New Posts

Buenos días!

Please take note that there are many new posts as of last night on the site, so be sure to scroll through a few pages and see what all is new.  Many of the personal reflections listed provide an insight as to how people's lives are affected by this mission.

New images and possibly some video are also scheduled to be added in the next day so keep checking back.

Reflection

“ In Costa Rica I had a great time playing and working with the kids.  There was one boy in particular that I had a lot of fun with.  His name was David and he is one of Norma and Fernando's junior leaders.  He liked to play soccer and many times I played with him.
One thing I noticed is that I had more emotions this year.  There were many happy times like when we drove into Guarari and I saw all the new housing that has been completed.  A few of Norma and Fernando's families are fortunate enough to have one of these homes but there are many who still do not and I feel sad for them.  I am glad that we could go and show Jesus love to our friends there and I hope we can go back again.”

Caleb Spratt

Reflection

“I made a friend in Gaurari and his name was Jose.  In Spanish Jose means Joseph.  We played together all week and played basketball on the park day.  Even though we could not talk much we had a lot of fun.  I really like Jose and will pray for him.

I made another friend named Alvero.  He was one of our translators and drove the van.  He took me snake hunting and we have a secret hand shake.

I also really liked going on the zipline in the rain-forest and seeing an iguana, a poisonous dart frog, a tree frog, baby hummingbirds, a viper snake and a rubber tree.  I hope that we can go back next year.”

Jose Spratt

AMIGOS

Reflection

“Each year that I am part of this mission I go into the trip firmly believing it will be the last time I ever do this.  My first trip to Guarari in 2008 completely transformed me from the inside out. But now three years later my heart did not seem to be “in it” anymore.  I got on the airplane trying to reassure myself that it was only two weeks and I would soon be home and could move on with my life.  Despite my lack of enthusiasm God once again opened my eyes to a world far beyond my own understanding.  He broke me down by bringing me face to face with my own ignorance and selfish human nature and reignited my passion to be a part of His ultimate purpose.  The mission in Guarari was never about me, but year after year it has challenged and changed me in ways I never could have imagined.  It is incredibly humbling to see how God uses what little we come to offer each year and multiplies it to accomplish what seemed to be impossible. I am honored to be a part of something so much greater than I can physically comprehend and I truly believe the fruits of our labor that are starting to appear this year are only a drop in the bucket of what is yet to come.”

Laura Drachenberg

Reflection

“I have experienced doing chores by milking and feeding the goats.  I have made two new friends named Luis and Roselin.  When I first walked in Roseline came and gave me a big hug.  Then she told me that she wanted me to meet Luis and went and got him.  I got there and I was so happy to see a little boy to cuddle.  When it was time to leave I was sad to go.  I hope I go to Costa Rica again!”

Silvia Garcia

Reflection

“I have made lots of new friends like Alvero, Daniela and Gabino.  I have loved it here and I will miss Gabino and all the YWAM people.  My VBS group did a drama about when you fall Jesus is there to pick you up.  This has been an awesome experience in my life and I think God has spoke to me these past few weeks.”

Emily Fikkert

Reflection

“During my time in Costa Rica a moment that stuck out to me was when we were in Guarari.  A little girl about 4 years old came up to me while I was standing off to the side.  She raised her arms for me to pick her up, I did and she hugged me for at least 3 minutes.  It was amazing to me that a little girl that didn't even know me hugged me for so long.  It was great!”

Samuel Frostad

Reflection

“Our prayers were answered!  The team was significantly united this year and we were able to show God's patience and love through our interactions with each other.  I was also amazed at how close to our heart theses families are.  SGAC's commitment of 6+ years is evident in the love between the locals and our team.  It was definitely the hardest goodbye in my 3 years here in Costa Rica.  I pray God guards their hearts and that they grow more in Him till we meet again.”

Grace McDonald

Reflection

“Something that was very special to me was having the mamas make us lunch everyday. Even though they have so little they gave more than what they had in order to show their appreciation for all that we were doing in their community.
I did not get to see Selky this year because I found out that she moved back to Nicaragua with her family. I was sad to not see her but I did make two other good friends named Joceline and Janet.”

Rachel-Ann Spratt

Reflection

“During this trip I didn't develop any close relationships with the children at VBS like in my previous trips.  Despite that fact, on the last day we spent with the kids, when we had to say good-bye, I had such a feeling of loss and sadness.  Even without having a connection with any of the VBS kids this year, I still have such a deep love for them will miss them like crazy.  This country and these people have a way of getting into your heart and holding a special place there for the rest of your life.”

