everything I do!

Saturday night in Limon we had a youth concert that was amazing!  There are some things that are still really hard for me to understand and loud people on microphones and loud songs are two of those things, but you didn't need to understand any words to be able to see what the Lord was doing in this place Saturday night.  The church that I have been working with in Limon invited youth from two other churches to come and join them for a night of worship.  There was all types of music...rap, roots, reggae, and even some Hill Song!  But everything was christian and to see people from all different backgrounds, all different interests coming together and blending their outside passions and their passion for the Lord to lift Him up was just amazing.  I have a couple of pictures and a video.  I know that you can't see anything on the video, but listen carefully to the song! 

The youth standing in front of the church

The speakers

Then the lights went out for the concert, but just listen....

:)

I also got to help with Sunday school in Limon this weekend.  I am learning a new definition of the word "help" here.  When someone asks you to "help" them in Costa Rica please know that they really mean "will you do this...maybe even by yourself" haha!  Again, someone asked me on Saturday night to help with Sunday school the next morning; Remember, I am in Limon, not at home, so all I have is my backpack with clothes and shoes.  I said sure, and I was super excited.  Then Sunday morning came and all of the little kids were sitting around and the other teacher asks me, "so, what did you bring for them to do?" Ahhh!! hahaha!  So we did a little improvising, and came up with a lesson on prayer really quick.  It ended up going well, but just so you know next time someone asks me to help I am definitely asking for clarification!  Anyways, here are some pictures of our fun on Sunday morning:

Our introduction prayer and talk about prayer

Tutti ta, tuttie ta, tuttie ta ta :)

Where I was supposed to be in charge and totally dropped the ball! :)

P.S. The ant infestation problem has subsided a little but it has only opened the door to bigger problems!  I will keep you updated

Jonathan cleaning my super small pile of ants!

My new problem! :)

Thank you all so much for all of your prayers during my first week of classes.  Please continue to pray both for me and for all of the people who come.  Pray that the Lord would be able to use this as a ministry tool and that God would be able to use me in a strong way through these classes!  I love you all so much!  Thank you for everything!

Poco a Poco

Wow! The time has flown by since I have been back!  I feel like I have been all over the place but never in one place long enough to sit down and update my blog....sorry Mom and Ray! :)
So let me try to catch you up with all that has been going on!!!

In Guanacaste
I am sure most of you saw pictures on facebook, but my mom and sister were able to come visit for a week which was a super treat!  We went to the beach where my mom has an old high school friend that owns a resort, so we were able to spend a few days just relaxing and eating lots! My mom, dad and sister have been such a great support system and sounding board.  They are amazing people! I am really blessed to have such a wonderful family, and although we missed my daddy lots, having Mom and Logan here was a great retreat. I love you all very much! :)
Here are some of the pictures of the crazy women in my family! :)

At the beach!

Tic Tac Toe!!

Drinking coconut milk...well trying anyway

Mom and Logan who don't know how to take a picture with their mouths closed! :)  I love them anyway!

In Limon

I also have been going to Jonathan's parents church almost every weekend.  We have been keeping ourselves busy there with working on the church and this weekend we helped to redo a roof on a house of one of the church members.  We are also talking about starting English classes there on Saturdays and opening it up to the people of the community in order to get the people familiar with the church and the pastor.  The pastor wants to take the classes too! Which I think is a super way to get to know the people. I am really excited about getting that going.  We also were able to visit some friends of Jonathan's family who have an amazing fruit farm with all of the fruits that you can imagine.  Plus everything tastes amazing because it is so fresh.  I was able to take some oranges home and share with my new Costa Rican family!  Here are some pictures from some of the things that have been going on in Limon:

The Roof

 The closest thing I could find to a guanabana for Logan

 Coconut Tree

 Lemon Tree

Delicious!

Sugar Cane

In Panama

I was also able to go on a trip to Panama with Jonathan's family.  Jonathan's dad was asked to preach at a church on the border of Costa Rica and Panama, so we spent a weekend with some of their friends eating, shopping and spending time together!  The food was super amazing...especially the bread....mmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it! And I have never seen such great deals in all my life!  Good thing I don't have a paying job right now or I would have been in trouble! :) 

Sunday was the best though!  I was able to go into the Sunday School class and work with the kids!  Saturday night the woman that we were staying with told me that she was the Sunday School teacher for the following day and wanted to know if I wanted to help.  I told her that I would love to, but I really didn't know what I was getting myself into! haha!  When she said help what she really meant was could I lead the class.  Although my Spanish is improving, I'm still not sure that Sunday Schools lessons are within my capability range!  So I led the songs at the beginning of the lesson and helped a little with a drama to go along with the lesson for the day.  It was such a blessing to spend that time with those kids and to be around people that would push me to step out of my comfort zone.  At the end I was even able to lead the kids to sing one of the songs that I taught them in English and Spanish in front of the entire congregation!  I loved it!  Unfortunately, I was so nervous and excited that I completely forgot to take any pictures, but you will just have to trust me when I say that these kids are precious! :)

