Nigel’s missions trip to Costa Rica–Entry 3

July 14, 2017 | Stacy

Our pastor and wife took and shared a LOT of photos today.

My personal favorite is the one Tiffany sent me just before I went to bed. This is Nigel and his friend Gunnar on a prayer walk in Carpio. The man in chartreuse is our Worship pastor, and former piano teacher.

D.L. (pastor) explained that our team of 25 separated into four smaller groups for the morning to serve in different areas. Three members of the team took part in a women’s retreat. A couple of members worked on painting a new logo for the CFCI ministry center. Another group worked on a construction project at the CFCI ministry center. And another group ministered along side Ticos to run a children’s program for 85 children. And that was just in the morning.

After lunch the team cleaned up from the morning ministries and went on a prayer walk. During this walk they visited families that Pastor Christian ministers to frequently. They prayed for needs in their families. The last family they visited was another Pastor that Pastor Christian knows, named Alejandro. Alejandro’s son, who worked with his father has a worship pastor, was murdered just a couple of months ago. D.L. reports that team members’ hearts collectively broke for this man and his family.

As they went on the prayer walk they needed to cross this bridge one at a time.

In Carpio, they passed out some of the 1000 dresses they took from the Dress-A-Girl ministry here in Rochester. Dress-A-Girl brought 10 suitcases with 100 dresses each to our church last month for distribution in Carpio. To God be the glory!!!

D.L. explains that as they were completing their walk Brady offered to reach the high places on this painting project for the woman.

Nigel’s mission trip to Costa Rica–Entry 2

July 14, 2017 | Stacy

Team leader, D.L. Walter provided more images at the end of Day 2.
It sounds like the gentlemen in the group worked to help with construction-type projects while the ladies assisted in women’s and children’s ministries.
I know these images are not in order, because I know some are from morning worship. But I’m not sure exactly which order they DO go in, so I will just leave them like this.
I’m excited for the members of this team. It’s just so awesome to have time to focus on other people. I know that sounds funny, especially in our culture where we are so aware of our personal busyness and are always hearing how we have to carve out “me time.” In fact, I think way to often most of us are constantly aware of just how many more minutes until we have more “me time.” I love that a short-term missions trip like this encourages participants to just totally focus on what can be done in Jesus’ Name. Their host families and the ministry is taking care of meal provision. That means these workers can get up in the morning. Get ready. And GO. Go and DO.
I’m in awe of how it all comes together.
And I’m so glad Nigel could go and do.

This one is like a VBS-style or sidewalk-club style children’s ministry.

Lunch for women and children in the neighborhood.

I think this is morning worship/devotion time.

They are enjoying magic tricks despite language barriers.

D.L. preaching.

I read that these guys put in a hard day of work. Praise God for young men, strong muscles, and willing hearts!

Nigel doing, um, something…. ♥

1 Peter 4:10
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace

13 on the 13th

July 14, 2017 | Stacy

Marie was up before anyone else. She emptied the dishwasher and fed her little sisters and got some coffee. She’s a do-er.

Nan picked her up at 11:30 and took her to Longhorn for lunch, and to Glow Golf and then back to her house for a while.

Back at home?
WE PREPARED HER SURPRISE PARTY!

Friends arrived at 4:00 P.M. in anticipation of Marie’s 4:30 P.M. arrival.

I wish I had great shots of her surprise, but our camera suddenly stopped working for Stewart, and I accidently filmed in slow motion.

I invited them to the table for dinner, which we served in courses on China.

In lieu of gifting, I asked guests to consider bringing some art work of their own for her to keep.

I had a lovely craft planned, and ordered oil-based Sharpies on Amazon Prime on 7/6 and they were decidedly NOT here in 2 days. (It’s the third time this year Prime failed me… I’m counting Amazon!)

We pulled out Bible Apples-to-Apples and Ella won.