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We are so thankful for the hundreds of daily visitors to the blog. Your prayers will continue to sustain us as we charge into jobs, relationships, school with the same focus as on the trip.
Aaron for the CR Team
check out youthmark.com/faith2011CAW and youthmark.com/faith2011CAR for our mission teams on their way Friday July 8th to Canada.
Thanks so much for your prayers and your comments on the blog. It was really encouraging to know that we had so many supporting us. Your interest in our group and trip was a real boost for us. As we come home (writing at San Jose Airport now) we are really tired and yet full of stories. The problem is getting the stories out of them. First of all DON'T ask them questions that have one word answers: "So, how was it?", "Did you have fun?", "Was it worth it?". You might start with the pictures we have posted: https://picasaweb.google.com/thebauers/CostaRica2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCND17dryhKraHQ
Ask them to tell you about a certain picture that interests you, or what God taught them about themselves. Ask them to describe one new relationship they developed on the trip and how that changed them. Ask them to describe a time that they felt that God used them. Be creative and set up times to buy them some Starbucks and hear their stories. We are so privileged to have represented you here in Costa Rica.
Aaron for the CR Team
we are all in the US now, writing from Denver
Wow! What an incredible evening last night after an exhausting but fun day. We had painted Pastor Jorge's (extremely humble) home as well as a wall in the attached church. Pastor Jorge has both his mother and his mother-in-law living with them. They have never had a painted bedroom. The one grandma was so sweet when she saw her bedroom! She layed down on her bed with a big smile on her face. That was such a blessing to us!
The service in the church began before we were even done painting so we drifted in a few at a time until the painting was completed. Aaron preached a great message completely in Spanish that several of us actually understood without translation! It left no doubt in my mind that God was using him to pass on a message to us all...a direct answer to our prayer just before the service! The fellowship before and after the service was such a joy for all of us but especially for the kids that got to teach English to their CR peers. A few of the team members became quick friends with the pastor's daughter Ana and their son Daniel. Email addresses and photos were exchanged before prolonged but sweet 'good byes'.
The day was topped off by an incredible lightning show over San Jose on the way back. How could any of us doubt God's presence in our day! -Katy, Heather and the CR team
What a beautiful day in Alajuela. Our trip concept began last year around Pastor Jorge and his church in the heights above San Jose where we are currently (10pm) watching a very stunning display of lightning. Things changed with Pastor Jorge's family and he was unable to host us to do the construction work we had planned. It was amazing to watch other plans come online to do ministry in the other beautiful places of Costa Rica. Today we got to paint inside Pastor Jorge's home and the church attached to it. Then we had one of the most amazing worship services I've been a part of. A very young worship team rocked out in worship of God with familiar songs and some new ones. We were praying like crazy for God to come in power and I was in tears as we worshipped together. Heather and Sean gave great testimonies of God's power to change their lives. I was praying like crazy asking God to help me communicate well while I preached. God answered my prayers to be able to preach in Spanish. It was so much fun to feel God giving me words to best share the intricacies of the Gospel with them. Your prayers at home are definitely felt here in Costa Rica. Thanks for your faithful support of us.
Pastror Aaron for the CR Team
here is the location for the pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/thebauers/CostaRica2011Web?authkey=Gv1sRgCIS6xv7twoqQDA
DJ, Berit & Diane...thanks for your encouraging words for us all!
Happy Father's Day, Pops! Sorry I missed you on Skype on Sunday. Your card is still in my backpack. :( I forgot to mail it from the airport!...but then again, you wouldn't believe it was from me if you ever got a card ontime. I LOVE YOU!
Dale, it was SO nice to talk to you! I miss you TONS and love you more! xo Please tell Annie and Ben, Kathi and Justus I love & miss them!
To all my girls that aren't here...I can't wait to see you all again and tell you how we saw God at work here! I miss you and wish you were all here to see what we are seeing. God is so AWESOME! I am praying for you all!
Thanks everyone for all your encouraging prayers and comments! Hugs...Katy
I would have to say that the thing that has impacted me the most on this mission trip is not the beauty or the kids' boldness or any particular event but Pastor Eric Cordero and his wife, Blanca. They are the most humble servants for God. How I see God working through them!
