tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7597578792597873012024-02-22T07:48:49.103-08:00GO Costa Rica 2009Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-58367504652563693892010-01-19T17:35:00.000-08:002010-01-20T10:19:07.944-08:00This is a mini documentary of the places, faces, and ways Jesus is working in the towns of Los Guido, Tejarcillos, and La Carpio through Iglesia Nueva Vida. A nine minute montage telling the 10 day story of 19 individuals who answered the call to GO in 2009.<br /><br /><object width="410" height="225"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/10xzZYX6hdk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/10xzZYX6hdk&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="410" height="225"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-77949295052920184002010-01-09T13:59:00.000-08:002010-01-09T14:07:51.849-08:00A Letter From MarkThe following is an email we received from Mark Kuzdas (CLF Costa Rica Missionary). We thought we'd share it with you...<br /><em></em><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em><span style="color:#000066;">Just a quick note to thank you and the team! Because of your obedience to the call of the Lord, our CLFCR team was blessed, the New Life Churches of Los Guido and Tejarcillos were blessed, a young leadership team was wonderfully blessed, and many were eternally blessed as they put their trust in the Lord for the first time.<br /><br />Our prayer is that God blesses you and the CBC church family many times more, in amazing and tangible ways, because of your love and sacrifice for the people of Costa Rica so far away.<br /><br />As your team pulled away, I said "mission accomplished!"<br /><br />Already looking forward to the next time...<br /><br />Mark<br /><br />Christian Light Foundation Costa Rica</span> </em></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-48504624802910053432010-01-08T17:52:00.000-08:002010-01-08T17:59:50.619-08:00Home Safe<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Aj_8e85bnwtu2FvX6u1PaYus2WVfZ-MJaepTQic_YO07vcJh2OmDXygCMqg4-D3oKH7zkDhnLCMej5Zc10p_E3NrIhgKiGq3dRTy0jWm7HFrgeHlCtJkNJiMMntTugielMXr2_ncSjCl/s1600-h/LAX3_500.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424553424192802770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Aj_8e85bnwtu2FvX6u1PaYus2WVfZ-MJaepTQic_YO07vcJh2OmDXygCMqg4-D3oKH7zkDhnLCMej5Zc10p_E3NrIhgKiGq3dRTy0jWm7HFrgeHlCtJkNJiMMntTugielMXr2_ncSjCl/s320/LAX3_500.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />We arrived at LAX at 11 P.M. last night and made it through customs in less time than expected. Our bus picked us up and delivered us to CBC at around 2 A.M. Everyone is home AND safe! Thank you for your prayers and support.<br /><br /><strong>Join us NEXT SUNDAY (JANUARY 17th) as we share all about our trip. You don't want to miss the stories, videos, and pictures!!!</strong><br /><br /><em>Community Bible Church<br />324 West 40th Street<br />San Bernardino, CA 92407</em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.visitcbc.com/">http://www.VisitCBC.com</a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-30043178357298341902010-01-08T17:23:00.000-08:002010-01-08T17:39:28.215-08:00Our Last Dayby Jen Hinkle and Naomi Martinez<br /><br />Wow! What an eventful trip. It is Thursday, January 7th at 1pm and we have already had such a rewarding day. We had the pleasure of taking the kids from the leadership team to shop for clothes. This was such a blessing for us to watch the joy in their faces as the picked out the shirt they wanted. There is one memory that will stick with us forever. One of the little girls brought us a shirt she had chosen. It was beautiful and she was glowing. She had asked one of the group leaders something in Spanish, and the leader answered “no it’s ok.” I (Naomi) asked what she had said; the little girl had asked if the shirt was too expensive, that shirt was priced at $8! What a humbling situation. God has blessed us to the point that we don’t even realize how blessed we are sometimes. Our prayer is that we would be a grateful people! <br /><br />Later on we took them to McDonalds (something they never get!). After lunch the kids had such a fun time in the play place! They might have gone down slides for over an hour. They had a blast. However, it quickly came time for our tearful goodbyes. Our hearts were heavy as we hugged the kids. We will miss them but they will always be close to our hearts.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQiMLHqlxl0Sx0UQOok7CFBaoPhATEG7BUhkftkrxocROy6ndTYQREjTdLz-B0k0tjAJVn3Ffn-pos7QTHZDhPGcMgtVzDIT4HmyMwLTg74E1fygp2a9M94iBBrzsLZECIbjlb5_tjREJ/s1600-h/cbc46_op_640x403.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQiMLHqlxl0Sx0UQOok7CFBaoPhATEG7BUhkftkrxocROy6ndTYQREjTdLz-B0k0tjAJVn3Ffn-pos7QTHZDhPGcMgtVzDIT4HmyMwLTg74E1fygp2a9M94iBBrzsLZECIbjlb5_tjREJ/s320/cbc46_op_640x403.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424546085685900818" /></a> <br />We had such an amazing time here in Costa Rica. God has done and incredible work in all of our hearts. He has stretched us and molded us into new people. As this trip comes to a close we are honored that the God of this universe chose us to be a part of his story in such a magnificent way. What a good God we serve; A God that loves his people so much that he would take a group of sloppy Americans into forgotten Costa Rican communities to share his Gospel of Love. We truly believe that the mission we set out to accomplish was a success. That mission was to grow in Christ, encourage the church, and expand the kingdom. WHAT A GOOD GOD WE SERVE!!! <br /><br />We will soon be on a plane home and we can’t wait to share more of our experiences with you. Again, we thank everybody for their support financially and in prayer.<br /><em></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-32281479496921528532010-01-06T20:03:00.000-08:002010-01-08T17:41:27.704-08:00Turrialba Volcano<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0v8y-mCx9zT7-M36yVM3MgVieczZssBmDRt-MeRYcXOmV2uT6ltabrCIJlOMvwoQGoaen8rJiPkHOgNrUjdMC-dBRKtPIKkH8IZhJozSW4zmFjTttbDquv-3QU9lpisO9-To6tQelxg5/s1600-h/turrialba_activity.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0v8y-mCx9zT7-M36yVM3MgVieczZssBmDRt-MeRYcXOmV2uT6ltabrCIJlOMvwoQGoaen8rJiPkHOgNrUjdMC-dBRKtPIKkH8IZhJozSW4zmFjTttbDquv-3QU9lpisO9-To6tQelxg5/s320/turrialba_activity.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424549164754889826" /></a><br />Yesterday a local volcano began to erupt sending clouds of ash into the sky and causing some small mountain communities to be evacuated. Today San Jose and all surrounding cities (which includes us) were put on alert out of fear that a larger eruption may be coming. Basically, we just have to keep the windows closed (because of the ash) and be prepared for "small" earthquakes...lucky for us, we live in California and are accustomed to "small" earthquakes. Anyways, everything is fine. We are updating you just in case you see something on the news...please know that we are SAFE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-38638749607756852312010-01-06T19:44:00.000-08:002010-01-06T20:03:32.692-08:00Finishing Strong, No Matter Our Strugglesby Spenser Carnes<br /><br />We had a lot to finish today and this being our last full day we had to get an early start. We met at 6:45 A.M. but even then we made sure to start the day off worshipping the Lord and focusing our attention on Him. After a short breakfast we were off to La Finca for a day of work projects and playing with the kids. We had the majority of the benches to finish staining and then we put a final coat of lacquer on each of them. It was an amazing sight looking out over the grass and watching both Americans (Gringos) and Costa Ricans (Ticos) working together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSMCsbDHysTlUM_iNxvk2HYe57s_OgCDIe-wcgkqvoXx2-D9gMGQlX6pPKVABP8gtCKAZ0sBykoGkMjxK3GZsWzU-s2VscOMo3x057y3HV9NU7R-xoanWZ3BsGoGQowrxUNOBdfEj5yNZ/s1600-h/IMG_6508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDSMCsbDHysTlUM_iNxvk2HYe57s_OgCDIe-wcgkqvoXx2-D9gMGQlX6pPKVABP8gtCKAZ0sBykoGkMjxK3GZsWzU-s2VscOMo3x057y3HV9NU7R-xoanWZ3BsGoGQowrxUNOBdfEj5yNZ/s320/IMG_6508.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423841141807205250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwnjA_VmLtoQifTIeEQ6o0y3W6z3deS_75DUmhBsQhDJM-OvIBqJ7b6WnCXe_t7taX6DzEA6GTSm4BiNJh25ck1ebygxZElaNLxfsnTRFF53IR3IN4e4blg5c5F2KiXHl4XcjZadnBv6V/s1600-h/IMG_6506.