Friday, August 5: travel day home

We woke up at 2:10 to finish packing and load up the truck. We climbed in the buseta at 3am to head to the airport in San Jose, CR. It was the most quiet buseta ride our team had taken. Nearly everyone napped. 

We arrived at the San Jose airport at 5:30am and unloaded bags, saying our goodbyes to Bill and Debbie there at the curb. 

Within an hour, we'd checked our bags, had boarding passes in hand, went through "security," (still as much of a joke as it was 5 years ago when I last went through SJO), and got extremely overpriced breakfast, using the last of my colones. In the airport waiting to board and then getting on the plane, we were reduced to slap happy exhaustion and giggles. There was only a 10-foot radius of where wifi was available, and I updated the facebook group with a couple photo posts as to our travel status. 

We braided hair.

On the plane, I sat towards the back of the plane, next to Alora, and we could not stop laughing at any little thing. 

Finally, I slept most of the 5.5hr plane ride to LAX. We arrived at 1:40pm. 

After going through customs and immigration, rechecking our checked baggage, we had our carry on luggage inspected as we had to go back through LAX security in order to get to our next gate for our last flight. A lot of us were detained because the Chiky cookies in our carry ons came up as suspicious on the X-ray screening. Luckily, after wiping and testing them for bomb materials, they let us keep them, without any penalty (we joked around with the security guys as they inspected. Unfortunately, they couldn't accept any of our offerings to give them cookies...). Others had items such as toiletries taken from them (after having made it through three other security screenings on the trip!), and yet Carol still retained the knife she had in her backpack...! Go figure. 

We flew out of LA about 30 minutes later than scheduled. I journalled most of the trip. Alora napped. Justin say by the window. We could see the fires as we approached Big Sur and the Carmel Valley. The whole landscape was red and firey, and the hills were extremely smokey. 

Finally, we arrived in San Jose, CA, around 5:45/6pm, where we quickly collected our bags and were greeted by family: Emery, Pastor Mary, and the Brigantino bunch. We exited right to where their vehicles were parked, thanks to PB's handicap placard, and loaded up the truck and drive back to the ALFC parking lot. We were back in Hollister around 7:40pm. A long day of travel! I was welcomed home with flowers. And Nevada only snubbed me a little bit last night for leaving her 🐶

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...)

CR journal: Day 6, August 3

Woken up around 4:30/5, again at 6/6:30 (it was noisy outside and on patio around tent where we were sleeping). Got up at 7. Ate a couple of Devbie's banana bread muffins. Got dressed. Packed for day out in Quepos. Left at 8:15. 

Drove to Casa de Pan where we spent a couple hours preparing breakfast: comida típica costarricense (Gallo pinto-rice and beans with salsa and natilla sweet cream, platanos maduros-sweet fried mature bananas, papas-potatoes), and a US breakfast of waffles with fruit and whipped cream/syrup. We celebrated Priscilla's birthday with a waffle "cake" and candles that said "24" (she turned 51).

After eating and cleaning up, we went upstairs to listen to Danita's testimony. Most of the mothers and many of the team members were crying. After reading some scripture and sharing the gospel message, we prayed over the mother of the 7 children (of whom Andy was the oldest; I shared their story a couple days ago). In talking with the mother today, we learned more about their family; they had recently moved to this area after having lived in Quepos Central, and she has a back injury over which we prayed healing. 

She therefore has problems walking a lot and carrying her children. More puzzle pieces came together. Her 11 year old son, Andy, therefore does a lot of the childcare to help out. After praying, Bethany and I danced both our dances for the ladies. Man my feet hurt, I was weak after having been in my feet in the morning in the kitchen, then my feet were swollen so I put them up elevated against the wall for a while, but I sat in my shoes for another half hour before we danced. Warmed up too early and had too much wait time before performing, and my body felt exhausted. The heat was also pretty intolerable at the time. Not the best of our performances...

It was around 12:30 when we drove downtown to the new marina in Quepos, where there is a new touristy shopping and entertainment center. On our way there, heading out from the church, we saw a rather quick-moving sloth and also a mega-huge iguana crossing the street (for which we stopped and got out of the vehicle to have closer looks). 

Sloth!

We had lunch at the marina at a touristy restaurant named Z (I was still too stuffed from breakfast so I just had a smoothie).

Marina view in front of Z restaurant where we had lunch.

