Costa Rica Day 8

First part of relaxing-sleeping in!! We got up at 8 a.m., went to the restaurant at the hotel for breakfast.

Breakfast: rice and black beans, eggs, french toast, regular toast, some sort of pork sausage in small pieces, coffee, banana, watermelon, papaya, pineapple

After breakfast we loaded the bus by 9:30 a.m. Our destination was the zip line. Omar set-up the reservation so none of us really knew what to expect. He mentioned something about a Tarzan swing and I thought I may have to opt out of that! So when we arrived a guide greeted us on the busy and had us immediately sign a waiver to ensure that they weren't responsible for any injuries or death! YIKES! Then we got off the bus and began getting into our harnesses. At this point I'm excited, we are all talking about how silly we look and taking lots of pictures.

Then we walk over to a practice line and one of the guides discusses the rules and explains how to maneuver. Then we each take a practice run and as I am waiting I begin to get nervous and question everything!!! Where do I put my hand??? What are the three signals we need to know??? Why in the world am I doing this???!!! Then after practicing we loaded onto the back of the truck onto seats and rode to the 1st platform. It was quite a winding road and I was on the side of the truck which meant I was staring at the side of the mountain/volcano the entire way up. Once we got to the 1st platform, I got even more nervous because I was feeling a little carsick. However I toughed it out and we began the trek through on the zip lines. HOLY COW!!! CRAZY!!! Each time, 17 platforms, I shook like a leaf, questioned everything and debated turning back. But I stuck with it, even after running into the tree, and when it came time for our group to do the Tarzan swing I thought to myself, 'I better do this, because if I don't I may regret it when I get back to Charlotte.' So everyone in our group that was going to go went and then it was my turn! I stepped onto the platform, happened to look down and my legs turned to jello! I began to get harnessed in and really contemplated not doing it.

BUT I am sooooo glad that I stepped up and did it, even if the guide had to tell me 3 times to let go of the side and put my hands on the harness! Let's just say that I was given points by the youth for my screaming! After the initial fall and I could open my eyes, I was completely flabbergasted at what I was doing, where I was and how awesome it all was! When the guides at the bottom were able to stop me from swinging I must have looked wide eyed and amazed because the asked me how it was and I couldn't describe it! In fact I couldn't even speak!

After the Tarzan swing there were about 4 more platforms left and I tried harder to look around more and take in the scenery. When we made it to the end I walked over to get the harness off and she asked what drink I would like. She began listing drinks and I stopped her the second after she said beer! I thought it would be the best thing to calm my nerves! And yes...I bought the T-shirt that said 'I survived the Tarzan swing!' and we have a CD with our pictures and videos that we purchased from the company.

Then back on the bus to the next activity of the day-mineral hot springs! We went to Baldi Resort and Springs where we bought a pass to go to the approximately 20 pools across the resort. Unfortunately it was cloudy so we were unable to see the top of the volcano all day but it was a neat experience to feel the natural spring water that comes out of the volcano.

After spending the afternoon there we headed to the hotel for a quick shower then back on the bus to drive to town for dinner. The plan was for the entire group to eat together which stemmed from a coincidental meeting between a couple of men from our group talking to a man in town who happened to know Roger, the Bishop's assistant. This man happened to own a restaurant, Down to Earth, and suggested that he prepare a special menu just for our group.

Dinner was delicious! What a treat, to be able to have a special menu to order from and then Matise, the owner, opened his store so we could all buy coffee and gifts.

Then after dinner we walked around La Fortuna for a little but then back to the Hotel Cabanitas for more charades!

Costa Rica Day 7

So we have completed the work portion of the trip, now for some relaxation and adventure! Breakfast at 7 a.m. then back to pack up to check out and load the bus for a 3 hour drive to La Fortuna.

Breakfast: rice and beans, scrambled eggs, soft tortillas, sliced ham

We took a pit stop at Restaurante Las Iguanas where I got some mentha ice cream (kinda like peppermint). We also saw some huge iguanas sitting in the trees.

Back on the bus for about 40 more minutes to our hotel and the town of La Fortuna. We could not check in until 2 p.m. so we went to town to get lunch and walk around a little. We ate at a "pizzaria" which also had other food as well.

Lunch: super taco (like a taquito), fries, shredded cabbage, and coke light

Back on the bus to officially check in to the hotel, Hotel Cabanitas. The little cabins are so cute!

