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Praying Pelican Missions Logo

Peachtree Road UMC

Serving In Costa Rica
June 17, 2018
Community: La Victoria, Pijije, Quebrada Grande
Partner: Asociación Misión Apostólica la Fe en Cristo , Iglesia del Norte, Nueva Jerusalem
Staff: Nathan Norman, Rocio Ramirez, Erik Gonzalez, Brenda Canales, Mily Rodriguez, Aaron Diaz, Josh Calderon

Staff is Ready!

by Nathan Norman | June 17, 2018 12:41 PM

Your staff is ready and excited to serve alongside of you this week!  We can’t wait to see what God does in and through you all!

Staff is Ready!

We Made It!

by Nathan Norman | June 17, 2018 2:36 PM

We have all arrived and enjoyed our first meal in Costa Rica!

We Made It!

Settled in

by Nathan Norman | June 17, 2018 10:40 PM

We are all settled in to our home for the week. 

Settled in

Preparing!

by Nathan Norman | June 17, 2018 10:45 PM

Tonight we got organized to make sure everyone knows their part in pulling off some amazing outreaches this week! 

Preparing!

First Full Day!

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:38 PM

This morning we split into 3 different groups and went to 3 different communities to serve alongside 3 local pastors and churches.  In this picture Pastor Simon is praying over our week as we work to build a new church building!

First Full Day!

Grocery Shopping

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:40 PM

This morning we went to the grocery store to purchase 40 bags of groceries to bless families within the communities of La Victora and Pijije.  We know that the groceries will be a huge blessing to the families we visit.
Grocery Shopping

Groceries are Packed

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:41 PM

We were able to purchase many necessary food items such as rice, beans, milk, vegetables and much more.  We can't wait for this afternoon when we get to start delivering them!
Groceries are Packed

Meeting Pastor

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:42 PM

Today was a day of introductions and getting to know the 3 pastors that we are serving with.  We were able to hear their stories of God's faithfulness in their lives.  Here Pastor Juan Carlos is telling us his testimony.
Meeting Pastor

Wood-fire Cooking

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:43 PM

We are getting fed some great food.  Some of it has even been cooked over a wood fire!  Que rico!  How delicious!
Wood-fire Cooking

Foundations

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:44 PM

We started working on the foundation of the church today.  We have begun digging footers and are getting ready to put the pre-fab pillars in.  
Foundations

Water Filtration Prep

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 3:45 PM

We started working on the 25 water filtration kits today that will be distributed to families in the Quebrada Grande community.  We know that by providing these filters clean water will help improve their overall health!
Water Filtration Prep

Amigas!

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 6:24 PM

We are making a lot of new friends here in Costa Rica!

Amigas!

Dirty in Pijije

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 6:34 PM

After food distribution we spent time filling dirt into flower beds that will hold bushes to create shade for the classroom!

Dirty in Pijije

Food Distrubution

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 6:44 PM

We started our distribution of groceries today.  It was a blessing to love on people in the community in the name of Jesus!

Food Distrubution

Making Progress

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 6:49 PM

We are making progress on the construction of the church at Quebrada Grande. 

Making Progress

Flying!

by Nathan Norman | June 18, 2018 11:30 PM

These kids are stealing our hearts!

Flying!

Food Distribution Day #2

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 12:29 PM

We were back out again today delivering bags of groceries to the families that the pastors have selected to bless.  We loved seeing more of the community and praying over the families' needs.

Food Distribution Day #2

Hand in Hand

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 12:32 PM

Working hand in hand with the local pastors this week makes this ministry sustainable.   Our food distribution homes have been specifically picked out by the local pastor, even going with us to deliver the bags or sending someone from the local church.  This allows the pastor to be able to do follow-up with the families once we leave and get them plugged into the local church!
Hand in Hand

Manicures

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 3:19 PM

We were able to love on some young girls by doing their nails, giving hand massages and sharing our life stories.