Others had typical traditional Tico meals. There was wifi there that I connected to and was able to iMessage Pastor Mary and get a hold of PB on the construction site. Then we wasted some time perusing the tourist trap stores, looking at way overpriced goods, as we waited for the microbus to return and pick us up to take us back to the Casa de Pan church. It was 15 minutes late, in true Tico Time :)

As we piled out of the buseta there at the church, just before 3pm, we were greeted by hugs and joyous remarks from the kids, who opened the van door for us; they could hardly wait for the vehicle to come to a stop. We started the activity time by doing worksheets and coloring to learn names of body parts in English (head, face, mouth, ear, etc.). 

Then we gathered up in a circle, and I led a singing of Hokey Pokey with those parts, then branching out and asking kids to raise their hands and suggest other body parts with which to participate (they had to suggest the body part in English though). That was a hit. I got wifi at the church too, in order to be in communication with PB and the guys working in Parrita at the construction site, and was therefore able to post to our team facebook group some of the action going on that afternoon. 

Next, as Bethany and I put on our pointe shoes and readied ourselves to dance, the rest of the team led the kids in "head, shoulders, knees and toes." We danced "Oceans" and then asked the kids if they wanted to use all their body parts and dance now. Bethany and Alora and I demonstrated the motions to "Nothing Is Impossible," on of the songs we used on the Philippines mission trip. They caught on really fast because they know the Planet Shakers song lyrics in Spanish! Next we taught the kids basic ballet moves. Plies, releves, and sautés in first and second positions, and chasses across the floor. Ballet technique aside, lining up and understanding order and patience to take a turn was the key teaching moment in that exercise. 

In the last 15 minutes of our time with the kids, we had them decorate frog and butterfly cutouts by coloring them and applying stickers, and then framing them on a piece of construction paper. Then they went down to eat and we liked back into a buseta to come home and fix dinner. 

We had dinner (PB and Bill were out teaching a class), further celebrating Priscilla's birthday with a chocolate cake Debbie had made, and we frosted while trying to keep Priscilla distracted outside. We lit candles and turned out all the lights and surprised her by singing happy birthday once more. 

Carol shared her testimony with the team. After her sharing time, people started getting up and I tried to call them back to have a little time to discuss and plan tomorrow's agenda. But people weren't listening and already off, so I just gave up trying. Instead, I took some alone time as I showered, while Mary washed dishes and everyone else played Mafia. Then while she showered I uploaded photos and shared an update on the team's status to Facebook. Mary and I finished brainstorming and planned the agenda for the afternoon and finished cleaning the kitchen. At 10pm, Bill and PB came home and we warmed up their dinner plates and caught up with them. Carol taught Jacqui, Debbie, and I how to arm crochet, and I taught Mary... In preparation for tomorrow morning's meeting with the ladies. 

It's now 11:37 and I want to go to bed. Brush teeth and lights out!!

CR journal: Day 5, August 2

I woke up around 7. Our team had a pancake breakfast all together. The men weren't going to work at the construction site today, which was a good rest for them- work one day, rest one day. It's hard work 8-4 out in the heat and humidity, mixing concrete, lifting and laying cinder blocks. 

A 4WD jeep arrived at 8 to take us up the mountain. I rode in Bill's truck with PB and the Steve & Mary Chase. It was a bit of a bumpy climb, but beautiful and entertaining to be back in a Costa Rican jungle. Bill shared stories and insight with us on our ascent. We passed Londres (where we'd had church service Sunday night), and headed up to Los Campesinos at Quebrada Arroyo, where the community has been getting an ecotourism business of the ground for the last 15 years. They say it's only been lucrative the last couple years. It takes a lot of effort. 

Anyway, once there, we went for a across on the country's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, to a hidden waterfall pool where there was a cable-line rope swing. I have some awesome GoPro footage of our playtime and splashing around from 30ft above the pool, crashing down with the falls. Then we hiked down below to another set of waterfalls, underneath the suspension bridge that we'd previously crossed over. After hiking and swimming and jumping and playing in the water, we ate a lunch of typical Costa Rican food (with rice and beans and chayote, some of my favorite veggies!!). Quite a fun morning for our team. Unfortunately, Steve slipped on a wet rock and injured his right shoulder. Darin bruised his tailbone while cannon balling into the water from the cabled rope swing. We prayed the me. Would still be able to work effectively on the construction site the following day. 