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwnjA_VmLtoQifTIeEQ6o0y3W6z3deS_75DUmhBsQhDJM-OvIBqJ7b6WnCXe_t7taX6DzEA6GTSm4BiNJh25ck1ebygxZElaNLxfsnTRFF53IR3IN4e4blg5c5F2KiXHl4XcjZadnBv6V/s320/IMG_6506.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423840527295360738" /></a><br />After lunch we still had some benches to finish and later the team was split up to start on other projects. One group was to make cement and repair a low wall that leaked sewage onto the grounds. Another was to dig a trench to lead it away from the buildings. After we had completed our projects It was a quick run back to the mission house to clean up and prepare for the trip out to Tejarcillos.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WrJMHa5yhVnTHpd0qfWkCvVuEUZT-Gai9Hq2MYzQqsyjGNdQ7v2zMkxtS4haB-Cyj8HkBoqrr77-ULGZe7A4ieKUFd5z6LmH7O02TBUL3YgHXURXcf6GpBNjUDRfAkMpmqVKivF0KHlw/s1600-h/IMG_6406.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WrJMHa5yhVnTHpd0qfWkCvVuEUZT-Gai9Hq2MYzQqsyjGNdQ7v2zMkxtS4haB-Cyj8HkBoqrr77-ULGZe7A4ieKUFd5z6LmH7O02TBUL3YgHXURXcf6GpBNjUDRfAkMpmqVKivF0KHlw/s320/IMG_6406.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423840520143642898" /></a><br />We have focused on Los Guido the majority of our time here and today was our first visit to the people of Tejarcillos. Scott and Naomi led us in bilingual worship and afterward a group from the church put on a short skit depicting the story of Jesus raising a girl to life. We had seen this skit many times in VBS but it still gave me chills to watch it; not knowing Spanish it still made clear to me the awesome power of Christ. Pastor Rogelio (the Pastor of New Life Church of Tejarcillos) spoke from Colossians 2:1&2 which talks about being encouraged and knit together in love. He focused on our struggles and that even though our lives are full of them we should be encouraged by them. We must seek God to be in our lives more than ever. It is God who gets us through our struggles and we need to live lives that please Him no matter what. It was a short sermon in a small rented out room but the power of God shown through to touch us all.<br /><br />We had dinner with the Tejarcillos church and visited with the community before heading back to the mission house. Though it was a short night for us in Tejarcillos, we were able to see the many struggles that they face. Yet they are being called to rise above all that stands against living for Jesus just as we are called to back home. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhlRVQImb0HJXFUHkv9UYyVIgu2CPviMa45kVDyZlR6vlWQiwNsbxgNfuLabGyKUD0LegyZ4pT45-be38wryazz7VstqjaMzaRwfasmCPPOK9n3R2mogUikDLIYz6FxO9SQfhd6e8gnP0/s1600-h/IMG_6526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMhlRVQImb0HJXFUHkv9UYyVIgu2CPviMa45kVDyZlR6vlWQiwNsbxgNfuLabGyKUD0LegyZ4pT45-be38wryazz7VstqjaMzaRwfasmCPPOK9n3R2mogUikDLIYz6FxO9SQfhd6e8gnP0/s320/IMG_6526.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423841148059914338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0xlG5slvBdHSBWhzuiz7JE3_662VpMBWc2xrXaA_Om6CTc6Uq87CvS31vY2Ec3uij2aScuaXLLYgT5ONoYPg9lIX2VlIs0hkHzKapEwap4sHaIBrHJ_xzcJPkiJk3u74v-HAB0_LJCSZ/s1600-h/IMG_6428.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0xlG5slvBdHSBWhzuiz7JE3_662VpMBWc2xrXaA_Om6CTc6Uq87CvS31vY2Ec3uij2aScuaXLLYgT5ONoYPg9lIX2VlIs0hkHzKapEwap4sHaIBrHJ_xzcJPkiJk3u74v-HAB0_LJCSZ/s320/IMG_6428.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423840529975520898" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRLJ_dWBg7WVRhoFehaVY6FHn368NwM1TBkU1IftnJ4Kp_chwwPv_if5W34ibnO3PX1aDR0NoVGFeJmsL5A1oZFc7E6nsBo21HH9r7xIUFJqWAxe-TPecvzFKdhkpmpi7PZRfBUAh400d/s1600-h/IMG_6444.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRLJ_dWBg7WVRhoFehaVY6FHn368NwM1TBkU1IftnJ4Kp_chwwPv_if5W34ibnO3PX1aDR0NoVGFeJmsL5A1oZFc7E6nsBo21HH9r7xIUFJqWAxe-TPecvzFKdhkpmpi7PZRfBUAh400d/s320/IMG_6444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423840524116935810" /></a><br /><br />Last year Jenna Grotewold ate a GIANT worm for $50. Kelsi got the same offer...did she do it??? Hmmm. You'll have to come to CBC on January 17th to find out. Yes, she looks as though she would never eat a worm BUT those of you who know her also know that she is incredibly CHEAP and would do almost anything for money...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_di9bukAY0MYsvZ7HArQnCB6oHOnMKOUXH0YQNFVbyvwsf0uQkzsLgyOU3wJp0wUy0yf68yVd_cF-2aXauopixm9ygeP-v7jvSaVO1SDegA1pj52s7IWr1431xLRgVjBfK2VtN2rqxPRt/s1600-h/IMG_6403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_di9bukAY0MYsvZ7HArQnCB6oHOnMKOUXH0YQNFVbyvwsf0uQkzsLgyOU3wJp0wUy0yf68yVd_cF-2aXauopixm9ygeP-v7jvSaVO1SDegA1pj52s7IWr1431xLRgVjBfK2VtN2rqxPRt/s320/IMG_6403.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423840513074198482" /></a><br />Hebrews 10:39 "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-10437855297760320812010-01-06T19:09:00.000-08:002010-01-06T19:33:27.962-08:00Our SabbathBy Megan Wylie and Andréa Johnson<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmWKdnHFwG5xXRcAmQKaxNizmdhzkE4EhyetdXRiRrQfbpDMe78YSqPCaEyLEdud6LoUytFpziOkFtDh26LDFF1ecK5GwB11QuRz-iYyfl-W00f_o2Ccch71zYtHoiLFn5ujcmT39dsV5/s1600-h/IMG_6376.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmWKdnHFwG5xXRcAmQKaxNizmdhzkE4EhyetdXRiRrQfbpDMe78YSqPCaEyLEdud6LoUytFpziOkFtDh26LDFF1ecK5GwB11QuRz-iYyfl-W00f_o2Ccch71zYtHoiLFn5ujcmT39dsV5/s320/IMG_6376.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423830958122902194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_0uUoEr5wfLLdLuD2c0ofb-BtT9a1i1LC-FFLfQDv9rJ0bfQKWU5YUWETOtXVtQXgFO20rUr6LIhh9x8E6xAs6VzhgC2N1MfALxIL4W9Z71WiWyk_xeUYf6eWnrcu0BO-T0g6UxDhpL/s1600-h/IMG_6209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQf_0uUoEr5wfLLdLuD2c0ofb-BtT9a1i1LC-FFLfQDv9rJ0bfQKWU5YUWETOtXVtQXgFO20rUr6LIhh9x8E6xAs6VzhgC2N1MfALxIL4W9Z71WiWyk_xeUYf6eWnrcu0BO-T0g6UxDhpL/s320/IMG_6209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834755611732898" /></a><br />For our day of rest, we got up before the sun and headed out to Manuel Antonio. Although it was hard to leave the kids, it was nice to be able to take a day to relax. The drive out was long but full of God's beautiful jungle! Once we reached Manuel Antonio, we all went down to the beach-which was breathtaking! You literally walk out of the jungle onto the soft, sandy beach. We all hit the waves and the water was perfect! A little salty and warm, but amazing. After that, we parted ways. Some of us continued to lounge on the beach (Andréa), some of us went kayaking (Megan), some of us went and explored the mysterious jungle (where we saw monkeys and sloths), and some of us walked around the town. We all met up for a spectacular dinner at El Avion, where we ate delicious food while the sun was setting over the vast ocean and jungle. It was truly an amazing experience for us all to witness God's beautiful creation at work. <br /><br />Even though it was our day of rest, we were able to talk and minister to lots of people from all over the world who were also visiting Manuel Antonio. Our adventures did not stop at the beach...on our way home, we got a flat tire...luckily Cori (our bus-driver) and Conway were able to change it out quickly while Noemy (a local and friend of the missionaries) cautioned other cars. We were sad to leave, but it was a day of relaxation that was much needed, and a fun day of hanging out as a team and enjoying God's beauty. We are excited to get back to the kids and back to work at La Finca tomorrow!<br /><br />These pictures were all taken by Kayla Romero during her hike through the National Forest. Enjoy!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir95JaswGuTa1sAI838A1vJvsYuGZuKSj9hHEDEVKOLreS1Xkv9FswUiVkg-9fe67lzMh1r2zBxfxdiXShu4GuW0Ik-ux-4HSOtj7kwPZMIwwq4o1AHLvWcn_6u-l8e5uMHgU6xpCvyHVS/s1600-h/IMG_6130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir95JaswGuTa1sAI838A1vJvsYuGZuKSj9hHEDEVKOLreS1Xkv9FswUiVkg-9fe67lzMh1r2zBxfxdiXShu4GuW0Ik-ux-4HSOtj7kwPZMIwwq4o1AHLvWcn_6u-l8e5uMHgU6xpCvyHVS/s320/IMG_6130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834759246700594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkL8brY9Eytr955Bb8m75bjvgj0o6unwOE-D6HzGwpK8zo0zcahwP0DS5tKrV69LCV2YHpRqkM0KPzsyuHzgovOl5A_gK-K_OW9vJcFvNyo2gWUpVt75LV1OJHPoMJymfTx-zn0lTFvu4/s1600-h/IMG_6246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkL8brY9Eytr955Bb8m75bjvgj0o6unwOE-D6HzGwpK8zo0zcahwP0DS5tKrV69LCV2YHpRqkM0KPzsyuHzgovOl5A_gK-K_OW9vJcFvNyo2gWUpVt75LV1OJHPoMJymfTx-zn0lTFvu4/s320/IMG_6246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834753721645970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SAvoQrrrn8vKXC2x4YE367iIs8GE6CiYoxIpvpRsqoCez3tPlVi1oNX1UMDue3rWv1RDH_dYc0WDoPUC4Zo36vLbgvqnrpNEPKyvEXmk8UKtd29w3DO2k7lt-sbd2j8sjp5dxwEYNlFS/s1600-h/IMG_6295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SAvoQrrrn8vKXC2x4YE367iIs8GE6CiYoxIpvpRsqoCez3tPlVi1oNX1UMDue3rWv1RDH_dYc0WDoPUC4Zo36vLbgvqnrpNEPKyvEXmk8UKtd29w3DO2k7lt-sbd2j8sjp5dxwEYNlFS/s320/IMG_6295.