Monday, November 9, 2009

Photos and Video Posted!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we have posted our photos from the trip online. We have also posted the videos shown at our report night, for those who were unable to attend (and for those who want to watch them again).

The photos are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/costaricatrex
The videos are here: http://www.youtube.com/costaricatrex

Enjoy!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Report Night Coming Soon!

Hello friends! We are currently in the planning stages for our report night. I know it seems somewhat far away from our actual trip, and we are sorry that we could not have it sooner. However, as an added bonus for waiting, you will get to hear from not only our team, but also from the India and Thailand teams as well! We will be having a joint report night with them on November 1st where we will dine together, worship together, and share stories and videos. To view more details and RSVP, please check out our evite at http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/AAURJTCITNUEBLUMDQPA/2009trexreport. Hope to see you there!

Monday, August 24, 2009

We are back!


Dear friends and family,

We are back from Costa Rica safe and sound! They say those who go on missions will never be the same, and we can honestly testify to that. We are processing everything we've learned and sharing them with each other (to keep each other accountable.) We can't wait to share the goodness and faithfulness our Heavenly Father with you! He has poured down His blessings unto us as a group and individuals alike!

It was extremely difficult to say goodbye to the children and caretakers at the orphanage on the last day. We printed some pictures we took with them throughout our times there and made them into personalized frames for each child and caretaker. As we were presenting the frames to them, we took turn affirming and blessing them. It was such a special moment for all of us, and needless to say we used up lots of tissues. :) The children and caretakers kept thanking us and giving us small presents; the older girls even choreographed a dance for us. Their affection deeply warmed our hearts...

Our team and the host family went zip-lining in Monteverde the day before we left CR. It was a first-time for many of us, and we had incredible fun! It was so amazing to count blessings while walking (or zip-lining) through the rainforest and drinking in the beauty of His creation. The longest and probably the scariest ride was called Superman. One could literally do a superman pose throughout the entire zip-ride since you don't get to hold onto the cables as with other zip-lines. Our backs were, instead, tied securely (or we hoped) by three strong cables. We could do nothing but to trust the creator of the zip-line and the strength of the cables. Isn't this a little like our faith in Him? Many times it is not until we let go did we allow Him to take us on a ride of our lifetime! And sure enough, we could not stop praising Him as we rode through the valleys and marvel the different shades of green on the hills!

Thank you again for being there for us! We could not have done it without your prayers and support! We will be hosting a Report Night to share more stories, pictures, and videos with you. We've also brought back some delicious snacks and chocolates from CR for that night~ We'll update you once we confirm a time.

Take care guys and send us your prayer requests too!


Pura Vida,
the CR treX team

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Day 10 Video Blog

Irene talking about finishing the construction work at the orphanage.


Day 8 Video Blog

Jean talking about our plan for the day, filmed on the street of Costa Rica

Monday, August 3, 2009

Day 7 - Update of Week 1

Day 7/8 August 3rd, 2009

We have been in Costa Rica for a week and this is an update on our ministry work and what God has been showing us after the first week.

Construction and Field project:
- The work on erecting the fence around the orphanage playground has gone smoothly. The fence construction is completed and we have begun painting. Some of us worked daily on clearing the field of weeds. As we did that – we were reminded of the “weeds” within our heart and the need to go to God’s word often to keep our minds cleared of worldly cares. We also planted five fruit trees at the orphanage with the help of the children. As the fruit trees give fruit, we pray that God’s word will grow and bear fruit in these children’s lives.

Ministry with the Orphanage Children
- We do activities with the children at the orphanage each afternoon. Praise God – we went from not knowing what activities would work and how to connect with the orphanage staff on Day 1 to quickly experiencing God’s revelation that He can work with very little (our skills/knowledge/experience) to allow us to quickly build familiarity with the children and relationships with the staff. God allowed us to share a tender moment at the orphanage when we observed the departure of one of the oldest orphans after living there for 11 years. The staff was crying and the other kids were visibly sad. We realized then the reality of being in an orphanage involves living with the possibility that any child could be pulled out at any time; and the rest of the “family” will need to work through the trauma. One of our team members gave a staff member a big hug during that tender moment. We believe that paved the way for building a better relationship with the staff. In the subsequent days (from Day 3) we were accepted and welcomed at every visit. By the end of week 1, we could not even imagine not going to the orphanage every afternoon. We also learned that ministry to the staff may be just as important as to the children.