Heading back down to the house to prepare for the afternoon, it began to rain and storm. Bill and Debbie had shared stories of a previous missions team they'd hosted who got trapped up in this community when a huge storm hit and caused a landslide, also wiping out the bridges and crossing over a swollen, rushing river. They had to wait a few days up at the camp and hike miles down the hill when waters receded, because the dirt roads had been completely washed and wiped out. Well, driving down that descent, we soon came to understand how quickly the terrain can change. The dirt turned to sloppy mud and we were grateful for the Bolings' new 4WD big truck that we were riding in.  

Back at the Bolings' (missionaries) house, we ladies prepared for an afternoon with the kids at the Casa de Pan church in Quepos. (The men were headed to check out the property that the Bolings have for their new ministry site, which is just waiting on permits to be cleared by the CR government.) Debbie stayed home to work on preparing our dinner for that night, since we had a church service to go to after, and otherwise we wouldn't have much time to prep if she came with us. I led the charge for transportation and facilitating the time with the children once again. 

In Quepos at the church, after opening with some games and socializing with the kids, we rounded everyone up as Laly always starts by circling up to lead the group in prayer. Then I led the kids in a general review of the Fruit of the Spirit Bible verse lesson from yesterday. The craft we led the kids in making was a 'potted flower.' That entailed glueing tissue paper petals to a spoon and glueing a fuzzy puff ball (ponpon they called it), and then sticking it in the bottom of a decorated styrofoam cup. 

After the craft, Bethany and I shared the first of our two dances, "Cuanto Nos Ama" en pointe, as a teaser for the "dance workshop" we'd be leading during the next day's session on Wednesday afternoon. The kids went off to eat their meal and we had to wait for a driver to arrive because the one who drove us there got called away on another drive. He was not very courteous or friendly either. We prayed for him. 

Finally, the pastor and his wife came to pick us up (it's their tour company that has been shuttling us around, and his employed drivers, during our trip). The dinner meal consisted of taco salad, for which Debbie delivered a message with verses that explain the significance of a taco salad mixture. It was creative. 

Then in the 4WD truck and their old, donated "Mercedes" (it's really an unidentifiable Nissan that miraculously runs after 416,000-plus miles), Debbie and Bill shuttled us to the Naranjito Fourquare Church for the service which started at 7. It was starting to rain so they didn't want us to arrive sopping wet at the church when we were guest-running the service. (Last time we walked to the church, on the Friday night we arrived, we got caught and drenched in that huge deluge, and almost got hit my lightning...) The whole of a few blocks' ride in the "Mercedes" cracked me up. The back windows had no rolling mechanism, so we were trapped in a fuel-smelling, humid back seat. But luckily, for improved ventilation, the door would not stay shut, so I had to hang onto the handle to pull it closed every time is swung open, and Alora and the two others shoved into the back seat with us had to hang onto me so I wouldn't fall out around corners (of which there were many). 

Service began with worship, led by the pastor on guitar, his wife as well as another parishioner for vocals, and our very own Justin on the drums! Bethany and I danced just "Cuanto Nos Ama" (for the second time that day). The tile floor was very slippery, and it was the first building (outside of the busetas) that actually had aircon. It got quite cold once the sweat dried on my body. After the service, one of the congregation members, who Debbie later told me works with dance worship teams, relayed to me that if we don't have wax (rosin) readily available, we should have a bottle of Coca-Cola handy, with which to wet the bottoms of our pointe shoes to help us stick!

After we danced, Mary Chase gave her testimony, and PB preached on Luke while Debbie translated. Then we had prayer for healing and other needs. It was powerful. I translated PB's prayers over people's bodies and conditions and also the rest of the service for our group, as their pastor closed the service. 

We drove home in the "Mercedes" to the house by around 9. Internet was restored, so everyone was catching up. But also playing card games. Doing dishes and laundry. Showering. 

On a cultural note, I have loved conversing with the various drivers, as well as Bill and Debbie, who have lived in CR for 14 years, 11 of which have been in the Quepos area, and 9 in this current house. They have lots of stories about how things have changed and grown. The drivers are cool to talk to because they know a lot about the local history and economy. Not having lived or some much more that a few weekend trips to the Puntarenas/Quepos regions of the country, I don't really know as much about it as I do other regions (cafetales, bananeros, or areas in the Central Valley or Caribbean parts). I learned a lot about the local economy of growing and harvesting palm trees and rice paddies, and further asking to be educated on the cultivation timeline and production processes. Enlightening. 

