11 youth and 2 leaders spent 10 days glorifying God in Costa Rica from July 9-18, 2008. We worked with Pura Vida Missions for this life changing experience. Our trip began with a few days of discipleship training at the PVM base, and culminated with helping a small Mennonite church in Cuatro Cruces, a small village near the Nicaraguan border. Victor, the church coordinator, along with many other church members, made us feel very welcome, and worked side by side all week long as we served the church and the community. At the end of the trip, each member was asked to reflect on their experience. Those reflections, are included below. Continue to check back as pictures and videos will be added here as they become available.
I will definitely miss Victor and the staff. It is a weird feeling to be leaving. I want to leave, but also want to stay. It was a very good way to interact and learn more about God. The downs were the beds, leaving the homes, and the beans. I enjoyed working with Victor. He would always try to teach us Spanish words. The coffee was awesome, and the sermons were good.
- Jairus
I will never forget this trip to Costa Rica. It was amazing and a growing experience. I personally had a lot of fun and grew in my faith in God. The camp we stayed in for the first three days was pretty cool. We learned about the culture and the people and we learned a lot to build our faith in God. We sang songs and had to write our testimonies. It was an adjustment to adapt to the food but by the end we all were getting used to it. I enjoyed our outreach the most. Our team went to a small rural town and I learned a lot from our outreach. The first thing would be I learned some Spanish to get by. Our work project was laying block and pouring concrete. It was for a Sunday School room at the church. Jairus, Amy, and me were on that crew for three days. We had a lot of fun and grew much closer to God. We worked with the pastor, Victor, he was an awesome guy. All the people in Costa Rica were nice and appreciated everything that we did. This week was a big growing time for me, we got to work to glorify God.
- Jordan
As I reflect on the last 10 days I am truly amazed by God! Before I came to Costa Rica, I never would have imagined how God worked in me. I grew closer to God through prayer during our 45 minute “Quiet Time” every day. I was humbled and blessed by the people we worked with during outreach in the community of Cuatro Cruces. The people there showed me how to be content in all circumstances and how to be brave and not afraid to speak God’s name to others in the community. God stretched me this week in so many ways. Through various injuries I acquired, He taught me to be patient and persevere even when I wasn’t feeling well. He gave me a glimpse of Heaven during Sunday service at their church where Spanish and English voices joined together to praise His name. He showed me his perfect timing and plan with the 4 staff members that were assigned to our group. By the end of our time all together we were closer than just staff, leaders, and team – we were family all joined together by our love for Jesus. No amount of words can really describe everything that I experienced during our 10 day adventure in Costa Rica. I am changed and I will continue to grow closer to the God who made this all possible! The main thing I learned was this: Glorify God in everything, not just on missions trips, but everyday. And Die Happy to myself so that I have a full life in Christ every single day!
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
- Brandine
Where to start? I had such a great time, it was amazing! I got to spend time with the locals and I made some friends. A little communication barrier, but it was still great. I learned a wonderfully fun sentence…. “Yo painto pare feliz! Fantastico!” It means, “I paint the wall happy! Fantastic!” It was basically the only thing I learned how to say in Spanish. I got really close to God on this mission trip. I learned how to trust, rely, and believe that he will make everything OK. I got to help in the kitchen one day, and out of everything I understood one thing – Aye, Aye, Aye! Haha! We painted the school and health center. That was pretty good. We played soccer on the first day and it helped us really connect with the locals! We came back one day and all the sandals were gone. Here a lady was washing them for us. It was such a blessing to know how much they thought we were a blessing to be there. We were at the church on Sunday for worship and they started praying (in Spanish of course) but it was so intense! It was amazing. On the last day for vacation day, we went white water rafting and zip lining – the white water rafting was cool – it was pretty good rapids. The zip line I had a little problem braking and got black and blue, but I still had fun. We took a canopy tour and saw monkeys – YAY! Sad to leave, but happy to go home. I will miss it and all the good memories that we made there! God was really with us there and I’m so grateful for that. The staff were pretty good too – Beth, Chad, Kayla, and Jules. They helped me through the week so, I was grateful for them too! God is amazing and he likes to challenge and bless you. Survive the challenges and be grateful for the blessings!
