I apologize for the lack of updates. Both internet and time have been harder to come by than we initially thought, but we hope to keep you all more up-to-date over the coming week as we continue with our project here. However, this update will need to be brief since the church service we’re attending begins in just a few minutes.

On Friday morning we took a walk through the community of San Rafael de Varablanca, which is the closest town to where we’re staying, at Casa Shalom. In this area, we observed a couple of houses destroyed but still dangling precariously over earthquake-induced landslides. Other houses had splintered to the bottom of the ravine and the rubble could be seen below. Two people were in one of these houses as it fell, but miraculously survived. However, two died in a barn at the bottom of the hill as earth engulfed it. Needless to say, it was sobering to observe this damage.

Yesterday we got to the epicenter of the earthquake and saw what is left of the town of Cinchona – mostly just ruins. Much of the town, and the land on which it was built, is simply not there anymore. It is hard to picture what the town looked like just four months ago. We spent the day with the pastor of a local church who gave us valuable insight into what actually happened during and after the earthquake. He repeatedly told us that his heart hurt him as he re-lived the disaster and its effects on his congregation. Our visit through Cinchosa provided us valuable context for the coming week as we speak with local residents, local leaders, and various government or non-governmental representatives.

The other other highlight I’ll share is the opportunity we had Friday evening to pay a visit to a missionary named Juan Stam, American-born but a long-time resident of Costa Rica. Along with a Christian doctor, other Costa Rican evangelical leaders, and a couple of theology students, our group had a wonderful conversation on the spiritual dynamics surrounding the earthquake and the broader situation in Costa Rica. I don’t think any of us will forget that experience anytime soon.

Well, sadly I’m out of time. Later this evening I hope to post some photos and perhaps some more updates. Until then, we appreciate your continued prayer.