Costa Rica 2019 - Day 4

Day 4 - Written by Mike McGuire

Today was the first day with everyone at the work site. Some team members helped erect panels for the second house. Others started work on the screens and windows, some painted, and built stairs up to the platform. 

It was impressive to see the two houses built up on one platform, with a staircase welcoming the families to their new homes. The group was assisted by many Costa Rican workers; family members and others alike. Work began on dedication plaques that will hang above the front door of each home. 

We ended the day with a relaxing dip in the pool and a delicious dinner.

Day 4 - Written by Doris Carter

It felt a little odd today that we weren’t celebrating July 4th. If we were home, we would have been getting ready to go to a barbecue and to go see fireworks. However, we had a great day in Costa Rica.  

Since materials we needed weren’t going to arrive at the job site until noon, we had  the morning to go visit one of the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica.  Once we got to the job site, there was a flurry of activity for the rest of the day. We were making window frames and installing windows, making screen frames and installing frames, painting, and building stairs, railings and and benches.  And by the end of the day, the two homes were done! We are looking forward to the home dedications tomorrow. 

P.S. At lunch time, we were treated to a show of about a dozen howler monkeys in the trees behind the homes we were building. 

Costa Rica 2019 - Day 3

Day 3

Submitted by Doris Carter

Costa Rica 2019 - Day 2

Hello! 

We started our day with a wonderful pancake breakfast prepared by our most gracious host, Mao. 
It was a little hotter than yesterday with 87 degrees and high humidity. 

We took the first load of panels to the house site and the offsite team started putting up the first house! A small team made a trip to the lumber yard for more supplies while the rest of our crew continued making and painting panels. All 54 panels for both houses were completed in spite of a late afternoon down pour. We finished our day hot and tired but feeling very satisfied and proud of our hard work! 

We enjoyed cooling off in the pool before enjoying another delicious meal and camaraderie. 

We look forward to Wednesday where we’ll all go to the house site and continue working on the houses. 

Written by Peggy Livermore

Costa Rica 2019 - Day 1

Continued thunderstorms last evening—arrived at the hotel—Paz Gallo (don’t try to look it up—there is no website.). Beautiful morning with clear skies—for now.  

Killed a small scorpion in our bath this morning.  Will start work sometime this morning when all the materials arrive.

Agape!

Peace,
Dan

Written by Dan Jares

We've arrived!

Sunday, June 30, 2019

We all have arrived in Costa Rica safe and sound.  Had dinner at the usual Chinese restaurant after driving through thunderstorms.  We're looking to arrive in Nosara in a little while.  Mail's van now has WiFi, so many are checking their phones.  

God Bless you all!

Peace,
Written by Dan Jares

Stay Tuned for entries from the Adult Mission Trip to Costa Rica June 30-July 9, 2019

Friday - our last day of work

Es possible!  Two houses in 5 days.  Our First Church of Lombard team worked hand in hand with our Costa Rican friends and the grace of God. It was surreal to see a pile of wood, cement and nails turn into homes for the families of Heiner and Karolay and Dennis and Yesenia, Mercy Home #128 and # 129.  We now feel experienced in framing window and screens.  We finished 2 hours ahead of schedule.

After finishing the houses today there was a dedication service to welcome the families to their new homes. The dedication was attended by all workers, friend and families.  We were moved by heart felt prayers and a song by Laura Gay.  Many children’s faces lit up when they received the gifts we brought to share with them. 

After the dedication we were treated to a fabulous dinner at Maximo’s home.  We were able to visit a family who live in a Mercy Home built 2 years ago by the First Church crew who were here in 2015.  We saw how beautifully it was finished to welcome their new baby.  We are grateful to spend a week making new friends and become closer to those we know. This is truly Agape in action.

Porque sin fe es imposible agradar a Dios.  Because without faith it is impossible to please God.

Margaret McCormick/ Meryl Short