Each pair has a cabin to themselves. Our cabin has 3 beds. Everyone seemed really happy that we had clean sheets, clean towels and water pressure in the shower!

After hanging out for a little around the hotel, we met as a whole group to decide our adventures for tomorrow. After much deliberation, we are heading to the zip line in the morning and then to the mineral springs. Then as a youth group and Rev. Sarah we headed back down to "main street" La Fortuna for dinner. We found a restaurant called Lava Lounge where we all had a variety of Costa Rican and American food. After dinner we did a little touring of souvenir shops then back to the hotel.

Once we were back we POW'd and WOW'd with Rev. Sarah and then played charades. Overall it seems as though everyone is disappointed by the large amount of rain and not being able to see the volcano and because it hindered the completion of some of the projects at the worksite. However we have enjoyed the bonding time and all the opportunities we have had to be together as a group.

Costa Rica Day 6

Same routine...up at 6:30 a.m., breakfast at 7:00...okay so maybe it is beginning to seem like 'Groundhog Day'! Today is the last day of the work week so it should be different the next few days.

Breakfast: rice & beans, sliced ham, cheese, coffee, tampico

At the worksite by 8:30 a.m., digging out mud from the trench by 8:45 a.m. The tedious task of grabbing the dirt out by hand became rather daunting. The sun was hot and there was not a breeze to be had. Finally the trench was ready for more concrete. The rest of the group mixed while Greg and I stayed out at the trench as foreman. After about 2 hours the whole process was finished. Then onto continuing the back wall of the Sunday School building. Mike and crew began placing the mortar and cinder blocks to continue building the wall to the ceiling. At noon we stopped for lunch at the Parish House.

Marvin was looking for someone to help him with a project and the nearest person happened to be Wes. The next thing I knew I saw Wes climbing onto the bell tower!

Lunch: creamy chicken, rice, black beans, plantains, ceviche, salad and star fruit juice

The ladies shared some of the projects they have been working on throughout the week with Gretchen and Sally and the new sewing machines.

We headed back over to the church and continued working. I took down the rebar supports from the trench. Shortly after I finished it began pouring! We all gathered in the Sunday School building and helped wherever and whenever we could.


We began cleaning up at 2:00 to leave by 2:30 to go visit at San Lucas to see the work that was completed there. After cleaning as best we could we took many pictures of us and the work we completed.

We loaded the bus and headed to San Lucas, which is about 15 kilometers away from Santa Cruz. When we got there, the other half of our group that had been working there all week were all cleaned up and ready. They showed us the painting that they completed inside the entire Parish Hall and the tiled floor of the kitchen. The appliances are going to be delivered later today. After admiring their work we boarded the bus back to the hotel. We had 45 minutes to shower and dress and then be back down to the bus to go back to Santa Cruz for a small ceremony at the Parish House. However, we did make a brief 2 minute stop to see the pineapple field up close.

At the ceremony Father Pedro expressed his gratitude and appreciation for all that we did. The ladies of the church presented us with a small gift of a plastic canvas church with a bell attached (since we helped buy the bell that replaced the former bell the was stolen). Then our group presented small gifts to Father Pedro and the church. Then the youth gave the gifts they brought to the children of the church including soccer balls, soccer goals, Frisbees, playground balls, etc. Then as a special surprise...a real live Mariachi Band!!!! They came in and played for an hour! All were dancing and having a great time. Even Marvin, the contractor, and Omar, our bus driver, were out dancing!

Then back on the bus to go to Earth University. There we were to have a BBQ. After a brief tour around the campus we learned that students from many different countries attend the university to learn how to use their land for crops, etc. They are assigned a certain # of hectares and they are responsible for the entire process of growing and selling their product. The money they make goes to pay for the use of the land.

We ended up at a pavillion where a bunch of tables were set up for dinner. We found a seat then got in line for drinks and food, buffet style.

Dinner: steak, chicken, pork sausage, salad with hearts of palm and avocados!!!, warm tortillas, salsa, pinto beans, vanilla cream cake with whipped cream and fresh strawberries -IT WAS DELICIOUS!!!

After dinner some of the students presented us with many traditional dances from their native countries, including Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Ecuador, and Bolivia. After the dances, they invited us to get up and dance. Some of the group got up and received lessons from the dancers.

Then we loaded the bus to head back to the hotel but we ended up stuck in the mud! After a coupld of attempts to get pulled out by an SUV Land Cruiser, the men of our roup go out and helped push the bus and eventually it worked! So we loaded back on the bus and headed back to our last night at Hotel Talamanca Pococi.