- Susan
This trip was beyond amazing. It’s hard to find the words to even begin to explain this trip. This trip has allowed me to grow closer to God and my youth group. When we got there I wasn’t sure what to expect. We stayed at base for three days. We were told what to expect on outreach. When we went to our actual outreach project we stayed at a small house behind a church in a rural community five hours away. The people were extremely open and friendly. I experienced some communication barriers in the beginning, but by the end of the week I realized the communication barriers actually brought us closer to the people. In the community we got to experience how they worship. I found out that their churches are the same. During one of the services we recognized on of the worship songs and began to sing along in English. It was amazing to hear the same song sung in two different languages at once. We also got to work with the children in the community on several occasions. I noticed a girl sitting off to the side who seemed quiet. I helped her with her craft project. She didn’t smile at all. When we had VBS I focused on the girl, Roquel, and pulled her onto the dance floor. She began to smile and dance along. We also got to do some work projects that included painting and starting to expand their Sunday school room. We soon learned you build things with sign. While I was painting one day, I was trying my hardest to do a good job and not get any paint anywhere on the floor. One of the church members came to help. He was very energetic and eager to help, but he wound up getting paint all over the floor. I was disappointed but we thought about it, he was enjoying himself so much we realized it didn’t matter. We grew so close to the community working side by side with them. I noticed how happy they were with so little. You could see how alive they were and confident they were in their faith. Overall this was an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Many thanks to all who supported us and prayed for us.
- Eden
This trip was amazing. I got to say I came much closer to God and the youth group when we were on our outreach. I got to meet a lot of nice people. I got to work with this one guy who’s amazing. His name was Luis, and he was the best. Working with him was amazing. We did the wood work in the church. It was amazing to have him talk Spanish to me. I didn’t know what he was said we would work on it. One time I didn’t know what he was saying Chad was there to help. Playing with the kids was amazing. We got to sing in Spanish with them. That was the best. We danced with them too as we sang. Everyday we had to get cold showers. That was OK. I got to help cook one day. That was amazing. I think all of this trip was amazing, but the bugs. (lol) I will never forget this trip. A big thanks for all that supported us. It was amazing! Thanks!
PS: I would like to go back next year as staff to help out.
- Crystal
Amazing doesn’t even begin to cover it! When I think back to my anti-missions attitude of 20 years ago, I can’t believe I had this experience personally. The Lord has certainly shown me the importance of getting out and glorifying him.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country – the landscape stole my heart – what a great chance to simply take it all in and just praise God for his incredible creation.
Mud will be my “God moment” – from the time we arrived in Cuatro Cruces and created a mud pit behind the church while unloading building materials; to the muddy soccer field on day one while bonding with the community in an intense game; to seeing part of our crew learn patience in moving muddy clay out, then in, then out of their construction area; and most of all, the loving hands of the woman who was compelled to wash our flip flops out of a grateful heart – what an awesome display of humility – what a beautiful heart.
It was truly a blessing being part of this mission team! Team – “yous” are AWESOME – all of you exhibited true servant hearts, and it was incredible to see your love for God grow daily – I’m so excited to see how this increase in your faith will direct your life choices!
To whomever reads this – please pray for Pura Vida Missions ministry – definitely called by God. Pray for the people of Cuatro Cruces – they are part of our Christian family and it was a privilege to get to know them – they were awesome! Pray for all the sponsors whom helped to make this trip possible – and also those whom helped with fund raising and prayed for the trip.
This was not about a bunch of kids getting to go on a “vacation” – it was about a group of young adults on fire for our Lord - Praise God for them!
