Shew....it has been a busy couple of days!

My last post was a few days ago because we've been so busy!  Friday we showed our work to Bishop Hector, who brought Rev. Sarah in town to join us.  After showing off the garden we headed over to the church (Santa Cruz) and shared Eucharist with the Bishop and all the members of the mission group.  Then we shared lunch and then loaded the bus and headed to Cahuita.

Cahuita is located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, south of the city of Limon.  It took about 2 1/2 hours from the town of Guacimo.  Upon arriving it was raining so it was hard to see where we were.  After unloading our luggage we went to dinner at a small restaurant.  The food was excellent.  I had a garlic fish with salad and rice.  Although we couldn't see much of what was around on the drive back to the hotel, we could definitely feel the humidity and hear the sounds of the rainforest.  Let's just say I was worried that I would have mold growing on me in the morning!  However, when we woke up (to fighting monkeys!) and the sun was shining, we could see the surroundings and we knew that it was an interesting place.  We walked around a little on the trails around to see some of what was around us. 

On to our snorkeling tour, and for my first time it was great!  Although I grew up on an island in the Chesapeake Bay, I've never tried snorkeling.  It was an amazing experience to swim along with the fish, see the creatures below, remember that I can't just put my feet down to stand up because of thousand year old coral that is growing below. It is amazing to see life that up close and personal that is not like anything you see on a regular basis.

After our great snorkeling we walked around the town of Cahuita for a little souvenir shopping then back on the bus for a ride back to Earth University.  After arriving back at Earth, we were greeted by the some adults from St. Mark's that have just arrived to Costa Rica for their mission trip.  We shared a little of what we had been up to, but tomorrow we plan to show the work that was completed during the week.

Another day in the Rainforest

It is now Thursday just after breakfast and I can definitely say that I'm tired!  The coffee here does help get past that, but my body is saying it has had enough sweat, blisters, sun burn, bug bites and humidity for a while!  But no worries, "Pura Vida", we will continue today and sweat a little more...okay a lot more... and plant more plants and "building community in the way of Christ!"

Here are some pictures of yesterday's work:

A lot of planting around the perimeter of the playground as well as the new community garden.

This is the way they transport bananas from the fields to the factory that is located on campus.

Mmmm...coffee!

 After a good night's sleep (with the help of a little benedryl and aleve!) I am ready to tackle another day in the rainforest.  I'm really hoping that the ants and mosquitos are finished feasting on all of us and we don't come back with more bites today.
We just returned from breakfast, with of course, more rice and beans, cheese tortilla and the BEST coffee!  In a few minutes we will be heading out back to Guacimo to continue working on the community garden.  The plan today is to have some more soil brought in and mark out the beds that will be within the large area that we cleared.  We also have a little more ditch digging to allow for proper drainage.  If you remember back to the first trip we did dig a ditch there to lay a foundation for a wall, however this is just a small ditch to allow for runoff and the good news is we started it yesterday and it shouldn't take that long today.  We also hope to get it done before the next rainstorm comes through!

FYI...The picture that is currently on the background of the blog is from my first trip here to Costa Rica back in July 2008.  It is of the church of Santa Cruz where we spent a lot of our work time.  After a quick visit yesterday it was great to see it all completed.  I'll try to post some pictures when I have a little more time.

Don't forget to check out the St. Mark's Youth Blog!

So due to time issues and limited computers I haven't been able to detail our trip as well as in the past.  However...there is good news!  The youth have been using my computer to blog on their blog so I refer you again to check out their space... costarica2011stmarksyouth.blogspot.com

Just a quick note...

We are about to head to Germania for some games with the local youth so I don't have much time to write.  But all is going well and we have cleared out a section of land to be used as a community garden at the Parish House in Guacimo.  Tomorrow we plan to plant whatever the expert from Earth University deems appropriate.  Can't wait!

We have arrived!

So after some delays in Charlotte, we were finally able to board 2 hours later than our original departure.  With that brought a few more delays throughout the day, but we finally made it to "Rancho Robertos" for some much needed dinner!
We then made it to Earth University at around 9:30 local time and we all were definitely ready for some sleep.
Now we are headed over to begin work in Guacimo. I'll be in touch!