- During these days, we did many craft projects and stories in an effort to bring out some aspect of the gospel or of the promises in the Bible. We know our time here is short and we ask you to pray that all of our activities and interactions will leave something of God behind. Please pray specifically for the older girls at the orphanage – they have been less interested in all the activities we have led and maybe they do not feel as included; they are older and language is a real barrier to getting to know them more. But we feel that their need for God at this tender age is even greater. Please pray that God will open the doors to some form of interaction with these girls that will leave His footprint.

Team building and Worship
- Since we cannot go to the orphanage during the weekend, we were able to take advantage of an opportunity to take an excursion (at our own expense) to go white-water rafting last Saturday. We also brought along two of the Portantorchas students who have been driving and helping us at the orphanage. The rafting was not only great for fun and teambuilding, but it also allowed the team to witness the natural beauty of Costa Rica – as created and intended by God.
- On this past Sunday, God prepared a surprise for us. We visited a local Spanish church. We were expecting the sermon to be in Spanish only. But instead, Dr. Ramesh Richards (Professor from Dallas Seminary) was the guest speaker. He expounded on Psalm 133 with powerful conviction. “BEHOLD, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” It was not only a message on church unity for this large Costa Rican church, but also a message for us – as a short term mission team. We felt blessed that God has prepared this rich teaching for us – even whilst we are thousands of miles away from our home church. So through week 1, we have seen His provision for our spirits and our needs.

Prayer requests:
- Pray for wisdom in engaging and ministering to the older girls at the orphanage.
- Pray for team-building facilitation exercises that we will be doing with the incoming class at Portantorchas Bible School
- Pray for wisdom in profitable sharing as we head to a men’s & women’s shelter tomorrow (Tuesday)
- Pray for us individually – as some of us are experiencing needs that are arising back home – while we are participating in God’s work here. (Please pray that Joanna’s housing issue back home will be resolved quickly.)
- Pray for continued unity and moving forward in one spirit. Thanks for your prayers on this as we are seeing God’s work indeed.
-

Friday, July 31, 2009

Day 5 - Morning Orphange Site Work

Check out Jeff's description of what we did Friday morning:


Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Day 3 Video Blog

Check out our first attempt for the video blog.


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Day One - ¡Hola! del equipo de Costa Rica

DAY ONE -

With much excitement and expectation, we headed to the Orphanage for our first day of work and activities with the children at the Orphanage associated with Portantorchas (Torchbearer Bible school). There was an unexpected protest that blocked the road that leads to the orphanage - so we took all our work equipment and walked the last bit. Apparently there was a group protest in an attempt to remove the principal of a local school nearby. We were glad for the walk and exercise. We continue to take in the breath-taking beauty of Costa Rica and the unseasonably pleasant weather. (We really are thankful for the easy weather.)

For our construction projects - Our goal was to build a fence for the orphanage and start a garden while we are here. Work progressed well on setting up the fence posts - some of us dug holes for the posts, some mixed cement and others went about clearing the (soccer) field with a motorized weed-whacker (some enthusiastic first time whackers).

In the afternoon, we planned activities for the kids at the orphanage during the free time. This first day of orchestrating the activities was more of a challenge for us. We had some language difficulties and the kids streamed in and out of the planned activities. We also had to make-shift with what space we had to use to plan and sing with them (apparently the class room space we expected to use were not available to us). However, the children are really precious and we are just beginning to know them a little. Through this afternoon, we all learned very valuable lessons in going with the flow of the Holy Spirit rather than be locked into our well-laid plans.

In our evening debrief- we shared how God touched us differently throughout the day and how we were all pushed to different degrees our zones of comfort in service and in just being with people who do not speak our language, or go with our flow, and working without all the resources we have back home. For several of us - it is our first experience with being in an orphanage - and the realization that some of these kids have lived lives without the abundance of what we have and of parents and perhaps experienced years of rejection- hit our hearts. We begin to understand - maybe why we are here....

