Orphan care in Costa Rica 07/14-07/19/13

Good Goers Mission Based Adventure Travels 

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Welcome to Costa Rica! It is a privilege that you have scheduled a Good Goers trip and are taking time from your schedule to serve the needs of orphans and widows as mandated in James 1:27. It is not by chance that you are on this trip; God has a purpose for you. Our desire is that you enjoy this time, exposing you to the missions, the culture, and His Word.  

Facts about Costa Rica: Costa Rica is often called an “oasis of peace” among the neighboring countries of Central America. This coastal country is known more for its natural beauty than its cultural heritage. It is one of the richest and most diverse biological areas in the world, with a wide variety of climate zones and extraordinary wildlife. The main exports are bananas, coffee and textiles.  Population is around 4.6 million, including around 750,000 refugees from Nicaragua. Inflation and the deficit are very high and about 20% of the population live in deep poverty. Average annual income is $6,500. Costa Rica is a Spanish speaking country and has a literacy rate near 96%. Resources for churches and pastors are hard to come by. Many churches fail to truly disciple believers after they have accepted Christ due to lack of training and resources. 

Specifics about your trip to Costa Rica

ACCOMMODATIONS: Housing for your specific trip will be discussed with your leader during your pre-trip team conference call.In the summer months of June, July and August, we will most likely be staying at the Villa, which can accommodate up to 50 people.  Each room will fit four people and has a bathroom. The Villa has a meeting room and a kitchen.  There is a small swimming pool in the back yard.     Another option where teams may stay while in Costa Rica is Coronado. This property is a beautiful setting in the country, about 20 minutes outside of San Jose. It can accommodate up to 30 people. The bedrooms are set up with 4 bunk beds in each room. There is a kitchen and dining room that doubles as a meeting room.  Please note that Coronado does not have a pool. 

TELEPHONE CALLS & INTERNET: There is an internet phone available for use at both the Villa and Coronado locations for only 35 cents per minute. Everyone is welcome to use the internet phone. Both locations have wireless internet as well, but groups are discouraged from using the internet except for doing trip updates. Calling cards bought in the United States may NOT work. There is only one telephone available at each location, so we do ask that trip participants keep their calls to a minimum. 

PASSPORT INFO: Passports are required to go to Costa Rica! It can take up to eight weeks to obtain your passport. You can contact your local post office for information on how to obtain one. Before the trip, you will need to make a photocopy of your passport and carry it with you in a place other than where your passport is. 

IMMUNIZATIONS: A current Tetanus shot is required for all participants. Check with your doctor or health board for information on what vaccinations you will need, where and how to get them, and how much they cost. You can also visit the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov for vaccination information. 

CLOTHING: We ask that each person would help us to stay above reproach in this area. What may not be a problem in the USA can be identified as a problem in this culture. You can help us by rising above your personal preference to overcome any perception problems that could occur. Plan on the weather being warm every day and cooler in the evenings.Ladies: You may wear Capri pants, modest shorts, knee length skirts or dresses with a t-shirt for ministry. Tank tops are not allowed.  Swimming suits need to be one-piece;  tankinis are not allowed. Men: Shorts are acceptable (not athletic) with a t-shirt. No tank tops for men either. 

LUGGAGE AND PACKING: Airlines are constantly changing and updating their policies concerning luggage. Many now have restrictions on weight and may also impose fees for checked bags. Please check with your airline for up to date information concerning luggage and fees. 

CURRENCY & MONEY: The currency is the Colon. It is always a good idea to have some small bills with you (1's and 5's) as most businesses do accept American money. There are some additional costs that you need to be aware of. You will need $28 per person to exit the country. Please bring US cash to pay this fee.  You will also need money for souvenir shopping and eating in the airports while traveling. We recommend around $75 for these incidentals. 

ADVENTURE: We include one day of pure fun on your mission adventure trip. We travel 2 ½ hours by bus to the Pacuare River to enjoy white water rafting. Rated as one of the top rivers in the world, the Pacuare River is a spectacular treasure not to be missed.  This outing is included in the cost of your trip.     

DONATIONS: We are asking each group traveling to Costa Rica to consider bringing donations. There are a great number of people staying at facilities and the following items tend to wear out quickly.•    The greatest need is for TWIN, FULL and QUEEN mattress covers.  These will help our mattresses last longer.•    Twin, Full, and Queen size set of sheets – New, WHITE cotton, 250 thread count•    Large bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths – white•    Lightweight blankets – TWIN, FULL AND QUEEN – dark colors preferably·        A complete list of updated needs will be included in your conference call notes 

LAUNDRY: There is one washing machine and dryer on the premises that could be used for emergencies, but is not available for general use. Please do not plan on doing laundry. MEALSThere will be a variety of food served, such as spaghetti, rice and chicken, taco salad, chicken fettuccini, rice and beans, sandwiches, etc. Breakfast will be fruit and cereal.

ITEMS TO BRING* Bible* Journal / pen / pencil* Take old work clothes.  Buying items to wear from Good Will or a thrift store is a good idea as it saves your good clothes.  You can leave them behind if you wish. Bring casual clothing that is respectful of the ministry and kids:  Modest clothing such as shirts that cover the shoulders, shorts that are knee length or longer, and NO tank tops or short shorts. * Rain jacket/poncho/sweatshirt (for rainy or cooler weather in the evenings) * Work gloves* Sturdy shoes or tennis shoes for outdoor work* Travel medicine (Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol tablets, Imodium AD, etc.)* Backpack* Camera, film, batteries* Hand sanitizer (small travel size)* Hat / Bandana* Sunglasses* Sunscreen/ Bug spray* Ear plugs in case your roommates snore* Flash Light* Snack items for yourself * Alarm clock (battery powered)* Personal hygiene products* Soap and washcloth* Bathing suit, beach towel, water shoes* Spending money* Dirty clothes bag √ Pillows, blankets, sheets and towels are provided 

GENERAL INFO AND GUIDELINES: Be prepared to be very flexible. Plans will change daily!!• Be on time every time. Each night we will discuss the next day's schedule.• Stay together at all times. Never leave the group without first talking to your group leader. Groups of at least four are recommended.• Do not give out money, candy or toys to ANYONE unless specifically told to do so by your LEADER. This can be very dangerous if done in the wrong manner.• Any Spanish that you can practice or learn before you come will be a big bonus.• Be prepared to share your testimony at any time.• Look for God to do something amazing in your life on this trip!!

We Lead It   We Plan It   You Live It