Last Night in Costa Rica

Post by Andrew:
Hi everyone. it is our last night in Costa Rica.  It feels like we just got here.  It has been a great experience here with the whole team.  Everyone has grown so much since we have gotten here and we have all become more like a family than a team, including the interns.  It has been a great experience to see the younger members grow and adapt.  They have also been a great example of how we all should approach an event like this.  It has been inspiring to see the team work hard all day and still want to do more.  I don't know how many of the team actually want to go home.

There have been no complaints from anyone even when we are being eaten by every kind of insect that you know and some that you have never seen before.  The area is beautiful beyond words and the view is ever changing.  hopefully you can get and idea of this from the pictures that you will see.

I believe everyone here has played a huge part in spreading the word and expanding God's Kingdom. They have all been great examples of what servants of  Jesus Christ should be like and they have all shown how great it is to be a servant of Jesus Christ.  Everyone should go on at least one trip like this in their life, it will change the way you look at everyday and the world.

Well see you soon.

Last Day in Costa Rica

We woke up to the clearest morning ever and the sun just shining down upon us.
I kinda feel like God's smile is just beaming with golden rays on this team.
They have worked so incredibly hard, played hard, and done it all for His glory.
I have never spent a Mission Experience with a team the felt more like family from the very begin.
We have certainly felt God's blessings, and we hope that you have felt them to or that we bring them home to our family & friends... this has been a truly majestic experience.

This is Today's view from the top of camp.

Bali Hot Springs Day - Monday

Yesterday was an awesome day to relax for the work we have put in for the week.
Our Team spent the day at Bali Hot Springs with a clear view of the volcano, Arenal.
And we finished the day with the most amazing PIZZA ever, but a few of our systems probably felt the impact of a rice & bean diet.  Our return to camp brought out the most beautiful starry night picture... we were told that they had not seen stars in a long long time.

Full Circle

Post by Gabby:

Today was an emotional day for me. I'm not usually a cryer but I'll admit I might have shed a tear, or two as we helped the Moore's enter their new home. Many of us, including myself, were heavily involved in the very very long packing process of the Moore's house. Helping them move in was so bitter sweet. After being here at La Montana and seeing all the amazing ways God is using each of the Moore's differently. I'm so excited for their new adventure. However, I'm also really really sad that the adventure is so far away. Overall, it was an amazing day (even though I did get insanely carsick on the way). Our team is so efficient and has such a good time working together that the day went by so fast. God made it very clear to me today that the people I have the absolute pleasure of experiencing this mission with are not just my friends, they are my family.

Day 6: Sunday, July19th

The Redeemer's Assignment Today was... Mov'in the Moores in!
Lonney, Paula, Haley & Micah have been in Costa Rica since May, but it wasn't that long ago that their belongings actually took a little bit longer then the Camp season started.

When we arrived to the Moore Casa, Paula shared with us the their feeling off being overwhelmed with wall to wall box... and there was, we could understand the feelings coming from her.
The blessing was that many of the people that helped them back back in Reedley, God brought them to help with the unpacking.  Our team just divided up and took on different tasks in different rooms.
Wow, the bent that was made!  They still have boxes to unpack, but at least they have now "home"!
It was an honor to help move our family in together.

We Love You ... Lonney, Paula, Haley & Micah!!!!!!

Day 6: Sunday, July19th

Post by Annalissa

On Friday we went zip-lining and I was surprised I went on all 12 lines.
Being high in the tree tops was amazing.  Costa Rica is a beautiful place.  It literally rains every day and being from California, which is like a desert, is really weird to see tons of rain.
At camp we have rice and beans every day, so for sure when I get home, I'm getting Subway or Wendy's.  I'm glad I got to see Micah, Lonney, Paula, and Haley.
Lastly, lake day was amazing, to blob and to be blobbed.
----- Annalissa

Day 5: Saturday, July 18th

Post by Sarah Gibbs

"Oh my goodness!"  This is a phrase I find myself saying all the time, everyday.  

First, it was because of the views.  Then, it was the amazing people we get to interact with.

And today, it was because of this unfamiliar wet stuff falling from the sky.

The Ticos call it rain!  We have seen rain before in many different ways.  We saw it in our previous days here and in previous years back at home, but nothing like the rain we experienced today.

I got the privilege of working with the recreational staff today, particularly a guy names Jorge.

Before lunch, Jorge & I were to be supervising "The Blob" for the afternoon which meant I get to stand on a platform about 15 feet up controlling traffic and fixing lifejackets.

