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.