Monthly Archives: May 2013

Day 1

Your group will take a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica, where your Joshua Expeditions guide will meet you once you pass through customs and immigration. You will transfer by bus to the hotel then have a bit of time to freshen up and, if time permits, do some shopping at a traditional Costa Rican market in downtown San Jose. Following dinner you will return to the hotel for devotions and a chance to share the day’s experiences.  Hotel Country Inn & Suites

Day 2

This morning the group will travel to La Fortuna and Mt. Arenal, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. On the way, you will stop by Zarcero for a visit to a church with some very unique landscaping, and later, while in the rainforest, you will hike down to a spectacular waterfall. In the evening, your group will enjoy the natural hot springs at the foot of the volcano, and if it is a clear night, you may even get to see the mighty fireworks of Arenal! The day will close at your hotel with a time of shared devotions.  Hotel Volcano Lodge

Day 3

Your group will head out this morning on a jungle zip line excursion. This is an experience you will never forget as you soar through the jungle canopy and perhaps even try the Tarzan swing! In the afternoon you will travel back to San Jose by way of the small town of Sarchi, where you will have some time to shop in the local marketplace. You will see painted ox carts – the symbol of Costa Rica – and browse among the many crafts offered by local artisans. You will also have the opportunity to sample Costa Rican coffee, if you like! This final evening will close with dinner and devotions at your hotel in San Jose.   Hotel Country Inn & Suites

Days 4 – 6

The Abraham Project is located about thirty minutes from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica.  The project consists of several homes for abandon children (15 children), daycare center (100+ children), multi-purpose building and a church/gym with a learning center that is under construction.

The land consists of approximately 2.5 acres and was purchased with money raised within Costa Rica.   In October 2001, a local Costa Rican company donated a large amount of wood to the project which the Abraham Project recycled into building material. 

The wood comes from crates that were used to import large sheets of glass. These crates are disassembled before the scrap lumber is transported to the project site. At the project, all staples and nails are removed. The boards are then treated, planed, sanded and prepared so that they can be used for lumber.  With this lumber the AP has constructed all the buildings on the property, trim walls, and doors, stairs, cabinets, closets, and furniture.   The wood is still being donated and will be used in the building of the gymnasium.

Your group can have a vital part in helping with projects around the center.  There is wood that needs to be treated and light construction projects to keep your group busy all day!  If you are interested in providing an activity for the children at the daycare just let me know.  They love songs, stories and crafts.  As you can see there is always a lot to be involved in at the Abraham Project!

Day 7

Enjoy a catamaran cruise out to the white sand beaches of Tortuga Island.  The catamaran cruise will take you through the Gulf of Nicoya where you can spend the day swimming off the white sand beach of the island.  At the conclusion of the day, your group will share a time of devotion in preparation for the ministry days ahead.

Day 8

This morning your group will head to the airport to return home after an amazing time in Costa Rica!

Country Inn & Suites                      011.506.22.39.2272

Hotel Volcano Lodge                      011.506.24.79.1717

JE Guide – Dustin Woida               011.506.60.62.6806

Please respond ASAP with ANY known medical condition which may need some kind of special care while on the trip. Also please give a list of medications that your son/daughter may be taking on a regular basis for whatever reason so we have a record just in case. I would rather be safe than sorry. Thank you and we are Go in T minus 75 hours and 50 minutes!!!

The above information should be emailed to Mr. Markey at brmarkey@lititzchristian.net
Thank You for your quick response!
Brett Markey

Here’s the schedule for Friday night and the final preparations before the team departs for Costa Rica:

o Parents and Seniors arrive at LCS Cafeteria at 6:00 p.m.
Prayer, then dismiss parents
o Weigh & Load up luggage from 6:15 – 7:00 p.m.
o Team preparations (7:00 – 10:15 p.m.) includes Team dinner in LCS Cafeteria, attending part of the Benefit Concert in Grace Café’, final Travel prep, Team building/devotional time and cafeteria clean-up

Leave LCS (10:30 p.m.)

It has been decided that tipping of guides, transportation drivers, merchants and various concessions be done by individuals as they see fit. Parents should discuss with their son or daughter the process and prepare accordingly. I will include here a brief detailed suggested amount which has been provided by the Joshua Expedition organization.

1. Tipping is a way to show your appreciation to those that have been helpful throughout your trip. It is customary to tip in Latin America. I suggest that the group leader collect the tip money prior to the trip and distribute it accordingly. Here is a list of the people you may encounter on your trip and a suggested amount to consider (consult your itinerary):
• Coach driver – suggested amount: $2 – $4 per person per day
• Tour Director – suggested amount: $2-$4 per person per day
• River Rafting Guides – suggested amount: $5 per person
• Canopy Guides – suggested amount: $2 per person (there is a tip jar at the end of the tour)
• Catamaran Crew – suggested amount: $2 per person (there is a tip jar at the end of the tour)
• Local Guides (rainforest hike, volcano hike, etc…): $2-$3 per person
• Housekeeping – suggested amount: $1- $2 per person left in the room at check out

2. US dollars are widely accepted in Latin America. You do NOT need to exchange money prior to arriving at your destination. Bills must be in good condition – vendors do not accept torn bills. ATM machines are available, but not always conveniently located and it is best to bring small bills ($20’s and smaller). Debit (used as a credit) and credit cards can be used except for in the local markets.

Brett Markey

Don’t forget about the mandatory Senior Trip meeting for students and, at least, one parent on Monday night, May 13 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in Mr. Markey’s classroom. We will go over final preparations for the trip. We will also have our departure schedule for Friday night, May 17th. We look forward to seeing you there as we look to send off our seniors on this amazing opportunity that God has provided!

We want to remind everyone that seniors are permitted to bring a camera for their trip to Costa Rica. These cameras, however, cannot be part of an IPod, IPad or cell phone. These other electronics are not permitted. If a senior does not have access to a camera, then they need to see Mr. Lewis as soon as possible. Please make every effort to support this policy as it cultivates an experience free from technology distractions, encourages group interaction and focuses energy and time on the people of Costa Rica.

Thanks!

Eric Lewis
Secondary Spiritual Life Director