Costa Rica Day 5

Again, the same beginning as yesterday...up at 6:30 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m.

Breakfast: cereal, rice, sausage, plantains, coffee

Began work by planning out what we expected to accomplish. The decision was to place rebar forms into place in the trench and then mix the concrete to pour into the trench. Almost all of our group was involved in the mixing,k while a few were still working on the mural. We were able to complete about 1/2 of the trench before lunch. I was working as the "foreman", moving the concrete about in order to have a level surface. Our contractor, Marvin, was trying very hard to complete many things at once, but all the while letting us help. He is doing a great job trying to use our language when teaching us how to do something.

We took a break for lunch again at the Parish House and when we arrived some of the neighborhood women were finishing their sewing projects so we were able to see what they have completed. They all seemed excited to share the clothes they made, as well as the jewelry that they also made with Suzanne from our group.

Lunch: beef fajitas, rice, black beans, salad, warm potato salad, fresh squeezed orange juice

After a somewhat quick lunch we were back to work, mixing concrete and me back to working it around in the trench. Low and behold a huge thunderstorm came along with a huge downpour. As soon as it began we were afraid what would happen to the fresh cement.

As it continued to rain, we became disappointed at the fact that our trench was now a moat! Since the rain was coming down so hard we all worked in the Sunday school building (the one made of concrete and chain link fence) mixing concrete that would be used to build up the back wall. After one layer was completed it was about time to clean up for the day.
The rain was still coming down, but only a drizzle.

We loaded up the bus and headed back to the hotel. After showering away the dirt, sweat and concrete off, I sat down at the pool with the adults and played the Tabletopics game. Dinner was ready early so we only played a few questions.

Dinner: fried fish, rice, black beans, zucchini, salad and some dense fudge/cake piece

After dinner the youth led the compline service, then broke to do their own seperate POW's and WOW's. My POW was watching the trench flood and my WOW was seeing everyone try and work together during the rain to complete as much as we could as a whole.

Costa Rica Day 4

Same beginning as yesterday...up @ 6:30 a.m., get dressed and then down to breakfast at 7 a.m.

Breakfast: fresh pineapple, watermelon, bread, rice, scrambled eggs with ham, coffee, tampico

After breakfast, off we went to our jobsites. Our mission today - paint mural, finish sidewalk, mix and pour concrete in the trench to begin building up back wall. Overall, lots of concrete!

When we arrived we were able to finish the sidewalk, however, we were stalled due to rebar posts not being completed for the trench for the fence. So while waiting we all took turns painting the mural.

Lunch: more plantains! YUM!, fried fish, black beans and rice, salad mixture, some other salad/casserole, star fruit juice (delicious!), flan

After lunch we returned to church for more painting on the mural and since we were still unable to mix more concrete, we sat in church during a small thunderstorm and talked about random stuff (getting to know each other-the youth and I). Our adventures on the way back to the hotel included a stop at the "Mega Super" for some to buy snacks, etc. Then a whole group trip for ice cream at Pops, the same place we went to last night. Then back to the hotel for rest and relaxation.

Dinner: chicken, mashed potatoes with whole green olives, salad, rice and some sort of cake with chocolate icing

Later I played Tabletopics game with the youth where everyone would answer the same question which helped us get to know each other more.

POW's and WOW's: My POW was the down time when we could have been more productive, but WOW is how Roger and Omar have been so hospitable by checking to make sure we have everything we need.

Costa Rica Day 3

Up at 6:30 a.m., put on work clothes and down to breakfast at 7 a.m.

Breakfast: fresh papaya, watermelon, banana, cornflakes, rice and black beans, scrambled eggs and sliced ham (like lunchmeat), coffee!

Then on the bus at 7:45 a.m. to head to the worksites. I was assigned to the group at Santa Cruz. We began by planning the mural wall. After a struggle over measurements, Daphne was able to begin transferrring the design onto the wall. She was able to complete the outline by the end of the day!

Other projects at Santa Cruz included a second coat of paint on the exterior walls that were completed yesterday (I did this for a while), digging a trench that will be used to build a fence, and continuing the sidewalk that was started yesterday (I worked on this project as well). Hand mixing concrete proved to be labor intensive, but the youth, Amy and I worked diligently to complete as much as possible. We were told by the contractor helping us that if we used a mixer out in the front of the church to mix the concrete we would have to pay a tax, probably like having to have a permit for home improvement projects in the states.