Manicures

VBS

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 3:21 PM

We are having a blast sharing the love of Jesus with the children in Pijije!  Today we told the story of the good Samaritan and taught how we should put compassion in action.
VBS

Working Hard!

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 6:12 PM

We are continuing to work, even through the rain, to build the church in Quebrada Grande!

Working Hard!

28 Pillars

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 6:18 PM

Today we finished the installation of the 28 pillars of the church. Tomorrow we will start putting in the concrete panels that will slide between the pillars. 

28 Pillars

Bus Fun!

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 6:22 PM

We are always having fun...even when we are crammed together on a bus!

Bus Fun!

Feeding Program

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 6:26 PM

A lot of people gathered to be fed at the church in Pijije!  The local church feeds the community every Tuesday night. 
Feeding Program

Discipleship Night

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 7:54 PM

After the community is fed, discipleship night begins!

Discipleship Night

Testimonies

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 8:22 PM

Some of us were able to share our testimonies of God’s amazing grace in our lives tonight. 
Testimonies

VBS at Pijije

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 8:29 PM

During the discipleship time we continued VBS with a lot of children in attendance. We had a great time with these special kids!
VBS at Pijije

Making Friends

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 8:36 PM

We are making awesome friendships here in Costa Rica!
Making Friends

La Victoria Church Night!

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 11:23 PM

Tonight in La Victoria we were able to lead some worship songs.  Even though we sang in English, they really liked seeing our hearts shine through!

La Victoria Church Night!

Prayer

by Nathan Norman | June 19, 2018 11:25 PM

Tonight we shared testimonies and Grace shared the Word that God put on her heart.  The local church also prayed over us.  It was a powerful night!
Prayer

Nursing Home Visit

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 11:43 AM

This morning one of our groups went to love on the older generation at the nursing home. We sang songs and then they sang songs for us.  Some of us were able to share our testimonies with them as well.  They were all so happy that we came to visit!

Nursing Home Visit

Practicing Spanish

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 12:36 PM

We are trying our to best to use our Spanish to let these kind people know we love them!

Practicing Spanish

Heavy Lifting

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 2:12 PM

We began putting in the walls of the church today.  It was heavy lifting, but our teamwork method worked great!

Heavy Lifting

1 Wall Up!

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 2:18 PM

We now have our first wall up at the church and are in a good position to get the rest of the walls done tomorrow!
1 Wall Up!

Water Filters Are Ready!

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 2:25 PM

We have put together all of the water filtration systems and are delivering them to families.  The families are so excited to have this life-changing device!

Water Filters Are Ready!

Relaxation

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 4:28 PM

We took this afternoon to enjoy the beach in Coco!  We played in the water, ate at a restaurant, and bartered for some souvenirs. 

Relaxation

Fish Spa?

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 5:39 PM

When in Costa Rica let the fish eat the dead skin off of your feet!  (Note:  they didn’t break the rule of not touching animals...the fish touched them.)

Fish Spa?

Happy Birthday Tyler!

by Nathan Norman | June 20, 2018 11:20 PM

Tyler turned 16 years old today so of course we had to have birthday cake!

Happy Birthday Tyler!

Back to Shopping!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:10 PM

We felt we should go ahead and buy 10 more bags of groceries to bless 10 more families.  Today we will go where the Holy Spirit leads and minister to those God puts in our path.

Back to Shopping!

Preparing Beams

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:12 PM

Some of the ladies painted the beams to prevent them from rusting.  These will become part of the roof of the new church building
Preparing Beams

Chillin'

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:12 PM

The scaffolding is assembled as we wait for the next pre-fab concrete slab to come to us so we can carefully lower it into place.
Chillin'

Water Filters Delivered!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:14 PM

Today we delivered the last of the 25 water filtration kits.  Each home we go in has been so welcoming and appreciative of the opportunity to have clean water.  We also used this as an evangelistic tool where we explained that through Jesus Christ our lives can become clean as Jesus washes away our sin!
Water Filters Delivered!

