Although my faith didn't grow, my eyes saw more and my heart felt more than I thought it would. This experience was yet another example of how although Costa Rica was not to "our standards" of living, it's not a hindrance or burden to these kids. They make the best of it and consistently had smiles and open arms. I was challenged with working with little kids. I'm not good with interacting with kids and it was a lot of courage and trust in God that I could interact and communicate with these kids. Itt's hard to believe that I personally had an affect on these kids so I'm trying to look at it as I was a part of the Pura Vida mission. The trip was trying. I tried new things with new people and pushed myself out of my comfort zone and it was beyond rewarding. |
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For our 2011 Costa Rica Servant Trip, one of our participants made and brought Sock Creatures to give to the children. It was a highlight of our trip and so the 2014 group decided to make and bring the lovable creatures with again. They are truly a labor of love - each one takes 2-3 hours to create - but with the smiling faces of the little children in our minds each trip participant made at least one. Our 2011 participant, Fran Stepnowski, wasn't going on this year's trip, but made and donated about 20 Sock Creatures! This spring, Synod Assembly participants, servants from the previous CR trips and friends on social media had the opportunity to sponsor Sock Creatures. Each one went to CR with a name and a sponsor. We are so thankful to these generous donors who made these gifts possible. While we appreciate your financial gift, we also appreciated your thoughts, well wishes and prayers that went with us and the Sock Creatures. Thank you to Krista Gruver, Robin Alderfer, Peter Smith, Linda Manson, Marget Rommel, Larry Smoose, Timothy Hearn, Barbara Hannon, John Carlson, Gillian Heckert-Miller, Rich Aichor, Susan Lynch, Katherine Holmburg, Susie Conrad, Bob Fisher, Karen Paulus, Sue Massey, Bishop Mark Hanson, Cassie Singh-Hueter, Paul Townsend, Carol Starr Townsend, Paul Chapman, Joyce and Tom Salter, Lisa Favretto, Doreen Kinzler, Sue Sosnin, Jack Saarela, Bishop Claire Burkat, Katherine Offutt, Leanne Elliott, Lisa Favretto, Bill Harp, Cheryl Lafferty, Megan Houston, Beth Way, Ruth Seislove and Jennifer Young. Again in 2014, handing out the Sock Creatures was a highlight for many on the trip. The children laughed at the creatures silly faces and bodies, hugged them, compared with friends and we heard many times over "Gracias! Gracias!"
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