As soon as I was atop the platform, the sprinkling started.  Then, it was coming down  a little harder.  Then harder, until we were all caught in the middle of a full on down pour!

It was absolutely incredible!!  No one let it ruin their fun day at the lake, so I did not let it either.

In the end, I sat in the pouring rain for an hour & a half.  And once I got to our room to shower it looked like I just got out of one.  It is amazing to be smack dab in the middle of something only our God can orchestrate. I had an absolutely glorious day filled with new friends, lots of laughs and lots of water, and I thank God for it all.

-------  Sarah Gibbs

Redeemer Ladies

It is very humid and wet... yep really rains every day.
The ladies have a pretty sweet drying system set up in their cabin.

We have also seen a lot of really cool, creepy big bugs.

Day 4 Crew Teams

The Cinco Amigos were on the Recreation Crew today and were responsible to take down the Chapel staging... They showed Pharaoh where to go!

The Rojo Monos were on the Kitchen Crew, washing dishes & prepping for meals.

The Amarillo Armadillo's were on the Hospitality Crew, cleaning camper cabins & the chapel.

Team Redeemer

Redeemer Team Costa Rica says, "Pura Vida"

Canopy Experience - July 17th

Charla stated it best, "Our Creator is such a landscaper!"
Our team had an unexpected opportunity to experience Zip-Lining through the Canopy of the Costa Rican Rain Forest.  Yes, it was super fun... BUT it was actually soon much more than that.

For some it was overcoming fears and the courage to TRUST.
Caleb gave us this picture:
"Life is a lot like a zip-line.  Sometimes we can't see where we are going, sometimes it is bumpy, sometimes very scary... and the "contraption" (harness & equipment)  is like God.
We have to TRUST it will hold & carry us ("from falling to our death)."

                                                     
For some it was encouraging.
We all experienced this as a team, and so many were supporting & encouraging each other.
As a team, we constantly affirms the importance to TRUST, TRUST, TRUST and we would all be there to lean upon as well.

For EVERYONE, it was finding the awe in God's Creation... such a masterpiece that you just could not take your eyes off of.   An experience that was so full of God Sightings... yep, he even show up when we have fun as well.

Post from Maddy

Greetings from Costa Rica!
As we reach day 4 in our adventure, I'm glad to say that the team and I  have been having the time of our lives!  This morning we took a break from the usual work assignments to go zip-lining through the jungle and over rivers and canyons.  I guess I can check that off my bucket list.
Costa Rica just might be the most beautiful place in the world.
Everything is  so green and it's always wet.  I'm sad to say that I haven't really seen any  cool animals yet, but there are a lot of huge bugs and beetles.  Also, just in case anyone was wondering, I have been pretty much eaten alive by little bugs and blood suckers, but at least I'll have a little bit of jungle to take home with me!  I can;t wait to see everyone when I get home!

------ Maddy   

Side note to our parents & family member... entire team is well, & full of amazing spirit, aside from the bug bites.

Post from Gabby - Thursday

Today, my team worked in the kitchen washing dishes & preparing lunch.  It was really trying at first because all of the Ticos that worked in the kitchen don't speak English.  It took a little courage & a lot of God but I finally got the guts to start using the little Spanish I know and it turned out to be way easier than expected.

Sarah Gibbs and I spent the majority of the day chatting with Lulu, a 20-year old Tica, about everything under the sun.  Total girl stuff, we talked about boys, places, & our futures.  It was way cool to see God show up and totally ease that language barrier to help us build a relationship that is sure to last.

Right now, we are all sitting together drinking coffee & there is so much laughter, love, & community.  it's amazing to see God show up everywhere, all the time and facilitate these friendships.
--- Gabby

Gabby & Sarah S. were the official LifeGuards for our Water Day!

We work hard and boy to we play hard too!

Thursday afternoon when the work was done, it was time for Water Day (even when the rain came in)
There was a whole lotta splash going on... The Blob, The Slide & the Swing.

Thursday's Crew Jobs

This Redeemer Team works so hard with so much joy!
Every member just eager to "dive in and do whatever the job demands and to do it with a positive attitude".   Here are a few pics from Redeemers in action.

The Amarillo Armadillo's were on Kitchen Crew today, and would you know it the power goes out so we washed hundreds of dishes, cups, and silverware by hand.

The Cinco Amigos Cleaned Camper Cabins... The Boys Cabins... YIKES, was that gross!