If you'd like to see more about the church we have been assisting with children's ministries, here is a link to their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Iglesia-Casa-de-Pan/160601314041121

CR journal: Day 4, August 1

We ladies had a slower start to our morning, as wake up was casual, around 7:30-8. We had an informal breakfast and got ready for the day. I had some quiet time for devotional and personal reflection. The men headed out around 7:30 for working Day #2 on the construction site.  

Local people started arriving at the house for English class around 9/9:30. There were about five people: mother-daughter (mother Hellen who is studying to become and English teacher), mother-son (new students), and Diego (retired/self employed entrepreneur/fisherman). Bethany and I shared our dances. They really enjoyed the performances, though there wasn't much discussion or commentary regarding our training or inquiring as to the mechanics or preparations for the performance, as there usually seems to be. We practiced conversational English, introducing ourselves, memorizing a bible verse in English, and then discussing topics that Debbie introduced; what are our daily routines, recent happenings in our lives, etc. Abby shared her testimony, which was very moving. People gradually had to leave. 

After having lunch around noon/12:30, we got crafts, supplies, and lesson plans ready for our afternoon. Just after 2, the pastor of the Casa de Pan church came to pick us up in his turismo bus (he has a tour business in Quepos). After a very rapid, nausea-inducing, typical-Tico ride in his buseta, we arrived around 2:40 at the church, where a lady named Laly runs an after-school kids program (mostly it is a meal program that serves local kids, and their families in turn begin attending the church services as well). 

We had activities prepared to teach the Fruit of the Spirit in Spanish and English. At first there were about a dozen kids there when we arrived, but then others started trickling in. 

I led the kids in a little lesson on Galatians 5:22, while other team members set up tables and chairs for a craft. When we finished talking about the Fruits, they dispersed to tables, whereupon they received papers with a little tree with the face of a girl on it, and big, bushy hair with various fruits stuck in it (a tree with many leaves and branches and an assortment of fruits: apple, watermelon, pineapple, etc). Written in each of the fruit pieces was the word with a Fruit of the Spirit, in Spanish. They chose their favorite to color first. 

Then they had to find that fruit on "Árbol Abby" (Abby Tree). Let me explain. As we were prepping crafts this afternoon, we likened the face of the little tree-girl on the paper to our 17-year-old team member, Abby, who has really curly hair that can be fluffed out into a massive blonde 'fro. So I wrote the names of the fruits on a piece of card paper, in English and Spanish, and punched holes in each card to feed pipe cleaner through. The girls wove the pipe cleaner through Abby's hair, to display the "fruit" words. I had Abby walk around to the tables with me. By now we had about 35 kids. Each child identified his or her favorite Fruit of the Spirit, or one they wanted to grow more of, and had to "pick" it from "Árbol Abby's" hair. Then, with that word, each child got served a plate, which they took to Alora and Jacqui, and in English told them what fruit they wanted. The girls wrote the name of that fruit in "invisible" (white) crayon, and the kids took their plates back to the table. Then they got to watercolor-paint their plates, so that a "surprise message" of the fruit popped out and appeared on the plates. Finally, they brought their finished artwork back to get large tongue depressors hot glued to the plates, making a mallet of sorts. Our team, with assistance from some of the older kids, had blown up about 40 balloons. The kids went crazy bopping them all over with their "fruit" mallets. 

We watched the kids play. There were many notable personalities and faces that stood out. One kid who impulsively shouted out the definition of "self control," when we were discussing fruit of the spirit, another who was quite a bully and picked on little kids and slapped them, another who cried at every little thing, the one who didn't talk, the one with six little siblings and two more cousins in tow. They all had their stories. I was only able to talk to a few of them, translating to team members answers to their inquiries, and stories. The one little boy with all the siblings was named Andy. He was 11 years old and took care of his six younger siblings- ages 9, 8, 6, 4, 2, and 7 mo. When asked, he said his father works and is away most of the time; his mother goes into Quepos central to "buy and sell things" when he gets home from school. Those vague descriptions only soft me guessing. They all come to Casa de Pan daily for the after-school programs. He said his parents attend another missionary church in town on Sundays, but they come to this church during the week. Danita, Alora, and Abby and other team members relieved Andy of his duties for the afternoon, holding the baby, so that he could play. The light in his eyes and the smile that flashed across his face were priceless. He got to be a kid. He smacked those balloons with his "fruit" mallet and ran around in freedom. 

