Christian Light Foundation Costa Rica
Evangelism and Discipleship
Together in the joy of the Lord
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Saturday, January 21
MARLENE - Kid's club is today which also comes with the knowledge of our leaving tomorrow and having to say "Good Bye". The time here has been full of experiences in which we have had "glimpses only" of the people and the very difficult life of survival in this beautiful land. I think of Jesus' words. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, pray to the Lord of the harvest to bring in the workers." In the Amplified Bible it says; that God thrust the workers into the harvest field.
  So be it Lord, if that is what it takes through whatever the circumstances. It may take your pulling us out of where we are to thrust us into the place you want us; for in the end we know deep in our spirits that going out into the harvest fields with your love is the place from which we get our sense of purpose, joy and peace. It is the place we are called to. Grant us the grace to obey the commission you have given us.

KATHIE - Devotion (Nohemi & Noreen): Psalm 139 To be known is to be loved; to be loved is to be known John 15:13, Galations 5:13 team verse, Acts 2:42
  We had perfect weather today for Kid's Day in Costa Rica. It was bittersweet. Sweet because the kids were wonderful and it was so good to be with them. Bitter because this is the last day we would see them. First thing we did was walk around Los Guido passing out Nueva Vida pencils and notices for the day's event in La Finca at 1:00pm. We were quite the sight, a bunch of kids in blue shirts with a bunch of gringos. Knocking on doors to invite as many people as possible to come to La Finca today. We went up and down some of the more dangerous streets, then into a new housing development. It was about a 1 1/2 hour walk overall.
  The Kid's Day went well and we had pretty good turnout - probably close to 100 kids. Games, story, then slip and slide. Those of us who agreed to get wet got wet. The kids loved it. A safe day to play and be a bit crazy with other kids. The kids with birthday's in January were treated to the La Finca ritual of having eggs smashed on their heads. One for every year. Merritt was lucky enough to have a birthday this month, so he received an egg shampoo too. Mariana, Naydelin, Jason, and Rafa of the leadership team all had egg shampoos. The rest of the eggs were tossed to the slip and slide where the kids tried to catch them. It ended up being one big eggy mess. The final addition to the slip and slide was candy thrown into the air for the kids to gather. Finally it was time to head back to the mission house for our final evening together. This was the last time we would see the kids, including most of the leadership team.
  As I sit here after our debriefing, after dessert, while loading our pictures on a memory stick I listen to the banter of those playing games, writing in their journals, and just relaxing and winding down from a busy day. And I think about the relationships that have been built here. The ones that I will miss when we return home. Without television to distract us, we are able to talk about the events of the day, our families, the people here, and our hopes for them and our loved ones. It is such a comfortable and special time with this team that I will miss. The camaraderie between this team has been amazing. God chose well. It has been a great trip, but too short. I look forward to see how the Lord directs each one of our paths after we return home. I also look forward to what the Lord has planned for this place. I trust that God has some awesome things in store.

Friday, January 20
MARLENE - The people we have been with through this week are a very relational people. Women and children are open to spending time, warm and affectionate. Two other woman on our team, Ali and Nohemi have had the joy of putting focused time with grandmothers and mothers of the children that come for V.B.S. The teaching has been from John 4, the Woman at the Well. The story covers a woman rejected by her community and also because she is a Samaritan, a half breed. It is about Jesus coming into her world where she is at and opening the door of inclusion. The scripture says "He had to go through Samaria, to give the message that "God sent not his son to condemn but give life, His encounter with her is at the well and He offers her Living Water to drink from.
  The people here are also a rejected people. They are Nicaraguans who are rejected by other Costa Ricans, "half breeds" living in the Burros (slums). This is the message we brought to the women, Jesus meeting them where they are, Jesus coming with a word of love and forgiveness and New life, living Water. Jesus meeting their deepest longings. And what a beautiful people, as they bring Jesus to us in their simplicity, love of family, and openness.
  While walking through La Carpio early in the week we visited "a miracle". A pastor who had a vision for his people believed for a church area and building for people to gather. Upon arriving in front of the building with pole barn like sliding doors we witnessed the answer to this mans faith and hope. At the front of the room from top to bottom was a royal blue curtain ceiling to floor, side to side pulled back with gold behind it. In the middle, the ark of the covenant. It was glorious. There in the middle of the slums we worshiped in His glory. It reminded me how God has come down into the slums of our world and our lives with His glory. He chooses to dwell in us and with us. What a wonderful God we have, willing to cleanse us, give us Living Water, New Life, and Joy everlasting.
  It just doesn't get any better then this.

