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Costa Rica Thanks YOU
Thank you for your support!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Day One- IAH--->SJO
Our first day started early with our flight leaving at 7 am! We were all tired, but we made it through all the security checks and onto the plane. Upon our arrival 3 hours later, we met with Luis and got on a bus for another hour. Luis took us to a local restaurant where we got our first taste of Costa Rican cuisine. After eating, we drove to our next destination: white water rafting! As well as getting a great workout, the groups of 6 got to experience a lot of good team building. Exhausted but excited, we went to the ranch where we would be staying for the duration of the trip.
Days Two and Three- Renovating the School and Meeting the Kids
The third day as really unique because we were each paired with a Costa Rican student whom we got to share with throughout the day. This allowed for some personal conversation time with each of the students. We continued to finish up the work we had started on the first day, painting the second layer of paint onto the school and finishing work in the greenhouse. During lunchtime, we all were able to sit and talk with our partners. It was a incredible experience to sit and share a meal with someone from a different culture and language. After lunch, we headed out to the fields to play games and activities with the students. We were all impressed by all the things they had prepared for us and it was cool to play alongside them. We helped them to set up a volleyball net while others went to play soccer with them.
After an afternoon of playing and sweating, we returned to the ranch. The rest of the night was spent swimming in the pool, playing pool and ping pong, and recovering from an exciting day. That night, our devotional was lead by the middle schoolers. They shared a few verses about the Great Commission that really challenged us and helped us understand about the global mission we are all called to.
Day Four- VBS at the Slums
Later that night, after dinner, a few of the seniors and leaders went to a local church service to sit in on their service. Unfortunately, the bus taking some of the church's youth had some trouble and they were unable to attend like they originally had planned to. The church's youth adults and college student were able to go so it was nice to meet them as well as the pastor and his family. Robert spoke to us and the church about managing and leading a small group. It was very helpful to hear some practical advice that both CBC and the church there could use to lead small groups effectively. Then, Justin shared some encouraging words explaining the global church and the mission we all have as Christians. After that service, we all went back to the ranch to rest up after a long day.