Birthday party for Tommy and a big weekend ahead

Here are some pictures from a little get-together we had last night in honor of Howard's friend Tommy who was celebrating his birthday and is visiting here in Costa Rica. He is from Alabama with quite the southern accent. We had a good mix of gringos, Howard, Tommy, Rachel and myself, and then also Helmer and Johnny, both from Nicaragua. It was really neat because after dinner and cake, Tommy shared his testimony, which is an amazing story of how God changed his life through many incredible and devestating events that all happened at the same time. Also, his friendship with Howard began because God used Howard to have a very large impact on his life, to encourage him and to show the love of Christ, similar to what has happened in the life of Helmer down here. Then, Helmer shared his testimony and it was so neat to hear him talk about how his life had been so empty and he was searching everywhere for answers to the problems he had and couldn't find a thing, and that then God changed his life slowly and then he accepted Christ at the Luis Palau event and the changes he's seen and felt since. It was really a neat time of sharing! I praise God for how he changes us, whether its in the midst of horrible circumstances and a devestating path of events, like Tommy, or whether its through the testimony and influence of our church, pastors, and parents/family as young children, like my own testimony.

Today in culture class we had to do Bible studies and I was not too prepared but it ended up going really well, I know God was helping me as I spoke. I talked about how suffering and persecution of Christians can glorify God, using James 1, I Peter 4, and 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Check those passages out if you have the time, especially the one in 1 Peter 4. It is really amazing how God provides us a way to glorify him, even as we live in a sinful world, where we will suffer and face many trials. If we choose to focus on how every event of our life can glorify Him we can live through the trials and suffering, with this focus. It was neat too because Dena talked about Philippians 4:17-24 and keeping our hearts open and sensitive to God's voice, and the Holy Spirit, so we don't become desensitized to sin in our lives, and then Nelson talked about "when God is everything we need" comparing Jonah to Paul. Rebecca talked from Psalm 84 and Isaiah 40 sharing about how God is our constant strength and we can go from "strength to strength" with God, even though that is contrary to our natural way of living, where our human physical strength will eventually run out and we will tire. It was a really good class.

I have grammar class in ten minutes, with rule #11 now of Subjunctive. And then afterwards a good time of going over to Cartago to see some sights with Howard and Tommy. Should be a lot of fun.

Will update more later after the weekend!

Hasta luego,

Bethany