A Weekend Amongst Three Theives

This week was another exciting week in Costa Rica for several reasons. Jeff and I spent the majority of the week preparing new sketches and models for a new design of the church in Urubamba. Further talks with the ministry indicated that the church desired a plan which better reflected a traditional church appearance. Progress on the seminary master plan has been slow as we are trying to capture as much of the ministries vision as possible. Hopefully, next week will be more productive from a design standpoint.

This past weekend the other interns and myself traveled to Manuel Antonio National Park for a short weekend excursion. We had planned to have a nice relaxed weekend in a beautiful tropical setting, however we were unaware that this weekend would turn into a reminder of the fallen world we live in and ultimately how blessed we truly are.

The Gang's All Here

After arriving in Manuel Antonio of Friday evening we checked into our hostel for the weekend and spent the evening eating out and watching the NCAA Basketball Tournament at a local restaurant. The following morning we rose early and began our adventure at the National Park. It was here that we were introduced to the first two bandits looking for free handouts from the tourists. See pictures below. Our day at the park was great especially having the opportunity to experience more of God's beautiful creation in another part of Costa Rica.

Enjoying a Free Meal Taken from Park Guest

The Racoons Who Took Some of Our Food

While We Were Swimming They Were Popular With the Ticos!!

When we returned to our room on Saturday afternoon, we discovered that we had encountered a thief of a different kind. Grant noticed immediately that our locker had been destroyed and our things searched for any items of value. In total our group lost several items totaling over $1000 in value. Needless to say our weekend did not end as we had planned, however, we were all reminded of God's grace and his provision for us and also that He calls us to forgive those who commit wrong acts against us. 

Our Surprise

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Col. 3:13

And the following passage I will borrow from my buddy Grant who was the worst affected by our misfortune. 

But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so thatwhen you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,Yet a little while, 
and the coming one will come and will not delay; 
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back, 
my soul has no pleasure in him. Hebrews 10:32-39

Thankfully each of us are safe and everything can eventually be replaced. I think we would all agree that we hope our future adventures will be a little less exciting!!

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Here are Some More Pics from the Past Couple of Weeks!