Arenal

Hello to all from Costa Rica. The Mattix family is doing well. Right now, Chariti and Kaylee are up on the mountain north of San Ramon at the Latin America/Caribbean Missionary Kid's retreat. They are having a good time. It has rained on them almost the entire time they have been there, and they have pretty much either been wet or muddy. Now, you may be asking how do I know this?

This past week was Semana Santa, Holy week in Latin America and around the world. We did not have school this week. So, we took advantage of this and went on a paseo, or trip. Sherry, Chaz, and I went to the volcano Arenal, along with three friends of ours. The picture you see is of the volcano itself. We were there for three days, and we only saw the top of the volcano once, for about 5 minutes. We were told that at night you can see it erupting. We never saw this, but we did here it a lot. It really was an amazing experience. In fact, Sherry and our friend began singing "God of Wonders" when we saw the volcano for the first time.

We saw a lot of interesting things. We kept wishing everyone was here to share this experience with us. God's creation truly is unique and amazing. As we drove around the volcano we saw coatis, monkeys, lots of birds, flowers, and many other animals. We were able to go on a Hanging Bridge tour. This was an amazing walk through the jungle. The tour lasted about 2 hours, and we walked over several bridges. We were literally in the jungle at the base of the volcano. It was awesome and breathtaking. We saw several monkeys, birds, butterflies, leaf-cutter ants, and an eye-lash viper. There will be pictures of these on our website. Be sure and take a look at some of what we were able to see this past week.

As Sherry and our friend, Monica (MA to Mexico) began singing "God of Wonders," I began to think how truly amazing God is. I thought how did God think of all these things? How did he come up with a coati or eye-lash viper? How did he make such a variety of landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, people, animals, etc. It is truly a miracle and a wonder. "God of wonders beyond our galaxy. You are holy, holy! THE UNIVERSE DECLARES YOUR MAJESTY! You are holy, holy!"

If you ever wonder whether or not there is a God, then all you have to do is go outside (not in the city) and take a walk around. Notice all the details in nature and in animals, it is truly a wonder that anyone would not believe that God exists. Yet, I often wonder if He thinks of me. This week, in the quietness of the jungle (it's not really that quiet), He met us there and He showed us a little of Himself in the nature around us. We had such a relaxing week.

Even though we never got to see the lava flowing at night, we knew that it was there. Even though we have never seen God, we know that He is always there. I can feel His presence in my life and in the world around me. No matter what happens, He is with us! He will be with us, and He will go with us wherever we are. God loves all of you, and He will be there for you! All you need to do is to believe in Jesus Christ, ask Him into your heart, and continue to develop your relationship each day. He will lead you, guide you, and go with you!

Blessings to all,

Charley