Surprise, another fantastic day in San Pedro!

Everyday I am continually reminded of what blessings I have and how, even in the midst of nothing, these people are happier in the presence of the lord than I am with my own material possessions. It’s so interesting to see how one persons “normal life” is something another couldn’t possibly imagine. My family and friends backs home are beyond blessed and sometimes we don’t even recognize or  acknowledge it. We get so caught up in our activities, school, jobs, and social connections that sometimes we forget to give praise to the one who allowed us to enjoy this care free life to begin with.
One of the things I admire most about San Pedro is the simplicity and calming atmosphere. Unlike my hectic life at home, San Pedro seems to be a community of hard working yet relaxed individuals. There’s no rushed feeling of people bustling to stay on schedule and onto the next activity (although there is an occasional Tuk tuk war of trying to snatch the next possible customer before another). There’s relationship, friendliness, and most of all adorable, dough eyed children who inspire you to be better for them. 
For today’s project,  part of my team and some local volunteers helped prepare snacks for the Children of Colegio Bethel. We all worked really well together despite our broken attempts at Spanish. When words failed us we would make signals and motions, almost as if playing charades, and when even that failed we would all laugh together and bond in the still moments when even a simple “Gracias” was enough. It was such a great reminder that neither language, culture, nor backgrounds could overpower our common goal of loving the children God loves.
Colegio Bethel is the best school in the whole world, I say this with no bias of course. One of my favorite activities is home visits with the teachers and students. Not only do you create friendship, but you’re invited into their home to meet their families and see how they live. I have learned so much about the people of San Pedro and their struggles throughout these visits. It’s so special and humbling to remember of all the people in the world God gave you the opportunity to minister and be ministered too. The stories of these teachers are so inspiring and I feel beyond blessed that I was chosen to listen.

My verse for this trip that perfectly captures what I’ve witnessed is Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Makana Kamai