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834750315156786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk897ZTAJzl-2z5UuhZNIrn8x7LHMFHC0uIf20vUul9_uJiGSdrCmR3MMEg2Zupq6iWctAAbGepk7EaKTDjFeoytWhgN8owXkBniQG-tp_isJfxtDOdpmOVkTJCrxMmk4MDx_GSoI5DZmq/s1600-h/IMG_6310.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk897ZTAJzl-2z5UuhZNIrn8x7LHMFHC0uIf20vUul9_uJiGSdrCmR3MMEg2Zupq6iWctAAbGepk7EaKTDjFeoytWhgN8owXkBniQG-tp_isJfxtDOdpmOVkTJCrxMmk4MDx_GSoI5DZmq/s320/IMG_6310.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423834744171177682" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn48DVOLGpukG64Rb2kjY4Urn1kAgHz4qFjcqWaN9Cy7coigrrAZ_0sbY6B9fpkiWh9cM7Ge8Jqswkpb0aC5Xqnpw6oLRjwJ6BC5lcJymo7W9ZjBw0zP_aLxw3VjH87Cs8g9gDbNbx1Xu6/s1600-h/IMG_6331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn48DVOLGpukG64Rb2kjY4Urn1kAgHz4qFjcqWaN9Cy7coigrrAZ_0sbY6B9fpkiWh9cM7Ge8Jqswkpb0aC5Xqnpw6oLRjwJ6BC5lcJymo7W9ZjBw0zP_aLxw3VjH87Cs8g9gDbNbx1Xu6/s320/IMG_6331.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423830967776342642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd072EkurQS7rh8imtCVOASYUOlNaElC9Zlva2OjUIZP3dWQo1Ku_yGvYy2pjIFp4SDkUaZTCJ5WAopFZId0fsGMlKY2doZqpDZ08kgopDV2LJ5FEkJ84RmpMcp_IPeCsDRJXuRAR_KZr/s1600-h/IMG_6366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd072EkurQS7rh8imtCVOASYUOlNaElC9Zlva2OjUIZP3dWQo1Ku_yGvYy2pjIFp4SDkUaZTCJ5WAopFZId0fsGMlKY2doZqpDZ08kgopDV2LJ5FEkJ84RmpMcp_IPeCsDRJXuRAR_KZr/s320/IMG_6366.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423830962801771522" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-30396166600932857452010-01-03T20:38:00.001-08:002010-01-03T20:40:09.438-08:00Don't WorryWe just wanted to let you know that we will be away from phones and computers until Wednesday morning. Expect a lot of fun pictures and updates when we return to the Mission House.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-83059061565555818032010-01-03T19:50:00.000-08:002010-01-03T20:29:47.479-08:00A Sunday of Worshipby Andy Scott and Kelsi Miller<br /><br />Unlike every other Sunday morning back in the states, I didn't roll out of bed at 10:15, take a quick shower, comb my hair, brush my teeth, and grab a piece of fruit to eat on my drive to church, and somehow manage in such little time to pull into the parking lot with only minutes to spare. Today was much different. There was preparation involved. Before heading to La Iglesia Nueva Vida in Los Guido, our group took to the streets in an attempt to fill the pews with some new faces. Since church does not begin until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, there was ample time to do so. Us 18 "gringos" along with the 24 kids who comprise the leadership team of the church, walked up and down the streets of the city to pass out flyers inviting our neighbors to worship with us. This was such an awesome experience for all of us because instead of spending the morning sitting in church thinking about what we are going to eat for lunch and waiting to be dismissed so that we can continue on with our busy lives, we were completely focused on preparing ourselves and the community to worship our Lord. To be fair to those within our group who would abject to being labeled as "unprepared church-goers", self-preparation was not the extent of our morning walk discussion. The fact that even those of us who take the time to prepare ourself for church on Sunday have never ventured out into the community before the service to invite others to partake in our time of showing reverence to the King of the universe was convicting to us all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPu2bCfSINTCLw-zWg8qieOFWhFUAePrM3YSTkjq-mImORFO-9UkhdXdaZQPSUogREiGJLaBMjHZ9Vt-AGrFaLznFaxrZtVBTBQKUqImCDzSv4w4hxrROZGGGAgcRrHsy0F9LFXRgThBm/s1600-h/IMG_5888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPu2bCfSINTCLw-zWg8qieOFWhFUAePrM3YSTkjq-mImORFO-9UkhdXdaZQPSUogREiGJLaBMjHZ9Vt-AGrFaLznFaxrZtVBTBQKUqImCDzSv4w4hxrROZGGGAgcRrHsy0F9LFXRgThBm/s320/IMG_5888.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730082727369266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho_aCqa2QSzqjPr-llDXO-Q-pXXSgPhndWcu-zeX9Ak7qU2cXoIs8zAyrcqY-66afIcRzyLK5UJ-GznzXv8vW8jSDlvb-6iHcPJsmoo6XmBik0DUNRHH4x1uOREirLN5UKvIGS3JchPV5/s1600-h/IMG_5853.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho_aCqa2QSzqjPr-llDXO-Q-pXXSgPhndWcu-zeX9Ak7qU2cXoIs8zAyrcqY-66afIcRzyLK5UJ-GznzXv8vW8jSDlvb-6iHcPJsmoo6XmBik0DUNRHH4x1uOREirLN5UKvIGS3JchPV5/s320/IMG_5853.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730082814481538" /></a><br />Once we finally arrived at La Finca (the location of La Iglesia Nueva Vida) after hours of walking, the service began. This service however was different from what the locals were used to because Naomi and Scott led worship, while Josh delivered the sermon. Some of the songs we sang were in Spanish, while others were in English. It was so amazing to hear our culture blend with the Costa Rican's. For instance, when we were singing in English, the natives were singing the same song in Spanish, and vice versa. It was definitely an experience we will never forget. Josh delivered his famous sermon on worship while one of the ladies who helps run the missionary organization translated. This is one of many examples that demonstrates how the language barrier isn't getting in our way one bit on this trip. Directly following the service we had the privilege of enjoying dinner with the congregation. As a result of the generosity of those who donated money to the members of our team, dinner was served at La Finca for all that attended, some of whom might not see another hot meal for the rest of the year. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHDIShPetAxh-za9iKaAaePat3IQ3PdRleKEGfaP7msTKp0zDoZ7xEAQkcT_jqY5z-eNMv-EwHAiGFwIZg0gc19JTAf0lKK71t-56zg8J0yrigUzsh-SL4gTd_8dDeOVi55t_eQbPJBIG/s1600-h/IMG_5976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcHDIShPetAxh-za9iKaAaePat3IQ3PdRleKEGfaP7msTKp0zDoZ7xEAQkcT_jqY5z-eNMv-EwHAiGFwIZg0gc19JTAf0lKK71t-56zg8J0yrigUzsh-SL4gTd_8dDeOVi55t_eQbPJBIG/s320/IMG_5976.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422736258777894466" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUZdlBcPyWHE5dvJ7IYHNtLVjW-EXHSrS81SEfwdsAnQsutQjG-yP_9P_zevUb_oaeYLVZ4_5hFWQJJBRUSxsgHHICi4KmM8gRij-TPrqVOHEtbKIr_T50UgTHNnSGXw3DOSZBLC1qgKK/s1600-h/IMG_5970.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUZdlBcPyWHE5dvJ7IYHNtLVjW-EXHSrS81SEfwdsAnQsutQjG-yP_9P_zevUb_oaeYLVZ4_5hFWQJJBRUSxsgHHICi4KmM8gRij-TPrqVOHEtbKIr_T50UgTHNnSGXw3DOSZBLC1qgKK/s320/IMG_5970.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422735602898454034" /></a><br />Once again the Lord chose to use our team both to further the Kingdom and encourage the leadership team here in Costa Rica. Keep us in your prayers, that we might not grow weary while sharing with the people of Costa Rica that which they are in need of the most; the gospel of our Lord Jesucristo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-J323YEu4qbNOA6gaxxggnuGD8w7ERG65DnNgyv0hxYtJOHzTvc40IbE1acnDCazbv9_NOBjWSR1Pbw5cKbACHv4t4loZvDUNYjhQP2XJnWwtYkhjYtKolcpGWkLdtb_84BS2bRdnVGx/s1600-h/IMG_5846.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-J323YEu4qbNOA6gaxxggnuGD8w7ERG65DnNgyv0hxYtJOHzTvc40IbE1acnDCazbv9_NOBjWSR1Pbw5cKbACHv4t4loZvDUNYjhQP2XJnWwtYkhjYtKolcpGWkLdtb_84BS2bRdnVGx/s320/IMG_5846.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730079683169554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2JNNPxrbtJuN-P3UDKhPOdiWjyloUo0hPw8mACNZu168f_teH6Awt2BDLneXnFLQsVBqkU6Onv-3BHqatZ5wqsRhBEbXMQE2_xlBbG3lTD3aunkNDoPbfBQ69ZeSvpr-Wh2vMyAo0iun/s1600-h/IMG_5841.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2JNNPxrbtJuN-P3UDKhPOdiWjyloUo0hPw8mACNZu168f_teH6Awt2BDLneXnFLQsVBqkU6Onv-3BHqatZ5wqsRhBEbXMQE2_xlBbG3lTD3aunkNDoPbfBQ69ZeSvpr-Wh2vMyAo0iun/s320/IMG_5841.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730072942635970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_qfx7eJNZjUYi5l0KD9JUrjrySykyBpvjWEMyO-D075VFZ_0uVGkrN6ZT9RLb7WpfYmo5cic0puD3plIFoHtm1HuGEvq47eUy5h8CXUxyC2c65zpQJUTxmYKJoT5zBZnwruE5accW_mT/s1600-h/IMG_5800.