Dear Family and Friends,
In one week, I will depart with the 12 other members of Abundant Life Foursquare Church’s Team Costa Rica for our mission trip! We will be taking a redeye flight out of San Francisco on Thursday, July 28, and serving in Costa Rica until Friday, August 5. I’d like to update my supporters regarding this upcoming trip and the status of our team’s progress in preparation.
The fundraising goal of $1,500 for the Costa Rica trip has almost been met! I’m short just $101! Between your generous contributions that have flooded in, support from my church (ALFC), and some personal fundraising efforts, my balance nears the goal! I’ve been blessed and encouraged as I hear from friends and family who have been supporting me both in finances and prayer. In addition to donations, I’ve been doing some fundraising with my church family at ALFC. We put on an Enchilada fundraiser in our community, which brought in over $400 for me alone; we made over 1,100 chicken, beef, and cheese enchiladas for pre-order and after-church sales! A fun way to bond with team members and meet others in the church congregation. Thank you for your continued financial and prayer support!
Aside from the financial preparation, I’ve been getting ready mentally, spiritually, and physically. I’m getting my head back into the “Pura Vida” mindset (the Costa Rican, aka “Tico,” catchphrase). I’ve contacted a few of my Tico friends back in my Central American “patria” (“homecountry”). I’m excited to return to familiar lands and friendly faces, as well as to meet our missionary connection, the Bolings. My packing list is made, and I’ll be ready to organize it all in a suitcase and fly out next week! In this month leading up to the trip, I’ve been spiritually preparing by working on daily devotionals, which the rest of the team has individually been completing simultaneously. I am feeling enriched and spiritually ready for this trip. Physically, I’m happy to report that after my respiratory and allergic/asthmatic struggles during/post-Philippines, I enjoyed a relatively-healthy spring and start to my summer! Unfortunately, over this past weekend, I got hit with a flu-virus that completely wiped me out (I literally was in bed for a day, sleeping 24 hours to recover!). This week I’ve been having a go of it, trying to ease myself back onto a regular diet. But I’m really craving some gallo pinto (rice and beans) and Tico cuisine next week, so it would be great if my digestive system would get back in line prior to that! Prayers for physical healing and strength are ALWAYS appreciated!
As for the planning and other prep, there aren’t as many logistical details or items to prep for this trip as there were in planning for the Philippines trip. The Bolings will have a Bible School put together that we will help facilitate. Our team is compiling packets of supplies to contribute to those programs. Last I heard, we might endeavor to help construct a new building on site. Also, Bethany and I will be dancing a couple ballet numbers en pointe (in toe shoes) and hopefully leading some dance camps again with local kids. I’m excited for whatever this trip may bring, and will post updates along the way on my blogsite, http://laraincragain.blogspot.com.
I’d love to hear from any of you via the attached Support Response form; even if you’ve already returned one! Your ongoing support and encouragement is much appreciated.
Blessings and gratitude, Lara
 |
| Click to enlarge & download, fill out, and return to me please & thank you! |
No comments:
Post a Comment