Eric is constantly working, setting up new jobs we can do, showing us his beautiful country, talking on the phone to other pastors & friends setting up the next day's activities, talking about the LORD and His work, taking care of us or Blanca and remaining in touch with his children and family back home in San Jose. Never does he show frustration or anger, only love and joy...no matter what the circumstances!
He and Blanca are busy getting to know each member of our team and praying for us. They have asked me about so many of the kids...whether something is bothering them, if they're feeling OK, if they're tired, if they are close to the LORD and whether they are having fun or not. They call them their 'children' and treat them as if they're their own. The other night at our worship service, Blanca prayed a beautiful prayer for each of us and our work. She had many of us in tears because of her passion for God and us.
These two have a passion for God that I have not seen much, if at all. Their joy and humility astound me. They love the LORD and really live out their lives for Him. What wonderful models they are for all of us. They are constant givers and their love never runs dry. Eric & Blanca buy gifts for us as though they were the richest people in the world...but then when I think about it, I guess they are!
Katy for the CR Team
Nicole - Personal sacrifice for soccer team.
Toughed out feeling lousy at the church today.
Honesty...talking about perceptions of what was going on and trying to work things out.
Particular about what you do. Pay attention to detail.
Always conversing with someone. Rich communication.
Toughed out when you feeling lousy.
Always playing with kids and talking with them even if uncomfortable.
Even when she doesn't want to do something, once she started, she sticks with it.
Have a heart for kids. Try hard to understand them. You want a relationship with them.
Willing to share story...opening up to begin to share your story is a good platform for how you would like to live. Let God be honored.
Always ready to volunteer to help out when someone's working.
Perseverance when going is tough. No yelling when things are tough. Self control.
George - Self-sacrifice. Leader. Encourager to other team members. Willing to give your all for the team.
Willing to work doing anything when called on. No complaining.
Best friend. Positive attitude. Encourager.
Never says anything negative. Positive.
Wlling to hang out with the girls on beach and not complain when you were the only guy.
Cool. Humble. Man of few words. What you say is wise or witty. Enjoyed testimony...spoke to me.
You pick the worst seat and talk it up as though its the best. Love to hang out with you.
Encouraging. Positive attitude.
Patient in airport in huge line when machine was broken.
Can be best leader but also can respond to leadership. willing to help in anything.
Don't walk away from a project. Willing to stick it out.
A good planner. Willing to jump in when needed. Lead when necessary.
Heather - one of the most amazing inspirational people in my life, passion for Jesus that everyone can see and it motivates me to be head over heels in love with Jesus. you are a model for enjoying life.
welcoming spirit, hugging, smiling, inviting people into the group
passionate, the first to initiate spiritual conversation
led those groups of kids who loved you at the school, ready to jump in and draw people in
curiosity and willingness to approach people and draw them in, confidence from trust in the Lord
sensitivity to the Spirit, amazing work ethic
kindness, willingness to uplift people with comments
love other people, excited to talk to other people, encouragement to me
bring a lot of joy to our group, dancing, rocking out to music in the car
awesome, inviting person, supportive, non-judgmental, straightforward, there for people, strive to be honest
perseverance in wrestling with God for a blessing that you want. looking at yourself squarely and taking it to the Lord to have Him change you.
great girl, always excited, good attitude
Steve, Steve Beautiful Steve - So glad you came on this trip, encouragement, hysterical, no complaints, joyful heart, kind, helpful
expertise, hard work, sacrificing time to drive us all over, set a model for the way God has used you
hilarious, let us borrow your computer stuff, made us laugh
so encouraging to be on your team, especially with the concrete. Making a terrible task awesome. so much fun, really cool, made us laugh so much
all the questions we had, you answered with encouragement. No put downs and a lot of patience
not afraid to do anything even make a fool of yourself, gentle leadership, gets things done
lot of fun to work with, you make work fun. helpful
made work so much fun, you speak well with young people
willing to step out of comfort zone
willing to lead us and are looked up to.
Hosting people in the car with music and answering questions
Singing random songs made it lots of fun
Lexi - really excited that you came on the trip, proud of you, seeing you grow, bubbly attitude
so glad you came, funny,
hard worker
overcoming fears and stepping out, really cool to see the change
enjoyed the giddy attitude, friendship, open heart, quickly gotten used to us and had cool shared memories
you are true to yourself, genuine, show who you are, fun
brave to put up with the bugs
say what you are thinking and don't hold back and use humor
jump right in to the task, tackle the job no matter what, assimilated to the group really well
love positive attitude and that you came in to the group courageously, lean on Haley and encourage each other in your faith.
impressed by bravery, wit, charm and hard work
bravery to jump in to playing soccer, open about your life and invited us into it.
