Costa Rica Parables

by Trudy Corry Rankin

Overview

Costa Rica is a frequently visited country because of its beaches, mountains and beautiful vistas. But the country is the people and the expressions of its rich culture. Through these Parables, readers will know the personality of the Ticos as seen through the eyes of a Norteamericana. Each chapter is a page, to pick up for quick reading and reflection. The chapters are filled with descriptions of the rituals, celebrations, and traditions that this American family came to love. The chapters are the authors reflections from reading a variety of literature and end with a prayer offered for the reflections. These 28 chapters are a quick read, with depth and expansion of ones worldview.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781504913171
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	07/17/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	42
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

This is the record of a wife, mother and professional woman who lived with her family in a lower class barrio in Costa Rica in the ‘80’s. This writer uses the demands of everyday experiences in a new culture for individual reflection, personal growth, and spiritual insight. Through the reading of these one page Parables of story telling, the reader will have a new appreciation of the impact of global living on the expanded world view of an individual and a family. The writer is a young wife married to an global thinker who wants to raise his two children in a Latin culture. She is a professional health care provider, who found means of self expression in this culture through education and service. The reader will find the pages to be filled with written images that make the culture and the people of Costa Rica come alive!

Read an Excerpt

Costa Rica Parables

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By Trudy Corry Rankin

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2015 Trudy Corry Rankin
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-5049-1316-4

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CHAPTER 1

1. Celebration through Death

I was reading the writings of Anthony Campolo in the Power of Delusion. He said that if we act like we don't want another to give us anything, we don't give them the chance to be graced by the act of giving what they have. I continued to reflect on this passage as we were invited to Juan's mother's funeral service. Costa Ricans have two customs in remembering a loved one who has passed that give me pause for reflection. We found great similarities in what we experience in the States, except that the Wake/Service was much more immediate. Also, the other difference was after the Service. The casket is brought to a waiting car which carries it to the cemetery plot. All those that participate follow in a procession on foot behind the slowly moving vehicle. This healing act seemed to be the final walk with the loved one. The deliberately slow movement makes the act much more meditative and expressive. The mourners are supported as they walk by others who can use the time of this long walk for consoling. I would have appreciated this act of taking a final walk with Dad, if the opportunity had presented itself.

The second custom is the invitation made to all friends to rejoin the family on the first anniversary of the passing of the loved one. This reinforced my belief in Resurrection and the close availability of the loved one. A short discourse of the person remembered is given, with a scripture, singing and prayer.

I remember the anniversary of Dad's death. I knew I wanted to find a form of remembering him out of respect for his life, but didn't know exactly how to go about it. This remembering ritual would have been just right.

God, Giver of all life, help me to envelop the customs of others that can give my life more meaning. Help me to be open, not believing that my ways as a North American are the only ways that are right. Amen

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest: In the Bowels of the Earth

Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica is known throughout the world for its lush beauty. After a rough drive, filled with spectacular beauty, one arrives at the top of the cloud-covered mountain. Once in the forest, one can spend hours in the dense, bird-filled sanctuary, amazed at the enormity of this creation. The rain and wind outside cannot penetrate the compact vegetation.

I had been reading, The Recluse, by Bishop Theophan. He had written about standing before God with the mind in the heart until the end of my time. I found myself sitting at the waterfall that day, in awe of sensing myself to be in the bowels of Earth. The hard firm rock that I sat on was a stark comparison to the fluid, huge expanse above. I actually felt that I was hearing God's heartbeat in the hum of the forest resonance. I closed my eyes and felt in a protective, divine cocoon. I remembered John 15:4, "Make your home in Me, as I make it in you." In those few moments, I truly felt at home, with my being connected to that throbbing energy of the heartbeat.

