CR journal: Day 7, August 4... (Last day)

Awakened at 5:30/6 with guys. Tried unsuccessfully to get more shut eye until 7:50 however. While the guys finished their construction time at the Seeds/Roots of Hope ministry clubhouse site (leaving around 7:30), we ladies were occupied with women's and children's ministries. After getting up and dressed, I started helping with making breakfast for the group of ladies who would be coming at 9. Some from Londres arrived with their little girls at 8:30. 

We made waffles again, along with scrambled eggs and potatoes (Jacqui was so kind as to insist setting some aside without onions, especially since I had a bit of an allergic reaction the day before). Most of the other ladies arrived at 9 on the dot. We got to meet the landlord/duena of the casa Bill and Debbie rent from, as she has been a part of this ladies group for some time now. A few others trickled in as we attempted to make breakfast in a kitchen that kept blowing the breakers (whoops! Too many new waffle irons plugged in at a time, plus microwave plus fans blowing the hot, humid air around). We prayed inside as a group before heading out to the patio to pray blessings before serving our meal with the ladies there as well. 

Everyone enjoyed their meals and conversation was lively. There was much Spanglish discussion happening from all parties. After breakfast, Priscilla shared her testimony, which was moving and many of the women there associated with, as almost half the group there has come from Catholic roots. Then Bethany and I shared our dances and answered inquiries as to ballet dancing and training. They were very intrigued and interactive as I have explanations and translated Bethany's sentiments and responses as well. Next, Carol led an arm-crocheting activity with half of us while the other half cleaned up. I got to help teach some really fun ladies. 

I can truly say these women were genuinely 'buena gente' as they say here, good people. I immensely enjoyed their fellowship. 

After the ladies had left by around 1, we finished cleaning up and started packing. The microbus arrived at 2:15 to pick us up for Casa de Pan children's ministry (last day). We brought all our remaining supplies with us to donate to Laly and the children's ministry. Immediately when we got out of the van, we were greeted with helping hands with the bags of supplies and embraces from the children. The children insisted on taking photos with us while waiting for Laly to arrive and unlock the doors. Once inside, we sang and danced "Nothing Is Impossible" again with the kids. Then they decorated bandanas with fabric markers. With the bandanas, we facilitated three-legged races, and then relay races with a spoon and fluffy ball. Then we took photos and gave them Kids Rule goodie bags as we said our goodbyes.

Wildlife spotting: the kids helped us spot monkeys in trees outside, and jumping onto the church rooftop as well!

Then we went into Quepos to go shopping and got some souvenirs. After some cold refrescos naturales, we drove out to eat dinner in Manuel Antonio at the famous Airplane restaurant! The food was really good, even though it was cold and windy and poured rain for a good 30 minutes. I had to put on a sweatshirt Bethany bought as a souvenir!

I rode home in the truck with Bill and the guys. We stopped to get Pops ice cream for everyone back at home. 

Our last night

When we got home to the Bolings', there was a giant spider, many cucarachas, and sooo many bugs that accompanied our final team meeting and packing. They waited for our last night to come out in droves, apparently. Our screaming was louder than the neighbor's karaoke. 

I showered, did dishes, prepped meds and prepared my bags for the next morning, uploaded photos, journaled and sent out updates, and finally laid down for a nap around 1am. (We would have to get up in about an hour to get ready to leave for the airport...)