Last Day... AHHHHHHH

Hey Guys, this is Lisa. Just wanted to let you know about what has happened today.

Well, for one thing, we had to say goodbye to the kids without them realizing we weren't coming back. It was hard because I can imagine how they will look tomorrow when they realize we won't be coming. They just continued on like they were counting on us to be there the next day. That is mostly because the group here has another day with them. The adults however, knew we where going. Fernando was crying today. It was especially funny because Norma was just smiling at us. Does that hint at something ?????? :P

I hope to see you all soon. Megan's, Charis', and Sharla's friends say hi. Oh, and Aleisia's (sorry I spelled that wrong :{

byee!!!!

Sunday at the Market

Today we immersed ourselves a bit more in Costa Rican culture. We went to the farmer's market in San Rafael. We tasted some local delicacies and did a bit of shopping. The cups in the photo are the Rural Costa Rican version of a slushy. Made from sliced fruit and sugar cane ground up right before your eyes. The Spruce Grove gang did street ministry in the central park in San Rafael.

The picture of the little girl was taken in the park near the market. She was throwing the bird seed into the air with such reckless abandon that she was drawing a crowd of onlookers. Its neat to see Ticos willing to thoroughly enjoy simple pleasures of life like hanging out at the park with friends, meeting new friends, or feeding the birds. We've really grown to love this country and its warm and engaging people. Verna's brain won't stop planning for next year.

All the local staff send their best wishes as well. Suzy, Alvaro, and Tiffany are pictured above just hanging out with us on a lazy Sunday afternoon at YWAM Heredia. Just waiting for the cow bell to call us to dinner. Wish you were all here with us still.

The Dahlke's

Work continues in Guarari

Today in Guarari, we helped rebuild the fence by the community center. We also installed a gate so the kids can use that space as a playground.

There were about 90 kids in VBS today. More of the kids were asking about members of our group and were disappointed when we had to tell them that you are all in Canada. Charis' friend wanted to say hi as well as Megan's. Vince's gaggle of girls seemed to be lost without him.

Some of the adults visited Dona-Marina's house and Rosita's house. They have problems with leaking roofs and their kids are getting sick. The last picture was taken inside Rosita's house. You can see the gaps where the water comes in. The group plans to make repairs to the roof on Monday. Dona-Marina and Rosita are mother and daughter. They are the ladies in the picture with Verna in the last post.

It is raining again, like every afternoon. Yesterday, the rain decided to come down extra hard. We all got soaked.

We took Phil out for dinner last night to say goodbye. He flew back to Seattle this morning. But I think he likes us so much that he might just stop to visit us in Red Deer sometime.

We hope you are all doing well. God Bless,

LISA!!!! and glen.

Spruce Grove Alliance in Guarari

Today we went back to Gaurari with the Spruce Grove group. Not very many kids. Our group had the luxury of being here when kids were on break from school. Tomorrow should be much more crowded. Crossroads Youth Misssion guys will probably recognize some familiar faces in the crowd.

Josue asked if Josh was coming and was very disappointed when we told him Josh was in Canada. Megan's little friend also asked if Megan was coming back tomorrow.

Last night Mario gave a concert for the group. Alvaro and Monica also say hi. Phil is leaving for Saskatchewan tomorrow. Shannon went home two days ago. We'll be home next week.

Its great to see the kids again but not the same without the rest of our group here.

The Dahlke's

The latest from the Dahlke's

We've had a busy week serving the guys that were here working on a water purification system and getting ready for the Spruce Grove group. We took a much needed break to the beach last weekend to recuperate. Davalyn, Tiffany, and Jenny travelled with us to a little secluded beach called Palo Seco. We swam in the Pacific Ocean, dug for crabs and walked through the jungle. We saw two different kinds of monkeys, sloths, alligators, lizards, butterflys . . . . But mostly we just relaxed and recharged.

In the photo with Glen in the jungle you can see a spider monkey just inches above his head. The group shot in the restaraunt was taken at Manuel Antonio park. The restaurant has no walls and is suspended over a cliff in the rain forest. We had our meal during a down pour.

