Christmas 2018

The one song that comes to mind this time of year is José Feliciano’s song “Feliz Navidad”. When I (Paul) was 5, I played that 45 record (defined by Wikipedia as an analog sound storage medium in the form of a flat polyvinyl chloride disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove) on my little portable record player. Now that I’m 60, I play it on my computer. At language school it was the only Spanish song I knew.

One of the Christmas customs in Costa Rica is sharing and eating tamales. The ingredients of corn meal, pork, vegetables, and spices are wrapped in a banana leaf that’s been smoked over a fire and cut into squares.

The first Saturday in December we had the privilege of hosting the local senior adults’ group at the Emmanuel Center. Some 30 people gathered in our dining hall for a meal, a time of sharing, and games. For the food, the ladies made ... you guessed it … tamales! I’m always interested in hearing about the changes, folks have seen over the years. Some remember this place, without buildings, just jungle. It is a blessing for me to have people enjoy our facilities and grounds.

A big thank you to all who participated in our “Isuzu Motor Project”. The engine is in and running well! It is a big blessing to have this vehicle for Bridget so she can arrive at her destination with teaching materials and also give students rides. That wasn’t possible when she first started teaching, using a quad (4-wheeler). Quads can be fun but not very practical when it rains. The quad was traded for an Isuzu 4x4 that came with a gasoline engine that ran on propane. After that engine gave up it sat in a shop for a year until the “Isuzu Motor Project”. Again, thank you for your generosity.

Before we wrap things up I want to share a tail wagging story about our newest member to Emmanuel Center...a young female Labrador. Kira (Key-da) spent her first 2 years as a community dog, with no real home, she was often found at the restaurant. After pestering clients for food she was relocated to a distant home. Eventually we were contacted about Kira and asked if we would adopt her. She has been spayed, given distemper and rabies shots, and now has a regimen for fleas and ticks, and a regular dog food diet. We’re working through the usual issues associated with rescue dogs, but like most “Labs” she is smart so with time she is developing into a nice dog.

Lastly, we just want you to know we are very grateful for your faithful long-term support (financial, prayer, correspondence). Throughout our days there are many things that remind us of you. A name, face, group, or congregation come to mind whenever we use a tool, appliance, car, etc. To borrow a line from José Feliciano, “I want to wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart...” and Bridget does, too.

Paul and Bridget Abbott