Praying Over Families

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:15 PM

As we deliver the water filtration kits we have had the opportunity to pray for the families' needs.  It has been an honor to pray with these amazing people.
Praying Over Families

Delivering Groceries

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:17 PM

Being led by the Holy Spirit, we drove around the community and stopped off to whatever houses that God opened the doors to.  When driving by this house, a woman waved and we felt to stop and bless her with groceries!
Delivering Groceries

Starting our Goodbyes

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:18 PM

This morning in Pijije we presented Pastor Carlos and Hazel with a small gift showing our appreciation for allowing us to partner with them and their church this week.
Starting our Goodbyes

Thank you!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 2:34 PM

We were able to give Pastor Juan Carlos a gift for the church to remember us by!

Thank you!

Walls are Done!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 5:20 PM

We were able to get all of the walls put up today!  Pastor Simon is so happy!

Walls are Done!

Pastor Simon

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 5:35 PM

We loved getting to serve with Pastor Simon and the local church!  We have received so much love from this church. 

Pastor Simon

Finished Product!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 5:38 PM

Look what the Lord helped us accomplish!

Finished Product!

See You Later Service

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 10:15 PM

Tonight we shared with the church in Liberia what the week mean to us.  We will miss this place because God has done so much in and through us this week!

See You Later Service

Pura Vida!

by Nathan Norman | June 21, 2018 10:26 PM

The church thanked us for our service by giving us Pura Vida coffee mugs and praying over us. 

Pura Vida!

Rec Day!

by Nathan Norman | June 22, 2018 4:08 PM

We had a blast today at Diamante Eco Adventure Park!  We had great food, zip-lined through the sky, swam in the ocean and enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation in Costa Rica!

Rec Day!

Worship in the Park

by Nathan Norman | June 22, 2018 10:21 PM

For our final night in Liberia we had our worship time in the park in the middle of the city. We proclaimed Jesus’ name over the city!

Worship in the Park

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Comments

Jenny Gipson

June 22, 2018 5:25 PM

What special moments and memories y’all are making! For yourselves and for the people y’all have been serving. So proud of each of you. And Happiest of Happy Belated Birthdays to Tyler! Watch out drivers!! Hope the rest of your trip is as wonderful as the last several days. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Enjoy your last day there tomorrow and prayers for traveling mercies for all. And big hugs and love to Avery! :) ??

Karen and Rodrigo Lopez

June 22, 2018 11:50 AM

The pictures from your week in Costa Rica have been amazing. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. The smiles on the faces of all those you have served show your time there has been greatly appreciated.

Katie Mori

June 22, 2018 9:08 AM

What a positive impact on the community and for our church's youth. We continue to keep you all in our prayers and wish you a safe journey home. Love to all!

Cathy Rodts

June 22, 2018 8:01 AM

Carson, I hope you are trying out your Spanish.????

Cathy Rodts

June 22, 2018 7:59 AM

Amazing work done by all of you! Thank you! I can't wait to hear the details . Big hugs to Carson! Love, your proud mom

Diana Jarvis

June 21, 2018 6:28 PM

Awesome stuff guys! Thank you for sharing your experience with all of us back home!! :)

Kim Daugherty

June 21, 2018 11:52 AM

Great work, everyone! Enjoy the rest of your time in Costa Rica. Happy birthday, Tyler!

Brittany Charron

June 21, 2018 9:29 AM

We have loved looking at these pictures this week! Thank you! We are also so proud of these kids and delighted they have been able to serve so many in so many different ways! Looking forward to welcoming you all home in a few days.

Gail M King

June 21, 2018 9:18 AM

Pano- I'm so proud of you and your friends for the amazing work you are doing on your mission trip. Helping those in need is the highest calling you can answer. Congratulations. Love, Nana

Pano Karatassos

June 20, 2018 8:08 PM

Panoulimou! Not sure how you are making it without any 22 ounce ribeyes but looking good! I love you and cant wait to hear all about the trip!

Angela King

June 20, 2018 7:02 PM

So glad y’all got some Beach time! Great pic..enjoy every second..what a gift to be giving and receiving by being of service. Love you P!

