Hidden Poverty

Costa Rica is the most well off country in Central America, and they pride themselves on this fact. However they are still considered a developing country. They are very good at hiding the poor places. In general as you are in main areas in town you will not see people begging and you almost certainly will not see children begging or selling things in town. We have been here since August, and shamefully, we forget at times that the poverty exists on a pretty large scale here. We had a family fun day today and went to the big mall where they have a very American-esque food court. (I had Taco Bell and Matt had Pizza Hut). As we got out of the taxi and looked by the river, I felt like I had been hit in the stomach. Above the river are houses made out of tin and other scraps. They looked like many of them had dirt floors which means right now they have goopy muddy floors. These rivers aren't pretty rivers, but sewege rivers, and as it rains they sewage water rises into the houses. I felt so upset with myself that I had escentially forgotten about the poor here in Costa Rica. I felt ill because earlier this week I had said something to Matt that I wish that I could buy more for Haley (toys, clothes, etc). Haley has more than enough of everything and I was upset that I couldn't give her more. I was upset that Satan had blinded me to the harsh reality of many places in Costa Rica. Lord, I pray that I will never forget the poor. I pray that you will use me to help the people that you put in my life. I pray that the people living above the river will be able to stay dry tonight. Prevent them from sickness.