We are now in Costa Rica. What a journey. We got on a bus at 5:30 Sunday morning and headed south. I have never ridden on a public bus much less one in Central America. The bus was pretty much a Greyhound, like we have in the states. We got rolling around 6 and headed south through the city and through other small cities picking up people along the way. I was amazed at the people we would pick up along the way We would drive into these tiny towns and out of nowhere these American kids would get on the bus. We did not speak to all of them, but one young lady was from NY and she was down in a town called Granada, a place we plan to visit. She had a PHD in refugee work, and was waiting for her security clearance. She will begin a job in DC working abroad helping refugees gain access to the United States. Pretty cool. The highlight of the bus trip was for sure taking Beck to the bathroom. Helping go number one in a toilet driving through Central America has to be similar to trying to do the same in a plane but as it is taking off or landing. The second time though we actually figured out how to turn on the light which was nice. The kids were troopers except for Libby who was a little disappointed I would not let her buy ice cream from a street vendor at a Nicaraguan bus border crossing and Beck was kinda bummed but not really that we would not buy an armadillo made out of corn and husks. Looked as nuts as it sounds.
We arrived in San Jose around 3 or so and Kevin Suwyn was there to pick us up. We jumped in his van and stopped off at a fantastic bread joint and got some pizza bread and empenadas and some other breads that were really great and we headed to their house.
They have four wonderful kids and our crew and theirs hit it off right away. About 30 minutes later they were all outside having a water fight in a thunderstorm that rolled through. No lightening, of course. The Suwyns are wonderful people that have lived in Costa Rica for many years. They are Americans and have family in the US. We are all staying together in their place they are Young Life to the core. When we suggested getting a hotel, the response was “Where is the excitement in that?” It is great to be around their family and their kids. We went for some coffee yesterday morning and had some food at a small cafe type place in Tres Rios. We heard from them a bit more about their story. It is a story too amazing to tell here and now, but it is filled with provision and miracles from a Mighty God.
During the day, we traveled around the city a bit. We shot some photography and video traveling around the city and throughout some neighborhoods. We also went to a young man named Juan David’s home. Juan David is a great kid and has encouraged many people in his neighborhood. He is in a wheelchair and seems to have the heart of a lion. I only gather this from trying to understand him speak, (in espanol) but also from listening to Kevin Suwyn talk about him.
We drove around town a bit more, shot some more pictures and video at the Young Life office, then headed over to the school where their kids went to school. The kids played on the playground and we played some soccer.
Later that night we went to club across town. We loaded up Libby and Ella and headed out. Club started with the four of us up front doing the YL thing for visitors where you have to stand up front and give your name and where you are from. It was a great night. The girls got to play in the games. We all had a great time.
It was a busy day and full of great experiences and lots of laughter. We are having a tremendous time and what a blessing to spend time with the YL staff and kids doing great work in Costa Rica.
More to come..