04-26-08
This morning we gathered for our final breakfast together. Our breakfast this morning seemed like the others except that there was a feeling in the air that no one spoke about—the pain of leaving. After breakfast we gathered with the people of the church, those with whom we had worked the closest, and expressed to them our gratefulness for their hospitality. As we sat and spoke together, the tears began to flow. As we prayed together, we experienced the most incredible display of love and friendship that I have ever witnessed. We were weeping loudly as we prayed for each other. It was as if we have always been family and we are saying goodbye forever. Perhaps we were. It was truly an emotional, wonderful time together.

We headed to the work site for a final group photo, loaded our luggage on the bus, and left the little village of Las Vueltas. On our way, we stopped in the town of Cartago, where we visited the Basilica de Los Angeles (the Basilica of the Angels), a Catholic church located in the heart of the town. This is the most famous church in the country of Costa Rica, and on the second of August every year, more than two million people descend on the town. All year long, people visit the basilica but especially on August second; they come for healing and blessings on every aspect of life. The water at the Basilica is thought to be holy water, so people gather and drink the water or rub the water on an ailing body part. They also bring small medallions in the shape of body parts for which they wish to have healing; they leave them at the church trusting that the Virgin Mary will heal them. Often people will bring trophies, small photos of items, models of boats and airplanes, and so on for which they are grateful that Mary has assisted them in winning, providing safety, etc. Leading up to August 2, people will begin walking from miles away as part of their penance, or they may walk on their knees for blocks or from the back of the church depending on how much sin they have to do penance for. We were amazed that people believe that these things will heal them or get them to heaven. We are grateful for God’s grace and for the ability to go directly to God to express our thanks and our needs.

We headed on toward San José, where we had dinner at the home of Harry and Julia Nachtigall. Julia is a wonderful cook and hostess. We enjoyed our time together, and then we headed back to the Sellers Center.

After arriving at the center, Susan shared with the youth, who were meeting for their Saturday evening service. It was a wonderful way to cap off a great week. We are tired from the work and travel this week, but it is good kind of tired.