Saturday, March 29
It´s hard to believe that we have been in this country less than 8 hours and yet it already feels so familiar. We arrived in San Jose 1:30 p.m. Costa Rican time a bit tired from the day´s journey, but filled with anticipation. Customs was a breeze and we found Alonzo waiting for us at the curb of the airport with a YMCA sign. We were able to see the main roads of San Jose before arriving at Campamento Oikoumene.
After unloading our belongings, we met up with the 18 children who were visiting for the weekend. Despite the language barrier, we became fast friends and learned that a nod and smile go a long way when you don´t know the language! Following a dinner that can only be described as delicioso, we were privilaged to witness an incredible devotion led by the camp staff. While it´s too difficult to explain it over the blog, you need to hear about it (do a google search for Tony Melendez). In as much as the campers were filled with awe, I found myself feeling like a 6 year old who is seeing something for the first time. Later, we headed to the camp fire where our amazing group of high schoolers led songs, performed a skit about frijoles and made s´mores for the campers and counselors.
Although it had been a long day, we gathered the group for mvp (gabby and elizabeth for their much needed ability to translate), dorcas award (tyler for his inability to read his seat number on his plane ticket... 29mar) and devotion.
I am still amazed that despite the langauge barriers that exist, there are four things which are universal for all people: laughter, applause, dancing and music. We were able to experience all of these things not once or twice, but often before we headed to bed.
Continue to pray for our group. We have such an amazing group of teens and this week will prove to make them even more incredible. Our verse for the trip, Proverbs 16:9 - We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it - has already shown me that God has his hand here with our group.
It´s hard to believe that we have been in this country less than 8 hours and yet it already feels so familiar. We arrived in San Jose 1:30 p.m. Costa Rican time a bit tired from the day´s journey, but filled with anticipation. Customs was a breeze and we found Alonzo waiting for us at the curb of the airport with a YMCA sign. We were able to see the main roads of San Jose before arriving at Campamento Oikoumene.
After unloading our belongings, we met up with the 18 children who were visiting for the weekend. Despite the language barrier, we became fast friends and learned that a nod and smile go a long way when you don´t know the language! Following a dinner that can only be described as delicioso, we were privilaged to witness an incredible devotion led by the camp staff. While it´s too difficult to explain it over the blog, you need to hear about it (do a google search for Tony Melendez). In as much as the campers were filled with awe, I found myself feeling like a 6 year old who is seeing something for the first time. Later, we headed to the camp fire where our amazing group of high schoolers led songs, performed a skit about frijoles and made s´mores for the campers and counselors.
Although it had been a long day, we gathered the group for mvp (gabby and elizabeth for their much needed ability to translate), dorcas award (tyler for his inability to read his seat number on his plane ticket... 29mar) and devotion.
I am still amazed that despite the langauge barriers that exist, there are four things which are universal for all people: laughter, applause, dancing and music. We were able to experience all of these things not once or twice, but often before we headed to bed.
Continue to pray for our group. We have such an amazing group of teens and this week will prove to make them even more incredible. Our verse for the trip, Proverbs 16:9 - We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it - has already shown me that God has his hand here with our group.
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