Thursday, July 21, 2011

I really thought we would have rain today when we got up this morning.  There were clouds all around and some wind blowing.  But, although this is the rainy season I think we brought the “Amarillo Effect” to Costa Rica.  The clouds separate around us and we have beautiful weather.  So, why am I complaining?  Great temperature, nice breeze…..but no rain.

Today we started working on the wooden bunk beds.  We sanded, sealed the wood and constructed some of the frames.  We got headboards and footboards completed for 5 beds.  We only have 10 more to go but I don’t think we’ll get them all completed before we have to leave here.  Some of the guys assisted the contractor, Victor, in assembling the first truss, which took all day.  Before the church is completed there will have to be 18 trusses finished!

Update on last night’s visit to the family of the bereaved.  It seems a little was lost in translation.  Apparently the person who died was in her 20;s and left behind a young daughter.  She died of lupus.  The house Ron, Jimmye, and Anne went to was quite far away and well into San Jose.  When they arrived they found out it was a wake, with the open casket in the house, and there were over 200 people crammed into the small house and out into the yard.  They were able to pray with the family before returning back to La Finca late in the evening.

The bathrooms in our rooms are nice…..but the plumbing is not!  Poor water pressure means the sewer system does not handle toilet paper well so we have to remember to place said paper in the little trash can next to the toilet.

Tonight we had hamburgers, fries and cokes for supper!  Beef, a slice of ham, and two pieces of bacon on the burger.  Quite good.  After supper we left in the bus and went to the another mission project that La Finca sponsors.  This one was in an area called Carillos Alto.  It was in an old garage right on the street.  Ronaldo is the lay leader.  The area is primarily a strong Catholic area and the mission has been in existence for about 7-8 months.  There were the 17 of us and 11 of the Costa Ricans.   Mark, Cheryl, Lauryn and Anne led the music with Mark playing his guitar.  Jimmye preached the sermon.  And, Anne interpreted in between the sounds of the motorcycles speeding on the street.  

Back to home sweet home at 8:45……and people are already heading off to bed.   Early mornings, lots of hard work, early sunsets makes for tired people.