Trip 3, Days 7 and 8!

Our last full day in Costa Rica began with beautiful sunshine and a breakfast by the ocean. Due to our late arrival and the rain the night before, we hadn't really gotten to see much of the beach until morning. We planned to meet late in the morning so that everyone could relax or sleep in as they chose. Some took advantage of the air conditioned room and slept in, while others had an early breakfast and went for a walk on the beach.

The hotel dining room is an open room with beautiful views of the ocean and we all enjoyed listening to the waves as we ate breakfast. After breakfast, most of us decided to spend the morning taking an Aerial Tram Tour of a nearby rainforest while a few of us decided to stay behind and relax by the ocean.

We arrived at the rainforest and were met by our guide, Hugo, who first took us took us on an hour long walking tour around the gardens and the serpentarium. We were all especially impressed by the medicine garden and all it had to offer. At the serpentarium Hugo explained how to tell the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and about ehd ifferent varieties of snakes that are indigenous to Costa Rica. We then walked around and saw a variety of snakes in cages, including a boa constrictor whom we had fun teasing.

After the walking tour we split into two groups and went up into the rainforest on gondolas for the aerial tour. On the way up the cars hung lower into the rainforest, allowing us to see up close the trees, plants, and animals there (one group saw a sloth, one group a monkey, and both groups many spiders and birds). Our guides were wonderful, stopping the gondolas several times to allow us longer and more detailed looks at things. On the way down the cars hung up higher giving us spectacular views out over the forest to the ocean.

After a late lunch at the restaurant we had eaten at the night before (it was so good we just had to go back) we went back to the hotel to enjoy the beach and the hotel pool. A few of us braved the waves and went out into the ocean, though none of us was brave enough to try surfing. We went to dinner at one of the popular local restaurants where we sampled delicious seafood and Costa Rican dishes before heading across the street to TCBY for dessert.

We also socialized with members of a youth group from the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Columbia, South Carolina. Although not technically from NORTH Carolina, Trinity is participating in our companion diocese relationship with the Diocese of Costa Rica. This particular group had been working during the week at the Diocesan House, and will eventually be building a new school in Heredia, near San Jose.

We shared Compline together when we got back to the hotel before going to bed.

We woke in the morning and had breakfast, enjoying our last hours at the gorgeous beach before reluctantly packing and boarding the bus for the final time. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time, said goodbye to our magnificent driver Marvin, and checked in before heading to our gate. We did some last minute shopping before having lunch and watching the Argentina-Mexico soccer match in the waiting area at the gate.

Overall it was a wonderful trip and touched us deeply. I know personally, having been on the last trip in February, I felt that I knew what to expect from the week, but from the moment we arrived I found myself constantly surprised and awakened by new experiences and insights. I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to visit this wonderful community and country not once, but twice. I hope that through this blog we have been able to convey to all of you, at least a little bit, how much these trips and the community and people of Estrada mean to all of us.

See you all again in February.

written by Katharine Vess

Trip 3, Day 6

Our last day at Earth and in Estrada began much as the other days had, with a breakfast of rice and beans and a short morning prayer, this time led by Katharine. We arrived in Estrada and were greeted by our work crew and a group of children (some of whom had run to the church behind the bus). To our surprise and delight there were even more new faces among the children gathered and we set about getting to know them and finishing our work projects.

The painters worked hard and soon ran out of paint and so moved on to help with other projects. On the second floor of the building, most of the outer frame was up and so we worked to get as many of the roof trusses up as possible, an interesting and impressive feat without a crane! And of course, we continued to play with the kids, enjoying our final morning with them.

After a delicious lunch, which we enjoyed with many of the children, we took lots of pictures and received lots of hugs before reluctantly loading onto the van and heading back to Earth one last time. After quick showers and a few last minute purchases at Earth we headed out. You may remember that when the group was here in February, they purchased a tree to plant on the Earth University campus in the name of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. We talked with the staff at Earth and they told us where the tree was planted, so on our way out we stopped to visit our tree. It is still very small, but looks good. It is a part of a nice hedge along the side of the road that leads to the main campus.

The main road through the mountains of San Jose was, thankfully, open, after being closed on and off during the week due to mudslides, and we made it to San Jose by 5pm. We stopped at the Diocesan House to drop off Father John, who had to return to Emmanuel a day early for the Bishop's visit on Sunday, and Clarence, before quickly getting back on the road. Unfortunately, the new road to the Pacific coast was closed and we had to take the long way, driving through the rain and traffic for three hours before arriving at Jaco Beach. We checked into our very nice rooms at the Cocal Hotel and Casino before going out for a late dinner.

Leaving Estrada, and all of our new friends there was sad and we were all sorry to go. Saying goodbye, however, was made easier knowing that our connection with this community has been strengthened and that we will return, some of us in person, others through pictures and stories brought back by others who will make the journey next time.

Trip 3: Day 5

During one of our previous trips here we befriended a student from Earth University named Kenny. This week he approached us and asked if we would participate in one of his school projects. We agreed, and so this morning began with a 6:30am tour of an urban gardening installation at the University. The tour was conducted by Kenny's project partner, a young man from Ecuador called Washington- just Washington. It was great to see more of the campus and learn a little about gardening an urban environment.

