Recap: Team Meeting #3 - The chemistry of a TEAM.

I don't know what to say other than... what an incredible meeting. The whole way home I kept thinking about how awesome this group is and how I'm glad to be a part of this team (and I'm glad that I went ahead and kept pushing for a trip to happen this year.)

Thanks to each of you for taking the faith step to sign up for this trip. I am excited (if you couldn't tell) about what God is going to do in and through us on this journey. We may have bumps and things that don't work out the way we would prefer, but I believe God will use it all to shape us and to create opportunities for us to influence others for the sake of His kingdom.

So, I'm pretty sure this was the best team meeting ever. Kathie put together some incredible food which may end up leaving us disappointed in Costa Rica, but I say it was worth it for the cilantro cream sauce alone. After we partook of the"ambrosia", we talked for a few minutes about what makes a good team. Here's the list of characteristics we put together:
* honesty, sacrifice, unity, dedication, communication, cooperation, flexibility, expectation, care/concern, encouragement, respect, common goals, patience, helpfulness, dependability, commitment, and humor.

The question left to ask is... what is it going to take for each one of us to be that kind of team member? Our goal is to have everyone embody these characteristics and therefore literally be an indispensable player on the team. Over the next few weeks I'd like each of us to consider what things may need adjustment in our lives in order to be the kind of team player that we all described. Focus in on a characteristic or two and really try to live that out for the other team members in the next few weeks. We'll talk about the results when we get together at the next meeting.

We read the following verses from Ecclesiastes that serve as a reminder to us that everything we are doing for this trip is bigger than anything we could do on our own. It'd be easy for someone to go buy a ticket and fly to Costa Rica... but impossible for an individual to try to accomplish what we will do as a team. This concept served as another reminder that we must be team players to get the most out of this experience. We'll accomplish more when we stick together.

Eccles. 4:9-12
Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. [10] If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. [11] And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? [12] A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

1. We made a few other administrative announcements at the meeting of which you will want to make a note.
2. If I didn't get your birth date and your passport number or soc. number. I need that info by Wednesday. It is necessary for the travel insurance.
3. Flight times were announced and due to our later departure time we have decided to forgo the slumber party the night before. We will, however, still have our pre-trip training meeting on the 9th at JCS.
   
4. Money raise over and above the team goal will go toward the general fund for all participants. This is for the sake of the team, and the IRS. (I am learning as I go on this whole thing.)
5. If you have received your passport recently and haven't told me your passport number please do so immediately.
6. Our team shirts are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Don't get too excited though because I won't pass them out until the day before we leave. You'll all need to wear them on the 10th for our flight out. It makes it easier to see everyone in the airport.
   

Thanks again to everyone for making the sacrifices necessary to be on this team. I appreciate you all and am seriously looking forward to a great trip with you.

What to bring to Costa Rica

Below is some information on what to bring to Costa Rica. I received this from the YWAM staff in San Jose and thought you might find it helpful as well.

CLOTHING

Dress on the base and in San José is fairly casual. Most people wear jeans, shorts and t-shirts on the base. During the rainy season it is sunny in the morning, but it can be quite cool at night and during the afternoon, so bring clothing you can wear in layers - t-shirts, over-shirts with long sleeves, and light sweaters. You should also bring a light jacket and a good, strong umbrella to cope with the rain!

Bring a mixture of clothing that will allow you enough variety, but won't weigh your bags down too much. We suggest bringing at least 2 pairs of jeans, along with light cotton trousers or sweatpants, shorts if you wear them, and several t-shirts. You should also bring one set of old clothes that can be used for construction work and one set of formal clothes that is dressy enough to wear to church or to a restaurant. You will also need at least one pair of walking shoes/sneakers, and a pair of sandals to wear inside the house.

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

The base will provide pillows, but you should bring you own sleeping bag, sheets, pillow cases and towels. A mosquito net is not needed in the city as we have but a few mosquitos, but if you want to be extra cautious, feel free to bring one.

Other household items you may want to bring include a hair-dryer, & a flashlight. Remember that the voltage here is 110 watts, so you may need an adaptor for some of your appliances. However, we do have limited power plugs available in the bedrooms, so bring a battery-operated alarm clock. We recommend bringing 1 or 2 hairdryers that you can share among yourselves, to cut down on space needed in your luggage.

Don’t forget to bring a camera if you have one and a generous amount of film (or memory for your digital camera) since film is expensive here.

DAY TRIPS

It will be helpful if you bring a small backpack. The backpack may also be useful for day trips or for other projects in the city of San José or nearby towns.

STUDY ITEMS

Bring a pen, a notebook and don’t forget your Bible!

COSMETICS/TOILETRIES

Come prepared with your own shampoo, toothpaste, soap etc ... sunscreen is recommended. A small first-aid kit is also a good idea, but keep it simple. Aspirin, band-aids and a small tube of antiseptic cream will cover most situations; most other things can be bought here in San José.

