News from Judith and Alekcey

Independence Day

In Costa Rica, Independence Day is celebrated on the 15th of September. This year, Independence Day took on special meaning as we celebrated the independence of the Cabecar people in the community of Tsimari through the inauguration of two bridges. Because of these bridges, the people of Tsimari now have the freedom to send their children to school without fear of swift currents sweeping them away. They have the freedom to come and go as needed for work, supplies, food, and healthcare regardless of the height of the river.

God has blessed us immensely on this particular journey, which began with our first visit to the community of Tsimari in March 2008. At that time, the community was unanimous in their agreement that their most pressing need was for the bridges over the Pacuare and Tsimari rivers. We knew that this was an opportunity for us to show the love of Christ to this community that, in another Cabecar´s own words, is located "where the devil left his shirt" - i.e., far away and isolated.

The Lord provided us with people who were passionate about the project and were willing to pour resources into this project through the Hospital Clinica Biblica, which, along with the donation of some materials by other private companies, fully funded the entire project. We were especially blessed to have Pablo Martinez, the Hospital Clinica Biblica´s engineer to design and direct the construction. Before working at Clinica Biblica, Don Pablo worked with the U.S. Army in Panama building bridges in the area of the famed Darien Gap (where souther Panama borders with Colombia), so he was the perfect person to work with on this project.

One of the most important things about this project was the dedication of the people in the community, who worked hard to do their part. Men and women, young and old, came out to haul rock, sand, water, carry supplies to the bridge site, and anything else that needed to be done. After all, this was their project. This was, by their own admission, their biggest need.

The bridges were completed on September 14th of this year through the hard work of Giovanni, Don Pablo and his team of volunteers, and the community. Words are inadequate to express how grateful we are to God that He allowed us to a part of this demonstration of His love for the people of Tsimari. Through this process, the people of Tsimari have new bridges, and we have new friends.

Our involvement with the people of Tsimari doesn´t end here. We believe that God has led us to this community so that it would be changed from a forgotten place to a shining example of how God´s love and grace can transform us.

In October, we plan on finishing the school. We also hope to be able to get a new teacher for next year, which is also the desire of the community. After that, We will work on getting a horse trail established for the community. We are also asking God for direction in how to help the community have a source of income in Tsimari.

Thanks to all for your prayers and support. You are such an important part of this all.

By His grace,

Alekcey and Judith

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