At 4:30, the kids went downstairs to be served a free meal of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken). We said "see you later," as we will see them again tomorrow afternoon. 

Tomorrow is a holiday here in CR. El Día de la Aparición de la Virgin de Guadalupe (Apparition of the Virgin), so the primary grades didn't have school today, and everyone is on holiday tomorrow. 

We came home around 4:45, and began to make dinner. They guys were showering after another day of building at the construction site. Some went to the store to get snacks and goodies. We all had dinner together and shared our favorite moments of the day. After dinner, we played a team game of Mafia. Oh the laughs to be shared. More discussing and sharing between team members. 

Shower, cleanup, laundry, journalling, and bed around 10:45/11. 

CR journal: Day 3, July 31

Wake up at 7. Breakfast of oatmeal and cereal, toast. 8:25 pick up for church at the beach in Manuel Antonio with Spanish/English church services with the church "Casa de Pan" where Bill and Debbie help with pastoral ministries. 

There on the beach, we set up canopy tents and speakers to dance. High tide was at 12/12:30. We kept moving chairs and towels further and further back up on the beach until we were under the palm trees in the parking area almost completely. Waves crashed right behind us. The tide was high and strong and surfers paddled their boards to mount and ride the heights of the ever strengthening waves. During the English service, we danced and Pastor Bob delivered a message. After our service ended around noon, we waited for Ticos to arrive for a family day and pastor appreciation service. We had nothing else to do but play in the water on beach. 

When the Ticos showed up, we had the Appreciation service, prayer, and lunch of sandwiches and fruit. Then some of us took a Beach walk in Manuel Antonio. We had to pack up and head home around 2-2:30. Once back at the Bolings, we cleaned up (I did some laundry). We rested and ate "linner". 

Around 5, we were picked up to drive 30 min up the dirt road to have church in a town called Londres. We were about a half hour early, but as people, mostly men, moseyed in, the traditional cultural greetings of cheek kissing and hand shakes were bestowed upon us, as well as showering us with bendiciones (blessings).  As service opened, the mostly-toothless senior pastor led about 15 minutes of worship songs, with two guitar players accompanying the rhythmic verses, set to a Johnny Cash-style picking tune. Once our group was introduced, Bethany and I danced en pointe. The audience's eyes were wide with wonder. The cell phones were out and recording us- both men and women. I felt true joy and praise being expressed through our bodies. Darin shared his moving testimony, which resonated with the audience, and Bill translated. PB preached a powerful sermon and Debbie translated. It was received with resounding amens, applause, many arms extended to the heavens, and even some tears. Joyous song and clapping with tambourine and dancing followed to close the service. 

A man there in the congregation was wearing a Hollister shirt and wanted us to take a photo with him before we left. A major ministry at this church and in this community is a rehabilitation program with men. What stories they must all have; you can see it in their eyes and marks of hard lives on their hardened bodies. But they also show such joy in their worship. And many were very receptive to the powerful sermon PB delivered. 

Back home, I showered and we all ate late dinner sandwiches while we conversed and then we ladies rolled skeins of yarn into balls (for Thursday crafts). 

We are building a strong connection with the other team members. Getting to know each others' testimonies. Sharing cultures and discussing faith and relationships. Supporting one another. Beautiful friendships and sharing are happening. This is community and fellowship at its best. 

CR Journal: Day 2, July 30

A brief update due to limited wifi access at the moment. Just trying to post basic content while I have quick, limited access to a wifi hotspot. More stories and details to come later with photos...

Up around 7. Bfast/getting ready/ cleaning up last night's mess- puddles from rainstorm. 

We drove about 25 minutes down the gravel hill to the main road, back north up the coast a short way to Parrita, to the construction work site for the Seeds/Roots of Hope ministry clubhouse site, 9:30-10am. 

We visited the guys of our team, who had been there on site since 8. They were laying concrete bricks and building up the walls of the future clubhouse. (Right now the organization rents space on the second floor above a pulpería (a small convenience store.)

It was a lethargic morning, seeing the ministry at Seeds of Hope (and boys' Roots of Hope). Hot and sticky, walking around a lot, waiting for something to do. The local school schedule is wonky this week due to a national holiday (I'll explain later...) in the morning, the boys took English and Bible study classes. Girls were learning mixed martial arts from MMA interns from the States. And we didn't do much but check in with them and watch. 

