Bethesda United Methodist Church

Speaking on behalf of Lawrenceville FUMC, we would like to invite anyone interested in joining with us on our 2010 Costa Rica Mission trip.  The trip is scheduled from Saturday, July 10th to the 17th.  Below is some information about the trip.    If people would like to know more, we have our first organization meeting (jointly with the Mexico mission team) in our small dining room on March 28th at 12:15 p.m.  We would like to invite the youth on this mission trip as well.   Barry Blakely  404-593-8695COSTA RICA MISSION TRIP 2010

 WHERE WE ARE GOING:  Alajuela, Costa Rica.  Alajuela is a suburb of San Jose, the capital.  It is a 10 minute ride from the airport.  We will be staying at the church, Iglesia Metodista. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING:  We will be involved in Bible School, similar to VBS, for a half day and general construction for a half day.  The Bible School will be off-site.  We will not be returning to the same area where the Bible School was held in 2009.

WHERE WE WILL SLEEP AND EAT:  We will sleep on the floor of the Sunday School classrooms.  Foam mattresses will be provided.  The church also will provide the meals.  There are several bathrooms and showers similar to what you would find when camping.  The church has recently added a water heater for the showers.  Bottled water will be provided.

WHEN WE ARE TRAVELING:  We will be leaving from Atlanta (ATL) on Saturday, July 10^th.  We will return from San Jose (SJO) on Saturday, July 17^th.  The main airlines going into SJO include Delta, Continental, and American.

FLIGHT INFORMATION:  TBD.   We plan to travel as a group in order to obtain a group rate, but you can make your own arrangements, such as using frequently flyer miles.

COST:  The cost of the trip is $200 PLUS airfare (i.e., $400 to $450).  Based on posted airfares, the total trip cost is expected to be from $600 to $650.  You will need to make a deposit of $300 by Sunday, May 2^nd.  The cost covers travel, all meals (except for lunch and supper on Wednesday – see below), exit tax, transportation to and from both airports, and luggage fees.

SPENDING MONEY:   You may need approximately $125 – $150.  Wednesday will be a tourist day (optional).  The canopy tour (i.e. zip line) is $45 for the basic tour and an additional $25 for the extra zip line.  Hot springs are $10.  Other activities are available.   Lunch and supper will be $10 to $15 per meal on Wednesday, and everyone will be asked to share the cost of the transportation.  There is a McDonalds across the street, a Pizza Hut within 2 blocks, grocery stores, and several ice cream shops, in case you want snacks or soft drinks during the week.  (Many people purchase Gatorade or similar drinks due to the heat.)  There are a wide variety of stores in the area. 

LUGGAGE:  We will be taking Bible School supplies and 100 to 150 Bible story books with us.  You will be asked to provide an extra bag for these supplies.  There will be a “packing” party a few days before the trip.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

VALID PASSPORT: Your passport must be valid through the length of the trip, so if you’ve had your passport for awhile, check the expiration date.  If you do not have a passport, please apply ASAP.

WORK CLOTHES: Work boots are recommended, but tennis shoes are acceptable for the construction work.  NO SANDELS OR FLIPFLOPS WILL BE ALLOWED ON THE WORKSITE.  You will get dirty and may not be able to wear work clothes for more than one day.  It may rain every afternoon and shoes may not dry completely overnight.  Work gloves also are recommended.

CHURCH CLOTHES:  We will attend church on Sunday morning.  Business casual is acceptable, but a dress or skirt is recommended for the women.

CASUAL CLOTHES:  The Bible School will be off-site and is likely to be in an area without much shade.  T-shirts and knee-length shorts are recommended.  Shorts should not be too short.  Shirts for women should be somewhat conservative; no spaghetti straps, or revealing clothing .  We will have a tourist day on Wednesday.  You will need comfortable clothes and you may want to bring a swim suit.

RAIN GEAR:  It WILL rain some time while we are there, if not every afternoon.  It is recommended you take a poncho or some other light weight rain jacket.  A cap or a hat is a good idea for the rain and sun.

BEDDING:  Foam mattress will be provided, but you will need a sleeping bag, or sheets and a light blanket.  You will need to bring your own pillow.

TOILETRIES:  Bring towels, washcloth, soap, shampoo, and whatever personal items you may need.  There are 110v outlets for hair dryers, etc.  If you forget something, it will be available at the grocery store.

MEDICINES:  If you are afraid of losing you medicines, please take copies of your prescription.  Please consider bringing anti-diarrhea medicine or obtain a prescription for Cipro.

BIBLE:  We will have devotions each evening and personal time for spiritual reflection. 

MISC:  Sunscreen, sunglasses, flashlight, journal, camera.  Security of personal items cannot be ensured.  With that understanding, you may or may not want to bring your ipod or laptop (there is one Ethernet line available).