Costa Rica Mission Trip

Under the leadership of Debbie Glass, a relationship with Hector Soto Rojas and the Voz que Clama Mission (www.vqcmission.com) in Turrialba, Costa Rica was formed.  Hector aligned us with the Special Education Center, the public school for students with disabilities in the area surrounding Turrialba.  Last summer, our team built an outdoor pavilion, we worked alongside the teachers and therapists at the school, visited and gave gifts of food and therapeutic toys to 14 families from the school, formed relationships with the moms of the children attending the school through crafts, held a party for the 14 families we visited, and made a trip up to the indigenous village of Chirripo. 

We were excited to see the many innovative therapies and classes the school (K-graduation) was providing the students.  The classrooms rang with reading, counting, singing, and laughter.  Everyone was happy there!  The older students had opportunities to learn skills in horticulture, wood shop, home economics, and cultural dance.  The physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and teachers were well trained and had materials readily at hand. 

Many of the mothers bring their children to the school via public transportation.  Because of the cost, the mothers remain at the school throughout the day, to keep the cost of transportation to a minimum.  The mothers now have a pavilion they can gather in to socialize while they wait on their children.  They truly enjoyed the crafts and wanted to learn more. 
The families we visited were chosen by the school’s counselor.  They were truly “the least of these.”  Many of the homes had dirt floors, cracks in the walls, and little more than running water, but they were tidy and well kept.  They appreciated the food and the toys.  We left feeling that there was so much more that could have been done.

Some of our team members partnered with another medical mission going to the indigenous village of Chirripo.  There they held a medical/dental clinic and worked on a construction project there. 

The 2012 Mission team will consist of 12 total members.  As the team is built by the Master Designer, God’s will for what we do when we get to Costa Rica will become clearer.  Our contact there, Hector Soto, and the school’s counselor would like us to work on equipping an area for the moms to be productive while they are at school during the day.  We’ve discussed bringing some sewing machines and teaching them how to use them, as well as providing materials that will keep them producing items that could be sold for their benefit.  God is providing the resources we need to hold a devotional time with the moms before we begin our crafting/sewing lessons with them.

The School Counselor has chosen 5 families for us to work with in more specific areas than we did last year.  The family descriptions are being translated and so far the needs are great.  We will consider each families situation to determine how our team can best assist them.  We will also be visiting these families and sharing the love of Christ with them in many ways. 

We hope to have a group make the treacherous hike up the mountain to Chirripo and work on a water filtration for the indigenous people living there.  If this part of the trip is to happen, we will need some strong leaders, in every sense of the word, to accomplish this task.  Pray that God makes it abundantly clear if we should continue this part of the mission or not.

Pray for God’s guidance for those of us making the trip, that God will provide the team members He has chosen, and that the team will have unity of spirit.  Pray for the students and their families, that their needs will be met abundantly.  Pray for the room being set up for these dedicated, loving moms that they can come to know the love of Christ in a real and personal way.  Pray about what your part of this mission should be.

I want to go and am praying about it.  What should I know?

The dates for the trip are March 18 – 25, 2012.  Plane reservations for 12 have been made and the names need to be placed on the tickets ASAP.  The trip will cost $1400.00 per person.  Scholarships are available but limited.  You must have a passport.  You must get vaccinated for tetanus and hepatitis A.

Monetary donations are always accepted.  Every little bit helps.  Our Special Needs students are collecting for the trip in their weekly classes.  We want them to feel a part of this trip.  Donations online must be clearly marked Special Needs Ministry Costa Rica Missions Trip.  Materials not collected and shipped will be purchased after arriving in Coast Rica.

Donations of needed materials may be made as well.  We will be taking with us:
4 sewing machines – new or gently used
Fabrics
Patterns for simple craft projects – purses, pillowcase dresses, curtains, etc.
Sewing notions – needles, thread, storage containers, etc.
Other craft items that will help supply this workroom
Materials for a craft of your choice – enough for at least 6 items
As the family information sheets are translated, additional items will be added to this list.  We will have collection tubs stationed at each student check-in station for gathering items.  You may also bring items to Chris Robbins’ office, C206, in the Main Building of TWUMC.

Use your Time & Talents Here and Now!
There is much to be done to prepare for such a trip.  If you have some time on your hands and would like to help, we will gladly put you to work as needs arise.  We can use those with shopping abilities, clerical skills, and willing hands to make craft “samples.”