After a great pre-trip lunch...

So yesterday the Costa Rica group met to finalize the plans, ask questions, share comments, and share lunch.  The group is curious, excited, and ready to take on this mission trip. 
There will also be a blog that will have posts by the youth throughout the trip, so feel free to check theirs out at:  http://costarica2011stmarksyouth.blogspot.com/
As for me...it's back to cleaning and packing!

Time to dust off the blog!

It has been a while, but it's summer so of course I have some blogging to do! A visit to MD to see the family, one trip to Canada already in the books, and now heading to the New River in NC to do a little camping and tubing. Then the following week I'm off to Costa Rica...AGAIN!!!!!

El fin de un buen semana

Today proved to be a powerful end to a great week of mission work. It began with a great breakfast here at the Diocesan House with Bishop Monterrosa. Then we loaded the bus with our great driver Mauricio, and headed to the spot in the city of Heredia where a Jogar Esculea is planned. This Jogar Escuela is a unique idea that the Diocese of Costa Rica is a driving force behind. The idea is that neighborhood families will have a place to be fed physically as well as educationally. In fact we hope to support the same idea in the town of Guacimo where we have been working closely with Father Pedro and his 2 churches.

After visiting the Jogar Escuela site, we were off to Cafe Britt for a tour of the coffee plantation and the factory where their coffee is roasted. What a great tour for me to go on! Incase you haven't heard, I love coffee and now I understand the reason why so much more! In fact to make sure I could buy enough, I am having the coffee shipped home this trip! Yay for not having to throw out more stuff to make room for 5 pounds of coffee!

The last stop on our day of adventure was downtown San Jose where we first shopped in the marketplace with the local arts and crafts. Then after a little shopping, the we walked about 5 blocks to the National Theater, however it was closed. Then walked to the National Cathedral which was quite a site to see.

Overall San Jose is a very busy and vibrant place to be. And for those of you that think you have traffic problems...just spend one day in San Jose, Costa Rica...you may change your idea of what traffic really is, especially you Charlotte drivers!

Tomorrow brings our final morning in San Jose. Up early to first stop at an up and running Jogar Escuela in el Barrio de Cuba. Then it is back to the airport to head back to Charlotte to spread the word of our work and share with others the experience of being a missionary!

now for some sightseeing

So now we´ve made it back to San Jose and had a great night in the newly converted Diocesan House. It is an amazing difference compared to the last time we were here in 2008.

Today´s agenda is a tour around San Jose, including a stop at a Jogar Escuela, tour of Cafe Britt coffee factory...yummm!!!, and then a BBQ and fun back at the Diocesan House.

Weather report...last night chilly and only about 60 degrees, today should be about 80 but less humid than Guacimo

El fin de dia 4

Another accomplished day of mission work has come to an end. The day was full of grout for all the floor tile that has been laid the last few days. Hand mixed cement was also on the menu today, to continue setting the new altar.

We are about to gather for dinner, but tonight instead of dinner here at the hotel, we are venturing out to a local restaurant called Las Tilapias. Stay tuned to hear how delicious it was!

Tomorrow´s plan includes a little more work at Santa Cruz then off to San Jose to spend the next few nights at the Diocesan house.

Weather report: mostly sunny and about 75-80 degrees, however now we are experiencing a few showers

Day 3 complete

Another day is completed here in Guacimo, Costa Rica. This morning we began the day with a great eucharist at Santa Cruz with Father Pedro and his congregation. It was good to see some familiar faces as well as some new ones. After a great lunch prepared by the parishoners we were back to work.

We have completed a lot of work in our short time here and we still have a list of projects to keep us going in the next couple of days. Today many projects were going, including more floor tiling, more concrete mixing for a new altar, and preparations for a previous unused space to be better utilized.

The close of the day brought great reflection and guidance into our mission and what plans we have when we return to our home. Thanks again for all of those who are taking care of the work at home and sending prayers our way.

