We were welcomed with smiles and open arms as our group gathered at our home church in Guarari. There is another small group from Cincinnati also serving this week, so the congregation was full of Americans.
The service itself will always be remembered with a joyful heart, as we experienced the enthusiastic praise and worship of the Costa Rican people. The music, led by a team of youth, was heartfelt and joyous, with everyone singing loudly and clapping their hands. Those of us who don't know Spanish well, still found ourselves joining in, lifting our voices in praise.
The time to "meet and greet" as we might call it in American churches, lasted for several minutes. What warm, friendly people! None of the congregation stayed in their seats, as they went around the room, hugging and kissing the cheeks of each of us. Even some of our most shy boys have become comfortable with returning the affectionate Costa Rican greetings!
We were able to help lead worship as a few of our team members led the congregation in song. Jacey King, Lauren Alsborg, and Lyndsey Collins sang, combining both English and Spanish lyrics in their songs. They were joined by a young lady from the other team who played violin, and two of our new friends, Arialla and Alfonso, who have been with our team since we arrived in Guarari. Our girls did a great job and the music was beautiful.
Bob Collins shared the Word with the congregation with a sermon taken from Matthew 11:28-30. The need to rest in Christ alone, despite situations or circumstances, is one of things that crosses cultures and was meaningful to all. Bob was joined by Pedro, our translator that has been with us since the beginning of the trip, who repeated Bob's words in Spanish with joy on his face.
The service ended with prayer and song, and a heartfelt gracias from the congregation for joining them in worship. We were blessed by our time with them.
The afternoon was all about fun and downtime. We went into San Jose to a park that was an interesting collection of a restaurant, a church, buildings that replicated the old capital, and amusement park rides. After eating lunch together at the restaurant, the Seniors had some time to enjoy the park and ride some rides.
The last activity of the day was our final futbol matches, played at a large outdoor facility. We were to play a team from the church and the winning team from the tournament in La Cuenca. My own personal favorite moment of the trip happened when the boys from La Cuenca arrived, sporting the Crusader soccer jerseys and gear we had brought as gifts. They were so proud to be in their jerseys and I am proud to have them wear Crusader green.
We are back home in our host family homes tonight, saying our goodbyes as we prepare to depart tomorrow. Once again, we are blessed by these precious people that love so deeply.
Lori Horton
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