Sweet 16

It was Nikki's 16th b'day today and the team made sure to make it a special day for her. She asked Mrs.C for enchiladas for dinner and Mr.C added some baja fish tacos. Birthday Brownies by Irene, complete with lit candles and the group singing "Happy Birthday" topped off the birthday celebration.

Birthday Video

Pictures! 

Balloons for the birthday girl

Going down to see the sunset on Nikki's Birthday 

Irene and Nikki 

Happy Birthday Nikki! 

Eli giving Nikki a piggy back ride back to the house 

Birthday Brownies
 

Make a wish! 

 "Sweet" Sixteen

Our Work Days Begin

Today, began our three days of work at the church Iglesia Ebenezer. We woke up early, packed our lunches and put on our work clothes. We got to the church around 9am and worked until 2pm only stopping for a short lunch break. Our students worked hard the entire time and had great attitudes even though they were very tired. We had two crews working: one crew was in charge of painting and the other crew worked on trusses.  

The paint crew was in charge of painting two bedrooms and the inside and outside of the church. Our team was flexible as we had to work with only 5 gallons of paint instead of 10 (which was what we ordered but only 5 was delivered). Our team made it work by making the paint stretch and working on all areas at the same time. This huge endeavor took us the entire time as we worked hard to finish painting before leaving.  The truss crew was in charge of constructing trusses within the existing roof. It as hot and dirty but we finished all the work we expected to finish today. Tomorrow we are continuing on these projects and we will be hopefully getting more paint to finish the rest of the house. Please pray that we have energy and strength to finish these projects with excellence so we can bless these amazing people. 

 

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Your "babies" wanted to say a  few words out to friends and family!

Robin

Hi guys! Costa Rica is AMAZING! It has been so much fun! Our team has really come together and have been working great with each other! We have seen monkeys, iguanas, turtles, catfish, lots of spiders, and so many other animals and insects. Us girls have really bonded and became close! We have gotten no sleep, but we are all hangin in there! It's been so great! I have only gotten three bug bites and I'm not sunburnt (yet). Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here!

O and Elaine, thank you  for my letter! I got it today and loved it! We are going shopping next week and I am for sure buying you something good - haha!

Love and Miss you all!!(: <333

Rachel

Hey mom, dad, Tracy and Bullseye!!!  Costa Rica is so beautiful.  So far, we went to one of my favorite church services in the world, Gone snorkeling at least twice, swam almost every day, and painted 3/4 of the pastors house.  We also went to the catfish/ shrimp farm and got to catch and fillet the fish.  It's been really fun.  In addition, my room is freezing. 

Anyway, Mom, thank you for the letter.  I got it today.  What in the world is this package.  Is it from you, or is it real?  I'm confused.  Also, thank you for teaching me that cut for dicing onions.  I've had to cut a few here, and that dicing style has come in handy.  Dad, thank you for teaching me how to paint the right way.  It has come in so handy.  I've been doing a ton of cutting and I didn't need any instruction because you taught me how to do it.  Tracy, how's it going?  There's a bird here that the pastor owns and it's been reminding me of Lolo.  I've been teaching everyone how to act around the bird and how to hold it and everything.  Bullseye, I love you.  Imagine me giving you a big snuggle and holding you tight.  Keep watch over my room while I'm gone.  You and Buzz are in charge.   Make sure my mom is still feeding Casey.  Tell everyone I say high and that I love them all.  Wish Sarie a happy birthday for me on the 3rd.  Tell her I love her and miss her.

Love you all and I'll see you soon.  <3

P.S. - This little girl at the farm yesterday was playing Sound of Silence on the xylophone  It made me think of you mom.  love you,  :)

Nikki (Today's Birthday Girl)

Hey mom, dad, and Izzy! I love you guys thanks for all the cards from everyone! It was a good surprise! I also got the other card you sent mom thank you!! I do have a lot of bug bites haha and they are getting bigger and really itchy!!!! Well you probably want to know what we have done so far! Well we helped with VBS and the little kids are so cute and adorable!!! I love them so much, and after that we went to the adult service which was outside and three hours long!!! The church is very small but it was one of the most beautiful church services I have ever seen!!! The people are so friendly and always greet you when you walk in the door. We  also went to a catfish farm and I saw how they harvest catfish and then we had some for dinner. Today we worked for a loooonnnngggg time at the church helping paint it and putting in new supports for the roof! I have had such a great birthday so far! I have gotten closer with the people on the trip and they have made my day so much fun, they made me all cards and put balloons in my bed! This is a birthday I will never forget. But I do miss you but I know you are celebrating with me in spirit :) It has been so amazing here and I have seen and observed so much! I cant wait to share everything that has happened during the trip!! To all my family and friends..  I Love you and I cant wait to see you when I get back! Thanks for all the support! :D

Eli

Hi mom, dad, and Hailey! Having a great time!! I haven't had very many bug bites but a few! Snorkeling has been awesome I have been doing that almost every day!! The people here are so friendly and fun to be around. The sun sets are the best part I think (: I really miss you guys! Don't have too much fun without me!! 

