We have arrived in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica!
Our hosts are absolutely wonderful and very hospitable. They are extremely involved in the community here and all of the locals know exactly who they are. As much as they seem to want to serve us while we are here, we are taking every opportunity to serve them, their family, and their friends. For the past 30 years or so, tourism has taken over this town. The locals thrive on Americans, Canadians, Germans, and others who come to get-away from their everyday life. Three days after stepping off the bus, God is already showing us the immediate needs in this community.
Tourists feed the life of this coastal town. Every week people from around the world come to Puerto Viejo wanting an experience of a lifetime. The beach is surrounded by bars, internet cafes, coffee shops, bike rental/snorkeling stands, and other tourist attractions. There are parties and events such as karaoke and bingo held at the bars every night to satisfy the vacationers thirst for fun. Unfortunately, steady income is not the only thing that tourism brings to this town. Young girls are sought after and taken advantage of by foreigners and the young men in the area are all involved in the drug scene.
We are spending our time here hosting events to bring the community together. The small library in town, where we will be spending the most of our time, also serves as a cultural center and an event center. We will be building up the young adults and getting them involved in some leadership opportunities so they can continue the events we are planning after we leave. Our hopes are to teach them their identity in Christ and show them that there are other ways to make money and influence the community. In between events with the youth and other locals, we will be painting and restoring the cultural center, the church, and a local house.
I believe that we are also being called to speak life into the tourists here. I think there is a reason we were sent into such a large vacation spot in Costa Rica. There are people here looking for something more. What an amazing opportunity we have to get to know people from all over the world, be a kind, listening ear, and, if given the opportunity, empower them with the word of God.
The bugs here are like something out of the mummy movies. That is all. Pray for me.
I will be blogging as often as I can! I already have stories I can’t wait to share with you! Please keep our squad and the communities we are trying to reach in your prayers! Thank you all for your support and kind words! More coming soon!
