July 18-23 2008 Mission Trip
July 18, 2008
Today on July 18, 2008 we began our trip bright and early headed to Columbia, SC. We got everything checked and were on our way. (For the record this is my first time flying). We got on a small plane that had a thirty minute wait on the run way. This was good for the team because it was a way for us to get to know each other. We finally were on our way to Charlotte, NC. We had to RUN to get to our next flight which we all made in record time. Then we went to Camp Brittney where we met the staff. Yes, we’re tired, but we are ready to get the show on the road. We are ready to start sharing Jesus with others. Please to continue to keep us and the people of Costa Rica in your prayers.
God Bless You All,
Caleb Polatty
July 20, 2008
This morning after we had our cold showers we headed down for breakfast. Then it was off to pastor Yeremy’s church for Sunday School and Preaching. During preaching part of our group took the children outside and had children’s church with them, while the rest of us stayed in and listened to Alanzo speak about the Strom Bible Institute that will be starting in March 2009. Alanzo also did the sermon, he spoke about how we need to fully rely on God for everything and not worry about anything because God is the one who in control and knows what is best for us.
After church we headed back to camp to change our clothes and get ready for the day’s adventures. Most of the group went shopping in Sarchi while the others went to see a volcano. When everyone was back at camp we all pitched in and helped Nanny prepare supper. Then it was off to bed…for most of us at least, we night owls stayed up a little longer playing cards and talking about everything that has and is yet to go on.
It is truly amazing to see how God works through tragedies and to see Brittney’s calling live on here in Costa Rica. I was blessed to share Brittney’s experience with her, and God has also blessed me by allowing me to be here with her family. To see how they have fallen in love with Costa Rica and the people here in the same way Brittney did is amazing. They are so selfless about everything in that they want to make sure that everything here is done for HIS name not just her memory. It was a blessing to finally meet her family and hear the stories they shared about her and her family.
Joni
July 21, 2008
When I begin to describe today in Costa Rica, the one word that comes to mind is "emotional." Many emotions were exchanged among our group as well as with the people of Los Guidos and Los Cuadros. We began our day bright and early and I personally was awakened by some loud snoring. Mr. Jon and Mrs. Pansy prepared us a wonderful breakfast and Mrs. Annelle presented us with a sunny piece of encouragement from the Bible. Then we left Camp Brittney and headed out for Los Guidos. While we were there many things took place. We provided a couple of needy families with sacks of food and this was purchased with the money that the children of Good Hope Baptist selflessly donated. For this, the group and the families are forever grateful. In addition to this I was able to visit with two of my pen pals, Tiffany and George, and give them each a package that I had prepared full of love and thought. This was a time that meant alot to me and really touched my heart. We also went down to one of the poorest neighborhoods in Los Guidos. If I had to compare the physical condition of this place to something in the US I would compare it to a trash dump. However the atttitude of the kids living there is so sweet and bubbly and rather encouraging to me because it makes me rethink when I start to complain about my own problems. Mama always said, "Just when you think you got it bad there is always someone is a worse off situation." And this I experienced today. We ate lunch at El Lugar, Chino's church, then we left for another area, Los Cuadros. This area is especially unique to me because the knowledge and attention span of the children is beyond expectation. We came back to El Lugar for dinner and after that we all returned to Camp Brittney to shower and to soon get off to sleep to start the day bright and early again tomorrow. I would like to thank everyone who has prayed for us and supported us and the people of Costa Rica. God is really working in miraculous ways. I love you!
Kayla Ann Abney
July 21, 2008
Words cannot explain the emotions I was overcome with today...but I will try. I have fallen in love with the land and the people of Costa Rica. Today was definitely one of mixed emotions. We had the opportunity to visit Mark and Meg (Kuzdas) and we met and spent time with their visiting mission team from Penn. We had lunch with them at the mission house and from there traveled to Tejarcillos. This is where my eyes were opened and my heart forever changed.
As we walked through this poverty stricken area my heart ached. To think of all that I have and to realize how spoiled and ungrateful I can be was hard to accept. Seeing all the beautiful children who have nothing , but through it all never stopped smiling was truly a blessing. To be able to share in their excitement as we played and sang songs, and seeing how intently they listened to Gods word as we studied and reviewed Bible verses with them was truly amazing.
Megan Dolittle
July 22, 2008
When you say the word Costa Rica so many thought come to my mind; but of all of the thought I believe the most important is Love. I feel so much love for the people of Costa Rica. My heart firstly belongs to God always and my family is VERY important to me. However a part of my heart will forever belong to the people of Costa Rica!
Today we were allowed the privilege to go to a school in the mountains of Atenas. It took us quite a long time to drive to the school, but oh man was it worth it. The part of Atenas that we went to does not have a Christian church in it; so the plan was for us to show the love of Christ to the children of this school. Pastor Yeromy really wants to start a bible study every Thursday night in this town. It will be very difficult for him because he doesn’t have a car, so he will be taking public transportation in order to make this happen. Please keep him in your prayers. While at school we were able to experience true Costa Rican culture. The children were learning how to perform a typical Costa Rican dance. When they were finished Mr.Lyn was able to grab the attention of the children by doing a few tricks with a broom. They were very amazed by him. After this Daniella and Kayla were able to lead the children in a Spanish song with motions. Next Yeromy told the children the story of David and Goliath and how it is important to trust in God. He used two of the children to illustrate the story. Before we left we handed out school supplies, cookie bags, and candy to the children. You could tell that it really meant a lot to the children.
After leaving the school Pastor Yeormy wanted us to stop and meet a man that had accepted the Lord just a month before. He was very kind. He showed us a beautiful view from his house in the mountains where you could see all the way to the oceans.
After returning to camp we had a lot of time before the Luau that we were going to give as a thank you to the camp workers. Some of the group hiked to the top of the mountain, some rested for the work a head, while others prepared the decorations. The luau was very beautiful. Pansy along with the help of others prepared American food for dinner. They did a wonderful job. After we finished dinner I was able to do sign language, along with Kayla and Joni, that Brittney had taught me, to the song “Who Am I?” sung by Daniella, Pastor Chino’s daughter. Also Megan sang a very beautiful song, “Go Light Your World”. Chino and Alonso showed us a slide show of the last two weeks of camp. It was amazing to see the work that God has done. After this the Strom family presented a devotional book to the Costa Rican workers to show their appreciation. The Strom family also presented a plaque to Dayna and Kenneth for doing God’s work. To end the night Taylor did a small sermon, which encouraged me.
It was a wonderful day! That night was really hard because I was told that was the last time for this trip I would see my pen pal, Andrey. We had gotten so much closer that even though we did not speak the same language GOD allowed us to communicate. Even though it is hard to leave my friends in Costa Rica, I can keep me to return. I have a passion for the people of Costa Rica. This trip has taught me so much about myself. I just want to thank God first and then all of you who made it possible for me.
Te Quiero Mucho,
Samantha Sudduth