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_qfx7eJNZjUYi5l0KD9JUrjrySykyBpvjWEMyO-D075VFZ_0uVGkrN6ZT9RLb7WpfYmo5cic0puD3plIFoHtm1HuGEvq47eUy5h8CXUxyC2c65zpQJUTxmYKJoT5zBZnwruE5accW_mT/s320/IMG_5800.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422730070156683218" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-3992701279669030732010-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:002010-01-06T12:15:23.853-08:00A DAY In COSTA RICABy Jordan Perl and Benjamin Yuem<br /><br />This Costa Rica Mission's trip has been such a blessing. Today we began by heading to La Finca. After playing and hanging out with the kids from the leadership team for a short while, we split into three groups and then walked through the areas where our previous Vacation Bible Schools were held. New Life Church of Los Guido hosts a “Kid’s Club” outreach event every Saturday, so the teams dispersed door-to-door throughout these neighborhoods handing out invitations to attend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-_Q7Sq5NQh60jFCen5vHmDzy2vf300gf9imLCpn0Aas9ECRxASgxpCl_C201CCwrxeghjn7na12yGrWAxp1gMkg-TRY13tQ9kv_DHoDEzP4jVl8-D4OZRCeDx6TgUPE3Zlarg9dvsFEN/s1600-h/IMG_5474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-_Q7Sq5NQh60jFCen5vHmDzy2vf300gf9imLCpn0Aas9ECRxASgxpCl_C201CCwrxeghjn7na12yGrWAxp1gMkg-TRY13tQ9kv_DHoDEzP4jVl8-D4OZRCeDx6TgUPE3Zlarg9dvsFEN/s320/IMG_5474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422544362868396002" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu4YOCgu0XGppubuRV43rhNIzeJiRWLoVsoXr6IlAHWC-2Yfp5JCHQqzqAjb_ad0gNMBh19NFOAfFoUmbuyvFgp1flA2SIqSWBPiABfK9T6LCCkmz9pwyZ_rMBKI0aS77Ub7mm8uZKywg/s1600-h/IMG_5412.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUu4YOCgu0XGppubuRV43rhNIzeJiRWLoVsoXr6IlAHWC-2Yfp5JCHQqzqAjb_ad0gNMBh19NFOAfFoUmbuyvFgp1flA2SIqSWBPiABfK9T6LCCkmz9pwyZ_rMBKI0aS77Ub7mm8uZKywg/s320/IMG_5412.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422544361491728194" /></a><br />After all of the teams arrived back at La Finca, we played some soccer. Later, we broke into two teams that would compete in all the games of the day. We then sang and danced to a few songs, teaching them to all the new kids who showed up with parts of their family. The kids were such an awesome testimony of how God can do amazing things through young lives. We took a small break to celebrate the mission team’s birthdays that were in December and January. In Costa Rica, when you have a birthday, it is customary that the birthday boy (or girl) gets eggs smashed on top of their head. Megan, Kayla, and Conway were all privileged enough to participate in this ritual. The kids lined up one by one to smash eggs on top of the lucky “gringos”.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaYyR5-l4NB5tkc_W3R3c7ogyim-l3yk7I9_7_Up7Gl7VTTW_HutLfbkjoMbmWIHNGEttIGaEN5X04029Lb-VWp2pFZexEkkZ4wZJkVSVOUoipPXYAttI-V1f51kMqEloiYyxc6gl07af/s1600-h/IMG_5590.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaYyR5-l4NB5tkc_W3R3c7ogyim-l3yk7I9_7_Up7Gl7VTTW_HutLfbkjoMbmWIHNGEttIGaEN5X04029Lb-VWp2pFZexEkkZ4wZJkVSVOUoipPXYAttI-V1f51kMqEloiYyxc6gl07af/s320/IMG_5590.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422544372813679266" /></a><br />Kids had a blast playing games throughout the day. Many of them were brand new to La Finca, so we were able to just have fun with them and show them God’s love.We are definitely hoping to see them again at church on Sunday.<br /><br />After a great afternoon of fun with the kids, we were able to come back to the mission house and rest a while. During our evening devotion, we discussed our day, and how unique and rewarding this mission trip has been so far. Unlike most mission trips, we haven’t been doing a lot of work projects. Most of what we have been doing is spreading the Gospel, through things like delivering food bags, and just simply playing with local kids. Yes, the people here definitely have enormous physical needs, but what is even more eternally important than that is the enormity of their spiritual needs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32EZM9dhqyCsptYIG-_WDUKjFT6RrwhLqGVAYc2kvWt3i4ksRKJJ2qfvNROHMGCOsRyVG-suQ2ePGKGz6vZdd0owwgPnQCpA4m6_LBtbiq_l4Eg0oTZDHXG6SWbBRlimwqiIpzSr6Ur5c/s1600-h/IMG_5760.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32EZM9dhqyCsptYIG-_WDUKjFT6RrwhLqGVAYc2kvWt3i4ksRKJJ2qfvNROHMGCOsRyVG-suQ2ePGKGz6vZdd0owwgPnQCpA4m6_LBtbiq_l4Eg0oTZDHXG6SWbBRlimwqiIpzSr6Ur5c/s320/IMG_5760.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422545010164119650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLzX9nAAIcE-xcpcOHMotAJdeo_ivPMHOotfj2bzmTJoT32HXpY74xXOuzaSLq8i-emeasGetvHev2O4t6-gLm7OwGmmANEMcvxUd_jJA8yUFOpS0oy0nJFx1BrxY6gmQOXbrwnUOAGCa/s1600-h/IMG_5749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLzX9nAAIcE-xcpcOHMotAJdeo_ivPMHOotfj2bzmTJoT32HXpY74xXOuzaSLq8i-emeasGetvHev2O4t6-gLm7OwGmmANEMcvxUd_jJA8yUFOpS0oy0nJFx1BrxY6gmQOXbrwnUOAGCa/s320/IMG_5749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422544376429095474" /></a><br />The work we’ve been doing here hasn’t necessarily involved building people new houses or buildings, or fulfilling some specific need like that, but God has definitely been working on the people’s hearts here through us. For example today we found out that at least thirty-nine people prayed to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior in La Carpio yesterday. The work that God is doing here is simply amazing and beyond human comprehension! The fact that God has allowed us to participate in His plan is truly a privilege.<br /><br />He has truly been strengthening us and helping us to do His work. Whether we’re walking through the streets of Los Guido or playing an intense game of soccer with the kids, God has been providing us with the energy to keep going, despite our own shortcomings. One minute we’re telling each other how sore we are, and then the next, we are sprinting across the field after the soccer ball, or playing tug of war with the kids again. Thus far, this has truly been an amazing experience for us and those we are serving. We can only anxiously wait to see what God has in store for us next.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1SCpwOpwnHOhHfjFmmYKtJ4IGqh9ddXt1V0E5RZI0MSbPfb560fyTstpjiROHty3G6nDtuNK5Gw9tqGWNV8TVnNoCh_jDsh-0Ix-zTLO2SvlmC2mJdlM5t32e311xGTMT67XIUwTwvU2/s1600-h/IMG_5553.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1SCpwOpwnHOhHfjFmmYKtJ4IGqh9ddXt1V0E5RZI0MSbPfb560fyTstpjiROHty3G6nDtuNK5Gw9tqGWNV8TVnNoCh_jDsh-0Ix-zTLO2SvlmC2mJdlM5t32e311xGTMT67XIUwTwvU2/s320/IMG_5553.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422544367239242114" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-74660918543683955492010-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:002010-01-08T17:51:31.995-08:00Zapote de Costa Rica!!!Last night we went out for a typical Costa Rican meal (which was AMAZING) and had the rare opportunity to see Costa Rica's version of "the Running of the Bulls" (which was INTENSE). Don't worry...none of us gringos went inside of the arena!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESVFHdWc3lzNZjhaZ_z4M3ytSCaPGGS0OG8WMqYROhF1iTILmZWGWFvnS87fJoF-m0e4DVHFT1X0klZL5aCjGRamMLZ2FbfBAYACL2Caam_Vw0Bf8z7S0DA_JBxQhyaxpn5t2795hZdA6/s1600-h/100_0870.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgESVFHdWc3lzNZjhaZ_z4M3ytSCaPGGS0OG8WMqYROhF1iTILmZWGWFvnS87fJoF-m0e4DVHFT1X0klZL5aCjGRamMLZ2FbfBAYACL2Caam_Vw0Bf8z7S0DA_JBxQhyaxpn5t2795hZdA6/s320/100_0870.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422176366427612610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqhiGxjg2lhEr4K0Uem_rruoFpdCunzq4ueJJ_26E39IeAjmv27vJOAyle4UOz3IyJ-K7-UeMUGnS8bJD-VDav8OKyyZMrOpaH29ao2z2p-YVSzB-UKPS6UFh8TWBYat6bFajunDECxOE/s1600-h/100_0878.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqhiGxjg2lhEr4K0Uem_rruoFpdCunzq4ueJJ_26E39IeAjmv27vJOAyle4UOz3IyJ-K7-UeMUGnS8bJD-VDav8OKyyZMrOpaH29ao2z2p-YVSzB-UKPS6UFh8TWBYat6bFajunDECxOE/s320/100_0878.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422176361154984738" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and Naomi even got a kiss from Eduardo Aguirre, the winner of "Latin America IDOL". All she had to do to earn her kiss was stand on her seat and scream like a mad woman. She even made it on the giant screen...it was all pretty entertaining!