The Weekend!

Friday, June 17th

Today was our last day working in Estrada, a lot has gotten accomplished over the past five days and it is amazing to see how our building has come along. Since the day before we had finished painting almost all of the building we all took turns with making concrete or playing with the kids. We all felt the pressure of trying to balance work and play, making sure that we gave as much time and attention to the kids as possible while still contributing to the finishing of the concrete floor.

Our time spent with the kids was full of excitement and joy but at times, frustration and an inability to communicate with the children due to the language barrier. We spent the majority of the day in the church since the building was getting the final sections of the concrete floor filled in. The whole day we made bracelets and colored an enormous amount of Disney coloring pages. Several members of the group, including myself, found ourselves frustrated at times because we didn’t understand how the kids could keep asking us for more, until we realized that they have nothing at home, and then we were happy to give them more. We started to see how us being there was positively impacting the kids and how we had built friendships over the past five days.

We later departed after lunch for Puerto Viejo where we would spend two days just enjoying our time together and wrapping up our trip to Costa Rica. We arrived in the late afternoon and we were joyously greeted by air-conditioning and hot showers (at least for most of us). After frolicking in the pool for about an hour, after we had settled in, Joseph found himself being reminded of our cold showers at Earth, when Gracyn, Kelsey, and myself along with Joseph and Buck’s power was shut off, which we have come to the conclusion was caused by every possible light and fan, along with the air conditioning, being turned on. Let’s just say we got a tad bit carried away by the excitement of familiar surroundings that reminded us of home.

That day we reflected about our time in Estrada and on all the friendships that we had made with the sweet children. After dinner we only drove around town, we saw a pack of dogs (which is never a good sign) and decided that night, Puerto Viejo didn’t seem like a good idea.

All of us are enjoying our time together and have seen how we can impact the lives of the kids of Estrada and hopefully have created lasting friendships that they will remember for years to come. We are all starting to miss our friends and family, but the trip is fast approaching its end and we are not ready to go back to our normal lives and leave our new friends and our new found home of Costa Rica.

-Colleen K.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Today was our whole day at Puerto Viejo. After enjoying my first breakfast without rice and beans (although they were still an option) in five days we went to go zip lining. Cait conquered her fear of heights and came along for the ride. It can be seen in the video. We got to fly 300 feet above a raging river and see howler monkeys in the trees. Nick was attacked by an iguana perched on the third platform. Animals in Costa Rica seem to dislike Nick. It leapt a good seven feet from a standstill. The second half of the day was spent at the beach and in the town of Puerto Viejo. The beach was nice. I was attacked by a crab pinching my toes. In town we bought souvenirs for our families and ourselves. I successfully haggled a vender for the price of a stuffed animal sea turtle from $6000 ($12) to $5000 ($10) although by this point I was almost broke in colones so I didn’t buy it. It was very enjoyable to have some vacation time while we are here. Returning to rice and beans was painful afterwards. Overall a great day.

-Ben K.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Today was our last full day in Costa Rica. We started the morning with a nice breakfast (without rice and beans) at Puerto Viejo. Most, but not all of us, were awakened by the annoying, but really cool howler monkeys. All though it doesn’t really matter, the sun rises at like 5 here. At around 8, we took off for Estrada for the last day. We had a morning service there. The church service was very nice even though I didn’t understand half of it. The kids were still lined up outside the church. Even through the dark, they find light in God.

After saying our goodbyes to all the kids, which was very difficult, we headed back to Earth University for our last night’s stay. We had a big group game of soccer and finally had some downtime to reflect on the amazing week that we just experienced.

-Ryan W.

We woke up early this morning and worked hard, so hard that we were able to leave the job site at three instead of four. It was a slow, but exciting day. We did a lot of concrete, which Buck was excited about because earlier this week everyone painted. Around ten or eleven, all the children started arriving. We made bracelets and colored. We had to set a limit for how many beads they could use, because some would use about twenty for only one bracelet, it was a very big deal for them when we told them they could only have nine. Once the bracelet excitement was over, all the boys came walking towards us all excited, and one had something in his hand. It was a baby parrot, and they explained how it had fallen from its nest and they didn’t want it to get eaten. We told them to put the baby back in the tree so that it wouldn’t die, and one boy climbed up the tree and put it back. The same child threw rocks at a dog earlier, so it was interesting to see him so sweet and gentle towards an animal.

Soccer seems to be the kid’s favorite game here; we have a “world cup” everyday, Costa Rica vs. the Americans. I hate to say it, but they seem to be much better than us, even the five year olds. There was always laughter going on today, from some children starting a paint war with Kelsey or Joseph swinging the younger kids on his arms. They always seemed to have cute little smiles on their faces. Even we were laughing, because even with a language barrier the kids are really funny and precious.

