Making a cement volcano at karen's

Karen's husband takes part in construction of his house

At the end of every work day this week our group has been winding down by identifying the high and low points of our day, and especially times when we saw Jesus.  Today was a great day for everyone here and we even got to spend the second half of it together, playing in the river with the local kids.  All of the projects were successfully wrapped up and the team members have regretfully said most of their good-byes with the people they’ve met.

After a week’s worth of work, the team feels good about the projects they have accomplished and the relationships they have built.  Karen is a very proud owner of a home that she can call her own, and she and her family moved in today.  Our community partner now has a covered porch where his family (and many other members of the community who spend time at his house) can relax and enjoy each others’ company.  Finally, the Watsi neighborhood  now has a vibrant, colorful community center that is used for everything from a locker room to a clinic.

At the end of every day, when we talk about what we experienced, there was one story in particular that came up several times.  The team that was at the community center has been working with a man named Carlos.  He has been leading the team and showing them how to make the necessary repairs.

During Friday’s lunch, the team had a chance to ask him about the origins of the Bribri culture.  As he told the story, the team got to see one of the things about which Carlos is really passionate: the Bribri culture and history.  Through the telling of this story, the team was able not only to learn more about the Bribri traditions and past, but also about this man Carlos, with whom they had been working all week.  Everyone really enjoyed asking questions and  hearing what Carlos wanted to share, making it a great end of the week for this group.
Team Costa Rica

June 11, 2010

*Note: Interested in going on a trip with Experience Mission? Visit our website at www.experiencemission.org to learn more and watch for our Summer 2011 trips.