Work at the Beach

So if you do not know already, I am from the coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina, where from my house it was a 10 minute drive to the beach.  Well, this weekend I got to work in Tamarindo where it was a 5 minute walk from my hostel door to the beach. Man was I bummed out when I discovered that I would be working so close to the Pacific. Psych!!!

View from hiking in Borra Honda

So last Friday, along with Liza (whom I will officially be taking over for in October), we set off on the 5 hour drive from San José to the small town in the Guanacaste region.  But since we are in Costa Rica, it should be enjoyed to the fullest extent!  So that's why we stopped in Borra Honda National Park to do some hiking and to venture about 130 feet down into a mountain to explore some caves. It was absolutely amazing to experience the nature that this country has to offer!

Playa Tamarindo at sunset

 Now to work.  We were not heading to Tamarindo just to lie on the beach and soak in the sun (although we were fortunate enough to enjoy some beach time).  Our work down there was to help set up St. Paul's by the Sea Episcopal Church.  The church will be tailored to the large ex-pat community that lives in the area by providing English-speaking services along with other service projects.  We met with Rev. Pedro Mendez who will be Rector of St. Paul's by the Sea to figure out the next steps to getting the church up and running.  I even had my first real-estate meeting (and it was in Spanish!!!).  It was a great experience to meet with some locals and to talk to them about what we are trying to do and to get to know the community a little better.  I am learning many new things already and I can't wait to continue to learn and to see what God's work can do for communities all around CR.

Also for you North Carolinians and BBQ lovers, if you ever make it down to Tamarindo go to Longboard BBQ -- They have some awesome pulled pork tacos! No joke. Actually, just go there for the tacos and you will be glad you went.

-Ryan

Home Sweet Home

I have finally made it to San Josè! After a quick flight from Wilmington to Charlotte and a longer flight with a baby who decided it would be a good idea to scream bloody murder the entire time, I was picked up at the airport by Bishop Monterroso and Liza Conrad (whom I will be working with over the next couple of months).  We were able to grab some lunch in which I had some of the best arroz con pollo ever (thanks Liza).  Then it was off to see my new digs for the next year.  The rest of the day was spent unpacking and relaxing.

Today I got the tour of San Josè.  It is a very interesting city and the traffic here is much less controlled (to say the least).  It is smaller than I expected, so hopefully finding my way around will not take as long!

I want to thank all of the people who have supported me in this ministry.  It makes it a lot easier to leave your life for a year when you have people who support and care about you, so thank you because it really has meant a lot!

Ryan