As we drove through the winding mountain roads amidst the verdant green on Wednesday, we wondered what our experiences would be like with the Costa Rican children. Like the surprising beauty around each curve in the road, what unforeseen wonders awaited us with the children?
We were indeed amazed at what and who we encountered in the three mountain churches in Tucurrique, Las Vueltas, and Jabillos, Costa Rica.
As the group of sponsors interviewed child after child, we all marveled at where these kids want to go with their lives. They have high ambitions. We talked with future anesthesiologists, veterinarians, marine biologists, doctors, engineers, teachers, church leaders, and scientists.
In talking afterward about the kids and their dreams, Paul Lund put into words the feelings of the sponsors as they listened to the children's goals: "I am so impressed with the potential of these children for their country, communities, and churches. To think that the little help we offer really helps make the difference in helping them reach their potential - wow! What a privilege."
As the interviews continued, more hidden beauty emerged. But 
this time in the form of God's grace in the midst of tremendous hardship and heartache. Stories emerged of fathers who have abandoned their families, fathers in prison, mothers who have abandoned their families, family members murdered, and brave, loving grandparents who are raising grandchildren when parents do not or cannot care for them. When asked what was the best thing that had happened to them, we heard things like Jesus in my heart, family, studying, being sponsored, the church, and knowing the Lord. What a blessing to realize that sponsorship makes these things available and possible for the children.
this time in the form of God's grace in the midst of tremendous hardship and heartache. Stories emerged of fathers who have abandoned their families, fathers in prison, mothers who have abandoned their families, family members murdered, and brave, loving grandparents who are raising grandchildren when parents do not or cannot care for them. When asked what was the best thing that had happened to them, we heard things like Jesus in my heart, family, studying, being sponsored, the church, and knowing the Lord. What a blessing to realize that sponsorship makes these things available and possible for the children.
Tomorrow we'll be interviewing children from two San Jose churches, Tiribi and Los Guido. We can't wait! It is so wonder-ful to see what a sponsor's partnership means to a child.
We're glad you're traveling with us.
Until next time...Dr. Paul Maxfield, Executive Director
