Decisions, decisions

As we look toward January, most projects are the result of group discussion and planning. Each year an important foundation is laid when the group determines a team verse and a mission statement.  The 2014 team has decided on Romans 10:14-15.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

The mission statement of the team reflects this message as well.

We share the truth and love of Christ Jesus by being wholly devoted to Him, by serving others sacrificially and by demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. 

Another day at work . . . and team building

 

Team Picture for the Prayer Cards

Last Wednesday the team began strong with praying, planning, and . . . well, you'll have to ask a team member about the "munching," "moving," "dashing," "teaching," "crying," and "dying" elements of it all.  Already we have begun preparations by dividing into committees and discussing possibilities for team t-shirts, kids' music, and devotional studies.  As a group, we are creating a team motto and backing it up with Scripture. (More pictures in gallery in right-hand column.)


This coming Wednesday, we plan to take a team picture (although we are still praying for another male leader).  So everyone needs to bring a nice shirt (no writing/no sweatshirts) and jeans (or the like, but no sweats).

First Team Meeting for the DCXC.CostaRica2014 team!

Good gathering for our first meeting with team members and parents (or brothers). We were sorry to have missed having with us Arin, Taylor, and Lauren, but we look forward to working all together starting this coming Wednesday!  ¡PURA VIDA!

Last few notes from team members

David Dupont -- I have learned that not having technology with me actually helps keep me healthier and gives me more sleep. Like Coach says, it’s freeing not to have it all the time. The trip also blesses me to learn what it means to sacrifice for the kingdom. To be on this trip, I had to give up some things at home, and it’s a glimpse of what  true sacrifice feels like; in actuality, these may not be big things, but for me they have been. 
 
Evan Ramey -- Going to the south of Costa Rica was interesting. It was more dusty and spread out. The houses were further apart which made inviting kids a longer walk. Instead of doing kids VBS in the beginning, I helped with teen camp, which was fun. Teen camp games were much harder to play since the kids are older. It was cool to hang out with kids my age.

One thing that impressed me happened at the end of a VBS in Tronodora (north Costa Rica). One of the kids gave Dan his small stuffed dog as a gift. The kid probably did not have much, so the fact that he gave it away to his new friend was very impactful.

Dan Griffith -- The beauty of God's nature here in Costa Rica has impressed me. The kindness of people down here is a lot different than in the U.S. Even when you can't speak the same language, we can still make good friendships with kids here. I also like team meetings: when LaMar spoke to us, he put the Bible in practical ways and it really spoke to me.

Menna Yohannes – For one, I really like LaMar’s messages at night. He’s just really good at showing us and explaining truths in the Bible. I like helping the kids, too—they get really excited and seem very happy for us to be there.

Arin Wilgus –When I first heard people talking at the airport, it seemed very difficult, but I’ve been impressed by how much I’ve been able to overcome the language barrier. Also, even though it is a different culture here, we have learned about how we need to focus on relationships, and that is what they do here. They just accept us and welcome us.

Nathan Tighe – The mountains and views here are impressive. Most of the people are nice, and dogs are everywhere. Lots of the buildings are partially open—you live outside more. I like the plants and the palms. I like the food, but it’s been mean to me. 

Joanna and LaMar Salley, our hosts, with their daughter Alexa
(not pictured--sons  Matthew and Kevin)

I’ve learned a lot through LaMar’s teaching—like what a real son/daughter of Christ is—or what a real disciple of Christ is.

I think it’s very hard to communicate with people. It’s fascinating to think that these people who seem so similar live in a completely different language.