CAT - After two days of VBS in La Carpio, two days of VBS in Los Guido, a double Costa Rican wedding, Men's fellowship Broomball game/dinner, passing out school uniforms door to door, daily devotions with the team, visiting with the Pittman's and more...The Lord is truly showing me how loving one another and building genuine relationship is key. One of the VBS stations included a demonstration of a clay pot being smashed into pieces. The team and discipleship group taught the kids how the things of this world will fade but a relationship with the King remains forever, for eternity. There were a couple of days that I was able to sit down and have a decent amount of time getting to know a handful of kids in Los Guido. We talked about everything. I asked them about their ages, how many brothers and sisters they have, what they like to do in school, if they went to church, how they felt about Jesus and we even had some great English lessons! After an hour or so my heart felt like it would burst with the love that I felt for them. And to know that the love I feel is but a drop in comparison to how the Lord loves these kids. Mark and Meg's ministry here in Costa Rica is truly amazing. You can describe it in pictures and in words but those will never do it justice. To see it with your own eyes is a completely different and humbling experience. Christian Light Foundation is pouring into the lives of hundreds of children on a daily basis. Sunday to Sunday, they are serving these communities in the name of Jesus. They are building long lasting relationships with not only the children but with the mothers, fathers, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and neighbors of these areas. What a privilege to get to see it first hand. What an honor to serve our amazing Lord by their side...even if only for 9 days.

NOHEMI - This week has been amazing! We have seen God's hand in everything we've done. At La Carpio, I was able to see Jocelyn and Stephanie... two of the girls that were there last year by our side as we walked along the river distributing backpacks and school supplies. Jocelyn was the one girl who ran after the bus last year when we were leaving... Í didn't see her the first day at the VBS but God allowed me to see her briefly and give her a hug and remind her of how special she is. This time I have been assigned to work with the women and I felt comfortable translating for two of our team members, Marlene and Ali, who were doing the teaching. But the Lord wanted to stretch me once more and this year I had to do a little performance of a monologue as part of our teaching for the ladies... I was so scared! Every time I did the performance, I could feel my whole body shaking inside and praise God that He reminded me of the words so I didn't mess it up. The main theme on the monologue was a phrase that was repeated several times: "To be known is to be loved; to be loved is to be known". This phrase has been playing over and over in my mind and on Wednesday, during our time with the women in Los Guido, there was a "little" distraction during the teaching... we were locked inside the church building and there was a little boy who was crying and wanted his mom... well, she couldn't get out and he couldn't come in... We were teaching them about how Jesus came to the well in Samaria to meet with the one Samaritan woman. Well, half of our group of women were distracted with the fact that we were locked in but there was one lady whose eyes were fixated on us. At that point, seeing that woman, I felt the Lord tell me that He was coming to Los Guido that day for that one woman. It was great to hear afterwards some of the women telling us how much they needed those words. I am glad the Lord decided to put me as part of the women's outreach team!

KATHIE - Today we get to take the leadership team to the amusement park. We need to leave the mission house by 7:15am which means devotionals at 6:15am. I am excited to be able to treat this team to a fun day of just being a kid. They are all so devoted to serving the Lord and work very hard in their ministry. It is a blessing for us to be able to spend this fun day with them.
  Devotion: Our God is Greater, Our God is Stronger, Our God is Higher than any Other. He is bigger than anyone can ever imagine. He created us. We are his. Our purpose here is to serve Him, worship Him, help others understand this, and love and help our sisters and brothers who are in need, and those who need to know Jesus. Loving our neighbor as ourself. He is bigger than us, bigger than the gadgets and toys and things we have and/or want that keep our focus away from Him and His purpose for our life. I am not strong enough on my own to keep the focus. I need God to help strengthen me and help me focus on His purpose for me.
  As I opened my Bible to read a Psalm after I wrote this, He landed me on Psalm 51. What an awesome God.

