Two Costa Rica Mission Trips are planned for Summer 2011:
The commitment deadline for these trips is May 20th. Please contact us for additional information or to sign up for a trip.
Cate Rader 214-213-4463 or Ray Young 214-293-2626Trip 1: July 19-28
Location: Atenas, Costa Rica
Complete projects at the home (painting, yard work, etc.)
Play with kids, take them swimming, do crafts, etc.
Cost: $1,650 Includes airfare, transportation, housing, food, trip insurance
Project 2 Option: Building project/Casa de la Cultura at Iglesia Biblica in Atenas
Cost: $1,400
Includes airfare, transportation, housing, food, trip insurance
There will be a day of sightseeing - Jaco Beach, zipline, etc. is the only out of pocket cost. $40 for zipline, which is optional.
Trip 2: July 30-August 6
Location: Atenas, Costa Rica
Cost: $1,250
Includes airfare, transportation, housing, food, trip insurance. A day of sightseeing is the only out of pocket cost.
MORE ABOUT PROJECT LOCATIONS
Hogar de Vida is a Christ-centered home for at-risk children from birth to 10 years. They partner with P.A.N.I., Child Protective Services in Costa Rica which funds approximately 45% of the cost of running the home. The rest is obtained through donations and child sponsorships. Children are placed in the home for a minimum of 6 months while the family situation is evaluated. The goal is to return children to their home or that of a close family member. Unfortunately, many of these children become abandoned and are awaiting adoption. Hogar de Vida is unique in that it provides a home-like environment rather than an insititutional setting. Loving caregivers place the focus on raising children to lead healthy lives with Jesus as their guide.
This project is a partnership between The Brook Ministries, Iglesia Biblica (the local church) and community in Atenas. The Casa de la Cultura will be a place teenagers can come after school. With adult supervision, they will be able to access the Internet, connect with other young people, and experience the love of Christ through the ministry of dedicated church members. Lord willing, this project will have a direct impact on the high teenage pregnancy rate, and will be a venue where real evangelism can take place.
Hotel el Cafetal, Atenas
Lodging for Trip 2.
FAQ'S - Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never been on a mission trip before. Am I qualified?
YES! You don’t have to be a “missionary” to do what we are doing. We are just people helping people and showing the love of Christ.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
It’s great if you do know some Spanish, but not necessary. The people who run Hogar de Vida are Americans and speak English. You will find quite a few people who understand English and there will be people on our team who speak enough Spanish to help us when needed. It is easy to communicate with the kids because playing and hugs are their universal language.
Do I have to have any special shots?
The only one you need is an up to date tetanus shot.
Is the area we are going to safe?
Yes. It is a very small community. The people are very welcoming there and we felt very safe to walk to town, go to the market, etc. when we traveled there in March.
Is it safe to drink the water there?
Hogar de Vida has their own well. The water is safe to drink and we found it to be just as good as having bottled water!
What is the weather like?
It is the rainy season in Costa Rica, which means it rains just about every afternoon. While we are used to July being warmer in the US, it is the cooler season in Costa Rica with temperatures usually in the 70’s during the day and low 60’s at night.
What is the food be like?
Costa Rica has the best fruit and vegetables you will find just about anywhere in the world! Lunch and dinner are made for us by ladies at the home and on our last trip we took pictures of every meal because it was so amazing!
What will my room be like and will I have roommates?
We will stay in the compound of “cabins” at Hogar de Vida for trip 1. (TBD for Trip 2) Each of the cabins has sleeping areas, a bathroom and some have small kitchens. There is hot water for showers and conditions are comfortable. Except for families who may stay together, most will divide into a boys dorm and girls dorm situation. We live like one big family anyway and found that we forged close friendships this way.
How can I raise support to help pay for my trip?
We encourage everyone to raise support. (Financial and prayer) Even you can pay for the trip on your own this is a good way to allow others to be a part of a mission trip who may not be able to go. We will be happy to provide sample letters that others have used to raise support.
Can my kids go on the trip too?
Yes. The projects at Hogar de Vida are perfect for a family trip. Children should be old enough to participate in simple projects such as yard work, painting etc. For those who would like to work at the Youth Center, we recommend parent/child participation together for teenage children and older. If you have a teen, age 16 or older who will travel without a parent, certain waivers must be signed.
The commitment deadline for these trips is May 20th. Please contact us for additional information or to sign up for a trip.
Cate Rader 214-213-4463 or Ray Young 214-293-2626