11th Grade Mission Trip
Costa Rica Meeting #1
April 27, 2014
What are we doing?
We are going to work with a church in Costa Rica called Vida Abandante. This
congregation is about 1100 strong. They meet in a gymnasium or at a large open tent at
the land they have purchased. They have 38 different ministries that they are a part of.
We will be working with several of these ministries in a variety of ways.
http://vidaabundanteheredia.org/language/en/
Where are we going?
Heredia is a large town just outside of San Jose. It is a mixed and diverse town that has
both rich and poor. Like many Central American nations, Costa Rica has a rich history
and strong sense of community. Costa Rica is probably the most developed progressive
of all of the Central American nations. The people of Costa Rica are very friendly. The
church at Vida Abandante is one of the warmest communities that I have ever seen.
How will we get there?
We are flying from Bush Intercontinental Airport to San Jose. From there we will be
picked up by a bus and we will start our work for the week.
Here is the flight info:
Sat
Sat
5 July United 1096 IAH
12 July United 1099 San Jose
8:54A
2:02P
San Jose
IAH
11:41A
6:57P
Where are we staying?
We are staying at a Costa Rican Resort called Hotel Chalet Tirol. It is a nice place and
includes breakfast. It is nearby our work sites and near the church and should eliminate
some of the travel although we will have some each day. Pack motion sickness pills for
mountain driving and busses.
http://www.hotelchaleteltirol.com/index_esp.html
Students: Don’t get too excited- we will not be spending a lot of time here, because our
days will be very long and very full!!! You might not see much of the Hotel, but then
again, that is not why you are going to Costa Rica is it?
Also, please keep in mind there will be other guests here and we are representing Christ,
His Church, your families, each other, and those who helped pay for your trip through
gifts and offerings. Don’t let too much freedom get you into trouble.
Parents: Your students will be away to college in 400 days from the time we take this
trip. Please encourage them to make sound decisions in a host environment that is a long
and expensive way from home. All of the students have worked hard to be on this trip, it
would be a shame if one or two of them made a few bad decisions that impacted us all.
Likewise, it’s important that you understand and agree that in the unlikely event of such
lapses of judgment, your student might be returning to you early at your expense- that
includes any expense that the team incurs as well.
How will we get around?
Our hosts will handle our transportation. For the most part we will travel in busses.
Because we are in a little higher elevation, and the roads, which are paved and good, are a
little curvier than we are used to, you might consider a motion sickness plan in the even
your student suffers from things like this.
What should I pack?
One Back Pack Sized Carry On
Bible, Pens, Journal
One change of clothes in case your luggage does not make it.
Any prescription medications- KEEP THESE WITH YOU WHEN YOU FLY!
Air Sick/ Car sick stuff. Bus rides in the mountains can be a little challenging.
Sweater or light jacket- it sometimes gets cold on the plane and at higher elevations in
Costa Rica.
2 Sharpies on a String!
No liquids, knives, matches, or other stuff that will get you detained. We’re not
waiting for you if you can’t follow the rules!!!!
Checked Bag- You only get one of these!
Good walking/work shoes- closed toes!
Shorts and t-shirts for 7 days.
NO NIKE SHORTS- Knee length only- guys you too! I don’t care if you wore
it to KAMP, if it does not go to your knees you will change and the group will
wait for you. Likewise, spare clothing will be purchased to accommodate
anyone who willingly does not follow the rules. These rules are more about
respect for our host than about our own personal comfort.
Ladies: leggings are acceptable if you have long enough shirts to cover yourself,
nothing that is form fitting and revealing, please be modest. Long skirts are also
fine if you want.
All: Shirts need to have sleeves, no tank tops or spaghetti straps. Mid rifts,
cut offs, and plunging necklines and halter-tops will not be worn on this trip.
We are guest in a different culture and we need to exercise modesty out of
respect for our host and each other. It’s only for a week, you will all survive.
At least one pair of work pants. (You can wear these more than once)
Good work gloves.
Swim wear- (Last year it a little cold to swim, the evening temperatures was in the 50’s
and the mountain water that filled the pool as pretty cold. Also, not sure if there is a
swimming pool at the hotel, but might be one at the fun day
Ladies: One piece only- and no, you can’t wear a t-shirt over a 2 piece. One
piece or don’t swim.
Guys:- No speedos- you’re all under 50 years old and not European. Nobody
wants to see all that!
Common toiletries- shampoo, toothpaste, etc., and by all means deodorant!!
Bug stuff and sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen especially you pale children
and gingers! We are near the equator and the intensity of the sun is greater than what you
are used to in Houston.
Poncho/rain coat just in case.
Hats and sunglasses are recommended as well.
One nice outfit for church:
Ladies: You can certainly wear dresses, we will be having church in a
gymnasium, so dress comfortably and modest. I would recommend sandals over
heels, there will still be a lot walking, uphill around the church.
Gentlemen: No Shorts at Church and wear something with a collar.
We will be a little higher in elevation, it will still be hot and the sun will be intense, but in
the evening it is possible for the temperatures to be cooler than you might be used to
(50’s). You might all bring a sweater or something long sleeved.
Snacks: Although breakfast is included at the hotel, it will likely be the same thing every
day. It will also likely be a Costa Rican breakfast- rice and beans (gallo de pinto). You
might not be used to this, and might get a little tired of it quickly. You need to eat, we
will not have a chance to stop and get snacks, so bring some with you.