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cY0LQJY6PAjnUG19VordZU3A6q1snsWS3t6o-6E5WFdDcJra6_yQXgCvcQs3wTZoHGnJaS5yy33xuxTS3NR3sUandiufa1JSDSmQ2U7hBiJbCI7zfkZKvhaGH_hj8A4lXzW0nJEw6WaS/s1600-h/idol1121009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 215px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8cY0LQJY6PAjnUG19VordZU3A6q1snsWS3t6o-6E5WFdDcJra6_yQXgCvcQs3wTZoHGnJaS5yy33xuxTS3NR3sUandiufa1JSDSmQ2U7hBiJbCI7zfkZKvhaGH_hj8A4lXzW0nJEw6WaS/s320/idol1121009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424551607947398898" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-35809710575852424292010-01-02T07:21:00.000-08:002010-01-02T07:56:39.434-08:00Hope in the "Unseen"by Conway Robinson<br /><br />Yesterday was yet another day packed with amazing opportunities! After a great night's rest, we began the day with an energizing breakfast and continued with worship and Bible study. As we completed Hebrews chapter 11, the realization and importance of faith in Christ was made clear. It is having having hope in the "unseen." Walking through God's Word, the true meaning of faith was examined through the lives of those who displayed such in unbelievable ways: men like Noah, David and Gideon. It was such tremendous faith that set the pathway for what would take place throughout the day. Today, we would pass out food bags in La Carpio. As we gathered our things to leave and loaded the food bags on the bus, God began to make visible the needs of those around us. <br /><br />It was today that God had planned for us to go into the "trash can" of Costa Rica. La Carpio is well known for its gang activity, violence, and poverty and is an area with roughly 40,000 people. As we mingled through the small sewage filled roads, burning trash, and yearning eyes we set out to overcome the devil's boring plans and follow Christ's example. It was this great opportunity of realizing that God intentionally chose our team for this specific day and guided us to each home as He pleased. There were seven teams consisting of two individuals from the leadership team (from Los Guido) and three to four Gringos. Each Gringo was responsible for carrying one to three food bags. Tracking through the rough terrain and hot sun, the teams moved house to house. Approaching each house, the two leadership individuals would explain that the food bag they are receiving is "A gift from God". They then would ask them for their time in hopes that they could share God's Word with them. They walked the families through what is called "the bridge" illustration, providing them with the tools to know Christ and accept Him as Lord and Savior. As for the Gringos, it was our responsibility to pray for the homes, individuals, and food bags that were being distributed. God was using the teams to meet the physical needs, and it was our hope that the people of La Carpio would see much more in the bag than just food-we hoped they would see Jesus Christ himself. As we walked house to house, we were welcomed into homes with open hearts and open arms and we enjoyed the friendliness and eagerness of the kids on the streets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqATxSN9LFqzE71yZYQn8_HQKyqA1onvCcIFrW0jhbW0DtjnJ4f2y2bHrzNhBuRrcecjvnJSQb8USvcJH_xiWStd8Hqx1zckNoHO7TiHZdxso5abu8HdUXlQ0J2xDUkwObohMMoQG5CT1t/s1600-h/DSCN4415.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqATxSN9LFqzE71yZYQn8_HQKyqA1onvCcIFrW0jhbW0DtjnJ4f2y2bHrzNhBuRrcecjvnJSQb8USvcJH_xiWStd8Hqx1zckNoHO7TiHZdxso5abu8HdUXlQ0J2xDUkwObohMMoQG5CT1t/s320/DSCN4415.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422166293433674498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ550G3c1brpCi3RykkXkQAv_BGOshwhHnsmEANVoahugOzaP2UZ81siGEMN6y9PkGhiLPuQKN_CpUgBGTdreY3mnYGE3jWHOIlNYl3Ok_PTRvosbIP585qEDNJeDA3sYR5MXOgDKB1pp/s1600-h/DSCN4394.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ550G3c1brpCi3RykkXkQAv_BGOshwhHnsmEANVoahugOzaP2UZ81siGEMN6y9PkGhiLPuQKN_CpUgBGTdreY3mnYGE3jWHOIlNYl3Ok_PTRvosbIP585qEDNJeDA3sYR5MXOgDKB1pp/s320/DSCN4394.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422166283294305458" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzfoE8Q44nHOAvwI42nhFU6NHpcV7TV4yJ15ZNpDhfh6kfOjDI6E9Kw6HfJyrEln4AOQdLaniM9zUxDdWJDihNCrc-TnNPtJinqWMZ2E-e_tCeQxCShl8b4Rnrtf2VZOgkVf4zUGaICLH/s1600-h/DSCN4382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmzfoE8Q44nHOAvwI42nhFU6NHpcV7TV4yJ15ZNpDhfh6kfOjDI6E9Kw6HfJyrEln4AOQdLaniM9zUxDdWJDihNCrc-TnNPtJinqWMZ2E-e_tCeQxCShl8b4Rnrtf2VZOgkVf4zUGaICLH/s320/DSCN4382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422166278395898162" /></a><br /><br />It was a long day in the heat but God provided endurance. It was a day that could have been tremendously "boring" and God made it emotional, exciting, and awesome. It is through faith of the "unseen" that much fruit would come from the visiting of these homes; that what took place wouldn't end after they received the bag of food, but that there would be an eternal influence. Throughout the day God's Word was received, hope became visible, and hearts were restored. It is the hope and prayer of this team that La Carpio would become a place well known for experiencing and living out the Word of God. <br /><br />Please continue to pray for safety, protection, and guidance for the people of La Carpio as well as the leadership team as they courageously speak God's word to those in need. Pray that many seeds would be planted and much fruit would be produced as our short stay is only part of an eternal plan. Pray for the courage and selfless servanthood of our team as we continue to serve the people of Los Guido and Teracillos. Pray that hearts would be vulnerable to the work that is taking place and that individuals would be receptive of God's truth. Pray that our eyes and hearts would be aware of the opportunities that God is providing us. <br /><br />Thank You for all your prayers and support.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0nPd3afTxZJE_KRQSvF9elqLiVATI9dh4lF6PX66WtXPdsWIk1gnwYZdZ2Q2bbDzE5VxR07Ihq16Nh-XaupkzT6p1jX7A1l1aTekQh1nwRpBo1P9lK9_gpAWutv7PcegulRxevXYhbLM/s1600-h/DSCN4425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0nPd3afTxZJE_KRQSvF9elqLiVATI9dh4lF6PX66WtXPdsWIk1gnwYZdZ2Q2bbDzE5VxR07Ihq16Nh-XaupkzT6p1jX7A1l1aTekQh1nwRpBo1P9lK9_gpAWutv7PcegulRxevXYhbLM/s320/DSCN4425.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422171246782709026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWJPn49tlLqruOj2HDe9d8fF6w66r213EFYRRzAjdwYNouhsCtmre9L05hWgZLAQWYzHlH68zRzlXUfrjGLpmYi0J3zgCV_gmkr4WbqjGQTbwPXksAh571Xa8AxQratmTHRs7ntHTAojz/s1600-h/DSCN4414.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWJPn49tlLqruOj2HDe9d8fF6w66r213EFYRRzAjdwYNouhsCtmre9L05hWgZLAQWYzHlH68zRzlXUfrjGLpmYi0J3zgCV_gmkr4WbqjGQTbwPXksAh571Xa8AxQratmTHRs7ntHTAojz/s320/DSCN4414.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422166292960937330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofyohc0gTQXx97IZneuiDdnstp9R_wO9__PRPDO5O4GzsJ3NLm4SWGLFuLNcbFP_9poKe5WJuRu1VW4Lq5CcKU3bSS2ZgFqGmAnQBMiXJsjysbLEJEt3B5w4-Qj3redfX37itpuS_NQgq/s1600-h/DSCN4401.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofyohc0gTQXx97IZneuiDdnstp9R_wO9__PRPDO5O4GzsJ3NLm4SWGLFuLNcbFP_9poKe5WJuRu1VW4Lq5CcKU3bSS2ZgFqGmAnQBMiXJsjysbLEJEt3B5w4-Qj3redfX37itpuS_NQgq/s320/DSCN4401.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5422166283502140386" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-29008286193514879872010-01-01T11:06:00.000-08:002010-01-01T11:12:28.238-08:00La Carpio<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88kVm5ug7XduErlXhvjqnRvrTIOeOKU1cKXy_e65CtqDItMK-VWLBgGAqmDHiftG_vHTINxq_uCKzQDVdnvfshj0nPfI6cqHaE12oh4-BNiZgugMoDHQpFQd1-BEfBNBFaamdAAYkUmw2/s1600-h/cr_04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88kVm5ug7XduErlXhvjqnRvrTIOeOKU1cKXy_e65CtqDItMK-VWLBgGAqmDHiftG_vHTINxq_uCKzQDVdnvfshj0nPfI6cqHaE12oh4-BNiZgugMoDHQpFQd1-BEfBNBFaamdAAYkUmw2/s320/cr_04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421850433430712962" /></a><br />The team is heading to La Carpio to deliver food bags and to share the Gospel with some of the most impoverished families in Costa Rica. Thank you CBC family for allowing God to use your generosity to feed these hungry families both physically and spiritually!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-54318440923556385352009-12-31T22:07:00.000-08:002009-12-31T22:10:25.223-08:00Our Costa Rican New Year!!!We just brought in the New Year on the balcony of our Mission House. Fireworks are everywhere...it's incredible! We couldn't find "sparkling cider" so we are drinking ginger-ale and apple juice. Anyways, it's back to the celebration. Happy New Year!