Monday, December 1st, 2003

We woke up early Monday morning (about 3:00 AM) to drive to the airport near Fayetteville AR. The drive was about an hour and ten minutes to the airport. Our plane took off a little before 5:00 AM so that we could catch the connecting flight to Costa Rica in Atlanta, GA. We arrived in Atlanta on schedule and after a two-hour layover, were headed to Costa Rica. The flight to Costa Rica was smooth and uneventful. We landed in San Jose, Costa Rica around 1:00 PM CDT.

After getting through immigration and customs, we met Moises and a few others outside the terminal and went after our 12-passenger van. We were very happy to have this van through the week as we would put it to very good use. We arrived at Moises' house around 4:00 PM. This was one of our first surprises of the trip. Moises and Maritza have moved into a new house in Costa Rica. Their old house was part of the church building in Tres Rios. Their new house is only a few blocks away by car and even closer if walking. Here are some pictures of the new house.

Moises showed us to where we would be staying and we put our baggage away. Mary Lynn and Susan began unpacking the items that we brought for the poor. Mary Lynn and I brought a whole suitcase full of "McDonald Toys." Susan and Larry also brought several toys and stuffed animals. Both the Cauley's and the Elliott's brought hand-me-down children's clothes as well. These items were put into a couple of old suitcases that were brought to leave in Costa Rica for someone who needed them. After this, we presented Moises and Maritza with a card and monetary gift that the church in Berryville had sent to them. They also opened and read some letters sent from some of the children in Berryville. One of our translators, Walter, also arrived that evening for a visit. I had worked with Walter before, but this gave Larry an opportunity to meet Walter as he would be translating for him as well. The remainder of Monday was spent eating supper and resting.

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