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.
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