The Spruce Grove group arrived last night. They are doing the same training we did three weeks ago. This afternoon they are in downtown Heredia on the cultural immersion exercise just like we did. Its neat to see this group coming back each year to do the same work. About 5 or 6 of their group are here for the third year in a row and several more are here for their second time. They go to Guarari to serve with Fernando & Norma on Friday.

Already we have had some interesting discussions with the group leaders about their long range vision to support the work that is going on here. Two of their board members are here now and several others have been here before as well as their youth pator and senior pastor. They have made a commitment for regular financial support as well as their moral support through their presence here. Our hope is that Crossroads Church will follow their lead and remain involved for the long haul.

The Dahlke's

Yesterday we went to Norma and Fernando´s house for a visit. We delivered the computer and stayed for coffee. In Costa Rica "coffee" is a major meal. They fed us Guacamoli and chips, sweet corn bread, stuffed figs, and this chocolate coconut thingy.

The pictures are from our Saturday visit to Guarari and yesterday at Fernando and Norma´s house. The little girl is wearing Mister Vince´s headband as a skirt.

Today has been more goat duty and meal prep and clean up.

Lisa & Glen

Since You've Been Gone

We went to Guarari the Saturday after the team left. It was neat to see what they do without us! Many of the kids asked where the rest of the team was. We had to tell them that they went back to Canada. But the love that we showed was still evident.....WE MISS YOU GUYS

Squeaky and Graham



On Saturday we got to observe and help out with Fernando's and Norma's regular program. Fernando and Norma usually have five different groups for Bible classes - kids under four, four to eight, girls nine and older, boys nine and older and adults. Fernando handed out several of the Bibles we bought while we were there. Many gave them back after the lesson thinking they were just borrowing. It was neat to see their eyes light up when they figured out that they got to keep the Bibles.

One little girl asked for Phillipe - I think she wanted to practice her hair designing skills again. Another little girl (about age 2) was wearing the Canadian Flag headband that Vince left as a skirt.

Fernando and Norma invited us to there house to visit. Hopefully we will get a chance to meet with them this coming week. We purchased some software for the computer and Alvaro installed it for us. We will be able to give them the computer - working - when we see them next.

Tiffany, Davalyn, and Alvaro all miss you guys too.

Glen, Verna and Lisa

Since You've Been Gone

We are home, and it was amazing

God was so Great to all of us. We have all grown closer to our heavenly father, become aware of how blessed we have been to be born in were we were.

The people of Costa Rica have taught us so much, how to love, to put relationships before time or money. The leaders at YWAM really helped bring out the best in all of us.

We poured our hearts out to the kids, and each other with Gods love, and all got way more back.

We pray any seed planted through us will grow into fruit.

Please remember the children of Guarari in your prayers.

Thank you for your prayers, and support.

In Jesus's precious name,

The Crossroads Youth CostaRica Mission Team 2007

Last Update From Costa Rica

We're coming home pretty soon everybody. We have to leave YWAM at 3:30. Vince will have his cell phone on once we get to Calgary (877-5046) He will call warren once we hit innisfail to start the phone fan out. He asked a lovely lady to share her experience today...me (Charis)...so here goes.

It is impossible to go through every experience that I've gone through during this trip and even begin to doubt that God exists. He is all around us, in the people, in the culture, and especially inj the nature surrounding them. I have experienced God's love for me over and over again in the past 2 weeks, and I will forever be changed because of it.

Even when it pours (like it is now) and the weather seems miserable, it is still so easy to tell that God has his hand in it all. He has blessed this country with an amazing rain-forest, and he has blessed me with the chance to experience it first-hand today - an experience I will definitely never forget!

Ziplining from canopy to canopy through the beautiful forest was both exhilerating as well as saddening, for we go home tomorrow and have to say goodbye to this incredible people and culture. I hope I have a chance to return one day, but even if I dont, the memory of today as well as the rest of the trip are embedded in my head, and soon my journal.