Once we got back to Earth University, it was pouring down rain. So instead of rushing inside to get dry, we played outside for a little while. We slid around in the mud and splashed in the puddles; I was even picked up by Ryan and Nick and dropped in a giant puddle. During the rain, I stopped and realized that even though I really miss my family and friends at home, we are also a family here and how nice it is to be together.

-Maddie D.

Youth Trip Wednesday: Happy Birthday Kelsey!

Today is my sixteenth birthday and in my family we have a tradition of eating birthday cake for breakfast, because it is very difficult to have the whole family together at once in the afternoon. So my older sister Gracyn bought a pastry and declared that as my birthday cake, which started my day and birthday off with a bang. Which was needed since we had an interesting night with new species of bird called the Ryan Wade. Needless to say the night was interesting.

Once we arrived at the school, we got right to work with the girls painting again and the boys mixing concrete. Of course with our amazing girl power we had the entire bottom half of the school painted before the guys had even finished mixing the first batch of concrete for the day.

When the children arrived we went into the church and taught them how to make bracelets, which turned into the youth member making the bracelets and the children playing with beads. While working today we also had background music and five second dance party every thirty minutes.

One of my favorite parts of today was playing soccer with the children and whenever the ball would fly over the fence, all of the children would run to climb over the fence and get it. After we finished working for the day a few of us walked to the shop down the street and I bought mini malo (which is a kid that follows Joseph around) ice-cream. It made my day when the first thing he did was offer everyone a piece of his ice-cream cake.

To finish the best birthday a girl could have; we were at dinner when the group made me stand on my chair while they sang happy birthday in Spanish to me and everyone in the cafeteria started to tap their glasses.

If I was able to spend my birthday with anyone besides my family, I’m glad it was with these people because they are like cousins that you see all the time, and I love them.

Kelsey D.

Youth Trip Day 2

The group started the day off with a bang today, my sister Kelsey took her malaria pill before eating which results in an extremely upset stomach. Needless to say breakfast was very eventful. After breakfast we played a rousing game of ninja and for all those who don’t know what this game is it is awkward slow motion karate in which you freeze after moving. Upon arriving in Estrada we were given the task of painting the outside of the parish hall. The ironic part was all the girls on the mission trip were outside while all the boys on the trip were inside. ( even though I was pleased not to be mixing concrete). We painted the entire outside of the parish hall before lunch just in time for children to arrive.

Today we played world cup , USA vs. Costa Rica ,with the children with a soccer ball five times too small with so many little bare feet around us. Not to brag but USA won ten to nine the first game, and the second game we lost terribly. The kids here take soccer very seriously, one tripping Ryan Wade because we were winning. We also had a mystery bug bite/ rash that attacked Ryan after he climbed the fence to get our miniature soccer ball back. 27 bug bites and too much Benadryl later he was exiled to his own seat on the bus until they went down.

While we were all busy playing outside and playing with Ben and Buck were working hard in the building mixing and pouring concrete. They worked nonstop until lunch and then even harder after.

I know I am missing my friends and family back home, but it makes it a lot easier with all these people here. This is not your average mission trip group or youth group. We argue like family and play like family. This is my second family and I love them all for it. I think that is what makes all this so memorable. They aren’t just people you are here with they mean something to you and I am so blessed be able to spend this time with them and experience this with them.

-Gracyn

The floor of the Parish Hall

Painting the exterior

The local children help paint

Painting Ninjas

Youth Group Trip to Costa Rica!

Today, the first day of our time here in Costa Rica, we worked hard, met many unique people and ate nothing but beans and rice (which is quickly becoming my least favorite food). This is actually my first time out of the country. Costa Rica has been very different. Although I am loving my time here, I find myself wanting to spend time on Facebook, and catching up with friends. Hopefully this urge to connect with technology will pass. Today we did a lot of painting and mixing of concrete. The highlight of my day was when a couple of church parishioners and I took a short trip to the local store. We walked with many of the kids, most who were outgoing, however, some tended to stick to themselves. I met some kids who look to have a shaky past, but hopefully my time as well as my group’s time with these children will help them to find love in Christ and find love in friendship.

-Nick W.

Kelsey in the tropical rain

The group from the second floor of the school

The author, hard at work

On the bus in Costa Rica!

Maddie washes the concrete steps!

Playing with the local children in the field

(look at that bridge to the right - beautiful!)

Friday, Final Day in Estrada

It is hard to imagine that we have been in Costa Rica for nearly an entire week, but as we look around the site of our mission project in Estrada, it is clear that much has been accomplished. Today's work included the erection of the final fence posts forming a perimeter around the church and school, and we are told that our efforts have laid the foundation for securing this property in the coming weeks.