Dayton Mucha

June 20, 2018 6:45 PM

Glad you arrived safely, hope you’re having fun!

Neal Sumter

June 20, 2018 12:58 PM

Looks like you are doing amazing things down there! You are all in our prayers. To my Kingdom Journey buddies, Jimmy called and is headed your way. He's missing a Whisper and thinks it may be in Costa Rica! Hope you're getting something other than schwarma, schnitzel or falafel to eat!

Molly Weathington

June 20, 2018 10:23 AM

Great pictures!! We are so proud of all of you! Katherine we love you! Mama and Daddy

Leigh McCook

June 20, 2018 8:25 AM

Wow! Thank you for sharing all the pictures and the stories of how you are touching so many people in Costa Rica and sharing God's love! It's wonderful to see all the smiling faces - even in the midst of hard work! Enjoy another blessed day! Leigh

Angie and Clay Howell (Claire's parents)

June 20, 2018 6:00 AM

Thank you for sending all these wonderful pictures! You all are doing great work and we are proud of you! We especially loved the pictures with the kids and in the church. Enjoy your afternoon off today, and we can't wait to see what you post next! We love you, Claire!

Lucas Karatassos

June 19, 2018 9:04 PM

Hey Pano keep up the good work bra

Angela King

June 19, 2018 8:42 PM

So proud of y’all and the positive impact you are having on the community there. What an amazing opportunity. Thank you Chris, Ryan and all the PRUMC support! Big hug and kiss to my Pano. ??

Kimberly and George Abernathy

June 19, 2018 7:26 PM

What a blessing to see God’s plans in action. The pictures are wonderful and it looks like you all are getting so much accomplished in helping the people there! Thank you for letting us share in what you are experiencing. Have fun, continued prayers for everyone. Much love and hugs to Kristin.

Jenny Gipson

June 19, 2018 4:30 PM

Love seeing all of the pictures and smiling faces and hard work! So thankful for the opportunity to witness our kids and leaders in action, building and interacting with the special people of Costa Rica. Prayers of thanksgiving for your safe arrival, prayers for continued safety for all, and prayers for the Holy Spirit to continue to move in and through our kids, the leaders and the people y’all are serving. So proud of all the good work you are doing! Hope everyone has a fun and enriching day tomorrow! And sending love and a special hug for Avery.:) ?? - Jenny Gipson

Elisabeth Pannell

June 19, 2018 3:59 PM

Thank you for all the updates! Looks like they are staying super busy! Love seeing our youth connecting with the local children! I know they are gaining as much from these new relationships as they are giving. Keep up the good work!!

Meredith Hatfield (Grace Hatfield's Mom)

June 18, 2018 9:35 PM

Glad that you all arrived safe and sound. Cannot wait to hear all about this amazing experience! Thank you PRUMC.

Nancy and Ben Tarbutton

June 18, 2018 9:26 PM

Love seeing all you're doing. So happy P'tree Road is sending wonderful young people on a mission trip. Hope the three cousins are helping a lot and having fun with the group. Ceci and Pop

Blake Albar

June 18, 2018 9:19 PM

Awesome experience!!! Keep photos coming!!

Nicole Mackin (Reese’s mama!)

June 18, 2018 9:06 PM

Love seeing these pictures! Please keep them coming and have an amazing trip!

John Mori

June 18, 2018 8:48 PM

Wow! You all accomplished a lot of great things on your first day. I'm sure there's lots more to come. Have fun!

Suzi Fife

June 18, 2018 8:39 PM

Hope you had an awesome first day and are getting to meet some of the people in Costa Rica. Proud of you all!

Diana Jarvis

June 18, 2018 6:28 PM

Really proud of you guys! One of the many back home thinking about all of you!

Angela King

June 18, 2018 1:41 PM

Can't wait to hear about your first day and all the amazing work yall are doing! Not missing anything in Atlanta. :)

Marsha Moore Harding

June 17, 2018 2:59 PM

So glad to see the group has arrived safely! Please keep the photos coming! ????

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