| BLOG: Costa Rica Missions |
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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009 | ||
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Day 2... Hey friends and family! Sorry we’re late in blogging, we had troubles with technology yesterday. We arrived safely to smiling faces and a very comfy bus! We made it to our Corral in record time and had extra time to relax and hang out. During our hang out time, we went on a hike to see the land. Words fall short of the beauty down here. We were all amazed at the new side of God’s creation that we were so blessed to encounter. Our Corral is near a non-active volcano, the White River, and is full of lush lands. On our hike, the team, stumbled upon oranges, but we were in for a rude awakening when we found that they were actually lemons! We cooled off in the White River, and slid down slides formed by rocks and water, where we later went cliff jumping (don’t worry parents, only a few feet high). We ended our day with a delicious meal, games, and worship. Today we woke up to wonderful empanadas for breakfast. We had a small devotional over John 15:1-17 and then each shared thoughts and interventions. The Lord gave us rain, rain, more rain, and then some sunshine. Our work for the day consisted of mainly digging trenches around the Corral. Though it may seem like small-tedious work, we are all confident in the way God is using us down here. We shoveled, moved heavy boulders, had mud fights, and found a snake and scorpion! Time for worship! Please continue praying for encouragement, well being, and our hearts. J Faith. Love. Hope., The Wedge Mission Team Day 3 of our missions trip proved to be just as, if not more adventurous than the last. We awoke to the cries of a rooster at the crack of dawn, feeling energized, renewed and ready for yet another day of serving the Lord. The day began with a breakfast for champions followed by a reflection time based upon Ephesians 4. This gave us a chance to connect, share, and understand the true meaning of community and unity in Christ. After our minds were fully prepared we geared up and dove in. The mud proved to be a nuisance but at the same time emotional relief by providing humor and the occasional cool down (mud fight). After a noon day break we finished the work day feeling much more accomplished than yesterday. Day became night as our bodies were nourished by a delectable meal consisting of pork chops, violet potato salad, and a rice and bean arrangement that smelt of glorious fragrance. Now fellowship collides with worship while our voices become one with the strum of the guitar lifting to the heavens an angelic harmony. ‘tis a blessed day. Tensions rose as day 3 progressed. But once more Christ’s abounding love prevailed and unity was restored. Spirits are high as the day comes to an end. The sounds and scents of God’s creation rushing in us like a raging river. ‘tis a blessed day. If in your prayers, our hearts are present, please pray for the GTD ministry in the continued week of hard work. Pray for a break in the rain. Please pray also that we may be blessed to see God in a way that we’ve never seen God before. Thank you and God bless because… ‘tis a blessed day. By Garrett and AJ | ||
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SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009 |
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Day 4... A change in weather surprised us this morning. The usual rain was replaced with wind; we keep debating whether or not we like the rain or wind better. Breakfast was yet again delightful! Our morning devotional was over Romans 12 and the impact it made on everyone was so different and yet so very important. Teams were formed and released to start different projects such as a wood shed, chopping a fallen tree, laying gravel, and making pathways. With growling tummies our family enjoyed papas fritas, French fries, and picadillo. With little work left to be done we headed off to Thermo Mania! We enjoyed the hot springs on our tired bodies, flipping or getting thrown off cliffs, and creating trains down water slides. It’s a blessing to be with the interns as well as our old friends for we all get along like brothers and sisters (which we really are in Christ). Dinner was a treat at the springs with laughter, new exotic meals, and mango juice that quenched ones thirst like a sunset brings joy to your heart. Bob’s generosity then led us to an ice cream shop in town that was quaint. Many can attest that the ice cream was our highlight of the day! We rode back on our fancy bus to our clean home with beds and the game of Settlers waiting. The power of prayer is shining through here in Costa Rica especially today. Please continue praying for encouragement, strength, progress as we begin new projects, possibly a new project for a nearby church, and for upcoming VBS. Faith. Love. Hope. The Wedge Mission Team (by Jessie and Tori) |
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MONDAY, JULY 20, 2009 |
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Day 6... We opened with our devotional, breakfast, and were stoked to get to the zip-line! The place we went to is one of the longest, and had about eleven platforms. We all agreed that it was unlike anything we had ever done before…many of us conquered fears of heights and even ended up going upside down. I know we keep saying this, but we were yet again amazed to see the creation that God has put before us. After grabbing a bite to eat, the bus came to take us to VBS. With adrenaline still flowing, we got ready for our first day of VBS, which was quite the success! We had about sixty kids who enjoyed silly songs, hilarious skits, lessons, soccer, and some colorful play-dough. We ended out day with a wonderful dinner, worship, and hang out time with our new friends-who we’ll never be able to forget. Continuous prayer for our last few days of the trip are much appreciated. Faith. Love. Hope, The Wedge Mission Team Ranch Student Ministries |
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TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2009 |
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Day 7... We woke up early and ventured to our next project. We cleaned up the local school by washing walls, cleaning windows, sweeping the floors (knifing lots and lots of gum off the floor), and picking up trash all around the school yard. Then we proceeded to VBS after lunch to meet up with our friends from yesterday. We flaunted out superhero outfits, to show the kids that Jesus Christ is our very own superhero because he died for us. God provided, yet again, and just after the lesson we moved to shelter to begin our craft. Just as we reached the roof over our heads, the heavens opened up with rain. Every child enjoyed making bracelets with cross charms, even the boys! It was such a joy to see the smiles on their faces while we passed out the materials and interacted with each one of them. With much welcome, the praise team (Jake and Susan) led us in song to praise our Father. Ever slowly students started to wonder off to their beds, but unfortunately…they missed the best massage circle Costa Rica has ever seen! Prayers for the strength of God to shine through us and our actions are very needed! Faith. Love. Hope, The Wedge Mission Team |
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 22, 2009 |
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Day 8... |
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THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2009 |
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Day 9... |
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FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2009 |
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Day 10... |
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EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS |
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Costa Rica (Country Code: 011) (*Costa Rica uses 8 digits in their phone #'s)
011-506-8357-6151 (GTD CR cell phone 1)
011-506-8358-7899 (GTD CR cell phone 2)
011-506-2673-1334 (House phone - Juan & Aricelly) [if you don't speak Spanish ask for Erika]
Skype: erika6980 | Skype: juan.rafael.alvarez.sibaja | Costa Rica Blogs
United States (Country Code: 001 when dialing to US from outside of US)
1-888-697-2479 (GTD Main Office- Toll Free)
727-394-9483 (GTD Main Office - local call within Tampa Bay area)
727-692-0250 (GTD On Call cell phone)
Skype: gtdthrive1 | Costa Rica Blogs |
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