light in dark places

I'm sitting on the rooftop balcony in Alajuelita, Costa Rica as the last light of the day fades away and the city lights start to appear over the city.

Human voices call out to one another, babies crying, dogs barking, and the puttering of motorcycles blend in to make a symphony in he background. It tells the story of real life being lived, not the quiet life of being shit behind closed doors and thick insulation. Out in this open air, everyday life is out there for all to hear.

We got in to Costa Rica this afternoon and after dropping off bags at the ministry house, our whole group went out on a prayer walk around Alajuelita. The town square looks so different in just the span of a year.  The changes are good and point towards revival in the city.  A light entering a dark place.

Last year I remember sitting in the square as I watched the trees getting pruned. I was disappointed that the long branches where getting butcher to nubby stumps. AI didn't understand why they were doing it until now, an entire year later.

Year 1 with the large trees overhead and unused fountain

The park used to be very dark even in the middle of the day. There were so many trees that the sun never seemed to be able to shine through. The darkness seemed to create a covering for shady business, trash to be dumped and overall squalor.

As the trees were cut the light drove away the darkness and the dark acts below.

New park benches were brought in, tire swings were added and a brand new playground stands in a place that was once covered in filth.

The light of Christ comes to drive away darkness, opening the doors wide to change and new life.

The cacophony of sounds below because a beautiful melody, sounds of hope, bringing forth light in a dark place.