One small bottle of Bull’s Eye Brand BBQ Sauce Pastor Rudy loves this stuff and so
does his wife. It would be a great blessing for us to bring him some. Pack this in your
checked baggage, it will not pass security.
Pack one Liter of water in your CHECKED BAG. (If you put it in your carry on,
you will lose it at the airport.) Label it so you know it is yours. You will need this for
brushing your teeth, especially the first night.
Money and Incidentals.
Obviously we will be in a different culture and there will be several tourist
opportunities. Also, we will have a fun day and there might be places and ways for the
students to buy items and participate in certain activities. However, it is not
recommended that your student have a lot of money with them on this trip. Likewise, we
cannot be responsible for your student’s money or possessions so please exercise caution
when packing. If your student would like to have travel money, you can obtain this from
Travelex or in some cases from your local bank. Order in advance, it might take time to
make this exchange. Because we will have 50+ people, there is no way that we can
accommodate everyone’s financial needs. In addition, this is an international trip; part of
the fun is changing money. Also, we will NOT be changing money at the airport upon
arrival. Most places will accept US Dollars, but you will usually receive Costa Rican
change. You are encouraged to call the airport and see if there is a place you can change
money. If you do so, you will need to do so on your own. There will be no special
provisions for you made by the trip leaders.
Daily Schedule (Subject to change)
Friday 5 July
6:00 am Be at IAH ready to check inDON’T Forget Your Passport!
(Students are responsible for their own breakfast)
11:45am Land San Jose
1:30ish Lunch
3:30
Off to work
7:30ish Dinner, Devo, Check in
11:00pm Lights out
Saturday 6 July
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Service
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Service
7:00 pm Jholy
10:00pm Devo/Prayer
11:00pm lights out
Sunday 7 July
6:00 am Wake Up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Church
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00pm Service
8:00pm Dinner/ Devo
11:00pm Lights out
Monday 8 July
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Service
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Service
8:00pm Dinner
10:00pm Devo/Prayer
11:00pm lights out
Tuesday 9 July
6:00 am
6:30 am
7:00 am
7:00 am
Wake up
Breakfast
Dressed and ready to go
Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Service
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Service
8:00pm Dinner
10:00pm Devo/Prayer
11:00pm lights out
Wednesday 10 July
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Service
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Service
8:00pm Dinner
10:00pm Devo/Prayer
11:00pm lights out
Thursday 11 July (probably fun day)
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for Heredia
8:30 am Service
1:00 pm Lunch
3:00 pm Service
8:00pm Dinner
10:00pm Devo/Prayer
11:00pm lights out
Friday 12 July
6:00 am Wake up
6:30 am Breakfast
7:00 am Dressed and ready to go
7:00 am Morning Devo/Tawg
7:45 am Assemble to leave
8:00 am Depart for San Jose
9:00am Shopping/Culture morning
10:30am Lunch downtown San Jose
(Students will be responsible
for this meal.)
11:30 Leave for Airport
12:00pm Check in
2:20
Depart for IAH
6:57 pm Arrive IAH
8:30 pm Lights out!!
What do I need to do starting today?
1) Pray. Seek the Lord on how He will use you in this environment.
2) Prepare. You need to have and get the following things ready:
a. You MUST have a passport!!! No Exceptions!
b. You need to fill out the form below and return it by June 22 to Jill
Buczkowski.(Travel Insurance Form)
c. Shots and travel medications. Check out this site and talk to your
doctor. Kingsland does not require that you have these, but Costa
Rica might. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1093.html
d. Get your money exchanged if you are going to do so.
e. Learn about the culture and people of Costa Rica. National
Geographic, Lonely Planet, US State Department and numerous other
sites can tell you a lot about the culture.
3) Pack
a. The first rule in packing is to plan it out.
b. Then pack everything you think you need and get rid of half of it.
c. Watch the weather, look for things on sale and clearance now and don’t
wait to think about this.
4) Practice
a. If you speak Spanish its helpful!! Practice.
b. If you have special skills that might come in to play, practice and let us
know. Musicians always welcome!!!
5) Praise.
a. First of all, Praise God for His role in you going on this trip.
b. Secondly, thanking mom and dad and grandparents and others who
are helping you to go on this trip is certainly in order. Take time
before you go to do this and after you get back make sure to say
thanks!
6) Plan
a. Plan on being at our next trip meeting on June 22.
i. We will work on group assignments, rooms and lodging, and
other details
Insurance Form
Your name (Print Legibly!!)
Last:_____________________________________________
First:_____________________________________________
DOB:_____________________________________________
Legal Guardian Name:______________________________
Name of beneficiary:________________________________
Your Passport Number:_____________________________
Make 2 copies of the front page of your passport (the one with your picture
on it) and attach it to this form. Turn these in by June 22, 2014 to Jill
Buczkowski.
_______________________________________________________
Your Name:_____________________________________________
Please check all that apply:
I am interested in or have skills that might be used in the following ways:
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Spanish speaker
Drama/acting
Construction/Painting
Dance/ballet
Music-instrumental ________________(guitar, piano, etc…)
Music/ vocal
Working with children
Working with older people
Working with people in nursing homes and hospitals
Sports- general
Sports- soccer
VBS- arts/crafts
VBS- Teaching/storytelling
VBS- Cooking/cleaning
Education- hygiene and health
Working with single mothers
Working with children
Working with homeless
Working with adults
Working with students my age
Please list any other skills or talents below