Aaron - enjoyed your leadership, sharing struggles, how God is using you through that, your walk with the Lord is a role model for all of us, we look up to you
a heart for everyone, you want everyone to know what you know, especially the Latin Americans, 6 kids and tell everyone else what you believe, true role model
so so so awesome, welcomed me from the start at Faith, one of the biggest role models in my life, no condemnation encouragement, godly man, love that I can come to you with questions, you call me nice names like sweetie, what you've done with your life is amazing, adoption is a great model for me, like a Father to me
great leader, don't make enemies,
great leader, love your passion, it's hard to find a YP who is so in love with God to show who he really is, role model
passion for going on mission, u really love the people, before we even left the country, excited to serve the peple
earned my respect before I even met you 12 year vet youth pastor, really respect you as a superiore and a friend, appreciate that you seek after God
I love you, I love working with you, over the years we work together well and we work together and share opinions and will be honest and work really like you having God live out the roles for you, Pastor, Husband, father, love growing into a passion, ecxciting to see it grow. See huge changes, see a leap in your faith. even better dad, youth pastor and husband
big brother to me, growing up with you as youth leader has been awesome, consistency, role model, i know that you love each student that walks through the doors. You take the time to show mne how to accomplish even simple tasks. You have fun with everythiong and has goals, can lead but care and has others opinions included in the plan.
teaching me not to judge and accept everyone as they are, no condemnation has been great for me to learn from you.
open, honest with your struggles. you draw out the team and get them involved in discussion and even teaching, challenging the people to think and gives us value by asking for our ideas. You seem to muster energy to jump in the ocean and pool and to lead us.
loving everyone, it's hard work to greet the people in the corners who are timid but you find them and make them feel a part of things
inclusive, make people feel like they are working with you instead of just for you.
Katy - she doesn't hide how much she adores and loves God, I've never met a person like that
you take care of everybody, excited about God, wonderful
pointing us to Jesus
Mom of this group, gave us hugs, open to conversation, love talking, in love with God, so cool to see someone so passionate, encouraging
so willing to help out
appreciated how your fulled the role of helping people get comfortable even while sick, passion for your family and heart for them and for them to see God
Your love for Christ inspires me, God-fearing woman, mom-figure for me, so sweet, real with me, face to face with us and care for us, share about how you've been forgiven, an encouragement to us all. Love how God uses you in your life and how you spend time with us. You think of the little things that make me feel special, I love you and your awesome husband DALE. You pray for me and with me
open with your story, no excuses and show your love for God, honest
admire your perseverance and love for God, your relationship with God is an adventure (not static) and you are sharing it with us
in tough times you seek God and it is a great example for us. You showed us that there is a God that loves us and cares for us. Quite a legacy with the girls and with the guys, You show us that there is nothing greater we can do with our lioves than serve Jesus.
love you, awesome team partner, trusted leader and I rely on your counsel, I would dive into adventure with you alongside
You've been there for me, you understand me, I love you so much, God is using you so much. in my life. Your counsel, brutal honesty, tears are priceless. Such compassion for people that are hurting, it's beautiful. You keep on going and looking to see what God has for you and you want more of him. You are one of th ebiggest influences in my whole life to seek after God and to Know him, to be in His big story and to not give up.
You might like to know what teammates are saying about each other. Here is our first installment of "spider on the wall". Each teammate will get to hear how other's see God moving in their life and working through them on the team. Feel free to ask for more information if you don't understand them. ~ Aaron
Haley - Lives her life according to the Scriptures. Loves the LORD.
Joy comes out of you and is brought to the team.
Courageaous. Brave to come out here with strangers and join in the group.
Fun to have around. Has a great attitude.
Always pitching in. Not hiding or shying away from work. Contributing to team.
Blessed with hard work ethic. Especially at the school...persisted in work on the door.
Self sacrifice. Even if not in her best interest, still pitches in.
Stable. Takes time to support others when under pressure.
Open heart. Expected to be outcasts but you came in with an open heart for us and people.
Hard worker. Willing to switch out with others.
Positive attitude. Compliments others.
Courage to join with others you don't know.
Sean - Played soccer even though you didn't want to.