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-5080720837436807792009-12-31T21:27:00.000-08:002009-12-31T21:50:46.928-08:00Day Threeby Lanaya Light<br /><br />With our balloon animal making skills, soccer ball, and dulce (candy), we headed out this morning for our last day of VBS in Los Guido. As some of our team walked the area and invited kids to come play with us, the rest of us were waiting with balloon animals. The kids just seemed to keep on showing up!! They were coming from all directions and it was so exciting to watch their faces light up as we wowed them with our balloon creations…or was it the candy we kept giving out? Either way, the turn out was great and the gospel was shared. There was singing and dancing, games, and the sharing of the gospel. At the end of the VBS, Ariel (one of the student leaders) guides the kids through a prayer of repentance and acceptance of Christ. It was amazing to be able to hear so many of the kids repeat this prayer. It was hard not to just sit there and be completely overwhelmed with the work that God is doing here in Los Guido. And then be completely humbled that He has chosen us to help Him do His work here. Wow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n2b5fC0Bb1DOCcceLRE4b-Uuo1afBHctXEdTKORnDioR8HD1cesJBrs3hu-vY18pkyg0_1EHyPVeAPlWrzA1XIJyy6_2uEWeE1DTeuOARU21jky8PaIH32piuglAyaSvM7V4OR9wAFJB/s1600-h/IMG_5247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1n2b5fC0Bb1DOCcceLRE4b-Uuo1afBHctXEdTKORnDioR8HD1cesJBrs3hu-vY18pkyg0_1EHyPVeAPlWrzA1XIJyy6_2uEWeE1DTeuOARU21jky8PaIH32piuglAyaSvM7V4OR9wAFJB/s320/IMG_5247.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421641964171452450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_luDAYc2EhFV7EmFf4dLr2baFa5lXWr04Z11d9_xE7fo86PZR2InT9SVrXB2rE_srqqjFrN7SZiozPkdiYyt1nvxp_GR5dR4iN1LtL6glwNks6d6cEVCrMD4zgyunVEz1JkpXL3FaN2qh/s1600-h/IMG_5219.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_luDAYc2EhFV7EmFf4dLr2baFa5lXWr04Z11d9_xE7fo86PZR2InT9SVrXB2rE_srqqjFrN7SZiozPkdiYyt1nvxp_GR5dR4iN1LtL6glwNks6d6cEVCrMD4zgyunVEz1JkpXL3FaN2qh/s320/IMG_5219.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421641958685032946" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkefRJZt5OjHPVkaoWoFpri-mrChQo9Gcgkty3oDaP61O_Fz2VQS0_rx00r4KrlaQdCsvqNd-6DcCRekReN5MPzThDQxk_PuhuN76wa8J-6aYi9VHuj1NxR2JZqhOw4bxJRwvLsw2KFyc/s1600-h/IMG_5201.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdkefRJZt5OjHPVkaoWoFpri-mrChQo9Gcgkty3oDaP61O_Fz2VQS0_rx00r4KrlaQdCsvqNd-6DcCRekReN5MPzThDQxk_PuhuN76wa8J-6aYi9VHuj1NxR2JZqhOw4bxJRwvLsw2KFyc/s320/IMG_5201.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421641950841326658" /></a><br />Tonight was a special night at La Finca. Once a year, the leadership team is celebrated for their willingness to serve and share the gospel. It was such an honor for us to be a part of this celebration and just pour love onto these kids who love others so unconditionally. The night is completely about them and Mark and Meg (the missionaries) take the opportunity to serve them as a way of thanking them for all that they do. We played a game of steal the bacon with the kids and then they were served a delicious dinner. We also got the biggest piñata I have ever seen for them! And it was filled with tons of yummy candy of course! The kids had such a fun time trying to hit the piñata and the boys with the rope had just as much trying to keep them from hitting the piñata. Us Gringos and Ticos (Costa Ricans) shared a time by the bonfire eating smore’s and laughing together. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq2TYsF6tbjTIT53tWYznr5WQlXKA6txW9_TPDagx9D2T7_-rqiI-s7cc6sU-mpCsvgxyrd6WuDLSVDT5orzoENdXXosZPyIS7V31U7XuFhaGZT7LdjD6CVjq1eGOiRop7XY1Z1aaMj6P/s1600-h/IMG_5350.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq2TYsF6tbjTIT53tWYznr5WQlXKA6txW9_TPDagx9D2T7_-rqiI-s7cc6sU-mpCsvgxyrd6WuDLSVDT5orzoENdXXosZPyIS7V31U7XuFhaGZT7LdjD6CVjq1eGOiRop7XY1Z1aaMj6P/s320/IMG_5350.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421642941928872658" /></a><br /><br />The night ended with us giving out the backpacks that we packed. As each leader from the leadership team was called up on the stage by Mark, someone from our team delivered a backpack to them. You could hear the gratefulness in their voices as they softly said “Gracias” to each one of us. It was priceless to see the looks on their faces as they opened the backpack and looked through all the things they were given. You could see in their eyes how much these backpacks meant to them. People they have never met-that they will most likely never meet, put thought, time, and money into making gifts for them to show them love. It was overwhelming and so rewarding to be able to deliver this small gift to these children of God who do His work so diligently. Mark commented tonight about how this is the one day where these kids are served and the other 364 days they spend serving those around them. Be continuing to pray for this leadership team as they continue their ministry in Los Guido, as well as their other growing ministry areas.<br /><br />During the backpack part of the celebration, I couldn’t help but stand at the back of the room and be overwhelmed with the faith of these children. They have been called to share the gospel and will stop at nothing to fulfill that calling. They want to no recognition and fully understand what it means to be servant. They know that it is not what they are doing here, but what God is choosing to do through them. My prayer for my team and myself is that we will look at these kids and in turn, share the gospel with the same fervor, that we will be selfless and love unconditionally, and that we will have the right perspective. Its not about what we are doing here in Costa Rica, but that God be glorified in what He is doing here and allowing us to be a part of. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJeBKzstCVdJeFlOTsKlQUYjHW0gcYruHXaOG3SpVM3RoNmPdVkbKA-JP0ZOjMkPYx8HG-v3ndFixekOEQHEId-mbSBhRDi7WuELpbYqzDIteWJJNxnLZuuQtesgGPYRxLHLIDdpVcITn/s1600-h/IMG_5345.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJeBKzstCVdJeFlOTsKlQUYjHW0gcYruHXaOG3SpVM3RoNmPdVkbKA-JP0ZOjMkPYx8HG-v3ndFixekOEQHEId-mbSBhRDi7WuELpbYqzDIteWJJNxnLZuuQtesgGPYRxLHLIDdpVcITn/s320/IMG_5345.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421641974348878530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKsRSyjHsyi7fCoAzcEMbZ76yhaWW3zWnPubFWfr-vaii6dSxCc-RFsf9OrZiukMqNsQjQMjQn2ExoP27ZUYx-2HoNpsoSUaY-HBcWJUclBjxcSK6VYoXSUeDp5TngE66DRiEnncQ6g19/s1600-h/IMG_5285.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKsRSyjHsyi7fCoAzcEMbZ76yhaWW3zWnPubFWfr-vaii6dSxCc-RFsf9OrZiukMqNsQjQMjQn2ExoP27ZUYx-2HoNpsoSUaY-HBcWJUclBjxcSK6VYoXSUeDp5TngE66DRiEnncQ6g19/s320/IMG_5285.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421641969298419794" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-3442186631141273312009-12-30T20:38:00.000-08:002009-12-30T20:55:45.578-08:00Hola Familia y Amigos!!!by Kayla Romero & Bryce Koleszar <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3VqCuAZZFptTvJWFGQ4RqoPkgdSol4B3v7ZuOqI0SQsrEr64knddmsoNpTTJFu7ViN_LVvq2-jpUieuB484Jlgg6vtyzGNcH4CaQqtqq9Pb8DPAYLYwoUOi86kjooLjRyx5CnMCviUvm/s1600-h/IMG_5065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA3VqCuAZZFptTvJWFGQ4RqoPkgdSol4B3v7ZuOqI0SQsrEr64knddmsoNpTTJFu7ViN_LVvq2-jpUieuB484Jlgg6vtyzGNcH4CaQqtqq9Pb8DPAYLYwoUOi86kjooLjRyx5CnMCviUvm/s320/IMG_5065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421255877053444274" /></a><br />The day began with another morning of Vacation Bible School with the children in Los Guido, and everyone had a blast. Not only did dozens of new faces arrive at the lot today, but several kids and parents attended for the second consecutive day, which was neat to see. Our favorite activity was dancing with the kids. The whole team really gets into it! It is so cool to see so many kids come from all around the small city to take part in the VBS activities. God is doing so many things, and is touching so many young lives and it's cool to be a part of. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_DItNjHXv7q58gOIpm7TvU56bSOk6f7X6AFiJGtJR3NiilyIx_DxsvMt8luAKgVC2PpG3ouhaaHStRQmVBcyx1Z3UmltGSnFwfeJ_tqUjXrzJRKQIKjc9s5ZIdbceuwdM3DVCaL_g0Rx/s1600-h/IMG_5081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_DItNjHXv7q58gOIpm7TvU56bSOk6f7X6AFiJGtJR3NiilyIx_DxsvMt8luAKgVC2PpG3ouhaaHStRQmVBcyx1Z3UmltGSnFwfeJ_tqUjXrzJRKQIKjc9s5ZIdbceuwdM3DVCaL_g0Rx/s320/IMG_5081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421257102866090434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaJACXCkNgBUlL1ZN4-XP_b3Jb2SuwsBgiZPtOwOBv0NIBo7ZjncbsoaIjRpJ2AkMa8CDVP8Xq0nbWajeYgHtNsFRvO800obIhEYynoAeQUD0K1IA1H7HAavTukO3mP4YF5iCctVWf5nx/s1600-h/IMG_5066.