Dylan 

Hi mom, kyle, and angel! I have had an extremely fun time here so far in costa rica! I miss you guys very much! Today we started construction on the church it was really cool! I love you guys! My life is being changed by God i can already feel it. God is doing some amazing things on this mission team! 

Cassie

Hi mom dad jill katie and everyone back home! we are all missing you but are so happy we are here in the beautiful Costa Rica! i hope you are doing good at home and love you all so much! today was the first day of construction on the church and the pastors home which was successful cant wait for what happens next! I love you and will see you soon!

Jake

whats up Mom, Pops, and Katie!!! I am having a great time. Its so beautiful out here, we have been snorkeling almost everyday. My most favorite part was spending time with the children. Seeing the smiles that I put on there faces made me feel so good inside. Right now we are in the process of rebuilding the churches roof and repainting the pastors house, it is going along well. Well I miss you guys, but i could stay here for a month at least. 

Love ya - Jake

Cheyenne 

Hi mommy, Levi, Cherokee, and dad! Costa Rica is so amazing and I absolutely love it here! This is such an amazing experience and I just adore the little kids and the people are just so very welcoming.  They are just so adorable and fun to spend time with.  I think I might just take one home LOL.  And when we attended there church service, I was so intrigued and very touched with how they worship and absorb themselves into the scripture.  It was an unforgettable experience.  I miss you so very much and hope that all is going well.  I love you guys so very much and can't wait to tell you all about this very soon.  Love you! 

Love, Chey-Chey

ADARA 

Hi Wongs, Carrillos, Cancios, Gozzos, Jones and everyone else! Lol too many too name. Costa Rica is so so so amazing. There are so many animals. Im in love!! I caught a bullfrog today that was the size of my head. im having so much fun. its so hot here i cant even explain. ive had so many awesome experiences already and the trip isnt even over yet. also, the dogs are really sweet. they are everywhere. since the kids dont have toys , they pick the ticks off the dogs. its actually fun. some are the size of jellybeans. ew Lol. i will never look at anything the same again! cant wait to tell you more love you all! -Dawa

Jerry

Hey mom just wanted to let you know that I am having so much fun here, I have gone snorkeling , saw a monkey, and held an exotic bird. I just wanted to let you know that  I love you and I miss you a lot. I cant wait to tell you all about this trip. Love you!

-Jerry

Conner 

Hey Mom and Dad just letting you know I'm having so much fun here. It reminds me a lot of Belize. It's hot, there's lots of bugs, good food, a nice beach and a lot more. Can't wait to see you guys in a week. I'm having so much fun here.

Love You Guys!

-Conner

Nathan

hey family just wanted you to know that i got to see another conure today and it was the same as ludwig but with an orange head. i am up to 7 bug bites and have seen 2 monkeys and went snorkeling. thanks for the bracelet and it fit perfectly.

p.s. i may have broke it during snorkling. (mah B)

p.s.s love you and i am having fun see you soon

Hayden

Hey family, i have been snorkeling everyday since i have been at the resort, also only two bug bites and just helped with the trusses of the church we are helping, thank you for the card mom it was nice to have a little encouragement, i have also seen some monkeys and a lot of eels. love you all.

Irene

Hello family and friends! Thank you for the comments. I check for them everyday and seeing them have made me quite happy. I'm having a great time in Costa Rica! We've eaten great food and I have been taking A LOT of pictures (over 2000 so far)! It has been a bit humid and I haven't put on any bug spray so I've been getting bit a lot :P The people here are fantastic and we even painted the church today. I've also been helping with making food (which has been a blast since I love cooking and stuff). I miss you guys a lot :/ Keep commenting because seeing them make me very happy! Also, I got the letter today from mom. Thank you for sending it! Please have dad email me a picture of you guys cus I only have a few pictures of you guys separately. I miss you guys a lot and I love you guys! I will keep working hard and being healthy~ :) 

Lindsey

Hi mom, dad, Travis,Sam, and everyone else following our trip:) I love you guys and I miss you all a lot. I'm having an amazing time (and not sleeping much haha) I can't wait to come home and tell you all about all the amazing experiences I've had:) I feel like we've already been here a week!!! I love you guys:) 

P.s. mom stop worrying about me I'm fine:p 

P.s.s. I got your letter trav and Sam ..... No promises;p.... Hahaha jk