Thanks so much for praying for us and checking in - ( our families and friends and supporters - and a Hi to Newsong Tuesday night bible study since it is Tuesday :) )
We covet your continual and consistent prayers during this missions trip and requests top of mind are:

1) Continued wisdom on planning and organizing of activities - and to be responsive to the Holy Spirit in what he leads us to do and to be each day. We could use guidance in getting more structure into how we could work and interact with the children in the orphanage.
2) Patience and courage for all of us as we all push beyond varying degrees of comfort zones (language, gifts, skills we bring or not)
3) Move as a team led for the Holy Spirit - "that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Phil. 1: 27" - that we may all decrease and that He will increase, that we become invisible and that He becomes visible.
4) God will continue to show us individually and as a team these transforming truths.

Praise God that John's luggage was opened by a very skilled local locksmith and we are very happy that he has clean clothes now.



Putting up post for a fence so kids won´t fall off the slope

Monday, July 27, 2009

We have arrived!

Hola, we are here! :)

Praise God for travel safety and mercy! We've arrived at Portantorchas, the International Bible School that's hosting us. We have all of our luggage (John's luggage was locked by the TSA but we don't actually have the key so will need to see a locksmith.)

The school is beautiful! We spent an afternoon getting to know Tom and his family at the Portantorchas. They have warmed our hearts with their hospitality and caring for us. We are fed and pampered well!

We are heading to the orphanage today for construction in the morning and singing and playing games with the children there. We are all excited!

We will post pix soon! Adios, amigos!


Last meal prior to departure at LAX. We all looked happy!

Pura Vida,
the CR team

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Commissioning Dinner

Yesterday, the treX core team held a Commissioning Dinner for all the mission teams that are going out this summer. They had italian food, which was quite tasty, and it was nice to see everyone from all of the different teams. Unfortunately, half of our team couldn't make it, but the three of us that were there had a good time.

We had a time of worship that was led by Khoi Ngo, who was a part of the Southeast Asia team from last summer. Peter Chung sang with him, and amidst the songs was a reminder that God never changes, and that he's madly in love with us, his children.

After the worship, Ed Salas introduced his friend Gary Mayes. Gary works for CRM, and has a lot of experience in ministry both nationally and internationally. He shared with us what is in his mind the greatest paradox of all time: that God would choose a broken, fallible, sinful, weak, mortal individual to do his work. We're talking about the Almighty God of the Universe, and he chooses to use someone like you or me. Pretty crazy when you think about it. God has called us to go abroad to serve in one capacity or another. Is it because we are special people, and the nationals need what we have to offer? Of course not! They don't need us, they need God! And God decided to put his reputation on the line by associating with us and sending us as his representatives. This was another point where we really need to stop and examine our attitudes. Are we going because we think it's up to us to help these people? Or are we going because we are being obedient to God, recognizing that any good that happens during the trip is of God, and not of our own efforts? We will continue to pray that it is the latter.

After the message, we had a time of prayer. We gave up our attitudes, issues, and trips to God, and a blessing was prayed over all who will be going out this summer.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

treX 09' retreat: "Know Him, Love Him."



Our team joined all other Newsong sponsored short term missionaries at a spiritual retreat at Thousand Pines, California on May 15-17th. It was a good time of spending time together, with the Lord, worshipping as a larger missions team and receiving spiritual instruction and further missions training. As you can see from the photo, our team gets to stretch in teamwork at an obstacle course and show a little different side of ourselves too. We continue to realize that effectiveness and unity as a team will be critical to honoring His name while we live and work together in Costa Rica.

"To Know Him, Love Him" was the theme of the retreat. It was a great theme since it pretty much summarizes our reason and purpose for the missions trip. All the devotions, teaching, music and worship were designed around this theme. Highlights of teaching came from the main speaker, Craig Hendrickson, who spoke about the lessons from a "reluctant" Missionary:

1. God is calling us to join in what he is already doing in the mission field.
2. We need to cultivate intimacy with God to discern the Spirit's activities in the mission field (that is already going on).
3. We need to step out in obedience to gain a clearer understanding of what the Spirit is doing in the mission field.
4. We need to take a learning posture to the mission field. (*really critical*)
5. When we chose to remain open to the Spirit, the results will exceed our expectations.

As we all remain open to God's voice and preparation for this work, we come to discover how inadequate we are and disobedient sometimes - and we grow in our respect and admiration for all missionaries around the world. We truly seek your prayer that we can join in partnership with the Holy Spirit in this endeavor and remain faithfully to continue to "Know Him and Love Him".