Our "boss man," Sergio, aligning the fence posts

While the work outside is quite demanding, the relationships among the missioners has grown and the load of each shovel full of dirt is lightened by humor and many hands.

Bishop Hector (crouching) with the digging crew

Likewise, the relationships among all of us and the children continues to flourish. Our departure from Estrada today was especially heartening, as we shared a noon time Eucharist service and a wonderful meal (on fine china) with our hosts.

Joseph and the "Amazing Technicolor Entourage"

The impact of this building project is growing with each trip, and we are all encouraged by the local participation of the parents and their families as the structure takes shape, and its uses can be imagined.

Our departure from Estrada and the accommodations at Earth University led us back to San Jose, where we were again greeted by Bishop Hector and his gracious wife, Sandra. Following worship and reflection in the Diocesan House chapel, we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Sandra and got ready for the long day of travel ahead tomorrow.

We are all looking forward to our return to Emmanuel and can't wait to share this experience with each of you in person. Thanks for following our adventure and for your prayers while we were away.

Written by: Marcia and Gary Krasicky

Thursday, Day 4

Hello to our dear family and friends. I told Meg I would do the blog tonight because, as a newcomer to this mission, I had to tell you that I am experiencing a life changing adventure. I had listened to many of the people who have come before, but I now know why they said that it was hard to explain the feelings they have about Estrada. Each morning I wake to the excitement of returning to the village, the villagers, and, MOST OF ALL, the amazing and precious children. Tomorrow will be a difficult day. Lynne, my sister, and I are concerned that the children we are packing to bring back may make too much noise or make our bags over 50 pounds! I wonder if children have to have a passport to leave Costa Rica. Adoption takes too long, and we are having trouble with their parents. Some people just won't let go! Michelle, I am bringing Deyner and we may have to share custody!!

Some of the beautiful children of Estrada

Today was a short day because we were travelling to Limon to visit the school where Rev. Irma Watson is now the principal. She was at our service on Sunday. It was a memorial service to honor the 10th anniversary of her father's death. During his life, he was a beloved person of Santiago. After visiting, St. Mark's School, we visited her church, San Marcos, in Limon. It was a charming and welcoming place, but needs much work. We were touched by the very young children in the back of the church who were learning English. As you can see in the picture below, SOME of the students were worn out!

Sleepy head John and his little buddy

Although we enjoyed our little excursion, we all agreed that we would have rather stayed in Estrada and work and teach. It is where our hearts are!

I must tell you how proud you would be if you saw the HARD work that is being done. I am in awe of our friends who are digging the trenches day after day. I have gone out to dig a few times, but for some reason they hide the shovels. That is fine, because my heart is filled daily with smiles, hugs and little blessings. I can still sweat in the Parish Hall. I must say that the language barrier with the children has been frustrating. It amazes me how patient they are with those of us teaching. We are especially touched by the way these children take care of each other. Each day we leave, I thank God for bringing us to this wonderful mission. As we pass the children on the street, waving and smiling, knowing that they will be wandering around, we see what God wants us to do. Soon, these children will be safe, will learn many new things, and know that the entire building is wrapped in love from the people of Emmanuel Church. Thanks be to God!

Oh, by the way, we all have a great recipe for rice and beans!!!

Written By: Sandy Lampros

Wednesday, Trip 4

Greetings from Earth University. It's not even 10 o'clock at night and I'm already ready for bed! We had another successful workday in Estrada, and I had the privilege of spending the afternoon working with the (large!) group of children who came to the parish hall for games and treats. The picture above is of two of the children... aren't they beautiful?!

The work we are doing (digging ditches, mixing concrete, carrying poles) is only a small part of the impact Emmanuel is having in the community. The children come everyday with so much enthusiasm to learn from us and experience all that we bring each day. Despite the language barrier, so much love is communicated between us and the kids everyday that I leave with my heart practically exploding everyday. Today as we pulled away from the work site, there were a group of about 7 or 8 kids waving goodbye outside my window of the bus. I opened it just so I could hold their hands and remind them to come back tomorrow. I told them I love them in my best Spanish and they just smiled. Their stories have impacted me deeply and I am so burdened to give them the best I have.

Rest assured that your friends from Emmanuel are making the most of our time here in Costa Rica. When we come together each night to reflect on our days, the heartbeat of our mission shines through, and we are honored to serve together.

Below are some pictures from today:

This is Marta and one of her new friends. She is a companion officer in the Diocese of Costa Rica and my roommate this week!

We had a blast with the May pole today! The kids were hilarious.

These four girls got dressed especially for their performance (an animated dance) around the May pole.

And last, but certainly not least, one of our epic adventures today when our bus got stuck in the mud.

Written by Caitlin Clendenin

Trip 4, Day 2

So here's the story: the blog from yesterday mysteriously disappeared. It told me that it posted, and then it disappeared. We're all pretty sad about this, but I (Meaghan) am particularly sad about this because there is nothing worse than having to re-write something you have already written!