Rojo Monos, plant grass for a soccer field at a new Tent Camp being developed.
Rancho Mirador

Post by Dyanna

THURSDAY July 16th

Hola from Costa Rica!  I still can't believe that I am in Costa Rica, but it is really Amazing & GREEN!  This is my first time out of the States, so naturally I had many concerns & reservations.  But as we were welcomed by the Moore's & Charlie & got to the camp, any worry subsided (well, except for the bug situation).  We've met a lot of amazing Tico's and other churches like us who are here serving.  I've been lucky to be in a team with Adrian, Chase, Sarah S, & Kyana and we've had a great experience together doing some pressure washing, cleaning cabins, the Chapel & other areas of camp.  We've also had lots of Rice & Beans!!!!  We've only been here 3 days, but I know God is working in and through all of us!  I am looking forward to whatever else he has in store for us during our time here in Costa Rica!

Before I sign off, I want to say Hi to my mom, dad, & sister!  I love & miss you!  See you soon!!
Love, Dyanna

La Montaña Crews

La Montaña Crew Teams

The Cinco Amigos: Adrian, Chase, Dyanna, Kyana,  & Sarah S.
Pics will come later for this team... they are on Special Projects.

The Rojo Monos:  Anthony, Annalissa, Chandler, Charla & Nick

The Amarillo Armadillos:  Andrew, Caleb, Chuck, Gabby, Maddy, Sarah G.

Post by: Sarah S. - July 16, 2015

Good Thursday Morning!

I know all my loved ones are anxious to hear from me.
There in Costa Rica, I am having an amazing experience.  That's exactly what it is,
an experience.  The new ecosystem, culture, and schedule is overwhelming but yet enjoyable.
There is too much around me to simply tell you about in one post but trust God that I am safe and taking as much of the experience as possible.  The environment, culture, and people are a constant reminder of how beautiful God's creation is.

Day 2, July 15th

Blog by Kyana:
So far we have been just settling in and today we got to do our jobs, and mine was water pressuring the cement with D & Sarah S.   This job is very easy and time consuming.
The greatest part about this job today was getting to talk an become friends with the Ticos (Ivan & Munbi). They  are so funny and the people here are super kind and great.

Really Kyana was pressure washing the cement... gets really slippery!

Post from Gabby

Post from Gabby:  July 14, 2015

The trip to Costa Rica was long, cold, mostly painless and absolutely worth the amazing tearful "HELLO" we received from Moore's & Charlie.  Honestly, I could still remember sitting in Lonney & Paula's living room in Reedley as they told us all about La Montana & tried to recruit a few interns.  It was a long time leading up to this day but when it came, we were family reunited.
Costa Rica is BEAUTIFUL.  I hate taking pictures because honestly this is just the kind of thing you have to see in person.

I'm definitely most excited about seeing what God has to say to not just me, but also all of my Redeemer's family throughout this trip.  It's already shown up so mush at every sep along the way and I'm absolutely ecstatic to see how he'll transform our lives further.

Day 1

We have made it safely and have seen so much of God already.  As we were greeted at the airport by Our Moore Family... tears were already flowing and the power of God's hand were so felt!!!  You could feel Him hugging us as we all hugged each other.

The first day was long... and we were running on 0 fumes with a red eye fight, but we were able to tour La Montana, get our work team together and our job assignments.
We joined the campers at evening worship, and wow... powerful... whoosh the breath of the Holy Spirit just swept through the Chapel.

But my gosh, it is scary to shower with a tarantula (from Caleb) ... I could hear the boys screaming like girls (from Sandy).

PS parents ... sorry we missed yesterday to post a blog... my brain was not functioning!
Lonny would be saying that it is due to me being an "old lady".
Yes, the brotherly love pick up right where we left off!.

LAX -> Costa Rica

We are officially on our way to Costa Rica! Heading to LAX and flying straight to San Jose, Costa Rica! Thank you to all of our family and friends for your prayers and support! Please continue to pray for safety & good health for us all! Pura Vida!! 

It is 3 hours until the Redeemer Team meets up at church to roll out on our adventure to serve God in the Rain Forest of Costa Rica.  We have felt the prayers that have been anticipating our arrival there.  We ask that our church, friends and family keep this team lifted in prayer as we travel and prepare our hearts to serve.   Pura Vida.

Redeemer's Costa Rica Team,
We are officially at 10 days & counting.
We have spent the year preparing for this adventure:  Biblical & Costa Rica Homework assignments,

BBQ Box Lunches to go (which could not have gone any smoother!!!)

Living Inside Out with the kids & each other at Spring Break Camp

Team Building at the Hughes' Casa

Pack up those bags, pray, and prepare to serve
and be the hands & feet of God.
I know that the Moore's are probably as excited as we are to see them again :) :) :)