Sharing Talents and Time

Our visitors from Texas.

The fourth week of July went by in a flurry of activity mainly because of our 12 visitors.  Who were they? They were grandparents, married couples, single adults, and college, high school, and grade school students. Their backgrounds included pastor, contractor, mechanic, entrepreneur, professor, accountant, homeschool mom, receptionist, salesclerk, teacher, relater, massage therapist, athletic trainer, nursing assistant, guitar player, photographer, and more. They came from two churches to form one mission team that managed to apply themselves in a number of ways. 

Time for crafts and bible study.

Their trip and activities revolved around ICDI’s development projects in Costa Rica. Before they came, they collected baby clothes, prepared crafts, and raised over $10,000 for the dental clinic expansion. They brought from the USA donations of exam gloves, yarn, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Expanding the dental clinic.

Friday evening, they arrived at the mission center and unpacked. Beginning Saturday morning and throughout the week they:

·       built the dental clinic annex which will double their size and expand their services.

·       hosted volleyball, kickball, and soccer clinics.

·       participated in the local soccer academy.

·       offered a craft and bible lesson to women.

·       went on home visits in the reservation with the maternal and infant health promoters.

·       harvested, cleaned and packed bananas to ship out of the country.

·       were assistant English teachers.

·       assisted our mechanic (at his shop) with an engine removal (not one of ours!).

Playing volleyball is so fun!

There was also time for fun and encouragement when they:

·       led devotions for the team and missionaries.

·       visited neighbors and our dentist.

·       hiked in the mountains and swam in the river.

·       prayed for fellow team members and missionaries.

·       played cards and boardgames.

·       washed dishes.

·       talked, joked around, and got to know each other.

·       drank lots of locally grown coffee and took some home.

Perfect weather for hiking.

Who were they? They are a part of the extended family of the Body of Christ.

Waiting for the coffee to brew.

Jesus is the hero!

Paul and Bridget