Creator God, Only God, Only Pure Energy, Giver of Love and Life, that experience remains for me as an indelible image of closeness with You. Help me to expose my children to the incredible beauty of Your world and show them how to respect it. Amen

3. The Secret Dream

I have a dream of a personal pursuit that was born out of a whisper from God. In no way could I have conceived of it on my own. It's too incredible. I do not have the courage to undertake it with my own abilities. I don't have the wisdom to see it through with my own limited understanding. That's why I know that it's God whisper, as Emmet Fox refers to the birthing of a word of God in the book, Your Heart's Desire.

Now comes the waiting-the waiting to see how God will work it out. I am not so naïve as to believe that I don't participate in the process of the dream becoming. But, I believe that there is a time and a place within God's total plan, and now I wait, hoping for the maturity of patience, because as Fox writes, God may have need of me.

Powerful God, I continue to remind myself that You are in charge. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me renewed patience. Amen.

4. Sunday School, Again?

"Prayer is an act of the soul in focus." (Jung and the Bible, Wayne Rollins, p. 109)

One difficult decision for us has been church attendance. We have found the congregations to be friendly with us. The members are committed to the balance of prayer and service.

The problem is the Spanish language. The inner debate for me has been of whether the discipline of going is more important than whether the children are learning. The decision of the discipline of going has determined our attendance. But, it has not always been easy.

I remember when Larry was away, I could easily have figured out an excuse so that I didn't have to deal with the hassle of pushing the children to go. Jana was the most resistant. So, on Saturday evening, I began praying about Jana's resistance. I wanted to respect our decision of attendance, but truly wasn't up for a fight.

Sunday morning came, with Jana starting the day "Sunday School won't be that bad. It'll be short" and willingly she got dressed. Much to my surprise, it was Corry who needed to be dressed and gently (?) encouraged through the Sunday School door!

Yes, my prayer had been one of focusing, and the answer was definitely focused, also!

Lord, I should know by now that You answer prayers, whether with a "yes", a "no" or a "wait". Amen.

5. God's Parenting

Within weeks of our arrival here, the front porch was full of neighborhood boys who were together to form, "La Asociacion de Companeros de Paso Flores" (The Association of Friends of the Barrio of Paso Flores-our neighborhood). As I sat reading within hearing distance, I could hear the exchanges and understood just a little. In my reading of McGinnis' book, Parenting for Peace and Justice, they talk about parenting, illustrating with Isaiah's full springs, Gibran's arrows as our children and that in the waters of upheaval, rocks of love hold strong.

As I glanced out, I noticed Corry trying to participate, but completely lost with the language, wanting so much to be a part of the group. My immediate thought was that I should rush out to make him feel more comfortable by translating what little Spanish I could. This way, maybe, they'd introduce him into their group and make him feel more secure here. I didn't and I realized that it was better that way.

In reflection, I realized that God's parenting of me is much the same. He could easily rush in and save me from struggle and frustration. He loves me enough to want to protect me from hurt. But, He loves me enough that He allows me the freedom for the struggle.

Lord, there are times I want You to wave your magic wand over my life and make it all perfect. But, then, I'd be Your puppet, rather than the free, struggling person You intended me to be. What's more, I would have a care-free life, perhaps, but I wouldn't know You or me as well. Amen.

6. What is it that You are Saying?

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them power to speak." (New English Bible, Acts 2:4)

My feeling comfortable to communicate in Spanish in the last eight months has been truly the work of the Holy Spirit. My daily morning prayer has been, "Lord, let me speak in unknown tongues and let me understand!" My prayer has been to understand the dialogue around me, giving me greater orientation to this culture.

My ability to communicate as in the past has all but disappeared with this new language. Putting pride aside, I have had to push myself into unknown frontiers-being willing to appear unintelligent, slow, non-expressive. Oh, the agony of being passed over for one who's easier to talk with! To sit back and allow a conversation to flow without my participation-or control-requires all the submission that I can muster.

There's a funny side to this. I have often found myself nodding as I listen, thinking that I appear aware and learned. But, I "blow my cover" when I should have laughed at a joke, and I continue with my incessant nodding. The entire group around me is enjoying a good down-deep belly laugh and I am aware that I missed something-again!