Shaneen Hartwig

Reflection

“After three years of longing to get to know the ladies of Guarari I feel this year began to fulfill that longing.  We met with 22 very special women, some of whom I had met on previous trip so their names and faces were familiar.  This year was significant because we were able to visit with them individually getting to know their families, their personal needs and hearing testimonies of faith.  We are not that different from each other.  For the first time as we hugged each other and not wanting to let go, my heart broke with emotion and the tears flowed like a river.”

Peggi Perry

Reflection

“Two days were spent tackling some work projects around the base.  It was rewarding to give back to the place that accommodated us for our two week adventure in Costa Rica.

Many thanks to the staff at YWAM who made us feel like family.  The food, laughter and song have made a lasting impact.”

Bob Kerr

Reflection

“Throughout this trip, I have been able to experience many things: bugs, commando showers, rain, (and lots of it) rooster's waking you up, delicious Chiki's, Pop's ice cream, milking a Costa Rican goat and Spain winning the World Cup in a mall.  I have also been able to experience God's unconditional love for everyone, His power, control and the unity I've felt as a team.  It has been an amazing experience for me and I hope that I will be able to continue sharing God's love not only in Costa Rica but at home too.”

April Kerr

Reflection

“This trip has been a life changing experience for me. I have seen God work in so many different ways throughout the past weeks and it has only served to strengthen my faith. So many times I had to step out of my comfort zone to do God's will and the effects were always rewarding. God showed me how He can work through the smallest child to accomplish His plan. Just being with the kids of Guarari, seeing their situations and yet how happy they were made the trip so very worth it. God accomplished a lot on this trip and I am so happy I came to see it.”

Gabe Buhiire

More images...

Here are some more images from our time in Costa Rica for your enjoyment - in no particular order.  So many great memories...

Reflection

"Guarari, what can I say.  The beautiful faces of those children, their mother's pride in humanity, their generosity!  I am speechless for now.  The Costa Rica team, the leadership, I will remember this the rest of my life.  God bless you all!

James Buhiire

Reflection

"Staying at the YWAM base has been a real dream for me.  It's a beautiful property with goats, dogs, cats, a horse and some amazing food and people.  I really love this fantastic YWAM base."

Emma Kerr

Reflection

"This year the trip has been tough.  God has challenged me so much.  It's been awesome to see the seeds that have been planted in previous years grow and blossom.  These kids are amazing and I know God has great things planned in life for them."

Sheylenne Pyde

It is good to be home...

The team landed tonight safe and sound around 9:45 pm at the Edmonton airport, warmly greeted by family and friends.  The flights were, for the most part uneventful, except for the fact that we were running to catch our connecting flight in Houston to Edmonton.  With only 1.5 hours time between arrival and departure in Houston, we didn't have much time to get through US customs and security.  We boarded the plane about two minutes before departure.

Today was another bittersweet moment - it is so wonderful to be back in the comfort of our own homes with family and friends, enjoying some of the creature comforts we take for granted.  But there is a longing to still be in Costa Rica with those we have come to love and have developed relationships with.  There is also a unique bond that is formed when living in community with 40 other team members, which is not something that can be experienced when we go our own ways.

As always, we truly appreciate your prayers and support for the team.

There are many more personal reflections, images, and video clips to be added from the trip, so stay tuned in the next few days.

Leaving...

Everyone is hurriedly packing this evening in preparation for our departure back to Edmonton tonight.  The bus is scheduled to leave the base tomorrow morning at 8:00 am sharp, with our flight taking off at approximately 11:35 am.

Please pray that all of the items that need to be packed are, and that we have favor with the airlines regarding  baggage, seating, etc.  We only have 1.5 hours to catch our connecting flight in Houston tomorrow afternoon, so please pray that we can make our connections as required - moving a large group of 41 people through a large airport can be a challenge...  We anticipate landing in Edmonton around 9:30 pm Friday night, assuming all goes well.

It's a tough night tonight though as we say goodbye to many good friends here at the base, and to out time in Costa Rica.  We are however, longing to be home as well, back with family and friends.

Thanks for your prayers.  See you all at home soon!

Work

The past two days, the team has been busy working at the YWAM base, lending a helping hand wherever possible.  There were a number of projects that were tackled including pouring a concrete floor in the chicken barn, building a bus stop shelter out at the main road, general cleaning and facility maintenance, weeding and trimming, etc.  It is just one way that we can give back and support the base and the entire staff who has so tirelessly supported the CR2010 team during our time here.  It has been great to see how the entire team pulls together to get the job done!

More Images

Below are a few more images from the "Park Day".  It is our hope that all the images and video we post give you a glimpse into our time here in Costa Rica, and some of the relationships that have been formed with our wonderful friends.