Then we set out for Estrada where we worked and played a whole long day. This was probably the hottest day of the trip so far. The heat, and the understanding that this fabulous work week is almost over, weighed on most of us. But as usual, we were provided with plenty of refreshments by our local hosts, and we stuck it out until the end of the day.

On the work front, we painted, plastered, dug, cleaned and generally tried to make ourselves useful. It was satisfying to see some of our work projects near completion.

But the most significant progress made today was on the community front. The children of Estrada arrived right as we pulled up to the job site. We began inside with more bracelets and puzzles (much harder puzzles than we intended) and coloring. As the morning advanced, the kids split up, some helping with our work and some playing soccer in our makeshift field. A favorite activity in the afternoon was swinging Tarzan style on a vine at the back of the church property. This provided hours of fun - for safety's sake, more than a few prayers were required from the sideline. The number of children visiting us grows everyday - to our amazement. We have all been touched to see new faces each day - new kids and, more recently, some of the local mothers.

One of the families invited us to their home - this is a first for us in Estrada. Michelle, Jonathan, and Geoff went with the family into their house for a tour of a typical Estrada home, and into their yard to pick a load of water apples. These were enjoyed on the bus ride home.

After dinner at Earth we met as is our custom to wrap up the day. Clarence led us in a discussion of the presence of God in our project. Michelle officiated as we closed our day with Evening Prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book (these were sent compliments of Meaghan, whose presence is felt here every day).

We have all enjoyed our work week. Tomorrow is our last day of work and we will be sad to say goodbye to our friends in Estrada. But we are also looking forward to our trip to the Pacific Ocean on Saturday!

Michelle and one of the children.

Kenny's project.

The metal framing.

Hard at work!

This week's progress!

Trip 3, Day 4!

We started the day off today the healthy way, with rice and beans! After a reading of the Family Prayer from the 1928 Prayer Book from Nancy Collins, we jumped in the van and it was off to our favorite town of Estrada once again.

This morning was a little different though. As we pulled up to the church our arrival was greeted by a deluge of children pouring out from the church doors! We weren't off the bus before they had surrounded us with hugs and smiles. Our tasks for the day were immediately split between the building's work and playing with the children. Some of us continued to paint metal framing, some returned to plastering the interior and exterior walls, and some began working with the children in the church.

We have been working alongside a construction crew that has been welding and installing the framing on the second floor. They are a dedicated group who sleep on site and who will hopefully work until the building is complete.

We continue to grow our relationships with the crew, the church members of Santiago, the local children, and each other. Speaking from my experiences here thus far, the trip has revealed to me the quality of the character that exists within Emmanuel's family and within those who are so honored to serve. The day was an uplifting collection of creativity, cooperation, and compassion. We witnessed moment after moment of love and fellowship from the members of the church helping with lunch to our own bus driver working with Geoffrey to gather bread and fruit and serve it to us once it was prepared.

There cannot be a more moving, unexplainable experience of the Spirit then when engaged in this powerful work. I know my own experience of God today was when I drew the portraits of more than ten of the children here. Those moments alone have left me with a larger heart than I thought possible. Every day recharges you for the next.

(written by Jonathan Brower)

Our fine rector, making a bracelet. (Perhaps a nice change from the daily schedule in the office?)

One of the children of Estrada.

Another child is taught how to plaster - you can't see here, but she was very excited!

A member of the construction crew welding the steel frame.

A long hallway at beautiful Earth University.

The volcano near Earth, letting out a little steam.

Trip 3: Day 3

Walter Morris began our day by sharing with us a reading from Holes in the Gospel by Richard Stearns. None of us could have ever imagined how his choice in reading and prayer would perfectly describe this day. Upon our arrival at the work stie, we were greeted by Donatel with her infectious smile. A few of the children came in the morning and participated in art activities. Joanthan, the resident portrait artist, was a hit. All the children wanted a picture of themselves drawn by him.

We were blessed by the presence of Bishop Hector, Candace, and Marta (the new diocesan liaison who will replace Clarence) for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon. Candace is a priest from North Carolina that recently arrived in San Jose who is discerning her calling to mission work in Costa Rica. They all immediately helped out after lunch with as much work as they could get their hands on! Bishop Hector even showed off his soccer skills to the local kids, they were very impressed as he juggled the ball with one foot!

By mid-afternoon there was a multitude of children running, laughing, singing, and playing carefree throughout the work site. We counted at least 20 children at one time on the work site. As best described by Stuart, we had an 8 ring circus! It may sound a bit chaotic, but it was a well-oiled machine. There was everything from plastering by Geoffrey and Colleen, painting by Nancy, Bill, Ray, and John, steel been prep by Jim and Walter, a vast arrage of tasks by Stuart and Katharine, and much tomfoolery with the children by Michelle and Jonathan.

We are recognizing the incredible continued opportunities that are being presented to us day to day for future involvement in the development with our Costa Rican family. Every day we are trying to incorporate the saying that Marvin our bus driver has taught us, "pura vida", meaning pure life. We are enjoying all this trip is giving us from the relationships that we are building to the relationships yet to be made.

