After a long day of travel, we're excited to finally be in Costa Rica! We stopped along the drive to have dinner at a great lookout spot (see photos below).

For some of us, it's our first time seeing the Pacific ocean. What a view it was; the sun was just setting as we drove alongside of it.

Tomorrow morning, we'll begin the Vacation Bible School with Pastor Marvin and Mision Christiana. Please pray for fruitful ministry and for God to perform BIG things on this trip; in and through all of us.

Any guesses?

The crocs below!

Our day started off with a surprise presentation from the school! Different groups shared all sorts of dancing styles; ranging from traditional Guanacaste (a province in Northern Costa Rica) to current day cheerleading moves! The director introduced the groups to us and shared how it has been his dream, for seven years, to see this court built. We excited to be a part of it!

Here we are, just starting construction on the court. We moved rocks and leveled it today. The rain held off and we were able to lay over half the rebar down. We're hoping to start mixing and pouring the concrete tomorrow.

In Paso Canoas, there is a group of elderly people that meet once a week to hang out, stretch, do some exercises, and pray with one another. We were able to share a skit and music with them, as well as paint their nails.

An example of the body of Christ and the different gifts we can all contribute; Anna teaches 3 children in the community how to play the ukulele. They are excited for their second lesson tomorrow!

Because of the presentation from the school on Monday, our first day of VBS started today! Over 70 children showed up to experience the crafts, Bible stories and games with us. We split them up into three groups, Rojo (ages 6-7), Azul (ages 8-9) and Verde (ages 10 and up). Here we are at our opening, singing some songs with one another.

The children, boys and girls alike, LOVED making these flowers today. They spent time individually fraying the edges of the tissue paper to make it look extra pretty.

The games squad helped the kids cool off by playing "Drip, Drip, Splash" with them. It's like duck, duck, goose...only with water!

"Valiente" was the word used by the foreman to describe the hard workers on the court today. While it still means both brave and courageous, when said in Spanish, it also describes the type of worker they are. This word is reserved for the hardest workers. Our group rose to the challenge today, laying down the first strip of cement.

We had some time before breakfast to worship with one another. You'll also get a glimpse into the living quarters for the ladies.

Here the team is performing a skit at the beginning of VBS.

Here's a glimpse into our life in Costa Rica; there is a Mamon Tree right outside the Pastor's house. Some say it tastes like a pear mixed with a grape. We pick and eat them every day. Thanks Pastor Marvin!

These mothers have been bringing their children to VBS every day and helping out. They were well deserving of a break. We watched their children so they could have some girl time and manicures.

While the mothers spent time with some of us, we made friendship bracelets with their children.

It's sometimes difficult with the afternoon rains, but we are working extremely hard on the court every day.

Helping load the mixer with plenty of gravel.

Here's how we celebrated the fourth! In the evening, Pastor Marvin passed out Oreo's to the team in celebration of our independence day.

Vielka (Pastor's wife and the cook for us this week) asked if some girls could stay behind to help with making tamales. Give an American a tamale, they can eat for a day. Teach an American how to make a tamale, and they can feed all of Highland Hills Baptist Church!

After a fantastic and blessed day yesterday (a journal entry won't do it justice; we'll tell you when we're home!), we had out final day of rest and relaxation. We drove to Playa Hermosa to swim in the waves and explore on land. Next stop was Dominical, where we spent the rest of the afternoon shopping, hanging out with one another and surfing.

We'll be leaving bright and early Sunday morning for the airport.

These past few nights, we've had the chance to worship and pray with the congregation of Mision Christiana. The relationships that we have formed with members of the community go deeper than any language barriers or cultural differences. We are the body of Christ and that was never more apparent than this week. We are excited to share with you all of the pictures and stories once we're back home. Thank you for your support and prayers this week.