Costa Rica Mission Trip: When Strangers Become Family

Mission trips have a way of taking a diverse group of people, pushing them out of their comfort zones, and creating space for God to work beyond our usual attempts to manage and control outcomes.

Our team traveled to Costa Rica with a twofold mission: to begin construction on a parsonage in Santa Rosa and to lead VBS and women’s programs in four local churches. Pastor Alejandro and his family are currently living in the fellowship hall of their church — not ideal for them and not ideal for the congregation. Our goal was to help lay a foundation, both literally and spiritually.

Before a shovel hit the ground, we were reminded what this is really about.

On our first Sunday, we worshiped in Pital. Few of them spoke English, and few of us spoke Spanish. And yet, I have never been hugged and loved on by so many strangers in my life. We recognized some of the songs and tried to sing along — though it is surprisingly difficult to remember English lyrics while hearing them in Spanish. The language barrier dissolved quickly in the presence of God. Worship does that.

Meanwhile, our seasoned construction crew went to work. Trenches were cleared. Massive boulders were moved. Concrete was mixed and poured. Rebar was bent and laid into place. A few snakes objected to the clearing of brush, but they were firmly encouraged to relocate. Progress was steady, hard-earned, and meaningful.

While construction advanced, the women’s and children’s ministries flourished. The women and children were deeply grateful for items that many in the United States might simply discard. Games were played. Dances were learned. Simple bread was shared. Colorful jewelry was crafted. Relationships formed quickly and deeply.

But the crowning moment of the trip came in an unexpected way.

The church in Santa Rosa invited us to dinner — the first time in all our years of serving there that anyone had cooked for us. They decorated the church with fairy lights and set a long table so we could dine together as one body. The meal — marinated pork, rice, beans, and pico — was easily the best meal of the week. Not because of the food alone, but because of the love with which it was given.

As I reflect on that evening, I still find tears in my eyes. In that simple meal, strangers became family. Gratitude flowed both directions. The Kingdom of God felt very near.
None of this would have been possible without you.

Thank you to everyone who supported this trip by attending the Pasta Dinner fundraiser, which raised more than $7,500 for materials. Thank you to those who generously donated supplies that were carried across borders and placed directly into the hands of those who needed them.

You did not simply fund a trip.
You helped pour a foundation.
You helped shape young hearts.
You helped build a home.
You helped create a table where love was shared.

Mission trips change those who go. They also reveal the beauty of a church that sends.
And Covenant sent well.

-Pam McNaughton