Well – life got busy as VBS began, and I didn’t get to do daily Costa Rica updates. 

But we got our son back from his first short-term mission trip in the wee hours of Friday morning.

He did not take a ton of photos, but here are some from his camera.

And I have a few some of the other members sent to me.

They spent one day doing a debriefing in a hotel on the Pacific coast.  The sand was very course and the waves were strong.  A few team members were baptized that day. 

We are going to let him sleep in in the morning as the rest of us head out to our last day of VBS.

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

Packing started slowly…

But we managed to get Nigel (and other team members) to the Buffalo airport by 5:00 A.M.

(photo credit K.Petrucci)

The team’s leader, Pastor D.L.Walter provided a quick note and a few images at the end of their very long travel day.

The team:

Some instruction.

Outside ministry headquarters.

The team members each went with their host families where they will lodge for the duration.  Nigel is rooming with his friend Dom.

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.