Creator God, I feel humility in a way that I never have before. With that heavy dose of humility, I turn to You even more. Maybe, that's your intent. Amen

7. We left the Tennis Rackets at Home

"Jesus then said to his disciples, 'if anyone wishes to be a follower of mine, he must leave self behind; he must take up his cross and come with me. Whoever cares for his own safety in lost; but if a man will let himself be lost for my sake, he will find his true self. What will a man gain by winning the whole world, at the cost of his true self? Or what can he give that will buy that self back? For the Son of Man is to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will give each man the due reward for what he has done. I tell you this: there are some of those standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.'" (New English Bible, Matthew 16:24-28)

We left the tennis rackets with my mother. Such an innocent gesture to some, but for me, a radical tearing of yet another layer of that which makes me, me. I am not a great tennis player by anyone's standards. But, I enjoy using up a lot of stress-energy regularly on the courts. I gained some self-assurance by counting on this regular discipline.

I have chosen not to participate in tennis here in Costa Rica. The public courts are not well taken care of, and make the game too frustrating. The private courts are beautiful, but the cost prohibitive. We made a decision to not buy into upper class luxuries while we were here. We are trying to understand the differences in lifestyles.

The tennis racket is a symbol of many layers of "identity labels" that I have used to value my self-worth. Others, like layers of the onion, are mother, wife, friend, nurse, counselor, daughter, singer, public speaker, etc. The tennis racket reminds me of one of the many layers that make up me. As I continue to remove these many layers, what will I find? Will I be a nobody or will I finally be a somebody?! When will I stop feeling so naked as I trim off these layers of self-identification and just be the real me? When will the tears of anxiety from the peeling of the layers, like those of the onion, turn to tears of gratitude at reaching closer to the core of God within me?

God, you see me as I really am-and You love me. Keep reminding me of my value through Your divine symbols, like the tennis racket. Amen.

8. Simplicity: Decorating our house using 22 Footlockers

"We have become so used to this state of anesthesia, that we panic when there is nothing or nobody left to distract us." (Reaching Out, Henri J. M. Nouwen, p. 17)

There is nothing more challenging upon arriving in another country than to figure out what to do with the packing implements, knowing that we'll need the footlockers to return to the States in three years. The footlockers become ends for a desk board, a chest of drawers, an end table, a coffee table, a telephone table, and on and on. We're aware of the limited time we'll be here, which affects our purchases. This leaves us living very adequately, and simply. As I enjoy our home, I find that the simpler accommodations minimize my internal clutter, as well. There's more order without and within because to the simplicity.

That day I was reading from Parenting for Peace and Justice, by James and Kathleen McGinnis. I was reflecting on one comment that they wrote regarding simple living. To be helpful to the planet, I have to become less robotic and free from that which holds me in want. I admit that I miss a lot of my things, memory-laden things, luxury things, comfortable-living things, easier to communicate-things, easy to escape-things. But, within the context of the simplicity comes an inner peace, one unaffected by comparisons or justifications.

Lord, it's fun to be off the merry-go-round for a while. Help me know when to get back on and how to handle it sensibly, being aware of the stark simplicity in most of the world. Amen.

9. Finding Familiar Securities

"The movement from illusion to prayer is hard to make since it leads us from false certainties to true uncertainties, from an easy support system to a risky surrender and from the many 'safe' gods, to the God whose love has no limits." (Reaching Out, Henri J. M. Nouwen, p.90)

Our breakfast table dialogue the week before school started will forever be etched in my memory:

Jana, (10)-"I can't wait to have school start. Then, I can talk again." (They would be at Costa Rica Academy, a private school with classes taught in English.)

Corry, (7)-"Can you ride the bus with us the first day, Mom?"

Jana-"Corry, it's a cinch. They speak English at the school."

Corry- "Yah, but it's the time on the bus getting there. I guess we can fill our mouths full of gum and talk fast!"

