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.