- Dawn (team leader)
Sometimes during the most trying times God gives the greatest gifts. Honestly when I first started on this trip I thought it would be much like the rest. I was mistaken by the highest degree. Our first few days called “training” were highly motivational and kept our minds on the spiritual mission. Training also destroyed any preconceptions that I had leaving me clueless to our upcoming outreach. I was truly amazed by how accepting and helpful the people of Cuatro Cruces (four crosses) were. In every project there was someone in the community who wanted to help and the VBS brought a lot of kids just waiting for us to play games, perform skits, and sing songs with them. Some of the women in the church considered it an honor to cook for us. We couldn’t have been more blessed. This summer has been very tough on me and my family but I have found the strength I need for the future through this week and a half. There is a God whom will never fail me, friends I can always turn to, and as long as I remain the Lord’s servant all my needs will be met. A prayer comes to mind that I have said since I was young:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me show love,
Where there is injury, pardon,
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O, divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console.
To be understood, as to understand,
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
Pardoning that we are pardoned
And dying that we are born to eternal life,
Amen
Peace,
- Jim
This trip was fantastico! Out of my three mission trips, I have to say that this one blew me away! Not only did I grow closer to God by devos and loving people, I grew in him through his beautiful creation and awesome friends. God really taught me a lesson about pride and self-image on this trip. Everything fell right into my hands; the lessons, my devo booklet, and my ability to let go of the unusual addiction of self-image. God placed me in situations that pushed me out of my comfort zone and had such an impact on me that I confessed everything to our youth group. From that moment I made an effort to “let go and let God” in every situation. The people and the scenery were beautiful in Costa Rica. The people’s hearts were so full of love that it poured out in smiles, laughter, hugs, kisses and extreme generosity. Even if you are not able to communicate verbally, your face and body language speaks volumes. Victor, the pastor, was a strong man of God who always showed love and joy – even though he wished we could finish the Sunday school addition, he would not let us say “Adios”, we had to say “Hasta Luego” because we will see him again someday. We went to their small town to bless them, but they blessed us so much in return. Our staff also fit perfectly in our group. I bonded with Beth (aka Bet or But – there is no such thing as a ‘th’ in Spanish). She was an energetic FFA girl in love with serving God and people. Needless to say, we had a lot to talk about and she will forever have a place in my heart. Hans was a native Tico that bonded with my mom and I. He spoke English and played authentic Spanish music for us on his guitar. The nature also showed God’s majesty. Everywhere I looked he took my breath away. I am excited to eat rice and beans no more, to have warm water, and to flush my toilet paper… but I have to say that there are no words to describe this trip. It has been a humbling and life-altering experience and I thank God for working in my life the way he did. We truly serve an awesome God… Live it up!
- Amy Mengel
When I first got on the plane to come to Costa Rica, I was scared of what might happen. I was scared that I might be stretched and challenged and pulled out of my comfort zone. But by our outreach time I was so happy and so thankful that I was challenged, stretched, and pulled out of my comfort zone. Which was a big thing for me, but it was amazing when it happened! The first 3 days were training days and they were so focused on encouraging us to go out and glorify God! Then after that came outreach time. We went to a little town of 400 people called Cutro Cruces (Four Crosses) and I was so amazed at how the people were so welcoming and nice! The blessing that we received from these people was amazing! We did a VBS for the kids and it was awesome to see the kids smile and laugh and get into the songs and the crafts and how they were excited for the skits we did! And to make those kids smile was absolutely amazing! The Best feeling in the world! I have grown so much over these 10 days on this trip than any of the other ones I’ve been on and I’ve learned so much and we’ve all grown so much as a group and as friends as well. It’s so neat to see everyone just become so much closer to God! God has taught me so much this week like it’s OK to step out of your comfort zone! GOD FLIPPIN ROCKS! I like to end with a very special verse. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13. Live in Love & Die Happy!
PS: Thank you to everyone for your unending prayers and support! We really appreciate it! God bless!
