Back from Costa Rica

Dear Friends and Family,

Last Thursday, Kristin, Joshua, and I returned from Costa Rica where we served the Casa Viva staff and families. We spent three days working in the brand new Casa Viva offices, two days working in the homes of CV families, and Thursday evening hosting a family Easter event.

Casa Viva Offices
On Monday, Thursday, and Friday we worked in the Casa Viva offices. Casa Viva Costa Rica moved to new offices this past January. We spent time painting, sorting donations, rewiring some outlets, and building book shelves, tables, desks, and a divider wall. The divider wall and table were for an art room in the basement. This art room will be used as an activity center and art room for children while their parents are meeting with CV staff.

Casa Viva Families
On Tuesday and Wednesday we spent time serving inside some of the homes of Casa Viva caregivers. On Tuesday, half of the team and I went to the home of Rigoberto and Lupita. We spent time dividing a long room in two. The newly created room will be the home of two Casa Viva children. These children (ages 2 and 4) will be moving in sometime in the next few weeks. As we spent time in their home it became so very evident that the CV children will be moving into a loving, caring, and God-centered home. Lupita was warm and inviting. Rigoberto was willing and excited. And their two biological sons, Jonathan and Stephen, were ecstatic about these additions to their little family.

Easter Event
On Thursday Night at least 100 people showed up for our Easter Family Event. We taught the Costa Ricans about America’s way of celebrating Easter. We served ham, green bean casserole, and cake. Each family made an Easter Tree. We played games, hunted for Easter Candy, died Easter Eggs, and enjoyed a great evening together. It was fun to see CV families we have interacted with over the past years and to see how the children they care for have grown.

Thank you so much for your support and prayers as we served in Costa Rica these past two weeks.

Matt, Kristin, and Joshua.