Thursday, January 19
  Devotion: John 11 (Nikki and Cat) - Lazarus death and resurrection. Jesus deity and humanity. Jesus meets us just where we are - grieving with Mary and Martha even when he knew Lazarus would be raised. He is with us - in joy, in sadness, in all circumstances. There is always a plan. Jesus loves us no matter what.
  The last day of our VBS and Women's programs went extremely well. The revised Armor of God skit worked so much better than in La Carpio because it really helped the children understand and visualize the pieces of armor. The two middle-age groups were easy to talk to, but I had to adjust the examples a bit for the youngest children / babies as well as for the oldest children. Keeping children's attention is difficult and I don't think I'd want to teach children day after day. But I feel we did well and even had the older kids were actually listening to the message after they started volunteering to 'wear' pieces of the armor. After we were done I asked some of the younger ones what their favorite part was, and they said crafts. Today the craft was a cross with glitter and beads and a paper helicopter.
  We came back to the mission house for lunch and started organizing the packing to return home. I realized that it's Thursday already. Our time is more than half over. The time has gone by so quickly.
  We returned to La Finca for the Men's Ministry. Bonding through soccer, dinner, and broom ball. When we arrived the young men were already in the throes of a heated soccer game. You could tell that they play a lot because they are very good. Parker, Doug, and Corey got into the mix of teams. The team that got the goal stayed in and the team that lost had to leave so a new team came in. While the soccer game was going on, men were arriving and we chatted with a couple who we had know previously. Most of the men that came attend the Nueva Vida church.
  The play went on until it was time to go into the community center to play broom ball. The broom ball teams were set up as young men versus older men. 5 or 6 men were on each team, each having a broom. The game is played similar to hockey where the object of the game is to broom a ball through the other team's goal. We were cheering for the older men team since all of our guys were on it. The older men ended up winning the game - imagine that!
  The women, with the leadership team girls, served the men dinner then took their dinner to the chapel while the men did their ministry. The women were treated to the Woman at the Well program, including putting together the bookmarker craft. It was a good night of camaraderie for all involved.

Wednesday, January 18
ALI - Today was a great day at La Finca!!! We had twenty women come to the women's outreach. (God is so good) Marlene gave the first part of John 4 and I will be speaking tomorrow. This year there is something different in the faces of these women. Today it came to me what it was "Hope." Yes!!! that's it!!! There seems to be more smiling!! My guess is Mark, Meg and the three girls have been loving on them. I'm looking forward to our time together with the women. Please continue to pray for the love of the Savior to penetrate their hearts. My prayer is as a community these women will band together and have unity in Christ. Many of the mom's are still nursing with many children. Out of the twenty women in our outreach the majority where nursing.
  It's amazing how many children take care of their siblings at such a young age. Five and six year olds taking care of their one or two year old brother or sister. These children are loving and kind. I doesn't take much to make them happy either. A few tree stumps in a row to jump from one to another. A ball of any kind keeps them busy for hours. I saw four children put together a small puzzle of a zebra on a sidewalk each taking a turn to place a piece of the puzzle. It's a simple life. They make do with very little. The one thing these folks need is Jesus!!! And Mark and Meg are showing them Jesus in such a Biblical way.

KATHIE - Devotional (Pat and Kathie) - Gratitude. Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
  The VBS at La Finca in Los Guido was so different from La Carpio. More controlled with less variable elements. We were able to set up our station in the community building, so there was no wind to blow things around or dirt in the children's faces, no worry about making sure our stuff doesn't walk away, and no stones for the kids to throw at each other. Our skit station went very well and most of the children paid attention to what we had to share. They love to volunteer - even when they have no idea what they are volunteering for. Just say the word ‘voluntario’, hands go up and children stand ready to come forward. I'm not sure whether it's for the attention, to be noticed, or because they like to help.
  Our leadership team helpers, Mariana, Maria Jose, and Maria, did a wonderful job helping us through our program. They have the parts down pat and especially enjoy doing the experiments. Paul Pittman came over to help us with one of the rounds of interpreting the 3 little pig skit, which gave Mariana a break. We ended our day with the smallest age group then packed up to prepare Mark's team to hand out the rest of the uniforms. I felt it was a good day today where we made an impact. We even had time to play the memory verse game and the children did very well. We’ll see if any of them remember it today. Hebrews 12:28
  I had been feeling a bit queasy all day and it seemed to really come on strong after our program was done. Didn’t help that when I went outside to sit down some children came over to sit on my lap. I couldn’t say no. They would take turns and we chatted for a bit but I was feeling pretty miserable and passed on lunch. Ali talked to Meg who was leaving for the mission house with Nikki and Karen, and they suggested that I should join them and rest up for the evening activity. I didn’t argue - bed at this point sounded really good. My afternoon at the mission house was well worth it. I took a short nap and had time to revise our Day 2 Armor of God skit so that it would be better explained to the children. I was feeling much better by the time everyone returned from La Finca and was ready to go out to the Pittman’s with the team for dinner.