Michelle and the kids.

A happy camper.

PIG PILE!

Bishop Hector, hard at work!

One of the regulars...

Trip 3, Day 2

This was an outstanding day for our team in Costa Rica and our Parish. We wish that every member of the congregation could see in person the small miracles happening here. This blog is a poor substitute for being here in person, but we hope you will read our blog and try to imagine this important project and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Please consider coming with us to Costa Rica in February 2011.

As you know, we are building a school/parish hall for the Mission of Santiago. The Mission is located in the heart of Costa Rica's banana plantations in the Matina Parish of the Province of Limon. Our parish has donated all of the money for this project, and provided much of the labor under the direction of Clarence Fox, the liaison officer of the Diocese of North Carolina.

After breakfast, Michelle Kaiser led us in a meaningful devotional prior to our departure for Santiago. This was our first day of work and we were all excited to get started. In fact, Colleen Kaiser jumped for joy as she left the bus at the job site. We all felt the same way, but Colleen can jump the highest!!

There were three main areas of activity. One group began the back-breaking process of digging the holes in the ground for the septic tank and field. Another group painted the steel frame for the second floor of the building. Perhaps most importantly, a third group split off to entertain children of the village who stopped by the see what is happening here at the Santiago Mission. We are all so proud of our work product, including the freshly dug holes, the beautifully painted steel bars, and the smiles on the children's faces.

Despite the hard work, there was plenty of time for reflection and socializing among us and with the various visitors, including Daniel Spence, the senior member of this church, and Hubert Miles, the senior warden. Tomorrow, Hector Monterrosso, the Bishop of Costa Rica, will join us in the trenches.

Every one of us has been touched by the efforts of our bus driver whose English name is Marvin. Marvin's principle job is to drive our bus, and he does that wonderfully. But as a volunteer, he also spent the entire day digging trenches and he even took the lead on serving our lunch. He has no particular stake in this project (he is not an Episcopalian and he doesn't live in this province) but his generous spirit propels him to help us in any way that he can, and that is just one of the many small miracles we have witnessed today.

Nearly forty Emmanuel parishioners have now come to Costa Rica to work on this project. Countless others have contributed their time, talents, and treasure. Although we are proud of our work, and take ownership of it, we are mindful that this is a parish-wide effort, and hope that you all feel as proud of this project as we do.

This evening, after dinner, Katharine Vess lead us in a spirited game of Truth, Truth, Lie (thanks Gary K!). Finally, Ray lead our Compline service, a fitting end to a beautiful day.

Nancy and Bill, taking a breather in the church.

Hubert, admiring the work.

Colleen's jump for joy!

Our beautiful surroundings.

Painted steel bars.

The neighborhood around the church.

Contemplative (or just tired?) Ray

The church with the new parish hall being built in the back.

June 2010: The Latest Mission

For those of you who have been following this for a year now…We’re Back! Yesterday (Saturday), ten Emmanuel parishioners (Geoffrey Brower, Jonathan Brower, Ray Browne, Nancy Collins, Coleen Kaiser, Michelle Kaiser, Jim Pfeiffer, John Tampa, Bill Towne, Katharine Vess) gathered at church at 7am to leave for Emmanuel’s third mission trip to Costa Rica. We were sent off with a prayer by Meaghan and were off (picking up two more parishioners on the way). We were met at the airport by Clarence Fox (the liaison for groups like us and our guide for the week). We stopped by the Diocesan House to visit with the Bishop before heading over the mountain to Earth University, our home for the week.

We awoke this morning to a clean sunny day and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains out our windows. After a delicious breakfast Father John led us in prayer and then we piled into the van and drove to Estrada for church. We were greeted by Father Roddy and several parishioners (most of the people in Estrada had headed out of town to watch the World Cup soccer matches). Most of the service was in Spanish but Father Roddy delivered a moving sermon in English about what it means to take up God’s cross and follow the Lord that moved us all.

Our friends at church!

After enjoying tea and cookies at the church, Father Roddy joined us for lunch in the nearby town of Bataan. We ate at the Pizza King while watching the local kids play soccer. The pizza was amazing and it so much fun to get to sit and eat while watching the kids play, cheering right along with families and friends of the players when a goal was scored.

Father Roddy

Pizza King!

Watching the game!

After lunch we returned to Earth for a tour. Jaimie, a fourth year student from Guatemala, showed us around the University’s organic and dairy farms. We saw a variety of beautiful flowers and plants as well as chickens, cows, pigs, sheep, and a particularly large cricket that Jonathan felt it would be fun to play with. Jaimie was wonderful, answering all of our questions and explaining everything they were doing to develop organic and sustainable farming techniques.

Clarence (the Diocesan liaison) and Jaimie

We had rice and beans for dinner after the tour and then met for reflections and our personal high’s and low’s of the past two days. Father John led us in Compline – it was great to be worshiping together here in this glorious place.

We are all thrilled to be here and are looking forward to getting to work tomorrow, both on the construction of the building and on developing personal relationships with the people of Estrada.

Jonathan and his new Costa Rican friend.