Una dia de construcion

Today was a very productive day. We limpiarlo (cleaned it), cortarlo (cut it), and soldarlo (welded it). It being metal supports for the building. We also painted the metal. The Costa Rican people (Ticos) made us a wonderful meal of chicken, rice, beans, salad, cooked plantains, and really good tea for lunch. On the way to the work site and on the way home, some of the team members got to see a group of monkeys playing in the trees. For dinner, we also had a muy bueno (very good) meal. We had spaghetti and toast made over an open fire. Some of the Ticos got to join us for dinner and devotion. Paul closed the night with a devotion with on taking care of God's people.

Comprehensive Blog (Wednesday and Thursday)

I am going to blog for yesterday and today because that is how it happened, it has been one long day meshed together.

Our mission team met at SPC on Wednesday morning around 5:00 am. We left for the airport, made it to Costa Rica around 3:30 pm (SC time), and eventually made it to our home location at about 7:00 am (CR time).

The real adventure falls between getting off the airplane in Costa Rica and arriving at our hotel. After our 46+ bags were loaded into our 2 vans and 1 SUV, we were ready for the 4 hour drive to Upala. Little did we know that we would encounter many challenges. Sparring the details, at the end of the night it was obvious that God had us in his protection. We experienced around 11 hours of driving, critical roads being closed because of the bridge being washed out, a ferry ride, tons of bonding, VERY bumpy and steep roads, rain, and a few extra obstacles.

Once we arrived at our hotel in Upala, the vans were unpacked, a short meeting was held, and everyone went to bed. In the afternoon, a group of our team went and scoped out our work sight for the week for better preparation and use of time.

Needless to say, God's alternative route has kept us alive and safe.

We had two good devotions today from Wayne and Sandy with the CCI pastor. Wayne challenged us to find our purpose for being here and living it out. The CCI pastor read us scripture and explained that every job was important and we all needed to work together cheerfully, because one bad fly can make the purfume stink.

Estamos Aqui!

We have arrived at our home in Costa Rica. It is about 7:00 in the morning Costa Rica time (9:00 am SC time). What an adventure we have had; sink holes...hours of driving...and rain. Thank goodness for the protection of God and our awesome drivers.

Packing Tools, Clothes, and Supplies

Packing (or stuffing) clothes!

Please be under 50 lbs!

Can we fit anything else in?

Thank you for your donations!

Teamwork!

Thank you to everyone who donated their extra luggage for our trip. Your suitcases are now packed with clothing donations to take to the people of Costa Rica.

A Pre-Trip Social

The mission team gathered together for pot luck, fellowship, and to meet Stacy Finley, a team member from North Carolina.

Our Home for a Week!

Our exact location is: 25 meter south from Popular Banc, Upala, Alajuela, Costa Rica

Website: http://www.hotelmarakabu.com

A Letter from the Pastor of CCI, Rolando Soto

The construction of the Church has begun. The dimensions of the building are 20m (~65ft) across the front and 30m(~98ft) on the sides, for a total of 600m² (6458 ft²)! This area will be divided into m auditorium and class rooms. There will be a 2.5m wide door on the front, on the right side a 2m wide door and a 1m wide door. On the left side an additional 2m wide door. The concrete foundation is in and is 30cm wide and ranges from 40cm to 1.5m deep and has 8 runs of #3 rebar in the concrete. They have the rebar columns in place. They have laid 7 courses of block. The floor will be at the level of the fourth course as the first three courses are to be back filled to raise the level of the floor. For the next steps, the brothers plan to build the concrete columns to a height of 2.9m. They are going to have columns/beams combined of metal and concrete. The metal has to be painted. We are studying what is best for us to do. If we work metal, it is possible that we will need to do it in another location? There is a believer that lives in Bijaqua, Mr. William Harding. He offered the use of his welding machines and other tools that he has in his hardware store and offered his trucks to transport the structures. We also have two welding machines that we can carry to Mexico de Upala. I am consulting our people in order to figure out what we can do to make the best of our work days. I hope to have a more definite answer Tuesday, July 20. I understand that you have already made a reservation for a hotel in Upala. Please let us know if you need anything else. I want to organize an activity at CCI to say good-bye to the group. Do you think this would be possible Tuesday night? We pray to the Lord that this mission trip will be of great benefit, and that we will glorify God with our action. Please let me know if there is anything that you need. Is there any information needed by the brothers and sisters. Dr. David Varela is awaiting a call. He is ready to help in whatever is needed. He and the other Doctor, Alvaro, will participate in the Journey. I appreciate very much this relationship and this opportunity to grow with you all. Salutations to your family and the participants in this journey.