Tuesday, January 17
ALI - Today was a day of rejoicing. God showed back up in La Carpio in that little house. I did my half of the story, craft, sang songs/praise and worship and prayed! We started off praying for Louisa then Jasmin and Silvia. These women where under attack. Satan did not want our study to take place, these women had to fight their way their. However after we prayed the Lord opened the doors for our time together. Starting where the women at the well says she knows the Messiah is coming the one who is called the Christ through to the end of the story where the village of people come to know the Messiah as Savior & King.
  The women who heard the message responded with some tears and others with rededicating themselves to follow the Lord. We had the women write on the back of a paper clay jar; their names, a prayer request, or just an "X" which is saying I heard the message and will consider drinking from the well. The ladies did respond. They had to get up out of their seat and walk the paper up to the well and leave it like the woman at the well did, once she found Jesus.
  Please pray for these women and the women the disciple them. God is taking ashes and turning them into beauty. I praise him for His mercy and grace for the people in La Carpio.
  Moving on!!!! We went to La Finca, ate lunch then went right back to work. We handed out more school uniforms & school supplies this was in a different setting though, it was at the new gym/feeding center/ tutoring center. Again I must say that Jesus is hard at work here in Costa Rica!!! Jesus Loves All His children, no matter where they live, who their parent, or how much schooling they have!!! Hey! He loves me :-) This I know for the Bible tells me so.

KATHIE - The station in La Carpio had some challenges today. We had to abort the plan with the balloon experiment after the balloon that was not supposed to burst did. It was just too windy to be able to successfully perform it. This shortened our activities and we were done before everyone else. This was undoubtedly the plan for us. After we completed our forth and last round we quickly packed up and went to closing.
  There I found Stephanie and Joseline - my favorite girls from last year. And they had a new friend with them as well - Brandy. We only had a brief time to spend together because we had to leave for Los Guido. We spent it mostly hugging each other and telling one another how good it was to see them and we wished we could visit longer. They walked me to the bus and stayed with me until I had to get on it, then went to my window to wave as we drove away. I had a sense that I was deserting these girls and wished that I could do something more lasting for them. I plan to pray about what that might be.
  We then were taken to Los Guido where the plan was to pass out more school uniforms and supplies. The difference between Los Guido and La Carpio was that the children came to La Finca to pick up the uniforms rather than us having to deliver them. Since uniforms had been donated last year there were some lessons learned so Mark and the leadership team had a very organized process.
  We gave out over 100 uniforms today. With yesterday's trip we distributed about 150 uniforms. Today we ran out of the bags of supplies to give with the uniforms, with about 5 children to go. So we will not have supplies to hand out tomorrow with the remaining 100 uniforms. That was sad. You could sense the excitement in these children to be able to go to school this year. With any luck they will be able to wear these uniforms for more than one year, but if not I pray that God will provide another uniform for every child when they need it.
  After we were done for the day we packed up and returned to the mission house. We will be returning to La Finca in Los Guido tomorrow to do Day 1 again of the VBS and Women's outreach. May the Lord's hand be on us and his spirit in us to plant seeds that will grow and flourish.

