It looks like everyday will be around 80 degrees with a 50% chance of scattered thunderstorms each day!   Don’t forget to pack the sun tan lotion and rain gear!

As I was methodically packing supplies and clothing, I started going over what I had in my check bag verses what was in my carry on and what I placed in my many pocketed vest (which I wear as I travel or hike). I realized I had two things in my vest which would have been confiscated in the airport had I not gone back over my game plan. I had a small pocket knife and a small bottle of super glue. The glue falls under a category of flammable liquids and the knife…well duh! Both items are fine in the check luggage but not in carry on bags. The reason it is important to remember is that once confiscated you do not get items returned to you, so check and double think what is okay to carry onto the plane with you.

Brett Markey

p.s. the super glue is great for cuts (it’s one item everyone at a rodeo carries because cuts are inevitable).

Sandy suggested that since we will be in an area of the airport where we may have food and beverages, we could take doughnuts and other healthy snacks along with drinks for breakfast. This is a much better option than buying airpoprt food (expense) and it will be a long morning of travel. Lunch will not be until we get through the San Jose airport so this sounds like a great idea. If some of you would want to co-ordinate any ideas for this, that would be more than welcome and I’ll find out about it this evening before we leave so I can blog to all what is being done.

Brett Markey

As discussed in the previous 2 meetings, the flight number for departing Philadelphia is not 859 but is instead 985.
This is just in case you have been searching for the flight info.

Brett Markey

Carry-on Allowance

Travel is easier when you know what to expect and plan ahead. From packing to security checks, arranging for special circumstances such as children, pets, medical equipment or musical instruments, here’s the information that you’ll need to know.

The following applies to travel within the United States unless otherwise stated. Please check the chart on the Liquids and Gels tab for country-specific information for exceptions to the U.S policies. Our Reservations agents can assist with policies or information not covered.

How Much Can I Carry On?

You can bring one small carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger as long as the carry-on bag fits comfortably in the sizer without being forced and does not exceed overall dimensions of 45 inches (length + width + height).

The maximum dimensions cannot exceed any of the following measurements: 22″ long x 14″ wide x 9″ tall or 115cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm). All carry-on items should be stowed in an overhead bin.

Personal item – includes: purse, briefcase, laptop bag OR a similar item such as a tote that does not exceed 36 inches( length+width+height) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

Additional items that will be allowed above and beyond the restrictions listed above include:
Outerwear such as coats/wraps/hats
Book or newspaper
Small bag of food to eat on the flight – see guidelines for liquids
Approved safety seat for lap or ticketed child
Pillow or blanket
Umbrella stroller for lap or ticketed child
Diaper bag for lap or ticketed child
Assistive devices for passengers such as wheelchairs, walkers, portable oxygen concentrators, and CPAP machines, etc.

Brett Markey

Travel to/from Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central And South America

See rules for Brazil, Chile and Peru.

Number of Bags Allowed*

One personal item: No charge
One bag carry-on: No charge

One bag checked: No charge

Size and Weight Per Bag Allowed*

45 in/115 cm (carry-on)

62 in/158 cm (checked)
50 lbs./23 kgs (checked)

Charges may apply for additional bags. Exceptions apply

Maximum number of 5 checked bags allowed per passenger.

This information is at the American Airlines web site
http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp

Brett Markey

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.)