Costa Rica: Talamanca to San Jose via The National Rain Forest

August 7, 2013: Day Five

Wednesday came bright, sunny and hot.  After devotions and breakfast the morning was spent cleaning the three buildings, bathrooms and packing.  Mattresses needed to be deflated.  Tents needed to be taken down.  The kitchen needed to be inventoried and packed.  Trucks and vans needed to be loaded. Everyone pitched in.  Still sensitive and sore over the previous evening, I was grateful to be given a task that allotted me some needed space, privacy and opportunity to bless the next pastor using the house when ministering to the local people.  As I thoroughly swept and mopped the four room house, the opportunity to think of others took my attention off myself.  As I began to pray for Anthony, the other pastors and their families I was filled with such a warm sense of His Presence. 

Felicia, a local believer arrived that morning.  I had a specific book for her daughter, Angel, whom I felt would find the story amusing and touching.  I had the pleasure of spending time one afternoon with Angel, a young teen.   Angel is a bright young girl and a bit reserved who openly expresses a keen sense of humor.  I also had, to my amusement, had the opportunity to observe her momentarily interact to an equally engaging young teen boy of her age.  Realizing I watched a moment of shy, awkward innocence, I prayed for them.  I instinctively prayed they both retain a childlike faith before the Lord, trusting in Him, as they matured out of childhood.  

After giving Felicia the book for Angel, Felicia lifted my spirit as she shared her witness to my fall.  Felicia exclaimed, raising her arms into the air, “When I saw you get up and brush yourself off and go on with what you were doing, I knew you were a missionary!”  Thank you, Jesus.  It is to You alone, for Your glory and by Your power I can get up, brush off and go on with Your work.  The Bible says the God will restore the years the locust have destroyed.  I wonder if the “locust” are more than just insects, but anything that robs people of what God intended because I have often felt destroyed by the impact of abuse, which represents the locust in my life, leaving me with a sense of unworthiness and self-loathing that years ago kept me from fully serving as a missionary.   Felicia’s words remind me of my heart’s desire and of how by the merciful blood of Jesus Christ we are made worthy. 

With bags, equipment and coolers trekked up the hill and loaded we began the journey back to San Jose.  I did not wish to go.  It was difficult to leave and I had such a rush of feelings!  I experienced a pull on my heart like never before.  Arriving at the village at the base of the mountain we stopped to drop off Pastor Anthony and Gabriel.  Alex purchased everyone a cool drink of their choice.  Miriam and her daughter were across the road at the bus stop so Rosh and I ran over to speak with them.  After saying goodbye to Anthony and Gabe we were on our way again.  Our second stop was for gas, restroom and for me the dreaded goodbyes to Carlos, Marguerite and Martha.  Feeling very self-conscious for my emotions, it was difficult to hold back tears as I will miss them very much.  Alex, in his generosity surprised me with a bottle of cold water, in which I was very appreciative.  Driving through the mountains and villages I enjoyed gazing out the windows looking at the lush unusual plants, especially flowering bushes and endless plantations.   

  

                                                                              






                                               

                      

Early afternoon we arrived at the National Rain Forest for lunch and zip-lining.  I, of course, with the condition of my hand, could not zip-line.  Interestingly enough, it did not bother me being left out, as we all know I’d be the first in line to zip line!  Tricia kindly stayed behind with me and we watched a video presentation and took the tram tour that lifted to a breathtaking view mid-canopy.  The rain forest, extremely dense and full beheld many species of plants.  At the entrance, we did see a sloth and it was much larger than I’d expected.  As it climbed higher into the tree I do not think I have ever seen anything move so incredibly slow, not even a turtle!  On the tram we did see an anteater in a bit of trouble extremely high off the ground as he disturbed a hive of bees.  He caught our attention as it leap out of the hole, scrambled to grasp a vine upside down, midair and rapidly raced down the trunk.  I had no idea anteaters could climb trees!  On the way back we looked for signs of the animal, but all that remained were a multitude of bees hovering in protection of their hive. 

   

As this was my first visit to a rain forest I was content with the opportunity to learn the history of the habitat and explore before zipping through it.  

Next time though..….

We arrived into the city during rush hour.  The District of Columbia has nothing on the traffic in downtown San Jose!  Yet, amazingly the traffic flows and moves along.  We stopped at our accommodations, unpacked, washed-up and met up for dinner.  We met Julie, Alex’s wife who ministers to the women of San Jose, along with their two young daughters.  We dined in a local pizza parlor for dinner and ate by far the best pizza, ever.  

(OM Costa Rica does not yet have accommodations to board mission teams, so we sampled a variety of local restaurants when in San Jose.) 

The night ended dozing to mariachi music being played in the common area where guests were celebrating.  It all felt just too familiar and I found comfort in this.

Following photos.....not for the skirmish, squeamish or skittish....Kait and I were fascinated with the bugs and reptiles.  Here are a few shots depicting several industrious, colorful and quite large bugs we encountered.

          


PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE

Please PRAY for the people of Costa Rica and other regions in the world who are struggling to make ends meet.  Many people are unable to secure stable work, are being released from employment or cut back in hours and/or pay.   Too many people are in need of adequate housing, food and quality medical care.  Communities of people are in need of resources and job skill training in order to learn a trade for employment.  Children and teens are not in school because they are the sole caretaker of younger siblings or are working because they must contribute to their family's income.  All children and youth ought to have access to education and a childhood.  Pray for the diligent work of OM and other ministries worldwide partnering with local churches in the area of restoration and development, as visions are ignited through the encouragement for people to utilize their God-given gifts and talents in order to guide communities to the prospect of economic self-sufficiency.  So many people are lost, existing day to day in a cycle of confusion and hurt that tears down one's ability to trust. Trust themselves, trust others, or trust God.  Jesus gave His life as a living sacrifice in order to guide us back to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, our precious soul.  Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life.  Only He can reconcile our lives back to God.  Seek the Way. Learn of Truth. Choose Life. Please PRAY that God would honor and bless the efforts of missionaries, area pastors, local churches, volunteers and others who support God’s work through resources, time, skills, finances and/or prayer.  Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan of redemption for all creation through His Son Jesus Christ.  Pray for spiritual growth in all people, for the embracing of faith in Jesus, fully trusting Him to make a way where they seems no possible means.  May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him.  May we grow in understanding and knowledge of Him, walking in forgiveness and love for all people we encounter.

Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service, globally and/or within your own community.  Below are links to websites where you can learn more about OM who is fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of Costa Rica and other regions worldwide.

RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in.

Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting, praying for and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally.

PRAYER REQUESTS

For those in need of physical healing
For the unemployed
For children unable to attend school out of necessity to work in support of family
For children unable to attend school due to lack of funding or flooding across roads

For access to quality and affordable medical care

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

Vive Talamanca (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) - 

Go to:  http://www.omcostarica.org/spa/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=92:vive-talamanca&catid=34:noticias-y-articulos&Itemid=84

Operation Mobilization (OM) –

Go to:  omusa.org

OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) –

Go to:  http://www.omcostarica.org/spa/

To donate to OM Costa Rica (English) -  

Go to:  https://my.omusa.org/page.aspx?pid=328

             Note:  In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica                                                                                               field #14500 Vive Talamanca, then specify, as desired, water         
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