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

10 Days Left!

Well, almost 10 days left.  I depart for my year long mission service in the next week and a half and I am truly excited and ready for this opportunity that I have been given.  

Earlier this month I, along with my fellow YASCers, were able to spend two weeks in Toronto learning and developing our cross-cultural skills.  I was able to meet people from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and from the UCC (United Church of Canada).  Their stories and experiences helped me be able to better prepare for the upcoming year.  I am very thankful for the people that I was able to get to know and to spend those two weeks with.  Over the next year I plan on keeping up with my fellow missionaries as they go on to their own placements and experience what God has to offer.

The journey awaits!  

Just want to give a shout out to Andrew Joyce as he travels to his placement in the Philippines today! Be safe and enjoy it!

Ryan

Me in Costa Rica?...Finally

I remember throughout high school and college continually bugging my parents about going to Costa Rica.  Well now, as a recent graduate, I get a chance to live in Costa Rica for the duration of a year.  I will be serving as the Companion Diocese Officer between the Dioceses of North Carolina and Costa Rica.  A year gone is a challenge that I feel I am able to take on and learn about myself.  It will give me valuable experience for the future not only for my interested line of work (International Development), but also as a person.  I have the wonderful opportunity of working with Bishop Hector Monterroso in Costa Rica to help continue and grow he companion relationship with North Carolina.  Being from North Carolina, I found this placement too good to pass up when I heard about it during my discernment weekend as part of the Young Adult Service Corp.  I can honestly say I am nervous, yet excited to see what happens in the coming year.  

Ryan