I remember being very nervous as I was getting hitched onto the 1st of 11 ziplines and thinking "What am I doing here? A volcano sounds way more safe - atleast your feet stay firmly planted on the ground!" I did however manage to get over my momentary lapse of judgement and actually quite enjoyed myself for the rest of the journey, while appreciating God's amazing creaton all around me.

While taking in the surroundings of the last line (1000 ft long and maybe 20 meters above an amazing flowing river( with the wind whipping past me and the rain misting down from the heavens, I prayed "God, never let me forget this moment - help me to remember it forever!" And I know that for as long as I live, that m oment of me flying above the most amazing rapids of a river, will stay in my head...and my heart. It makes me in complete and absolute awe of God's creativity. I hope each of you get to experience something similar to my day, even if it's not as cool as ziplining through the Costa Rican Rainforest, but that you will still find some way to appreciate the world God has put around you, and your day will continually be brightened because of it.
God Bless, xoxox
Charis.

Saying Goodbye to the kids

Yesterday was an amazing day.

In Guarari, the kids had letters for us, with lots of hugs and kisses.

Lots of us have colds, and coughs, but none of regret getting kisses from kids that were sick. It was a teary goodbye for many. So hard to leave thes kids. Many asked if we will be back next year. Most on the team said yes. We gifted the kids with bracelets or chokers handmade, even the beads from Courtney. We gave gift bags with bandaides, soap, shampoo, socks, etc. Frenando will give out the Bibles later.

In the afternoon we got to go to a small shop to pick up some keep sakes.

Last night we had worship, communion, and shared experiences.

Many kids said they are coming back, or going to mission else were. Some prayed for there families to come to know God, and prayed for courage to talk to them. Many said they were afraid they would loose the intensity they feel now with God. The group has changed and will need your help adapting to life at home.

We discussed the need to love everyone with the same intensity as the kids of Guarari', parents friends, etc. We are all Gods children.

Today we get to be tourists. 20 to zip line, 10 to volcano, and hot pool.

Bye for now.

VinMan

Vin's Heart With God

Today was different for me. I saw through the poverty. When i looked past the rusty tin I saw community. I saw Christ's love shining everywhere. Some people ask "can you make a difference?" I say "yes!" How? By getting off your hands. We are touching lives. We have lots of kids 12-13, very close to the age of going to drugs, violence, and sex. They are still kids. They are feeling loved, cherished, special, and worth something. God has blessed us with 156 new testament bibles to give the kids. Through us God is making a difference, where evil spirits, witchcraft, stealing and drugs are more common than christianity.

My walk with God has been amazing. It is personal. God wants to talk to all of us. We must make it a priority for this to happen. I have spent much time in my life questionning my faith. First I had to ask for forgiveness for my sins. Not a quick process for a sinner like me. Reading God's word, one word at a time is key for me. Asking along the way "God, what does this mean for me?" The biggest breakthrough for me is found in 1st Samuel v3 (and then God came and stood before him exactly as before, calling out "Samuel, Samuel." Samuel answered, "Speak! I am your servant ready to listen.")

I haven't been ready to listen. It takes time. I knew God was going to rock my world. and each member of our team has had a similar spiritual journey. One amazing piece of fruit God has given me, was driving into the community center to a group of 5 girls and 2 boys cheering "mister vince! mister vince!" Amazing love.

Father please touch everyone's soul who reads this. Please give them time to make it personal with you. God, my heart cries out to the thought of saying goodbye to Yindra, Adrianna, Angelina, and Nicolas, as well as all the other children we have all gotten to know over this past week. Please give me wisdom and clear communication with them. Thank you for this amazing love you have given us. Please protect them from evil, and keep them close to you. Let me never forget your beautiful children of Guarara'. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

Ciao for now.

July 10th Update

Hello everyone. Yesterday was great as we got to spend the morning with the kids of Guarara'.

Cara's little girlfriend so lightly was painting Caras face with glue, careful not to hurt Cara.

Karrissa's little friend named Karrissia (11), told her they would change names. Wrote on her crown, Best Friends.