HEALTH

No specific immunizations are required before coming to Costa Rica, but we advise you to check with your doctor on any suggestions he has for any kind of vaccinations for your time in Costa Rica. If you are taking any specific medication we advise you to get enough of it to last you during your time with us, as it may be possible that you will not be able to get your medication here. The pharmacies do sell a variety of medications, but might not sell the one you need.

MISCELLANEOUS

Please be aware that you'll be sharing a dormitory-style room with several others, and there won't be too much room for personal belongings. We do have a few limited rooms available for a couple or family, but space is limited and there is no guarantee they will be available during your trip. If you require this type of housing, please inform us so we can make the proper arrangements, if at all possible.

CONTACT INFO

YWAM San Jose

PO Box 252 Sabanilla

San Jose, 2070

Costa Rica

Telephone: 506-227-4435

Telephone/Fax: 506-227-4486

Email: missionadventures@ywamsj.org

Contact person: Bryan Wolfe

BASE INFORMATION

We believe in the potential that God has placed in the youth of today, and it is our heart’s desire to see them become relevant leaders who are able to impact their generation and society. (1 Timothy 4:12)

YWAM San Jose was established in August of 2004. God has blessed the ministry as we have seen 100% growth over the last 2 years. Our goal is to impact communities through a biblical worldview, enabling God to transform the hearts of the people and thus transforming their communities. We work in some of the poorest communities of the capital city of San Jose.

What will life be like on the YWAM Base?

Ok... maybe not quite this nice...

I just got a list from YWAM on some of their guidelines for visiting groups. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions that I've been hearing from you at the last few meetings. Take a virtual tour of the YWAM base here.

BASE GUIDELINES

We hope that your relationships with members of the opposite sex will be seen as a reflection of Christ in purity, respect and modesty. We request that the men not visit the ladies in their dorms and vice-versa.

SECURITY ISSUES

We recommend that all members of your team leave the base in groups of 3 or larger. It is not wise for a foreigner who is unknowledgeable of an area to venture out alone. We also advise you not to bring expensive cameras, jewelry or watches and especially not carry large amounts of cash on your person when outside the base. Be no less cautious about thieves than you would anywhere else. Carry money in an inside or hidden pocket. Backpacks and shoulder bags should be carried in front of you.

Please be aware that the YWAM cannot be responsible for items that are stolen.

CULTURE SHOCK

As with any shift from one country to another, you'll find some things difficult to adjust to at first. Different foods, climate, scenery, people, housing, customs and traditions... the list goes on. But don’t worry you won't be alone, we have all been there and you'll be surprised how quickly you'll adjust to the changes!

MEALS

Rice and beans with tortillas are part of the menu, but we'll also be eating a wide variety of other foods - including pancakes for breakfast on some days, tortillas, salads, international foods, and fresh fruit! The food in Costa Rica is mild unless you want to add some more hot sauce to your own meal! Be prepared to try foods you've never eaten before - it's all part of the cross-cultural experience that makes Youth With a Mission so unique!

Meals are served buffet-style, and everyone eats together. Your team will be assigned work duties in the kitchen from time to time to help with the clean up.

COMMUNITY LIVING

We are YWAM San José are a close-knit community. The warmth of the Latino culture is very evident on the base. Don't be surprised if people hug you or pat you on the shoulder more often than you are used to - this is simply the Latino way of making you feel that you're part of the family. Accommodation is in dormitory-style rooms. There is also a ‘girls' bathroom and a ‘guys' bathroom - with showers and outlets for your hair-dryer.

CLIMATE

Mornings are generally warm and sunny. There will be some occasions when you'll need to be out in the rain, so bring a rain jacket and an umbrella with you.

PHONE CALLS

For calling home you will need a calling card which you may purchase from our office. Your family back home can use the following number to reach you during your trip:

(506) 227-6805

INTERNET CAFÉ

We do have a high speed internet café available, with 5 computers and we also offer wireless access available for those who may bring their own laptops. There is no extra charge for this service.

BANKS

There are a wide variety of banks in the city with ATM’s that accept most different cards. Also almost all credit cards are accepted at most local stores. You can also exchange money at several local stores, who will accept dollars and give you change in colones, the local currency. If you plan on bringing traveler’s checks, we recommend that you only use AMERICAN EXPRESS.

Preliminary Flight Info

I apologize about the sudden change in our meeting which was scheduled for this evening. Sickness does not work according to schedules.

If you have less than $650 turned in as of now I will need the balance immediately. We need to purchase these tickets and they must be purchased all together. Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.

San Jose Weather Update

Here is the latest word from our host at YWAM on the weather to expect while we are in Costa Rica...

The weather here in San Jose has an average year round temp between 73-76 F. When we will be there is considered the rainy season. But each morning will usually be perfectly clear without a cloud in the sky, by afternoon the rain comes and sometimes it can rain all afternoon. But it is not a cold rain.

With this in mind you'll want to pack accordingly... and make sure you have a poncho that you can quickly throw on over your work clothes if need be. You usually can pick a poncho up for a dollar.

OR... we could pray that it only rains at night while we are there (like when we were in Guatemala).

Costa Rica is On-Line!