Monday, January 16
  Morning devotions (Ralph and Merritt) Ephesians 6:12 - The enemy. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Today we are going into the battle, but the Lord is paving the way. He is in charge - trust in him. Reminded of Joshua in Jericho. The walls were so high, but he trusted in the Lord and the walls came down.
  Our ministries today saw 140 children and 12 women. Tomorrow there will be more once the word spreads that we were there and we are returning. I saw children there that I remembered from last year, and especially one of my favorites. Stephanie. She was there with her cousin Brandy and when I called her by name she looked amazed and ran to me with a huge hug. She said to me "You remembered my name!". And she didn't want to let go of me. I sit here at the mission house and think of her in La Carpio hungry for love and acceptance. I am wanting to do something to help her - to take her out of this circumstance. All these children living in homes where parents aren't always loving and nurturing - and if they are loving, they aren't around because they are working to earn money for food and home. Thank God for Mark, his family, his leadership team, and their growing support group. We gringos are here in La Carpio for two days spreading a little light, joy, and hope into their world. But we leave and they remain. They remain in a place where raw sewage runs in the dirt streets. Where children play in the streets with sticks and rocks because they have to make their toys with whatever they can find. Our two days here is but a blip in their lives. Our hope to be planting seeds for God to germinate, help grow, and possibly spread. To give encouragement to those who remain. To help people back home understand that there are places that want to know God and to be helped. There is hope and there will be prayer and we have faith that God will continue to do his work through those who are serving him.
  And how this leadership team serves alongside of Mark, Meg, Melinda, and all those who work alongside to bring joy and hope to this community. They are there every single week bringing people to Jesus and befriending them when noone else will. Nobody else wants to go minister in La Carpio but God has chosen these people and they continue to work faithfully with Him in this town.
  Every child living next to a river in La Carpio will be going to school this year thanks to a church that is donating school uniforms. All the church requires in return is a picture of each child receiving the uniform and a thank you note from the child. So after the VBS and women's ministries were complete we made the long walk down to the river. Again I wondered at the contradictions - the beauty of the Costa Rican jungle view on the other side of the river, even with a roaring waterfall. Then the river itself, strewn with garbage and murky with sewage. The houses alongside the river built with scrap metal, and when there is a door open we see small dark and gloomy rooms with dirt floors.
  And then the children's faces a they receive a bag containing a uniform, and a backpack with school supplies. So excited to be going to school. To have hope for a future. To be anywhere away from La Carpio. This experience is always such a blessing to me. It was a long, hot, and hard walk but it is always a blessing.
  Evening activities: We had the boys of the leadership team over at the mission house tonight. These young men are so amazing. They are so strong in the Lord and dedicated in their service. We enjoyed our visit and there was a lot of sharing our experiences, getting to know one another better and lots of laughter.

Sunday, January 15
PARKER - Today started out with a great devotional from Doug. What a great reminder that we all play a part in the body of Christ. As a team we are all so different with so many different gifts, but he brought us here together to share the love of God. We did some shopping in the morning and then off to the church, La Finca.
  It was so good to see the faces of the leadership team. 'Kids' that you have not seen face to face in a year, but 'kids' you will never forget. I say kids because of their age, but their maturity is not that of kids. The preparation we did before we came down would not be near as effective if it were not for these leaders. They bridge the language barrier and sometimes age barrier that may be in the way. God is so good and he does provide. We were able to review with our groups the plans for each day, so they could understand what has been prepared so far. We fully expect to be thrown some curve balls, so it is our goal to remain flexible.
  After we had a short lunch I was able to reconnect with some old friends and make some new ones. The language barrier is there, but not it is not to big to keep us from having a good time and laugh together. As the afternoon went on and more and more people came to the church the excitement was building. The church was about to have not one but two weddings that Sunday. It was the first of their kind and we were privileged to be a part of that. Of all the Sundays at La Finca and we are there they have their first wedding, and to actually know the people getting married was just icing on the cake. In a time and culture where obedience to God's Word is rarely even a thought, these 2 couples became united as one with Christ at the center of their lives. I pray that God blesses them for the stand they took today for marriage in front of their friends and family.
  We have been so blessed and this is just the first day of the trip. I cannot imagine what the Lord has in store for us the rest of the week. My prayer for this team is 1 Corinthians 10:31 'So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it ALL for the glory of God'.

