Home, Safe and Sound

Well the team landed back in Edmonton at approximately 8:40 Friday evening very tired and ready to sleep in their own beds. Everyone is safe, and all luggage arrived complete and intact.

Early this morning we learned we had a third individual who had a fever, which added to our concern of getting through the temperature scanners at the Mexico City airport. Many here at home were immediately notified of our situation and we know that prayers were offered up on our behalf, asking for a clear passage through all of the security and temperature check points. I am excited to say that these prayers were answered, and everyone went through all checkpoints without incident. There are still some who are feeling ill, so please continue to uplift them in your prayer time for a quick and full recovery.

I have learned very early on this trip that prayer is the backbone of this trip, and that the prayers of His people are heard and answered. I have seen it many times in the past ten days.

On behalf of the entire team, please know how much your prayers and petitions for us are appreciated and valued. Knowing that there are prayer warriors back at home brings comfort and a confidence as we undertook ministry in Costa Rica!

Stay tuned for more...

Lance and the 2009 CR Team

The Trek Home

It's 12:10 am as I write this after a long day. At 3:15 am we are scheduled to load the bus and head to the San Jose Airport. Our flight leaves around 7:30 am and heads to Mexico City where we will have about a 5 hour layover. I believe we land back home in Edmonton around 9:00 - 9:30 Friday night.

Please pray for the entire team's safety and quick clearances through security. We saw God work in many ways on our trip here, so we are trusting for more of the same on the way back. Note - there a couple people in the group who were not feeling well tonight when they went to bed, so please also pray for a speedy recovery and no fevers as we pass through the inspection points in the Mexico City airport.

Thank-you so much for your prayer support!


Blessings,
Lance and the 2009 CR Team

Keep checking back...

A quick reminder to remember that though our time in Costa Rica is winding down, we will continue to post information, images, and more video as time allows. So be sure to check back regularly to get more information!

Our Trip Is Winding Down...

Our trip is quickly coming to a close...it has gone by so fast. We have said our tearful goodbyes to all of the wonderful friends we have met in Guarari, and we have accomplished alot of work on the building project. The relationships that have been formed will have a lasting impact on us all.

Today we are taking the day to wind down, collect our thoughts and reflect on our time in Guarari before we head home. Please pray for us as we pack for our long trip home - pray that everything would get packed and that things would not be left behind. Pray for our safe travel and rest/sleep as we need to leave the base at 3:30 am tomorrow morning to catch our flight home.

But most of all, please pray that lives in Guarari would continue to be changed with the Good News of Jesus, and that Jesus would be glorified in Guarari.

Here are a few more images to help tell the story of our time here....

Answered Prayer!

Monday ...A Day at the Park!

On Monday Norma and Fernando brought a bus load of Children from Guarari to a private park in Heredia where we met them for the day. It is a beautiful park with a pool, soccer pitch, basketball court, eating area, and a beautiful creek running through it. The smiles on the children's and mother's faces were wonderful to see.

Here are a few images from the day....

Yes that is Tony Jones sprawled out on the lawn after rolling down the hill with some of the children!

Will post more soon.

Blessings,
Lance and the 2009 CR Team

More Pictures!

Click an image for a larger frame.

Pictures!

Update...

God was at work today....

What a day!

Today was our first day in Guarari, and it was a great day. Our day ran late today, so I haven't had time yet to post a new video. Will try to get it done tomorrow.

During the day, I had an opportunity to photograph this young boy. He was expressionless throughout the day. Made me start to wonder what his life is like at home...

He and others like him are just one of the many reasons that we are here.

Will post more tomorrow.

Blessings,
Lance and the CR 2009 Team

We Made It!

Counting Down...

Today, July 6

Lots of last minute scrambling! We managed to purchase some last minute computer supplies needed by the base, which we will add to our 16 duffle bags, boxes etc. of ministry supplies and sleeping gear. On Tuesday morning we will add 33 personal bags to the pile. Emergency phone numbers have been circulated, if you are family and did not get these, they are available through the church office (780-962-4700). Arrangements for transport to the airport should be made by now, so all that's left is a good nights sleep!

Tomorrow, July 7th

Meet at the airport at 5:30 am

Flight leaves at 8:30

We will have a 6 hour layover in Mexico (YUCK!!!!) *please pray for clearance

We arrive in San Jose at 11:30pm, load our gear, and travel by bus for 45 min. to the base.

I'm sure we'll sleep sound that night! The worst part is the Costa Rican roosters start crowing at 5:30am, but once up, the coffee is sooooo good!

It may be tough to blog tomorrow but we will let you know we have arrived first chance we get.

Detailed Prayer Requests...

If you would like to receive more detailed prayer requests for the team, please email Bonny Piska at the church to have your name added to the list.

You can contact Bonny at: bonny.piska@sgac.net or call the church office.

Thank-you for your prayer support!

Packed and Ready to Go!

While we have done a lot of preparing and planning, more importantly we believe, is that we have prepared our hearts, and have bonded together as a team. We go as learners, we go as servants, we go to uplift those who work in the long term. We have studied the complexities of poverty, cultural etiquette, prayer, kingdom battle, sharing testimony, and working in team. In 11/2 more sleeps we will board the plane excited to learn more of God, and what it means to care for those in need.

We want to thank those of you who visit this blog for your support in so many ways of this team. Auction volunteers and supporters, speakers, meal makers, drivers, work project helpers, encouragers,and most importantly the many of you who have committed to pray. We go as an extension of you who who have supported this partnership in the community of Guarari.

Today's report:

Our SGAC church family sent us off with a wonderful commissioning service, lot of hugs, promise of prayer by committing to wearing bracelets with the names of our team members. The last few of our 16 bags of sleeping gear and ministry supplies were packed into Mr. Spratts truck to be delivered to the airport Tuesday morning.

Tomorrow's itinerary:

Last minute packing, and preparing.