A Truly Memorable Memorial Day--Community Development Project

Our team had an incredibly successful painting project at Newsong on Memorial Day. As we think about the men and women who have given their lives to unselfishly serve our country and for our freedom, we hope to also continually give of ourselves.

Our team moved out the furniture in the office space to be painted, and the molding was removed. Next, holes were patched, sanded down, and texture applied, before we started painting.

We are thankful that God brought this project to the table, and having us work well together to complete it. Furthermore, it was such a blessing for us to learn about each others' work styles, strengths/weaknesses, etc. so we can better support each other in these upcoming months. This support will allow us to better work as one unified body as we serve in Costa Rica.

Later on in the evening, we had a fantastic bar-b-que, and were so blessed that Peter Chung (group advisor) could join us. Lots of good food, but most importantly, GREAT company and more laughter to last us a lifetime :D



Please continue to pray for us and be part of our journey. We are grateful for your love and prayer support.

All of our love from the bottom of our hearts,

Costa Rica treX 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tapioca Express

For our regular gathering this week, we've abandoned the comfort of our home and chosen to meet outside a Tapioca Express in a strip mall. The weather was too warm, the chairs hard, the mosquitoes hungry, and the cigarette smokes triggering my allergy. And Jeff, in his usual calm voice, said "this is exactly why we meet here today."

I have to admit I was a bit annoyed when the fly on my arm chose not to leave even after I threatened it with my finger. Yet when I looked around the table, I was overtaken by a sense of closeness to my fellow brothers and sisters. Yes there might be bugs, restless nights, illnesses, and other unforeseen issues on the trip, but I trust God will show Himself mightily with the encouragement and support of our fellow teammates.

During the meeting, we reflected on the notion of humility and of being learners of our new friends and of each other. We were also reminded that it was more important to be relational than to focus on tasks and efficiency (echoing Pastor Dave's sermon on Easter!) We ended the night with some awesome prayers. When we started praying, the world became still around us. We each took a long time praying for a teammate. It was such a precious moment. :)

Thank you for reading thus far. There are many praises shared in the group such as travel safety and good rests. We can feel the power of your prayers! Please continue to lift us up. One prayer request that was echoed this week was time management. Please pray that we'll focus on the essentials (being relational) and prioritize well (vs. non-essentials.) Please also lift up some health issues that some of the team members and families are experiencing. Thank you for your faithfulness. He is good, all the time!

Let's end with this quote that Jeff shared with us: "Attitudes are contagious, is yours worth catching?"

Monday, April 6, 2009

Group picture!

Howdy! At our last team gathering, we took our first group picture! hooooray~ ;) We are excited that you may put names to faces: ladies from left to right-Irene Lin, Joanna Chao, Jean Han; gentlemen from left to right-Ken Cheung, Jeff Fulkerson, and John Hsu.

Please continue to lift us up! One of our prayer requests that echoed in the group was to listen to God amidst all the distractions and busyness. We are also excited to be taking more time to pray for each other, our host, and the people that we will interact with at Costa Rica. It's an awesome privilege to partner with you to experience God's love and glory together.

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-just as the Father knows me and I know the Father." John 10:14-15

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Training Session

Our team had an incredible training session yesterday. Newsong brought in some phenomenal speakers who covered topics on interacting and engaging with children in songs, art, and activities, and evangelism. For many of us, we don't have a lot of experience in evangelizing to people, but we learned that compassion is a universal language...

We are thankful for the previous time we have together as a missions group, and for opportunity to continue to work in community by relying on the LORD and each other for how He has called us to serve.


How we would like for you to pray for us:
  • Please pray that the Lord continues to prepare our hearts to work with the Costa Ricans.
  • Pray that we will work on God's time rather than our own~and that we can really learn to listen to His guidance.
  • Ask the Lord to create a close bond within the members of our group, so that we can face the challenges of uncertainty and adversity.
  • Also pray that we may surrender to serve where the need is most.
  • Finally, that we walk in community with the Costa Ricans, and commit to understanding their culture, joys, and struggles.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Thank You!

Hello family and friends!

Thank you for visiting our team's blog. We are excited about creating a forum where we can include you in our mission preparation, our prayer needs, and our journey. Most of all, we would like to thank you for taking the time and interest in supporting us.

We are excited to hear from you--please leave us a comment through our blog, and/or send a team member an email, etc.

In love and faith,

The Costa Rica treX team 2009