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaJACXCkNgBUlL1ZN4-XP_b3Jb2SuwsBgiZPtOwOBv0NIBo7ZjncbsoaIjRpJ2AkMa8CDVP8Xq0nbWajeYgHtNsFRvO800obIhEYynoAeQUD0K1IA1H7HAavTukO3mP4YF5iCctVWf5nx/s320/IMG_5066.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421256655727332754" /></a><br />Seeing the conditions people live in, at first can cause us to develop a sense of pity, but when you think about it, we are all the same in God's eyes and He loves us all the same. And through the work we are so blessed to be a part of, you can really see God's love flourishing in Costa Rica. <br /><br />After a delicious lunch, the boys played soccer and the girls painted finger nails. The soccer game was Ticos (Costa Ricans) VS Gringos, and the gringos took the title 8-7, which made up for our tug-of-war loss. The victory was great, but the best part was seeing two Costa Rican brothers playing with us who had just accepted Christ yesterday after our VBS activities. Those of us who weren't playing soccer or painting fingernails were holding a vocal and music workshop for the worship team and choir of New Life Church. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-o8gjIcduKDp9iysxa1EVcg3eHqRmWxd9UKHTzEO85ABIYy2lDBIQXjYzzBnpOGMJ9ecu_EKzXE4iaRqh1nfufzE7iLCISAcL1eNxOpiBYzGowsJcmQ0J9jX51FiM9ql1CnFoTNRtdCi/s1600-h/IMG_5130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-o8gjIcduKDp9iysxa1EVcg3eHqRmWxd9UKHTzEO85ABIYy2lDBIQXjYzzBnpOGMJ9ecu_EKzXE4iaRqh1nfufzE7iLCISAcL1eNxOpiBYzGowsJcmQ0J9jX51FiM9ql1CnFoTNRtdCi/s320/IMG_5130.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421258340492271330" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmLxHdIiwMZavD4Wf2qGtDEudiZFXI4TufiUJyeinNLW20UUt6WR7ayJa1G8f1l5-p9oCA8H7vvtPRuY3VvmFJ26gHR5iQEpXjY00DO9IBfydum0d5At1n4Yrz5XCSXw-2qPV_l8wLij8/s1600-h/IMG_5106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmLxHdIiwMZavD4Wf2qGtDEudiZFXI4TufiUJyeinNLW20UUt6WR7ayJa1G8f1l5-p9oCA8H7vvtPRuY3VvmFJ26gHR5iQEpXjY00DO9IBfydum0d5At1n4Yrz5XCSXw-2qPV_l8wLij8/s320/IMG_5106.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421258334184011842" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZ1VWIRhJxvs5ur3MgBn6mhrxWB_UIiiIBNCG74DYGnM6J54xLlsgSnkYk8pZHWIAY8Rs_mnfgXFdedDLFPDJSf5conIP5OITJ4sj4SNudYcF57FgC4lhnwaLvB9qOh2BmUgOixZls27/s1600-h/IMG_5137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GZ1VWIRhJxvs5ur3MgBn6mhrxWB_UIiiIBNCG74DYGnM6J54xLlsgSnkYk8pZHWIAY8Rs_mnfgXFdedDLFPDJSf5conIP5OITJ4sj4SNudYcF57FgC4lhnwaLvB9qOh2BmUgOixZls27/s320/IMG_5137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421259087192528322" /></a><br />Today we also went to Hiper Mas, a supermarket similar to a Walmart, to purchase items to make food bags that we will be delivering to some of the most desolate areas in the country. It was awesome to have 9 carts full of food. Everyone was looking at us like we were crazy, initially because we're gringos but mainly because of the fact that we had a line consisting of 9 shopping carts. All in all the experience was so awesome, especially because we know that the food will be going to families in need. <br /><br />To close out an extremely busy day, the team attended the Costa Rican carnival in Zapote. Several of us decided to brave a couple rides, and it was quite hysterical. We had the hopes of sitting in on a bull-fighting show, but the arena was sold out, so we are planning to attend on Friday. It was a hectic and crazy experience, but all of us are glad that we had the opportunity to attend. <br /><br />The team is excited for tomorrow, which is the last day of VBS in Los Guido. We continue to pray for the people of Los Guido, Tejarcillos, and La Carpio, primarily asking that God will use us to answers the prayers of these people. <br /><br />So, that's it for today. We had a blast ministering and playing with the children, and ended the day with a little excitement. Until next time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-51957754495239491142009-12-30T05:04:00.000-08:002009-12-30T05:06:27.129-08:00Christian Light FoundationFor even MORE photos and updates visit www.CLFCostaRica.com!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnnVzge_R46LPPV_eamwV9fwdDQIYO7rKC1z_QK0YUlcpx_jXA5085ctBwpjxOcsa38M_qC8iMioTSAS0-bULpqkeeFamdpL7qvXt0ARLMgv12S8x5w0CInuAbDszhFmiYB-l6uUTTQY2/s1600-h/cbc4_op_640x268.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: undefinedpx; height: undefinedpx;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnnVzge_R46LPPV_eamwV9fwdDQIYO7rKC1z_QK0YUlcpx_jXA5085ctBwpjxOcsa38M_qC8iMioTSAS0-bULpqkeeFamdpL7qvXt0ARLMgv12S8x5w0CInuAbDszhFmiYB-l6uUTTQY2/s320/cbc4_op_640x268.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421014641776357266" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-29222563555160610322009-12-29T19:33:00.000-08:002009-12-30T05:03:22.445-08:00Time With the Kidsby Eric McClellan<br /><br />Our first full day in Costa Rica is officially complete and we all had a really great time. Our day started out when we went to Los Guido to do Vacation Bible School (VBS) with the kids. We split into groups and walked the streets to find kids in the neighborhood to join us. We all had a blast singing, dancing, playing games, and spending time with the kids of Los Guido. Sad to say though, we did let our country down when we challenged the Costa Ricans to tug-of-war.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4it4CUxVtzDHoArg5FT61nfoOtRH3-JFLquD02sf86EMwhUS3gK-9cg98kJNTuGhwgX6_DNck3j0EI9Lq2ygw1klOX4kUiL07eNUHdBVxpoNp5-m3b-6VG7ilEMj5RwByQ8St2tkrF-E9/s1600-h/IMG_4867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4it4CUxVtzDHoArg5FT61nfoOtRH3-JFLquD02sf86EMwhUS3gK-9cg98kJNTuGhwgX6_DNck3j0EI9Lq2ygw1klOX4kUiL07eNUHdBVxpoNp5-m3b-6VG7ilEMj5RwByQ8St2tkrF-E9/s320/IMG_4867.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420873263451752322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSqmb1HyakSjL5e1xVJCVeaAqdfRnKcx-vVclYaxC1hWiSNBlEUbO57FbGd5-mv30oEplikMOPO0ix-f35JPM3lpyKYSABXOd4AUc8yAJZ1rQV07YTnmzMjA-HeBLQtueZ1RG2yJplbyE/s1600-h/IMG_4921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSqmb1HyakSjL5e1xVJCVeaAqdfRnKcx-vVclYaxC1hWiSNBlEUbO57FbGd5-mv30oEplikMOPO0ix-f35JPM3lpyKYSABXOd4AUc8yAJZ1rQV07YTnmzMjA-HeBLQtueZ1RG2yJplbyE/s320/IMG_4921.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420878907034076754" /></a><br /><br />After VBS, we all left to La Finca ("The Farm") to do some work. We all pitched in and sanded down about twenty newly made wooden benches and stained them to match the cross in the church. We even got some more time to play around with all the kids from VBS. All in all, we had a really great day. I already know I'm gonna miss this place and all of kids that we spent time with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWedSCfMxiZ6PrGrrJm6MSeQ23ZST24VJ2JKylZRPRrAsXecaC3rAO7-uvgu11XeemuvuVJLuH0SqN38RDOCfkYipTgTZpfiD-iIMieiTF-C7a1JByVRBJyxC79zMooiUq0Q890nlbiytr/s1600-h/IMG_4982.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWedSCfMxiZ6PrGrrJm6MSeQ23ZST24VJ2JKylZRPRrAsXecaC3rAO7-uvgu11XeemuvuVJLuH0SqN38RDOCfkYipTgTZpfiD-iIMieiTF-C7a1JByVRBJyxC79zMooiUq0Q890nlbiytr/s320/IMG_4982.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420883264135534290" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH26UHcbUTNT2r91F9_5Hm32mpWcdP73lUS4L9ocIQgzHGhPDfCkZU14ns6ix36NiUr07LX0zF7E-0g-iOhFwC5IXHlL96q3SV24i_NZAP377wT9pxEHyid6Fbqg-kdsmNjdqK8HAOWXKC/s1600-h/IMG_4986.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH26UHcbUTNT2r91F9_5Hm32mpWcdP73lUS4L9ocIQgzHGhPDfCkZU14ns6ix36NiUr07LX0zF7E-0g-iOhFwC5IXHlL96q3SV24i_NZAP377wT9pxEHyid6Fbqg-kdsmNjdqK8HAOWXKC/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420883260835411170" /></a><br /><br />I couldn't help but notice a shift in my perspective after today. The idea of Costa Rica that I had before today was one of a very poor nation. It's easy to stop and look at the conditions in which these people live and wonder how they can handle so much. Vandalism and theft plague the partly paved streets, with trash, stray dogs and sewage everywhere you look. I would have expected that these kids would be struggling with the hardships that they have to deal with every single day, and yet they are completely unphased. Instead of pity for their situation, I felt a desire for what they had. Though these kids live in conditions worse than just about anywhere in the states, they glow with joy and literally live every day to the fullest. I hope I can learn some of that resiliance and think twice the next time I want to complain about something.