Compassion and self-sacrifice.
Hard worker. Hardly took a break while doing cement work.
Honesty...like when frustrated with something.
Accepting. Nonjudgemental. Unconditional love for all.
Welcoming personality. Trying to get to know others. Genuine.
Positive attitude. Makes others laugh.
See God's work in you. Maturity in your walk. Tender heart for all.
Voiced when uncomfortable. Willing to be genuine. Shows leadership and character that will serve you well.
Expressive nature came out in your poem. God's giving you a tool that you can use well.
Fun and willing to do something totally insane.
Always in good humor. Never in a bad mood.
Erica - Love your laugh. Always in a positive mood.
Singing is an encouragement to all.
Notice things others overlook.
Encourager for others.
Positive comments towards others and high 5s
Heart for others evident at school & with kids.
Courage teaching.
Seek truth. Ask questions.
Go out of your way to greet others. Comfortable greeting others.
Bubbly attitude. Uplifting others. Enjoyable.
The real Erika is coming out. The person God made you to be. I see you feeling safe in this group and experiencing unconditional love. Brave, courageous, lovable, loving .
Fun to be around. Loveable.
Jonathan - Genuine. Honest. Speech is either wise or hilarious. Awesome!
Love your jokes. Fun, entertaining.
Hard work, determination. First to step up to a task. Choose God's work.
Easy to tell how much you love God.
Good Christian after God's own heart.
The friend Aaron always wanted growing up and even now.
Humble. Man of the LORD. Wanting to please God.
Fun to hang out with in the back of the car and talk to.
No one on this planet makes me laugh like you and a few other people. It pumps me up. You are the funniest person I know.
Courage.
You jump right in and have a good attitude. No complaining. Never disappear. Respectful. Raised well. Will do well.
Patience with me and others, especially children. Self-sacrificing. Good example.
Good sense of humor, great jokes. Never complaining with hard jobs.
Sarah - Mighty warrior. Zena, Warrior Princess.
Courageous. Soccer game-sacrificial & brave.
Do a job to its completion & do the fine details. You care about what you do.
Courageous to share testimony when so shy but the LORD gave you the words & you just went ahead & spoke them.
Awesome. Helped with medical issues. Walked to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Helpful. Willing to help everyone and asking to help.
Tenderness and willingness to help everyone.
Willing to chip in and help wherever needed. Stand by waiting to help. Willing to participate and trying to stretch yourself.
Trusting Jesus to help you do what you need to do. Shows you've gone from a religious system to really following God.
Enjoy talking to you. You've done interesting things.
Stays calm in tough situations. In control. Works things out.
Simple attitude. Not loud and obnoxious. don't complain. volunteer self...a sacrifice to God.
Blaine - On Concrete path work day...very determined to get job done right. Took the least breaks. Determination.
Can take it even more than you dish it out. Sweet man. Put up with a lot. Will go far in life.
Humility. Honest look at self & willing to look at what God put on your heart.
Grounded. Fun.
Super encouragement to others. Friendly. See God's love in you. Asking how others are.
Enjoy you. Able to take over an area of ministry or a task without follow up. Good follow through.
Make people feel comfortable.
Great big brother. Encouraging.
Encourager. Put a fun spin on things.
Had the excuse to 'tap out' of concrete job but didn't do it. You look for how you can help out others. Willing to help others.
Easy to be around. Super funny. Nice to talk to.
https://picasaweb.google.com/thebauers/CostaRica2011Web?authkey=Gv1sRgCIS6xv7twoqQDA
Quick Saturday Update: Team Esteban finished the concrete walkway project in the pouring rain and blazing sun. The painting team met our final goals for the school and we headed in poouring rain to a local beach for some much needed rest. Thirty minutes later we were at the most beautiful beach with excellent waves to refresh ourselves and then had a nice dinner at a roadside restaraunt.
Sunday
We've been rolling with the punches here in Costa Rica. Our missionary Erick has been making sure we have plans B thru D. Tomorrow (Monday) we go to Joco beach for a night of ministry there and then back to San Jose
A few of the team left you some video messages at http://youthmark.com/staff/
You can view our pics here as they get put up:
https://picasaweb.google.com/thebauers/CostaRica2011Web?authkey=Gv1sRgCIS6xv7twoqQDA
Aaron for the team
This is the blog for the Faith Church mission to Costa Rica.