Are are ready for the mission trip to Costa Rica? Some team mates are looking forward to reconnecting with some old friends. I am sure that Collin and Anissa are hoping to see the bus driver Luis. (We've requested Luis and hopefully he will be our driver, no promises.) I trust that if Luis is our driver, Anissa will see that he is properly introduced to everyone. Gene and I always feel so welcome as soon as we step out onto the sidewalk following the long process of getting through immigration once we arrive in San Jose. The first face we will see is that of Luis Alvarado (not the same as the bus driver but you will soon learn, there are many men with the name Luis). Luis makes sure we get all of our luggage loaded on the top of the bus and he sees that we get to our hotel. He's met our plane whether we come with a team or just the two of us...he's there with a big smile and warm hug.
Another person we are always happy to see is Rosa who plans and prepares our lunch and evening meal each day. We can't expect our food to be the same as at home so enjoy new tastes and get used to rice, beans and great fruit. Our teachers on the work site will probably be Wilberth, William, and Mario. They will teach you how to do the job their way. It may not be the way you've done it before but be a good student and learn their way of doing things.
Remember always, we are guests. Be a good listener and observer. Always greet our hosts when you enter a room. Please show appreciation to those who are working to make your time in Costa Rica meaningful and pleasurable. Mucho Gracias is always appropriate. When taking photos, be considerate. Think first how you would feel if someone came into your space (home, church, or country) and took photos. We'll talk about that later.
Continue packing. We'll be at the airport before you know it. Blessings, Bonnie
