“This was my first trip to Costa Rica and I didn’t really know what to expect. I wanted to go on the trip to deepen my connections with people within our church and gain connections with people at Palabra Viva. The team gelled so well and were just filled with purpose and spirit. We worked hard and fellowshipped hard too. I really enjoyed my time!
We accomplished the work of our mission and then some. I did a lot of cleaning, moved piles of wood, sanded drywall, painted, moved plants, made concrete and helped demo the kitchen sink. All the work we did was directly to benefit the church. Earthquake damage and pipes were fixed and gutters were replaced, these were done to fix code violations. We patched and painted drywall in the sanctuary, creating a more finished space. I am proud of what we got done and that it helped improve the church.
I do a lot of home improvement projects with my husband, so I didn’t feel too stretched in that department. What stretched me was my use of Spanish and lack of vocabulary!
I really enjoyed getting to know everyone. I loved playing cards in the evening (and it is not just because I won). I could have done without the collapsing mattresses at bedtime, maybe.
I was really struck by all of God’s creation when we went to La Paz. All the animals (sloths, toucans, butterflies, frogs) and the beauty of the flowers and waterfalls. Just all the color!
I don’t know as much about Costa Rica as our mission veterans do, but the people there are wonderful and so appreciative. In these missions, we have the opportunity to enrich a very special bond.”
Read more about: Costa Rica 2023
Reiko Crabtree and Roshni Puterio