Arriving in Costa Rica and a Day in Cot

The trip didn't start off as planned for me.  While packing, I realized that I had lost my passport.  After talking to Mrs. Brice, I had to forgo the plane with my class and drive down to Atlanta instead.  Luckily, I was able to get a replacement passport in Atlanta, and I was able to catch a plane that evening.  After arriving in Costa Rica, I had to go through customs alone and wait outside for Carlos to find me.  The trip didn't start off as planned, but I was just extremely happy to have made it.

I met with my host family that evening, and finally went to bed around midnight (2:00 am US time).  The following morning we began by visiting a local potato factory where we saw how chips are made and also tested some new kinds of carrot chips.  The host from the factory was very nice and gave everyone multiple bags of chips.  Leaving the factory, we visited with a local farmer who showed us his onion, potato, and carrot crops.  We all ate lunch together and then went to the school in Cot where we played kickball, basketball, and volleyball with the local kids.  Finally, after eating dinner with our host families, we played soccer.

- Stephen Glenn

tasting carrot chips at the potato farm/factory

playing kickball

Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places

Elena

Jack 

Matthew

Buenos dias de Costa Rica!

Last night was our first full night in Costa Rica, and all 20 of us are finally here.

After a long day of flying and dealing with customs/immigration, our students embarked on a two-hour ride to our destination in the mountains in the beautiful state of Cartago.  We had a delicious lunch and were able to learn more about the ministries offered by our leader, Carlos Cordero.  We learned their main mission is to empower local and national ministries to transform their country and fight socioeconomic problems through faith in God.

The students were then able to meet their Cot host families and went home with them to enjoy some dinner and a crash course in "cultural immersion."

As I am writing this, my own host family is preparing for me my favorite Costa Rican dish: gallo pinto.  Gallo pinto is the breakfast that is enjoyed virtually every day by Costa Ricans: rice, beans, peppers, onions, and a whole lot of love.

Today, we are going to meet the students at the school and take a tour of the community to learn about its rural economy.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some breakfast to enjoy!

Stay tuned for some experiences from your students tonight!

- Rob McGrath

gallo pinto = delicious!

Intro to Cot

Welcome to Cot!  Cot is a mountain town east of San Jose.  The students will spend the next couple days in Cot,
visiting the local high school, staying with host families, and exploring the surrounding area (there is a volcano!).

Orientation to Costa Rica

They Made It!

I am happy to report that the seniors made it safe and sound to Costa Rica.  They are working their way through customs, will pick up their luggage, and meet Carlos for the trip to Cot.  I've been told that they are excited, happy, and already much warmer than they were in South Carolina.  :)

More pictures and stories to follow (once they find consistent internet access).

- Becky Brice

Customs forms are fun!

This is what happens when you meet at the
airport at 4:00 am.

Airport shenanigans

En Route

We made it to Atlanta and are waiting to board our next flight!

On Their Way!

The Class of 2017 will leave early tomorrow morning for the annual Senior Mission Trip to Costa Rica!  

Please join us in praying that the Lord will work in and through them on this adventure.  

Check back for regular updates!