Just received word that the YWAM base where we will be staying does have high speed internet access as well as five computers in their own little "internet cafe" on the base. This is great news for everyone as it means we will be able to stay in communication frequently via e-mail and the team blog! Woo Hoo!

Recap: Team Meeting #2

I hope everyone enjoyed our team meeting last night at the Drake's. In case you zoned out for a minute or couldn't remember everything when your parents asked you what we talked about... maybe this will help.

What temperatures should we expect?

• Day = 70-80
• Night = 30-40

What will be our housing accommodations?

• We will be staying at 3 YWAM houses that are a part of the YWAM base in as suburb of San Jose called San Francisco. San Francisco is a district of central San José, in the southern neighborhoods. 22,000 people live in this highly developed zone of southern San José, usually known for families with low resources.
• All meals will be prepared by YWAM staff.
  
• We do the dishes.
• Everyone is required to bring one fitted sheet for the bed you will be sleeping on. You will also need to bring your own pillow and blanket or sleeping bag.
  

Who is providing our in-country transportation:

• YWAM will take care of this for us.

What kind of work projects will we be doing?

• there are several possibilities in the works and it is difficult to say exactly what needs will be most important when we arrive, however, here is a short list of the kinds of things we anticipate working on:
• home building
• home repair
• construction cleanup & assistance
• church repair and maintenance (painting)
  
• cleaning parks
• Special Olympics soccer day

Can we drink the water?

• Some may try to convince you that the tap water is “safe” because it is part of the municipal water system, however, experience has taught us otherwise. We will not be drinking the water from the taps in Costa Rica.
• Plan on buying a bottle of water at the airport once we land in Costa Rica. This means you'll need a little cash in your pocket. (Remember you cannot carry a water bottle on the plane!)
  
• We will be providing purified drinking water for the entire team during our stay in Costa Rica.
  
• You will want to pack an empty water bottle or "sport bottle" in your bag that can be easily refilled throughout the day. (we will have a 5 gallon jug to dispense purified water while on location)
  

What is the currency & exchange rate?

• We kicked around some guesses as to what the current exchange rate was for Costa Rican Colon. Click here to get today's rate.

Do they have toilet paper?

• Yes they do. But do not put toilet paper in the toilet. The plumbing is not designed to handle toilet paper so you must put toilet paper in the small garbage can next to the toilet.
• Also, no drinking from the "little drinking fountains" in the bathrooms. (they aren't drinking fountains!)
  

How much spending money do I need and what do I do with my valuables while I'm there?

• A general rule of thumb is to try to remember that you are on a mission trip. It's fine to want to bring a few things back but nobody should single-handedly try to revive the economy of Costa Rica. I'd suggest not bringing ton’s of money. This will help you resist the temptation to buy things on impulse. I don't want to tell people what the proper amount is so let me just leave you with this bit of advice that also happens to be the speed limit in Montana: Be reasonable and prudent.
  
• You are responsible for your money at all times. Don’t leave it laying around.
• We also recommend that you keep money in separate places, so that it can't all be lost at once.
  
• As with anytime you are traveling, you will want to wear a backpacks that cannot be easily accessed, and keep your wallet in your front pocket.
  

What if I need a band-aid?

• Kathi Meade and Robert Morgan will both be bringing team med kits filled with the basic medical necessities (including Imodium).

What are the basic things I'll need to bring?

• As our departure date approaches we will be providing you all with a more detailed checklist of what to bring, but for now here are a few essentials that we discussed:
• Passport
• Copy of Passport (for Mr. Neill to carry)
  
• Light leather gloves for working
  
• Clothing should be nothing special
• Light jacket or sweatshirt that can be easily removed as temperatures change.
  
• Shoes to work in (no working in sandals)
• Bible, pen, & notebook or journal
  
• Bedding
• 1 fitted sheet
• sleeping bag or blanket

What NOT to Bring?

• personal audio players (MP3 players)
  
• cell phones
• video games
• machetes
  
• necklaces
• bracelets
• firearms
• throwing stars

How much can my bags weigh?

• 50 lbs. is the NEW maximum weight limit for bags. Weigh them before you leave the house.
  

What are the carry-on requirements or restrictions?

• Space does not permit me to go into the detail necessary regarding what can and cannot be packed. The TSA has provided a detailed website specifically dedicated to this issue. Please take the time to click here and read the requirements.
• Click here for the current regulations regarding liquids.

• We recommend packing 2 changes of clothes in your carry on just in case you have a luggage "issue".
• At present we are planning on flying Continental. You can read their baggage requirements here.

• don’t allow anyone that you don't know carry your bags at any time.
  

How do I call home or send e-mails?

• There are a couple of ways that we are planning on keeping in contact while in Costa Rica. I plan to keep this site up and running and to make a daily post so that everyone will know what we are up to. We have not yet learned if the YWAM base has on site internet access. If not, I will try to hit an internet cafe and post from there.
  
• As for phone calls... Most homes do not have landline phones because of the popularity of cellular technology. However there are places (similar to an internet cafe) where phone calls can be made. You may want to purchase an international phone card before leaving. I've heard that AT&T is a convenient prepaid card to use. Check those out here.