Reactions to pointe dancing: eyes were wide and you could see them grimace in reaction, apparently expressing thoughts of, "oh it must hurt so much." Girls came up to us, gaping... just wanting to watch us prepare our feet for our performance, putting on shoes. 

I was sluggish and slow to get going in the morning. I slept poorly after a day of travel, full of lots of translating and high-energy being on top of answering many cultural questions (which was really my pleasure to be an informal guide). I kept trying to get into a happier mood, but I just stayed quiet, also trying to get rid of a flared up sinus infection. I took extra meds and rehydrated all morning. And also ate ice cream and tried to get some peanuts for protein. But between my physical lack of strength and the lack of direction as for something for us women of the team to do, I was pretty devoid of energy. 

Throughout the day, we met other interns and staff members who are teachers of courses at Seeds/Roots of Hope: English, MMA, art, hair/jewelry, personal growth, healthy relationships, bible studies, music. 

We brought lunch to the construction site. Fed doggies scraps. Kids were coming to and from the construction site in curiosity as well. 

Construction site on the first morning of work, after a downpour the night before

Things picked up when we were able to help out with ESL classes, working on conversational English as well as introducing specific new vocabulary words. We also did a painting-canvas art craft that one of our team members, Jacqui, had prepared. We had lots of fun with that. There are some very talented youth artists in that community. 

Later in the afternoon, we took ice creams and gatorades to the guys at the construction site around the corner. A neighbor boy who had been helping all day and the local Tico contractor/foreman were also included. The men cleaned ups round 4 and showered. We had dinner from a local pizzeria. 

Then we participated in a worship service/youth group. Bethany and I danced in a tiny little space in the clubhouse loft, between the musical instruments and the couches and plastic chairs and stools for the congregation. I like to note the reactions we receive when dancing en pointe; for instance, in the Philippines, the boys were so captivated and people were in awe, always videotaping us. Here, with this audience, I could see them grimace in reaction, apparently expressing their thoughts of, "oh it must hurt so much" (those thoughts were also uttered verbally, I overheard). Girls came up to us, gaping... just wanting to watch us prepare our feet for our performance, putting on shoes. 

Testimonies were given by Alora and Justin (translated by me and Bill) and Debbie's as well. We all sang worship music. 

Driving home from Parrita in the van, we picked up a neighbor on our way up. She filled me in on how hard it is to get rides up from the Quepos area to Naranjito at night, as the remote, dirt road can get dangerous, especially for a woman. Once home, we conversed and hung out with the team. Trying to get rice out of cell phone charger sockets... But that's another story. Asleep around 11. 

July 28-29: Travel There & Day 1

Just a short little timeline/synopsis of what we did on Thursday and Friday as our team joined together and traveled from San Jose to San Jose (California to Costa Rica)... our internet went out when we arrived Friday night due to a big storm, so I haven't been able to post until now. 

Travel there: (evening of Thursday, July 28)
Team met at 5:30pm at ALFC   

On the road for San Jose by 6pm. 

Arrived at SJC at 7pm. 

Checked in and through security by 7:45pm. Got dinner in the airport. 

Boarded around 8:30pm. 

Took off 10:15pm, delayed about 45 minutes from original departure time.

Arrived LAX 11:10pm. Taxied/waited 15min for gate to become available. 

Disembarked 11:30pm. Escorted to next terminal/gate, thanks to Pastor Bob's broken foot. 

Boarded 12:15am. 

Departed 1:00am. 

Landed in San Jose, CR 7:15am (CR time, which is one hour ahead of Pacific Time). 

CR journal: Arrival/Day 1 July 29

Picked up by Bolings and headed out at 8:30am. 

Breakfast at Soda Nidia at 10:30-noonish. Gallo pinto and traditional tortilla con natilla! Mmmm!

Puente Río Tarcoles 11:15. Saw the crocs at the river bridge. 

AutoMercado in Jacó 12:30. 

Arrived at Bolings at 3:30. 

Dinner at 6. Homemade by Debbie. So good!

We all took a stroll and got caught in a downpour at 7:30/8. Drenched. Then the lightning and thunder were overhead. And lightning struck the house, leaving the wifi down. 

Hope the wifi is up soon so I can post more, with photos. 

I'm using a friend's hotspot right now to check and post really quickly. 

T minus One Week Until Departure!

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!