Debriefing on what enriched and what surprised....

Back in the states now reflecting on how the Lord blessed, our group of five shared some of the blessings of the experience.

Bob and Barb Nesbitt

For my part, I could not be more thankful for those people there in Costa Rica who made the experience a smooth one. I especially thank the Nesbitts--Bob and Barb--for their continual care and concern that all was well during our time there. Also, the staff and faculty of ESEPA and especially the host families--Paul and Sofia, Magaly and Rodolfo, Viviana and Antonio, and all their family members. How well they took care of us and even spoiled us.

Eduardo ("Negrito") and Tattiana

In regards to the work, we enjoyed so much getting to know and working with Tattiana, Eduardo, Andres, Libya, Daniella, and Tiffany. We thank the Lord, too, for getting so much done, and we pray that those at ESEPA will continue their love and labor at that beautiful spot in San Jose.

Jose and Paulina (fabulous cook)

For Barbara, the most enriching was the warmth and generosity of everyone we met and the abundant natural beauty of the country. For her, the most unexpected of the blessings there were all the treasures we found in the library (the urna collection, books older than 1935 and/or with other unique characteristics).

Stephanie shared, "I so appreciated the hospitality that we were shown. The Costa Rican people were extremely generous and thoughtful.  The staff and students at ESEPA were so kind, and our host family made our experience very memorable." Stephanie did not expect to get to travel so much and see the various parts of the country.  "We visited the mountains, famous parks and cathedrals, and some of the famous waterfalls as well."

Antonio, Viviana, and Diego

For Camille, the most enriching part of her stay in Costa Rica was time spent with the believers and getting to know the family with which she stayed. The most unexpected experience, for Camille, was our short time at the beach. "Normally," she shared, "if I had the choice between visiting a museum or going to the beach while visiting another country, I would always choose the museum. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the beach at Esterillos."

Madison shared that "Life is hollow without relationship and this trip certainly flooded the well of my heart by connecting with so many people....My life is enriched by the stories, the shared experiences and the souls of faith God allowed me to encounter while in Costa Rica." Madison states, too, that God surprised her by introducing her to ladies who were so joyful and so filled with Christ in spite of holding pasts of extreme pain. "It was amazing to witness living proof of God's redemption and restoration that He constructs in the lives of His beloved."

Moto, Paul and Sofia

For myself, Tia, it was so enriching living with the Tico families. For as many years as I have lived overseas, they have always been with my (wonderful) Gringo family. This was an amazing experience of culture and food and family. (I was especially impressed by Viviana: she's a stock broker with a crazy schedule; yet she is totally involved in her church family AND she makes hand-made tortillas for breakfast.)

For me, the most unexpected experiences came with horse-back riding on the beach (loved it, even if brief) and taking the buses to get to church and work. 

I praise the Lord especially for the team with whom I worked.  Wonderful workers and fantastic friends.  Thank you, Barb, Camille, Madison, and Stephanie (alphabetical order :) ).