“I’ll be honest, this was my ninth trip to Costa Rica and I was worried how things would be with our Carillos family after the pandemic. When Covid happened, the church lost over half of its parishioners, who just dropped out of church. This hurt them a lot financially and community-wise. It’s not a story that’s unique to Costa Rica, because churches were similarly challenged everywhere. But in Carillos, they are basically having to regrow their congregation and begin community outreach projects anew.
I am so happy Galilee was there to help! We completed more than the anticipated list of projects within our time there. I was personally involved with multiple projects, but mainly overseeing the group and making sure everyone was comfortable with what they were doing, that they were taking enough breaks, drinking water, etc. But I was able to get dirty and help with some concrete and I gave the tile guys a hand with a bit of clean up, also helping demo the kitchen— super fun—and aided the scaffolding team with the gutters, a bit of landscaping, and yard work. Just that.
I love being pushed out of my comfort zone and trying new things, it gives you a sense of realizing you are capable of more than you know. This work is helping to bring to focus Pastor Eddier’s vision for a larger church congregation and a community center. It also created a sense of togetherness within our team; everyone contributed equally I felt, they worked well together and hard, they contributed lovely devotions, and had fun together. I just love helping to bring people together and connecting them in ways they had not seen.
Was there a downside? OK, I could have done without some of the bugs.
The most beautiful thing I heard were memories of our Carrillos family—particularly Papi Oscar and Lilly—sharing their favorite memories of Miguel (Michael Butler) and why he is so often in their minds.
We make an impact on people by our joy and willingness to serve, and can leave a lasting impression. THIS is part of what mission work is about—making the world a smaller, better place.”
Read more about: Costa Rica 2023
Team leaders Helga and Jen