Monday

Part of the "mission trip experience" is stepping outside your comfort zone, trying something new.  So here I am, posting my first ever blog!

Monday

After hearing stories of Costa Rica, the people and missions, and spending time at St Timothy's with Bishop Monterroso, I am so excited to be here.  In many ways, San Jose is exactly what I expected.   The streets are crowded and noisy with all the bustle of a capital city, and poverty is visible from the roads. I realized this is the furthest south I have ever traveled, so lush, tropical and colorful.  The terrain is incredible.  The city sits in a large valley with lush mountains thrusting sharply skyward on all sides.   It is beautiful and exciting here.

Diocesan House is much nicer and more comfortable than I imagined.  It is roomy and clean, everyone is so friendly, and the food is fabulous.  There's a yard with a dog named Bispo, and several rooms to chill in.

This morning during breakfast Fr. Arturo, retired priest from the Church of the Ascension, popped in to say hello and let me tell you, he lit up the room.  What a personality!   He remembered the folks from prior years with a big hug and welcomed us "newbies" into the family.  A few minutes later Obispo Monterroso arrived, with hugs and welcomes again.   I really like it here.

After breakfast we had a devotion on John 11, when we hear that Jesus purposely waited away while his friend Lazarus lay on his deathbed, and eventually died.  Neither Martha nor Mary could understand his timing, each crying "Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died."  No one could have anticipated the miracle that occurred only with the Lord's timing.   And that was our message for today.   We are on his time, not our own.  This proved to be a good lesson for today.

Shortly after breakfast we boarded the bus dressed in old clothes, boots and gloves, ready to work.  Our first stop was not the worksite, but to my delight, Hogar Escuela.  I have heard stories of this amazing place founded by the Diocese of Costa Rica, and was not disappointed. Located in Barrio Cuba, one of the worst places in the city, it is a safe haven for 120 children.  Translated to "home school" these children stay all day receiving food, education, and most importantly, love while their single mothers work.   The mothers also learn computer skills and English at the school, enabling them to work in the booming Call Center industry which pays over 3x what they can make otherwise. The modern facilities are a stark contrast to the tiny metal shacks surrounding the property, and the children were such fun!  My favorite part was watching Fr Eduardo lead 4 year olds in a round of "Christo me amo" - Jesus loves me.

Next, we we traveled across town to a neighborhood called Heredia.   Located behind a new western mall, it is the poorest neighborhood in all of Costa Rica.  It is also the site of the newest Hogar Escuela, set to open in March.  What a beautiful facility!  While standing in this wonderful space, Obispo Monterroso shared a story of groundbreaking.  Eucharist was held on site, with our Presiding Bishop officiating.   As she raised the host in adoration, a rainbow broke out across the sky and church bells rang from the neighboring Roman Catholic church.  How moving!  A rainbow mural now adorns the wall in the sanctuary, which also serves as the central core of the facility.   I can't wait to come back to see this incredible school filled with children.

As it happens, work did not begin on Monday, but the ground work was laid for a fabulous week.   We heard the Bishop say again and again that our mission is to worship God and to serve others.  Their emphasis is on serving women and children, who are so marginalized in this society.  The work they do is important.  It changes lives and family trees.  It is bold and faithful.

It makes me want to get to work.