Janine's friend Adelia was crying . We found out his little girl is part of a family with lots of problems.

Chantelle's friend Jeremy (in picture pulling Chantelles ears), was sick, but fever left shortly after prayer for healing.

Jon was outside playing soccer when one of the teenage boys pushed him. It ends up Jon was standing on a fire ant nest. Jon only got one bite thanks to the protection of his friend.

Heidi had a little girl that would not leave her side. Also amazing connection with Monica's mom, who God totally spoke through.

Caris had a little girl do graffitti in her log book. "Thanks for all, I love you Pura Vida, In this country I love you, bye bye."

Lisa "It is amazing that some of the mom's are the same age as us"

Josh "I'm considering coming back"

Taylor "11 days is not enough"

It has been amazing.

Today we have our last day with the kids. Get to give them burgers, and care packages. A very cool act of God was finding spanish New Testiments for $1.70 each. It is great that each kid will get a bible. This afternoon we will go to the market.

Bye for now.

Vince

More Pics

More Pictures

We had the oppportunity of painting a house that was built last week by a group from YWAM in 9 days. It will be used by an elderly lady who was living in a shack. She was so grateful. Our kids worked hard, and served with joy. The dots in this picture are particles of drywall dust.

More July 9th more pictures to come

Hey everyone...Karissa Vander Leek here just to update you on what our day consisted of so far...
This morning was another morning spent at the Center where the VBS is held in Guarara'. Afterward we had our lunch and went on a prayer walk through the city...not to worry we all returned home safely, but totally overwhelmed. We weren't even allowed to move through the "bad" parts of the city because of the risks involved due to desperation and drugs. Things were so filthy, garbage was everywhere, and the smell from the open gutters running along the streets was completely overwhelming, however, whenever we passed anybody on the street, they'd smile and greet us as if it were the happiest day of their lives. Yet, looking into their eyes, we could see the desperation for something more.


INDIVIDUAL STORIES:
Sharla's little friend Daril (10 year old girl) came to give her a hug when we were leaving for the walk, stopped us while we walked by her house so that she could get her pet mouse and show us. She then came back to the bus to show her love to Sharla and make sure that Sharla was coming back.

During our prayer walk, a little girl was running behind us hollering "Megan!" in a spanish accent. She explained why she missed VBS today and told Megan that she really missed her. She followed us all the way back to the community center and told Megan she loved her, she doesn't want her to leave, wishes her a safe travel, and then she ran home and just as we were preparing to leave the city, handed Megan a gift box consitsting of a bracelet and nail file.

Charis was completely overwhelmed during the prayer walk and one of her small friends expressed her love by giving a necklace to Charis right as we were leaving.

Pricillia had a fever today we made sure she had lots to drink, gave her half a tylenol, and prayed for healing. She wouldn't leave Vince's side. She was cooled off by the end of VBS and even participated in the craft and songs near the end of the day.


Overall, the time we've spent so far in the city of Guarara' has been completely life-changing for all of us. We all have a completely new awareness of poverty - we'll never be able to see another World Vision commercial again without thinking differently about all the kids shown on TV - and yet we've come to realize that those that have much less than we do, all seem to be incredibly loving and accepting. We've been completely touched by the way the kids (and their mothers at the center) have loved and accepted us, they've taught us so much about how Christ's love should be.
Ciao y Adios!
Karissa, Alesia, Vince, and Glen

July 9th Update

What a day full of love. More pics, then a story coming.

A taste of the ghetto

Wall to a ghetto house. Look out tower in the mall parking lot

The group shot is where we have our meals.

Other shots will hopefully give you a taste of the poverty.

Some of the team have sick stomachs. Imodium and pepto has been taken.

Please pray for healing for Janine, as she got dehydrated yesterday, and was feeling dizzy. Today she has a sick stomach.

Also Chantelle got an infection on her foot, and got a fever, so yesterday was a tough day for her. Alvaro, and Char got her penicillin, and she looks better already.

Thanks so much for your prayers.

Don't expect the same people back, as God is really changing us.

All the Glory to God.