- Always, Emily
This week, one verse has really had meaning for me, Philippians 4:13. This verse states that I can do everything through him who gives us strength. This verse was mentioned during our training time and during devotions every morning. I kept coming back to it. What was awesome to me is that when I asked the one local woman to sign my shirt, she wrote that verse in Spanish on it. The whole week showed me how God’s love is present in every culture. No matter how little they had they still praised God. The local kids were so amazing to watch because they were so excited to see you. ALSO, no matter how many problems we had, the job ALWAYS got done!!
- Kelly
The outreach is over. I can’t believe it. I’ve just had the best week of my life. I don’t know where to start. God never ceases to amaze me. The way he matched up this “unique” team with me and chillax and bet and chief (so stabil) it couldn’t’ve worked better. I really felt like part of the team. The amount of growth in each person I’ve seen, seeing them be stretched and challenged and push through when times were tough and bugs were biting. I think that even though they came united, God brought them to a new level. I am so excited to see how God will use what they’ve learned on this trip to effect their families, church and community. This is just the beginning. It’s been an honor.
- Kayla (PVM Staff)
What a trip! God really knew what he was doing (imagine that) when he made these arrangements. Rural-based youth group, rural outreach. Crazy team, crazy leaders, etc. Look back at some of PVM’s goals for the team (comfort zone, closer to god, interaction with locals) I realize that I was challenged in all of these ways too. I was continually pushed out of my comfort zone with the lack of a kids ministry binder, lack of sleep, and leading in general. I definitely felt that I grew closer to God by the need to rely on his strength when I was physically beat. And most of all by just seeing his love through our tican brothers and sisters. The realization that these people are also the body of Christ helped to change my world view. Helped me to realize the fact that we as a global church need to unify. I was also challenged about the view that the world has of America when Alex (Elizabet’s husband) asked me if we have friendship in PA or if we just work, sleep, and work more. To close, I’d really like to thank you as a team for really helping us as leaders to have a great trip and for always rising to the task at hand and completing it without complaints. I love you guys. Come visit or write. Maybe we could meet at the Buck or fairs or something.
- Beth (PVM Staff)
Well, this week has been a really good week. Once again God proved himself faithful in us. Its awesome to see how God works in everything and putting everything together. Seeing how this was the perfect team for this specific outreach. Its very encouraging for me and its what has kept me here with PVM for so long and that is how God transforms, changes, and moves the lives of the youth. Its awesome. So with all that said, thank you Salem for coming down and allowing God to work in you and through you. I pray that you allow God to continue that work as you return to PA. Take care.
- Chad (PVM Staff)
Wow, God is truly amazing. These 10 days in Costa Rica have been the best 10 days of my life and the most I've ever grown in my faith. First, the beginning 3 days of training and worship were amazing. We had to make our testimonies and Jim was looking for a verse about using the gifts God has given us, so I helped him look and found Romans 12:4-8. It deals with how we are all part of the body of Christ and we all have different functions to perform. I've been struggling lately with where God wants me and where I should go with my life. This verse kept coming up in my head throughout the rest of the 10 days, especially during the outreach which I will get to later. Next, Thursday night the staff performed a drama which portrayed the mocking, beating, and crucification of Jesus. This really moved me and everyone else at base because it gave a visual of how much Jesus suffered for us. Then after the drama we had a time of prayer which really made me reflect on my life and helped me realize how much I need to change in my life. Next, we traveled to Cuatro Cruces, a very small rural area near Nicaragua. The people there taught me a lot. They were so friendly and content with what they had. Also, they were very confident in their faith. We did a prayer walk with some of the Ticos(name for the locals) and they asked a person at every house we went to if they would like to pray. How many of us would be comfortable to do that around here? While on our outreach we ran a VBS and community nights. During these events I bonded so well with the kids there, despite knowing little Spanish. This is where Romans 12:4-8 really started to make me think. I feel God has given me the ability and gift to work with youth and during the outreach I realized that once I'm out of college I would love to get into youth ministry. Finally, the staff we worked with was amazing. Beth, Chad, Joules, and Kayla all provided great examples and helped me grow in my faith. These 10 days have been awesome and placed me back on the right track in my walk with Christ.