Day 2 is complete

This morning started off with great excitment and direction after having a full day of work yesterday and knowing what was in store for us. We headed to Santa Cruz and began working on the projects that we started yesterday. This means more tiling! After beginning the morning hand mixing concrete under the warm Costa Rican sun, I did take some time to lay a few more floor tile. So needless to say, I am a little sore. However, I feel great about the work we are doing and why we are here.

Tomorrow we will attend church with the members of Santa Cruz, however due to the ongoing projects that have the church in disarray, we will have church over in the parish house. Then following church and lunch with the congregation, we will be back to work!

Thanks to all of those St. Marks members who have sent warm thoughts and prayers on the computer and in other ways. We all appreciate your support and prayers!

Back from Day 1

So we´ve made it back from Day 1 work. We started off with a great breakfast of coffee, eggs, tomatoes, and of course rice and beans. The we loaded the bus and headed to Santa Cruz to scope out our jobsite. After a reunion with Father Pedro and his wife at the Parish House, we were off to the church to begin work. Today´s focus was tile! We demolished the orignial altar and then proceeded to clean and prepare the whole church for new floor tile. A major section was completed, but we still have more to finish tomorrow.

Weather report: sunny!!!!! and warm!!!! It has been a lot less humid than the last time I was here in July....about 75-80 degrees and blue sky.

Costa Rica, Here I am!

After a long day of travel, 4 hour plan ride, 2 hour bus ride,and a brief dinner stop, we made it to Guacimo to our hotel, Hotel Talamanca. This morning brings on our first day of work at the church and Parish House at Santa Cruz.

And just because I have to mention it...it is 7a.m. here and about 70 degrees and sunny! I´m layering the sunscreen today because I know I´ll be as red as a lobster if I don´t!

Preparing for Costa Rica!

It is hard to believe but a week from now I will be headed back to Costa Rica to continue the mission work that we began back in July 2008. 13 adults from St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Huntersville, NC leave Thursday January 14, 2010. Please pray for our safe travels and "building community and living in the way of Christ."

Please follow us on the web via my blog and our group's blog:

http://stmarkscostarica2010.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

Back to School 2009

It is that time of year...Back to School! That pretty much means that I'll be hanging around Charlotte, except for those few trips to Blacksburg of course! Tomorrow is the first day with all my lil' kindergartners. Wish me luck!

September will be a busy month starting with next weekend's 125th celebration at St. Mark's Episcopal Church Huntersville. Dad is coming in town to use his expertise to prepare a memorable pig roast!

After that a big trip to Charleston, SC to celebrate Robyn's 30th!!! Wahoo!!! Can't wait!!! I love Charleston!!!

Women of Faith conference

Today finds me on the Eastern Shore of Maryland at my Ma's house. I'm trying to pack for a quick trip to D.C. to the Women of Faith conference with my G-ma. My grandparents will be here to pick me up shortly and I'm struggling with what to pack! Why is it so difficult??!!

Back from Asheville

Back from a great mission trip to Asheville, NC. We ended up working at The Veterans Restoration Quarters and Transitional Housing is a very unique facility that was created by the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry. It is an old hotel that has been turned into a facility for veterans to get back on track after finding themselves in dire situations. The program is developed to provide resources to assist veterans to get back in their community.

I felt extremely blessed to be a part of this unique opportunity. It opened my eyes to the fact that there are many veterans that have difficutly transitioning back into society because of the hardships they face when they return from war. There were many different types of men, young and old, those with physical injuries and those with mental injuries, fathers and brothers. However, these men all have the same thing in common-difficulty tranisitioning back into society. These men risked their life for us in so many ways by being a soldier and we need to continue to address the needs of these men (and women) to enusre that we thank them for their service to our country.

If you are interested in reading more about this ministry please see their website - http://www.abccm.org/vets-place.html .

Youth Mission Trip 2009

This Sunday we are off to Asheville, NC to work with The Timothy Project. We are taking 13 youth and 4 adults to work on whatever The Timothy Project needs us to do. It looks like we'll be constructing porches, ramps and doing some painting. We'll see what is in store when we arrive for our first workday on Monday.

After 4 days of work then we get to take a break and go to a Mercy Me concert at the Biltmore Estate! Then a day of white water rafting to follow on Friday!

If we have internet access I'll try to post pictures and update the blog.