Because of this inconvenience, I'm going to quickly highlight some of the great parts of yesterday and show you some pictures. The pictures are the best part anyway, right?

We had a great day of work yesterday. More cement mixing which is RIDICULOUSLY hard here. If you want to try it at home, take a shovel out to your back yard and then put your youngest child (ok, maybe your middle child if you still have an infant) in it and then try to lift them repeatedly. Oh, and try to simulate 85 degrees with humidity. It's really hard, is all I'm trying to say. Others in the group were doing still more difficult shovel work while they dug trenches where we were pouring our concrete. Still more of us worked in the building with a massive group of children. They did crafts, sang songs, and played games. We have more and more people at the work site every day, and the mood is joyful.

You'll see that we have posted a video below. The ground we are wheelbarrow-ing concrete over is extremely bumpy and hard to navigate, making an already challenging task even more difficult. At one point there is just a huge ditch full of water. Gary and John found two four inch lengths of cement (like a cement 2x4?) and rigged a bridge for us to get the wheelbarrow over. I felt compelled to try a balance beam routine, and the great Cait Clendenin offered a terrific commentary. I hope you enjoy the video! Here are the promised pictures:

Sandy showing a picture to Ishmael

The kids doing their crafts

Yesterday's craft

The Krasicky's

Mav on the bridge

The poles along the edge of the property

Joseph fanning Lynne off at the end of a long day
And finally, the balance beam routine:

TRIP 4!!!

Greetings to all our family members and friends back in North Carolina! This is the first blog entry for our February 2011 mission trip to Costa Rica, and we thank you for tuning in to hear about our trip.

For those of you who are reading about our project in Costa Rica for the first time, here is a brief introduction to the topic. Our Parish (Emmanuel Episcopal, Southern Pines) is working with the Santiago Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Costa Rica to build a school and parish hall in Estrada, Limon Province Costa Rica. The building, once completed, will be called Hogar Escuela (Home School) Estrada. Santiago Mission, and the school, are nestled amongst the banana plantations of Costa Rica. It is an area of tremendous natural beauty, and great need.

This is our fourth mission trip to Estrada, and our principal project will be to construct a fence around the church and school. We are inspired by the contributions of the teams which preceded us, the Parish-wide moral, spiritual and financial support of this important project and the support of our families back at home. We are having a wonderful experience and know that it would not be possible without you.

Our team members are Meaghan Kelly, Caitlan Clendenin, Marcia and Gary Krasicky, John Fessenden, Mav Hankey, Carolyn Giltzow, Cynthia Norwood, Sandy Lampros, Lynne Brown, Stuart Mills and Joseph Payne. We are also working closely with Marta Davis, the companion relationship officer of our own Diocese of Costa Rica.

We convened on Saturday morning early. After a brief prayer together in John Fessenden's driveway, we set off for Charlotte. From Charlotte Douglas we flew directly to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. We were met at the airport there by Marta, and our bus driver Marcos, and drove directly (with a brief stop for dinner at Rancho Robertos, an Emmanuel roadside favorite). to Earth University, where we are staying.

On Sunday morning we worshipped in the church at Santiago. The small church was filled. The congregation included 30 or more children, many of whom we knew from previous trips. We were made to feel extremely welcome. A beautiful lunch was provided afterwards in the new building which is looking awesome! After a tour of Earth, we ate dinner in the cafeteria, played a spirited game of "Truth, Truth, Lie" (a getting to know you game), read compline together and separated for some private time.

Today was our first day of work at the jobsite. Within a few minutes of our arrival at Santiago, two trucks arrived with construction materials for our project. These materials were purchased with funds provided by generous donations from our parish, and we worked together to unload and store away the materials. A natural circle was formed as we unloaded more than 1300 cinderblocks and stacked them alongside the new building.

We then separated into work teams. One team dug trenches to accomodate the fence around the property. Another team mixed concrete on the ground, hauled it to the trenches and placed the poles in the concrete. Others worked cleaning the jobsite of debris. We also hosted and entertained a group of local children in the new building.

All in all, it was hard but rewarding work. We are impressed by the accomplishments to date, but also very much aware of the additional work required. Over the course of the day we were all conscious of missing our loved ones back in the U.S. on this Valentines Day. We look forward to seeing all of you when we return on Saturday, February 19. More tommorrow . . .

In the meantime, here are some pictures from our trip so far:

The flowers at beautiful Earth University.

Two of the children of Estrada

Cait Clendenin with the local children

The building in its current form

Teenage Mutant Ninja Surgeon

The pile of cinderblocks we moved from the truck

Digging out the ditch for the foundation of the fence

Written by Stuart Mills