First part of the trip.....

....is accomplished! We survived soggy waffles and tiny latin women. We're sitting in the airport in El Salvador. Next stop Costa Rica. Then onto Ecuador. WooHoo!

The mind is a funny thing....

Every time I think about building tree houses my mind wanders to these little fellas.....

Testing. Testing. One...Two...Three...

Heading South

Well this blog has sat completely dormant since I returned from Costa Rica way back in April. Between Facebook and Myspace I just haven't had much need to update it. But that's all changing! This Friday -in the waaaaaaaaay early A.M. - I will be flying to Ecuador with some friends to work at a youth camp. We'll be constructing tree houses to go with an existing ropes course. In addition to that, I'll be looking into future ministry opportunities for our high school and college students. Should be a really exciting trip. We'll be working with an organization called Youth World. To find out about them visit their website: www.youthworld.org.ec
Check back from time to time Oct. 9-19 to see what we're doing there!!

HOME!

.....and exhausted! Time to catch up with my kids and my sleep

We're Here!

Hello from Costa Rica! Joe was kind enough to drive me into town so I could update this blog. This is probably the only time I will have a chance to do this since Joe will be leaving us tomorrow. But you never know, so check back later in the week.

We have been having an amazing time. As typically happens on trips like this, we have seen everyone step up to all the tasks laid before them. Up to this point we have been getting trained in preparation for a jr. high school that is arriving on Tuesday. And that training includes all of us doing the “in tree” ropes course (which was definitely was a faith stretcher for those of us with a slight – well, ok a MAJOR- fear of heights.) Learning the ins and outs of serving and cleaning in the kitchen. Moving all the bunk’s mattresses outside to air out. Cleaning all the harnesses and helmets from the rock wall and ropes course. Learning how to belay climbers on the rock wall. Practicing all the jungle challenges (obstacles) so we know how to lead them with the students. Some of our team will even work as counselors in the cabins with the students.

The team is continuing to bond as we spend time living, learning, working, and laughing together. Each night we have team time for worship and some devotions led by alternating team mates. Tomorrow half the team will be experiencing Expeditions (La Montana’s version of Survivorman) for one night. The other half will head out upon their return. We will sleep out in the rain forest, in hammocks, at a base camp we set up ourselves. We are responsible for all our own cooking and will be working on some projects out there in preparation for others getting to use it. Since this is a new part of the La Montana camp, no one has ever done this so we are the guinea pigs…..I mean pioneers. But don’t worry, 2 camp staff will be going with us.

Everyone says “hi” (Robert to Dani in particular). I want you to know that I am so proud of everyone so far. They’ll all met each activity and challenge without hesitation or complaint – for the most part. Praise the Lord we’re all healthy!

Here are a few pictures of stuff we've been doing this week.

Taitai on the climbing wall

Kyle, Daniel, and Jordan connecting with nature



Anxiously awaiting our next assignment!



Amy with Mario, the camp cook

Kyle, Stephanie, Edyn & Robert (with Joe Pent, the camp director) getting ready to serve a meal


God's Finger. Remove the tire without it touching the post
Strrrrretch! Crossing the "U's"

Viva Costa Rica!

Today is the day! At 9PM the team will be gathering at the church and then heading down to LAX. Then we fly off to Costa Rica at 2:20AM. We'll get there around 9AM.
I still feel like there lots of little things to do, but in reality I don't think there is. We kept Hannah and Clint home from school today so we could all hang out before Amy and I leave. Think we'll head to Duke's for lunch. After all, they do have the best buns on the beach!
I hope no one's luggage exceeds the 50lb. limit. What a drag it would be to stand in line eliminating things from your suitcase. That would be sorta embarrassing with everyone watching and me taking pictures of the whole thing!