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7A-_eW27qUAQHhZay3HTENgsueEWlsjHebzeAzUqWLQhp5QMzhVNhdAfH58abHgrwN_zdFTNYpcbgJ5jjpxCuzYpH4t_0EbEUIvFUVpx739UyeOFgIun1FFHNhYi_miBY-SJFgsJx_uJ/s1600-h/IMG_4897.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7A-_eW27qUAQHhZay3HTENgsueEWlsjHebzeAzUqWLQhp5QMzhVNhdAfH58abHgrwN_zdFTNYpcbgJ5jjpxCuzYpH4t_0EbEUIvFUVpx739UyeOFgIun1FFHNhYi_miBY-SJFgsJx_uJ/s320/IMG_4897.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420878904956303410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy7wlaRiyyMnwmiXGLf3eR6t_uD5wC7QNmUQLmf_hTQ1aWnkl4_cPgmNPMBiGsQfy5Z1qjGT8cz6DMLjTd82zECjA1LBSnnUdWAp5e1Yk5t1Rdu8xZlKxx8xDHwJ9f_JoCahVLbqO-bRn/s1600-h/IMG_4864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUy7wlaRiyyMnwmiXGLf3eR6t_uD5wC7QNmUQLmf_hTQ1aWnkl4_cPgmNPMBiGsQfy5Z1qjGT8cz6DMLjTd82zECjA1LBSnnUdWAp5e1Yk5t1Rdu8xZlKxx8xDHwJ9f_JoCahVLbqO-bRn/s320/IMG_4864.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420878900005151522" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-60262891573438918332009-12-29T14:38:00.001-08:002009-12-29T14:39:52.159-08:00Team Photo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzyXDmhA3LAwRoWXkyhD_P79LfEUrm1-_KlKTz9OJSwC4SJCb03rRrXOr__tjhmpOdYXp9Qf8TcC2OrhO3lkiNST3C52sZIAbNKt34KP4KMXOoCJAffE6OSfMaiYksrQLDy6toqMTzlR8/s1600-h/cbc2_op_640x369.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: undefinedpx; height: undefinedpx;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzyXDmhA3LAwRoWXkyhD_P79LfEUrm1-_KlKTz9OJSwC4SJCb03rRrXOr__tjhmpOdYXp9Qf8TcC2OrhO3lkiNST3C52sZIAbNKt34KP4KMXOoCJAffE6OSfMaiYksrQLDy6toqMTzlR8/s320/cbc2_op_640x369.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420791483078909122" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLAcoIoJzAKqu1zDyx3DVhzdn8uIQWwNz6LcEct092qcLGxjPy05nqzfHJUjMJWcv2yeRuwcH57y4dFEqSKssNynbF8t4VKfryyrmLfCuleY-GhK_qpiMSh-628P-d3aUB96JCqYqa9LU/s1600-h/cbc1_op_640x292.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: undefinedpx; height: undefinedpx;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLAcoIoJzAKqu1zDyx3DVhzdn8uIQWwNz6LcEct092qcLGxjPy05nqzfHJUjMJWcv2yeRuwcH57y4dFEqSKssNynbF8t4VKfryyrmLfCuleY-GhK_qpiMSh-628P-d3aUB96JCqYqa9LU/s320/cbc1_op_640x292.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420791483009528098" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-30718046613488553682009-12-28T22:02:00.000-08:002009-12-28T22:03:07.600-08:00Finally HereBy Josh Hager<br /><br />Well, we're finally here. Following 6 months of preparation, prayer, and fundraising our team of 19 has arrived in Costa Rica. After nearly 20 hours of traveling (including a 7 hour layover in San Salvador) we loaded a bus and headed to the Mission House. This house will be our home for the next 10 days...and a beautiful home it is.<br /><br />It's hard to explain everything I am thinking and feeling as I eagerly await returning to La Finca. La Finca (the Farm) is located in the town of Los Guido and is one of the primary ministry areas for CLF Costa Rica. Just thinking about the place makes me smile.<br /><br />Hundreds and hundreds of kids flooding the field for a week of Vacation Bible School. Dozens and dozens of children coming to know Christ for the first time on the cement floor of an old barn. A prayer walk around an empty section of field where now stands the New Life Church of Los Guido. Making tamales with kids on Christmas Eve. Laughter. Tears. Hugs. These are just a few of the memories I have at La Finca AND I am confident that God has even more prepared for us over the next week-and-a-half.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning we will load a bus and head to this beautiful place. God WILL change MORE lives, create MORE memories, and build even MORE relationships!!! <br /><br />Please pray for our safety and unity as a team and that God would give us an abundance of opportunities to make His name known!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-23163252993621757422009-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:002009-12-28T20:23:25.036-08:00We Made It!!!We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica a little after 4:30 P.M. and are now settling into the Mission House. You can expect an update within the hour.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-44484282966054143342009-12-27T08:49:00.001-08:002009-12-27T08:56:52.096-08:0016 HOURS!!!In 16 hours we will be on an airplane headed for San Jose, Costa Rica! We are so excited for all that God IS going to do. Please keep our team, the missionaries, and all of those we will come in contact with in your prayers.<br /><br />For additional photos, videos, and updates visit www.CLFCostaRica.com and click on "Team Reports".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEsNDRGsxsp45A92n6YhKCnZdB99BvsJe8Ph-k91tXTP6uiYvIV00O8KBKNp_7V7OMrqrtk4JeyqMrEzuDqzkzGo4Q-4-ZU_x30c525mTzo1-sCv9wieAweNA5DlpRVvZslPEZgqDuEQD/s1600-h/scenery-la+carpio+river.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEsNDRGsxsp45A92n6YhKCnZdB99BvsJe8Ph-k91tXTP6uiYvIV00O8KBKNp_7V7OMrqrtk4JeyqMrEzuDqzkzGo4Q-4-ZU_x30c525mTzo1-sCv9wieAweNA5DlpRVvZslPEZgqDuEQD/s320/scenery-la+carpio+river.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419960182208588402" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-79932170126348841122009-12-22T21:04:00.001-08:002009-12-22T21:07:24.105-08:00Less Than a Week!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_C9s4_dOQ62iJ0tQAMgP7nmcMJqGGslFYpEdOWFZdbtbWYijjdHhIHSXWoyUKoMv6iwmdSNmA72rbF8h5g1Y0i06LujIrqIjyxJ6481a9J6doLWoPBgIOojgpASxOgtyw3y3umMTusr7/s1600-h/kids-wendy+jared.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_C9s4_dOQ62iJ0tQAMgP7nmcMJqGGslFYpEdOWFZdbtbWYijjdHhIHSXWoyUKoMv6iwmdSNmA72rbF8h5g1Y0i06LujIrqIjyxJ6481a9J6doLWoPBgIOojgpASxOgtyw3y3umMTusr7/s320/kids-wendy+jared.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418293789876086706" /></a><br />We will be in Costa Rica in less than a week. Please continue to keep us in prayer and remember to check this blog daily for updates, photos, and videos.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-67682603922489003632009-12-16T10:46:00.000-08:002009-12-16T10:50:33.284-08:00THANK YOU<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfBstMvfVb4cT29bCMKNPoZkWJArPLiqaquE8RrTcfs912H8Hn6b-rKZec1XC03oxUBY38wJTqrkwVcH9bQDviUrmiSo7RZBiGhdHCT5Ku1aCT9kHT7ZzMnRvNd-xG3x1mMbmeyqa_byX/s1600-h/chickfila_cows%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfBstMvfVb4cT29bCMKNPoZkWJArPLiqaquE8RrTcfs912H8Hn6b-rKZec1XC03oxUBY38wJTqrkwVcH9bQDviUrmiSo7RZBiGhdHCT5Ku1aCT9kHT7ZzMnRvNd-xG3x1mMbmeyqa_byX/s320/chickfila_cows%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415908320391072146" /></a><br />Thank you to everyone who came to Chick-Fil-A on Monday night! Hundreds and hundreds of dollars were raised for the GO Costa Rica 2009 Team. In addition, a SPECIAL THANKS to the Chick-Fil-A in Citrus Plaza for their continued generosity!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-759757879259787301.post-46116440575980972052009-11-27T16:27:00.000-08:002009-12-16T10:42:15.025-08:00Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqErRvwdYN8qVzXlDtC4uWhfL9CYHAbAi4Fy5BMC3eWUvZu6XR_Sdjxz3rKccYbQGHAbCgVg8vKZ8Ogy6iq3SKSVd8XbnAsvrUNrnDN11PX0rB4Pujrbedk7qatZkAmppVIRxbAW-jgmXk/s1600/chick-fil-a+(dec.+14).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqErRvwdYN8qVzXlDtC4uWhfL9CYHAbAi4Fy5BMC3eWUvZu6XR_Sdjxz3rKccYbQGHAbCgVg8vKZ8Ogy6iq3SKSVd8XbnAsvrUNrnDN11PX0rB4Pujrbedk7qatZkAmppVIRxbAW-jgmXk/s320/chick-fil-a+(dec.+14).jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408944904944809794" /></a><br />On Monday (Dec. 14th), Chick-Fil-A in Citrus Plaza is donating 20% of each purchase to support our GO Costa Rica 2009 Team. Our team will be traveling to Costa Rica (Dec. 27th-Jan. 7th) and will be serving in a number of capacities. Please take this opportunity to have a GREAT meal with YOUR family and a good time with OUR church family...all while supporting a worthy cause!<br /><br />In order for CBC to get financial credit YOU MUST HAVE A FLYER AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. You can pick up a flyer on Sunday mornings or by asking any one of the 20 individuals going on this trip. <br /><br />THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0