¡¡¡CRISTO ES MI SUPERHÉROE!!!
- Christian
How am I supposed to reflect on the 10 days we spent in Costa Rica, and summarize it with just a few words? Since I had the privilege of reading the other reflections before I wrote my own, I am struck at how words like “awesome” and “amazing” kept coming up over and over again. This was an absolutely amazing trip, one that was knit together by an amazing God!
I need to begin by apologizing to all of the parents, friends, and other church family members. I’m sorry to tell you that the 12 people that came back with me from Costa Rica are not the same people you sent down with me. They have all changed in amazing ways, and hopefully will never be the same again.
The aspect I most appreciated about this missions trip experience was the three days of intense discipleship training we received, and the challenge we all faced to allow ourselves to be stretched and molded by God. We learned how all we do needs to glorify God. We learned how the root of all sin is pride, and most of us slumped in our seats when we saw the many different ways pride manifests itself. We were forced to look at our spiritual lives as we wrote out, and later shared, our testimonies. We were reminded how extremely God loves us, and how we need to love others extremely as well, even those that are not very lovable. We got a taste of what it felt like to see our savior ridiculed, mocked, beaten, and killed – and how he took our sins to the cross with him. And we were commissioned to go forth and serve, not just in different parts of Costa Rica, but also in our hometowns as well.
Our outreach experience in Cuatro Cruces gave us a broader view of the world around us. I admire the church for their patience, faithfulness, and efforts to reach their community for God. I am in awe of how they saved and waited for seven long years before constructing their humble place of worship, and was excited to see their desire to expand as their needs grew. I was humbled and challenged as I walked door to door with local youth lifting up prayers for each family in the community. I took notice of how content and joyful these people were even though they did not have many possessions. I admired and respected their laid back pace of life, and their connectedness as community. I appreciated their willingness to drop everything and work side by side with us, even though we were supposed to be there serving them. I am thankful for the ladies who worked so many hours in the kitchen to provide fantastic meals, and countless smiles to us throughout the day.
But as I reflect on this trip, the thing that continues to stand out above and beyond to me is the amazing work God has done in the lives of each person on the team. I spent a large portion of my daily quiet time lifting each team member individually up to God. I’m thankful and blessed to see how God answered so many of those prayers in such a short time.
Jairus – I’m so proud of you for the courage you displayed when you shared your testimony with the entire group at base. I’m also blessed by the questions you were asking while you were studying your Bible. Keep studying and asking questions. God wants to continue to reveal himself and his plan for your life in amazing ways.
Jordan – It is always fun watching you discover new things. I’ve watched as your horizons have been greatly expanded in the past few years. God has so much more he wants to show you. Keep allowing yourself to go new places, and face new challenges head on. You will be blessed beyond belief.
Brandine – as you head off to college this year, I know that God is planning on using you in some pretty cool ways. He’s been teaching you patience and perseverance for a reason. Keep pushing yourself closer to him, allowing him to use you in any way he sees fit.
Susan – your smile and eagerness to jump in and help has blessed many, and will continue to be a blessing to people as time goes on. Keep looking for challenges; they do help you grow. Cling to the blessings God has given you thus far, and keep sharing the excitement of Christ with those around you.
Eden – your quiet, gentle spirit along with your desire to work and serve is an asset in the world we live in. As you head off to school in the fall, take this experience with you. I’m sure you will encounter people that you can focus on and show God’s love too, just like that little girl that was sitting off to the side. Your actions made a huge impact in the life of that girl, and your actions will greatly impact the lives of others as well.