Saturday, January 14
  Today is the day. I can't say finally because it snuck up on us pretty quickly. But there is still that sense of anticipation throughout the team to be on our way. The Lord planned for this particular team to unite for this mission trip and we are eager for him to work his spirit through us. We all rendezvoused at the church at 6:00am, loaded ourselves and the luggage in the van and left for the airport. Melissa and Jeff, who went on last year’s trip, came out to drive us over to drop us off.
  Every single piece of luggage that we had ‘passed’ the weight limit of 40 pounds. Praise the Lord! We checked ourselves in then waited in a long, long line to get through the security checkpoint. A practice of patience. Again, we all passed!
  We went through the process of waiting to board a plane in Tampa, deplaning in Ft. Lauderdale, going to our next plane (luckily the gate was right next door), boarding a plane in Ft. Lauderdale, and arriving at our destination in San Jose, Costa Rica to pick up our luggage, go through customs, and finally get to the mission van to ride to the mission house. We set foot in the house at 4:30pm Florida time (3:30pm Costa Rica time).
  We were introduced to the 3 people who would be rooming with us and assisting us this week in our ministries - Brandis, Karen, and Doug.
  Thankfully we went to our assigned rooms to settle in and freshen up - 5 of our ladies in 3 bunks in an upstairs bedroom, 3 of our ladies and Karen in in a downstairs bedroom, and our 4 men, Brandis and Doug in bunks in an upstairs bedroom. Ali and I have the same beds that we had last year. It's almost like we never left! But we did and there have been some additions to the house - new pictures and scriptures on the walls. Including a carving stating 'Whatever' on the balcony wall. Yes Lord, Whatever you say and Whereever you lead.
  Afterwards, everyone came back downstairs to the great room with Mark to review instructions for the week, and some relaxation. One of the exciting events of the trip will be a double wedding on Sunday at La Finca in Los Giudo. This will be the first wedding at La Finca for a 2 generation family - mom + dad, and daughter + fiance. Mark explained that it was very expensive to get married in Costa Rica, and only a lawyer can perform a marriage ceremony. Due to the expense, most people just live together rather than get married. This marriage ceremony is being performed by a lawyer who is providing the family with a deep discount. This event will be a very special occasion and a first for the congregation at Nueva Vida Iglesia at La Finca.
  And then finally 5:30pm arrived - time for dinner Ahhhhhh, dinner. Meg's comfort food. It was as good as those who were here last year remember. Salad, spaghetti with chicken, and bread. It was so good that most of us went for seconds. Since it was Melinda's birthday today we had carrot birthday cake after a round of singing Happy Birthday!
  By this time you would think we would be done for the day, but there was still work to do. Unpack the school and outreach supplies, and organize for the upcoming week. Well, at least for Monday. The plan is to meet the leadership team and get them assigned to each of the stations, then review and practice the station programs with our team. School supplies were placed into packets so that they could be handed out to children as they received their school uniforms. This activity lasted through the evening, and while it had been a long day there was energy, enthusiasm, and excitement in the air. Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us tomorrow.

ALI - It was just like coming home!!! Lots of hugs and hello's etc... Even Cory's driving was better than last year. But Nohemi reminded me that is was the same as last year, I was just used to it :-). It's so good to see Mark, Meg and the girls. The girls are turning into beautiful women they act so grown up!!!
  After dinner (Meg's cooking is so good and she does it with such joy. She is so amazing.) Mark if yoú're reading this "you are blessed with a wonderful wife." Back to after dinner!!!  God is so mighty!!!! We got 140 hankies folded and placed a bow on them, 100 bags with 100 journals along with a bookmark craft with a ink pen in the bags. The team pulled it off because God is working out all the details for our outreach to the women. The VBS team did their part and tomorrow we will finish up Lord willing.
  I have a request for those of you reading this post; please pray for Nohemi!!! She is experiencing back pain. We prayed tonight and we are expecting the Lord to heal!!!! Please join us in this prayer for Nohemi!!! She is a major part of this team and she is under attack. Can't wait to see what the Lord will do tomorrow!!!



 
Nikki Trojanowski - Nohemi Martinez - Noreen Lamb - Catherine Ramirez - Pat Hylan - Marlene Newington
Kathie Minidis - Ali Schick - Parker Trojanowski - Gary Lamb - Merritt Ashmore - Ralph Hylan
Calvary Chapel
St. Petersburg, FL ~ January 14-22, 2012
Team pictures
are on Facebook  here.