From listening, I knew they recognized the chasm of understanding that they were trying to bridge, as they made their friends in this new neighborhood. I am not sure that I was as supportive as I could have been in this time of uncertainty and riskiness. But, we became aware of how the security of self-confidence can easily crumble when taken out of our own comfortable surroundings. And then, where else can one turn?

From our false fronts of intelligence, creativity and people pleasing, we climb into the divine lap of God who waits for us to humble ourselves in our need for Him [Her}. But, no, that climb is not a cinch. It's as demanding as any action in our life requires. But, perhaps, the joy and security that comes with sitting in a school of English-speaking kids is the same joy and security that one feels after making the long hard climb to that divine lap waiting to be used.

Lord, how can I thank you for putting me in a place where I feel so insecure? I can't. But, I accept by faith that You know what You are doing. Thanks, at least, for that. Amen

10. Graduation from Theology School

"What should a spouse receive upon her husband's graduation from Seminary? –Four things: A PHT diploma (Putting Hubby Through), A recipe for chicken soup, A suitcase, and One organ lesson" (TCR)

This may seem to be a "cute" passing statement, mentioned between minister's wives at church meetings. But, for me, it is so true. As I look back on 15 years of marriage (44 now) and 13 years of "minister's wife-ing", there has been a lot of joy, but a great deal of unexpected growing. I see a golden thread of divine connectedness running through it all. I also see how one experience built a foundation for the next.

In considering graduation gifts, a diploma of PHT would give me a reassurance of having received the necessary skills to be a support-especially after listening to hours of church-related business.

A recipe for chicken soup would be most helpful in providing something for the church member who never expresses what he/she needs, but makes sure that everyone knows that I am not helpful.

A gift of a suitcase goes without explanation. I have found Larry to be the best packer I have ever seen. Could that be due to his being a preacher's kid? There are advantages to the United Methodist system of itineration-I've been told that there are, anyway. I just haven't found them yet!

Finally, an organ lesson. I never would have believed it if I hadn't heard it myself! Upon arrival at our second appointment after seminary, a church member approached me saying that the organist was sick. Would I please cover for her? He assumed that if I was the minister's wife, I surely knew how to play the organ!

Just as I expect those I come in contact with through the church to forgive me for my short-comings and allow me to be me, I too, must accept and forgive those who expect from me someone that I am not or who want from me something I cannot give.

Lord, if You can go on forgiving and loving, and You're with me, I can too. Help me. Amen

11. Gladiolas in Bloom

Upon arrival to our new home, we found the grass in the back yard to be knee-high. There may have been something blooming in there, but I surely couldn't see it! With machete in hand, Juan stooped for several hours to help us with this manual labor. I noticed the flower planter, but paid no attention to it because the overgrowth was so impenetrable.

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Costa Rica Parables by Trudy Corry Rankin. Copyright © 2015 Trudy Corry Rankin. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

COSTA RICA PARABLES,
1. Celebration through Death, 1,
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest: In the Bowels of the Earth, 2,
3. The Secret Dream, 4,
4. Sunday School, Again?, 5,
5. God's Parenting, 6,
6. What is it that You are Saying?, 7,
7. We left the Tennis Rackets at Home, 8,
8. Simplicity: Decorating our house using 22 Footlockers, 9,
9. Finding Familiar Securities, 10,
10. Graduation from Theology School, 11,
11. Gladiolas in Bloom, 12,
12. Spiritual Disciplines, 13,
13. My Intense Need for Recognition, 14,
14. Being Ready, 15,
15. What is Heaven?, 17,
16. The Newness of Me, 18,
17. Against One's Own Freedom, 19,
18. Corry's Shoes, 20,
19. The Awkwardness of the Rich and the Poor, 21,
20. Being Awake, 22,
21. Solitude, 23,
22. Unable to Pray, 24,
23. The Taxi Driver left with my Food, 25,
24. Never, Always, Every and other Absolutes, 27,
25. The Serenade, 28,
26. Trudy, Have you Changed?, 30,
27. A Turn in the Road, 31,
28. How do I give Lord?, 33,