Day Two: Exploring San Jose

We rose this morning at an early hour in order to explore the local farmers market before breakfast. We walked a couple of blocks while Brian gave us an auditory tour of whatever sights we passed. These included the presidential compound--the equivalent of the white house--and the university of Costa Rica. the market was an open air, outdoor affair with dozens of fresh fruit, meat, and vegetable stands. The wares being sold there truly personified the color and vibrancy of the city and country. As we passed stalls, Brian bought certain exotic fruits for us to try. They were intriguing to say the least. One actually strongly resembled a sea urchin. Everywhere we went we received friendly greetings and questions that we mostly replied to with gestures and smiles.

After our excursion to the market, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast prepared by the staff of the Diocesan House. Shortly following breakfast, we piled into the bus to go to a downtown church service at Buen Pastor. The church was packed due to the high attendance on Father's Day. The service was in alternating English and Spanish, although it was fairly straightforward to follow as it was in the traditional Episcopalian format. The children of the parish at Buen Pastor gave a touching tribute to their fathers that truly added to the beauty of the service.  The Peace here is slightly different than at home. Here, instead of just wishing God's Peace on those in your near vicinity, everyone wishes EVERYONE God's Peace. It's a wonderful and embracing practice that made us feel entirely welcome in a country that is not our own.

After sharing lunch with the congregation, we departed Buen Pastor in order to walk to a downtown market. The market has everything you could possibly imagine. From beautiful handmade jewelry, to coffee and wood carvings. Interestingly enough, it is acceptable to negotiate prices with the venders. It is a bit of a foreign concept to bargain for souvenirs but we seemed to get the hang of it. We spent approximately two hours shopping in the market and then met back up in front of the Hotel Costa Rica and the National Theater. On the drive back to the Diocesan House, we passed through the winding neighborhoods of the city. The traffic rules here are very different than back home. For instance pedestrians do NOT have the right of way. We have been told that if we are in the way, the cars will at least try to stop--but there are no guarantees. There are also minimal stop lights and stop signs. It is truly an experience to be in any type of vehicle here.

"would you like to hear my song?

Upon arriving back at the Diocesan House, Brian gave us some tasks to complete before dinner. While the boys went on a Walmart run--and yes, Walmart has infiltrated into San Jose--the girls stayed back at the house to unpack and organize the VBS supplies and the donated prom dresses for the Princess Project. VBS this year is science-themed, so we have been sorting through magnifying glasses and petri dishes, and assembling model molecules. We are currently wrapping up in the organization of the supplies as the dinnertime approaches. Later tonight we are planning on going to Hogar Escuela to unpack and set up for VBS tomorrow. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting day at the school tomorrow and also a wonderful week at the school. We are here to do His work and embody his Word. We hope you we will keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we strive to do so in these next few days.

God Bless,
The Costa Rica Mission Team