Crystal – I’m so glad you were able to come share this experience with us. God wants to use you in exciting ways to further his kingdom. I do hope you will go back to PVM as staff next year. Don’t let silly things as finances talk you out doing that. God tends to work those things out.
Dawn – just think how many lives would not have been touched if you hadn’t let go of your anti-missions attitude of 20 years ago? I know you’ve been on a lot of trips now, but you are just scratching the surface. Continue to allow God to show you the diversity and extent of his kingdom all around the world.
Jim – adversity and trials often refine us. I’m so glad this trip was so much more than the “like the rest” experience you were expecting. Use this experience as a springboard to continue ministry to those around you now, and beyond. Continue to allow God to reveal himself to you in fresh and exciting ways.
Amy – God is good, isn’t he? Never, ever forget the work that was done in your life over these past 10 days! Find ways to use your amazing ability to juggle a busy schedule to glorify God, but always remember to take time out to hear God’s still small voice in your life. Continue to seek God’s will as you think about missions involvement in the years to come.
Emily – being stretched, challenged, and pulled out of your comfort zone will always make you a much better person. I’m sure you will be stretched in many ways as you head off to school. Use this experience to draw strength for all that God has planned for your life. Never let your faith sit at a stand still, continue to ask God to stretch you and take you to the next level.
Kelly – you have so much to offer the world around you. Allow Phil 4:13 to be a motivating force for your life. God has and will give you strength, so you can do everything! Seek God’s will for your life, and don’t be afraid to share what God has given you with those around you!
Kayla – God will prove himself faithful to you over, and over again. He is your rock, and will never, ever let you down. I know God has exciting plans for you, and trust he will reveal them to you in his time. It was such a blessing to us to have you as one of our staff members. You are part of the team, always will be, and we will continue to lift you up in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth – I don’t know how anybody could have been a better match for this team. I’m so thankful you have allowed yourself to experience many different things, and have seen God in many different locations. Thanks for how you connected with so many in our group. You are also part of the team, and we will be seeing you soon.
Chad – may the Lord bless you richly for the dedication you have shown to him over your life. It was such a weight off of our shoulders knowing you were coordinating everything for us, and always had everything under control. What a fantastic example you were for the rest of us. You too remain in our prayers, and we trust God will continue to guide you.
Jules – keep seeking God, he will reveal himself to you. Sometimes God’s timing is far different than ours, and even though we are in his will, we may not see blessings right away. Keep doing what you are doing; continue to ask God if it is time to move on. You will be blessed, he will direct you. I promise. We will see you soon.
Christian – I affirm the calling you have felt during this experience to get involved in some type of youth ministry. Your personality that God has given you allows you to have great influence over children and youth. How amazing it is to hear your desire to use that influence for God’s glory! Keep pressing forward, God has only begun to show you the exciting things he has planned for your life!
DeLynn and other PVM staff – God has indeed blessed your ministry. Our lives will never be the same thanks to the seeds you have planted in Costa Rica, and the seeds you have planted in our lives. We are so thankful you answered God’s call and have been faithful to allow God to shape PVM into what it is today. May God continue to bless your efforts!
Victor and friends at Cuatro Cruces – we came to serve and be a blessing to you, but instead we saw you serving us, and blessing us. We look forward to the day we see all of you again, be that while still on earth or after we reach heaven. May God continue to pour down his blessings on all of you for the work you are doing for him!
- Rich (Peachey)
Training Time
One exciting element that sets Pura Vida above other organizations we have worked with was the 3 days of spiritual discipleship training before the actual outreach time. During this time, we were all stretched to grow in our faith, and entered the throne room in worship of our savior.
VBS
The youth held VBS for the local children. Part of it included learning some great Spanish kids songs.
Drama
Those who were not involved in preparing for VBS and children's ministry prepared a drama to be shared with the local community. Here is "King of Hearts" performed during the Sunday worship service at Cuatro Cruces.
Random Fun
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