In San Ramon

Yesterday I went back to San Ramon for a visit and catch up session.  It was super!  I was able to talk to the missionaries there about what is going on in San Ramon and where I might be able to help!  Next week I will begin going once a week to the mission to teach English classes in the morning and do discipleship with some of the families in the afternoon.  This may be something that I will do more often after Christmas, but we are going to try it out for the next couple of months now and see how the classes go.  The people there are amazing and their hearts are absolutely on fire for the Lord and for the people in their area.  I can't wait to begin working with them!

The missionary that was there previously taught English classes as well, so they had many supplies that I think I will be able to use both with children and adults.  There is a great space there for us to begin with small group classes and move our way up to larger classes if there is a great interest!  Things are looking great there!

In Puntarenas

I didn't actually get to visit much in Puntarenas, but this is a beach in Costa Rica that is about 2 hours in the bus from Alajuela.  My kindergarten teacher (and close friend of the family) and her husband, sister, and sister's husband (all members of my home church in Georgia) went on a cruise that docked in Puntarenas, Costa Rica.  I thought that I would go for the day and say hello and spend a little time with them, but after seeing about 30 buses going into the port where I could not pass I figured my chances were pretty slim, so I waited on the sidewalk just hoping to be able to see them through the window of the bus and wave.  After about 10 or 15 buses passed by I finally saw them, BUT not one of the four of them saw me. I waved and jumped and shouted....but to no avail!  I am sure all the people on the street thought I was crazy, but I thought maybe it would help...but it looks like maybe I was crazy AND I didn't get to say hello! haha!  Anyways, Cammie Jane, Frank, Carole and Felix I love you guys, and I am sorry that we missed each other.  I hope you had a wonderful cruise!  Here is a picture of your ship from the outside in case you didn't get one! :)

In San Jose

I also went to San Jose for a day to shop for a main text book for the English classes that are starting.  I went for a textbook and plan book, but I got a little excited!  Wow! They had some great resources....look at all these books:

I also had a little culture lesson while I was out in San Jose....apparently in Costa Rica Christmas starts in October, and all of the stores and some of the homes start decorating for Christmas...I couldn't believe it!  I took a picture just for evidence! 

Back Home in Alajuela

In Alajuela things are going great as well!  I had my first English group lesson last night with 6 students and Leccy my teacher's helper! :)  Again, I was a little nervous and forgot to take out the camera, but I promise I will take some pictures tomorrow during my second class!  We have been conducting interviews over the last couple of weeks to determine ability levels and any specific goals or motivators for each of the people in the class so that we can plan accordingly, and last night we began with a lot of excitement and enthusiasm.  The people in the class range in age from about 17 to 60 years old, but last night when we did 5 year old Jolly Phonics movements for each of the letter sounds you would have thought that they were all 5!  It was so much fun...well, I had fun anyway!  Each of the people in the class are super special and I am so excited about what the next couple of months will bring in language growth and in building relationships!  God was absolutely present in a strong way last night, and I can't wait to see His plans for this ministry!

...For those of you interested, the ant infestation continues, but I have Raid, so I am keeping it under control as much as possible!  P.S. These pictures are for real! 

So, I have kind of been all over the place for the past couple of weeks, but it seems as though I am beginning a more scheduled routine...well as close to a scheduled routine as possible in Costa Rica! :)  I am having a great time and feeling like little by little God is really beginning to pave a path and provide direction using all of the ways that He has been preparing me all along.  Please continue to pray for both my family at home and my family here.  Pray that the Lord would give my family at home peace, comfort and blessings, and please pray that He would also bring blessings to my Costa Rica family that is really taking such great care of me!

Also, please pray for each of my English class that the Lord's presence would be overwhelming and that I would never lose the focus of why I am giving these classes...that my number one priority would be to show the love of Christ.  My classes in Alajuela are from 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's.  My other class times have not been determined, but there will likely be multiple lessons in Limon and San Ramon on Saturdays and Thursdays respectively.  If you are available to say a special prayer on those days or at those times.  

And finally, please just pray that I would continue to rely on God's strength in times of weakness or missing my friends and family.  Pray that I would turn to God first for comfort in those moments.

I love you all very much and I truly appreciate all of your emails, cards, prayers and support!