Lunch: catered by outside company and it was delicious! rice, plantains, salad, sweet and sour salsa (?), and cas (drink-gritty texture, kind of sweet, little sour)

After lunch we returned to work site (lunch was served at Parish House. We worked for about 1 1/2 hours then cleaned up. One the way back we stopped at "Mega Super" and bought a few snacks to try, then back to the hotel for a little relaxing. I took a dip in the pool to stretch out my muscles a little from all that hard labor of mixing concrete!

Dinner at 7 p.m.: another American style dish-lasagna, salad, corn and some other vegetable mixture, squash and carrots and cinnamon ice cream over mixed fruit for dessert

After dinner the youth and I took a hired van and driver to find ice cream. Herbert, our driver, took us on a mini scenic drive to an ice cream stand where we all enjoyed a taste of local ice cream in Guapiles.

Then we came back together with the adults for a compline service. Together we shared our high and low moments from the trip so far. I shared that the neighbor next to the church came outside to clean her yard as we we working, then saw we enjoyed the music she was playing so she continued to play it loud while we worked. It really helped keep us going! She was also able to answer questions about the crazy mosquito spraying that forced us to evacuate our work site for 10 minutes! She even jumped in the trench with Jeff and began digging!

Costa Rica Day 2

Awake at 6:30 a.m. then down to breakfast at 7 a.m.
Breakfast: traditional American style-bacon, eggs, white bread, cornflakes, bananas, pineapple (YUMMO!)

Left for church at Santa Cruz at 10:30 a.m. on bus driven by Omar. First stop at the Parish House which is where Father Pedro and his wife Norma live upstairs. Then back on the bus to head over to the chruch on the next street over. We attended church @ 11:30 a.m. The pews were made of wood and creaking a lot! 3 small fans were strategically placed around the room, however it was extremely warm! The service started 10 minutes late due to Father Pedro asking Reverend Sarah and Deacon Jane to participate in the service.

The bulletin included the entire service (no prayer books were used) in both english and spanish. During the peace we were greeted by many english speaking people (surprising). Towards the end of the service we were given a special presentation by the children of the church. About 6 children walked to the front to begin performing, however only 2 girls (approximately 4-6 years old) remained. They did the hand motions to a song that was played by CD in the background. It was so precious! Then Father Pedro brought out the bell that we will be working on mounting to the top of the bell tower that was completed by a church that was at Santa Cruz before us. After the service all were welcomed to the "church school" (concrete building with chain link fence) for lunch.

Lunch: chicken, rice, warm cassarole with beets, mayo, potatoes, and flan for dessert

Immediately after lunch we walked back over to Father Pedro's house, quickly changed, walked back to Santa Curz and began working.

My first assignment-move cinder blocks from front yard of church to back yard of church! My second assignment-paint! lots and lots of exterior paint!

After completeing about 4 hours of work, we cleaned up and drove to the other location, San Lucas, where a team of our group will begin working tomorrow. Another church from our diocese has completed work there, however there is still more to be done.

Then back to our hotel for a quick shower and then down to dinner at 7 p.m.

Dinner: rice, marinated beef, steamed cauliflower w/carrots, some other vegetable (?), baked potato, salad, sliced tomato, and fried plantains for dessert

After dinner we attempted to find ice cream around the corner at the Burger King (!), however there was no ice cream! Just my luck...seriously! Instead we all came back and pigged out on our snack bags and played charades.

POW's and WOW's-overall food still good, wish could have gotten ice cream!
My WOW moment was when Father Pedro said the Nicene Creed in english although he does not speak much english.

Costa Rica Day 1

Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica @ 1:30 p.m.
Weather: Cloudy, drizzle, then downright rain!

Omar, our hired bus driver for the week, piled all our luggage on the roof of our bus and covered with tarp, all the while the rain came pouring down! Then onto our hotel for the next 6 nights. About 2 hours later we arrive at Hotel Talamarica Pococi. During the ride only one person suffered from motion sickness from the ride up and down the mountains and through the rainforest.

Dinner: rice, marinated chicken, steamed cauliflower, lettuce and carrot mixture (salad), sliced tomatoes
Dessert: flan

After dinner discussions between adults and game playing by youth (the game of spoons).

POWs and WOWs with the youth before bed- to share good and bad things/happenings fromt he day: overall-food good and not many POWs

P.S. still not sure about the ice! ¿safe or unsafe?