The first full day of the Church of the Ascension's mission trip in Costa Rica was terrific. I woke up early and Christopher Turner and I began by exploring the area around the Iglesia Episcopal Diocesan House here in the capital, San Jose. We later returned to join the rest of the group for a wonderful breakfast provided by the lively staff at the Diocesan House. Afterwards we left by bus to join the congregation of the Little Ascension for a Sunday morning service. The clergy of the Little Ascension were more than welcoming as we arrived slightly early. As the congregation began filing in, I really enjoyed the chance to practice my Spanish skills as warm welcoming and introduction proceeded. The service started, and to my surprise it was exactly like a regular service at the Ascension, however just in another location and in Spanish instead of English. Father Eduardo preached a lively sermon about the importance of the congregation providing service, physically, mentally, and spiritually, to the word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Immediately following the end of the service, more friendship was shared between the missioners and the Little Ascension congregation as many photographs were taken. Having the chance to practice what I have learned in my Spanish studies in order to converse and hear the word of the Lord confirmed the reason I decided to make this trip. We then had a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and spent the afternoon doing some sight seeing. San Jose is a lively city filled with culture. We then had dinner and spent the evening preparing for Bible School and construction work for the church. We are all looking forward to meeting todos los niños en la mañana, and are thankful for the chance to be here making a difference.
-Charlie Hudgens, 23
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