By Frank Hynson

Life in Costa Rica continues to be full of opportunities to grow, connect, and see God at work in both our ministry and our family. From making changes to our children’s program to having meaningful conversations about faith with the kids we serve, we’re continually reminded that some of the most important moments in ministry happen in the everyday interactions we share.

As we continue serving children and families in Las Gradas through CoLaborers International, we’re learning more about what the children need, celebrating the progress we’re seeing, and finding new ways to build relationships that go beyond our scheduled programs.

Here’s a look at what’s been happening with our ministry and family recently!

Making Our Children’s Program More Fun and Meaningful

After a few months of using our new curriculum in the children’s program, we realized it was time to make a few adjustments. One of the biggest changes we’ve made is adding more playtime!

We typically spend three weeks focusing on a particular theme or story from the Bible. Now, during the second week, we do a quick review of the story before spending the rest of our time playing games together.

The kids are loving the change! We’ve noticed that they’re more receptive during our Bible study times, and we’re enjoying the extra opportunities to connect with them outside of structured lessons.

For us, the games are about much more than having fun. They give us a chance to get to know the kids better, find out how they’re doing, and learn how we can best support them. Sometimes, it’s easier to understand what’s going on in a child’s life when we’re simply spending time together rather than sitting in a classroom.

One of the things I appreciate most about this ministry is that we aren’t just their teachers and leaders. We’re their friends.

We want these kids to know that we care about them, that we’re interested in their lives, and that they can build relationships with us that extend beyond the program.

We’re also thankful for the occasional opportunity for our daughters, Eden and Zara, to join us when they have a day off from school. Both girls have become great friends with the children we serve, and it’s a joy to see those friendships develop.

It’s a reminder that ministry doesn’t always have to look like a formal lesson or organized activity. Sometimes, showing up, playing together, and sharing a few laughs can make a real difference.

Growing in Faith Through Our Discipleship Class

Our discipleship class is going well, although attendance can be a little unpredictable!

Because the class is completely voluntary, some mornings the kids just don’t feel like getting out of bed. I understand that! But the ones who come faithfully are really leaning into the different ways they can grow spiritually.

We always start with a game before moving into deeper discussions about what it means to follow Jesus and live out our faith in everyday life.

Sometimes Brittany has a full table of girls, while I have just one boy sitting with me. Honestly, I appreciate those opportunities, too.

Having just one student at my table gives us the chance to have more personal conversations. I can learn more about what’s happening in his life, listen to his questions, and offer some encouragement as he navigates his own faith journey.

These conversations are a valuable part of discipleship. We want the kids to understand that following Jesus isn’t just about knowing Bible stories or attending church. It’s about how we live, how we treat others, and how we navigate the challenges we face.

Whether we have a full room or just a handful of students, we’re grateful for the opportunity to invest in these young people and help them continue growing in their relationship with Christ.

Celebrating Eight Years of Eden in Costa Rica

While ministry keeps us busy, we’re also enjoying the milestones and everyday joys of raising our girls here in Costa Rica.

We recently celebrated Eden’s eighth birthday with a small party attended by four of her best friends from church and school.

It’s hard to believe that she was only two years old when we first arrived in Costa Rica! Watching her grow into such a wonderful kid, develop strong friendships, and build a faith of her own has been a tremendous blessing.

This year also brought another special milestone for our family. For the first time, Eden and Zara participated in Costa Rica’s traditional Independence Day parade.

Standing alongside the other proud parents in our community, Brittany and I watched our girls march and dance in their costumes. It was one of those moments when you suddenly realize just how much your children have grown.

I found myself getting teary-eyed more than once as I watched them participate in a tradition that’s become part of their lives here. It felt good to stand alongside other families in our community, cheering on our girls and celebrating together.

These are the kinds of experiences that remind us how much Costa Rica has become home for our family.

A Reminder of Why We Do This Work

As wonderful as it was to celebrate these milestones with our daughters, those moments also brought some more difficult thoughts.

While I watched Eden and Zara enjoying the parade, I couldn’t help thinking about the children we serve in Las Gradas and the challenges many of them face.

As parents, we want our children to have opportunities to make friends, explore their interests, grow in their faith, and simply enjoy being kids. We are grateful that our daughters have been able to experience those things here.

But we also know that some of the children in our program face circumstances that make those experiences much more difficult.

That contrast is never far from our minds. We celebrate the opportunities our own girls have, while also being reminded of why it’s so important to walk alongside the children in our community.

We can’t solve every challenge a child faces. But we can show up. We can create a welcoming place where they can learn about Jesus, build friendships, play, ask questions, and know that someone cares about them.

And we can keep looking for ways to support them as they grow.

That’s what makes the everyday moments in our children’s program so meaningful. Every game, conversation, Bible study, and friendship gives us another opportunity to invest in these kids and remind them that they matter.

Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey in Costa Rica

As we look at everything happening in our ministry and family, we’re reminded that meaningful growth often happens in small, everyday moments.

It’s in the laughter shared during a game, the honest conversation around a discipleship table, the friendships developing between our daughters and the children we serve, and the joy of watching our girls become part of the community we’ve called home for the past several years.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve here in Costa Rica and to walk alongside the children and families in our community.

We’re also grateful for everyone who supports the work of CoLaborers International. Your support helps make these programs and relationships possible, allowing us to continue investing in the lives of children and young people.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We’re excited to see how God continues to work in the lives of these children, our family, and our community in the months ahead!