Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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

3 comments:

  1. Ryan,
    Blessings on your ministry!
    How exciting! And beautiful.
    Will you please email me your address, snailmail, where you can receive mail and packages.
    Gail@stjamesp.org
    Thanks!
    Gail Jackins

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  2. Those are really beautiful views from Borra Honda and Playa Tamarindo! Costa Rica is a place I really wish to go to someday. If given the chance, maybe I would even consider immigrating there. It is a wonderful place isn’t it? It’s rich with beaches and rainforests, and I heard the people are nice too!

    Katy Desroches

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  3. Those are very stunning views! You are so lucky to be able to work near Costa Rica’s amazing beaches. Hiking in Borra Honda sounds cool too. I’m sure you had a grand time in Costa Rica. I love exploring and going on adventures so I hope to go there someday too.

    Gregoria Loth

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