Day 51: Really Good Day

Our guys' team got home safely, and we even got an Uber without much difficulty! We got up pretty early to send them off, then went back to bed for a little while. 

Around 8, I got up again and we got everything ready (or so we thought) for our excursion to Monte de la Cruz with H@ngout. The plan was to celebrate July 4th (on the 3rd) by having a cookout with hot dogs and hamburgers. We brought Coke (because, America) and Canada Dry (because, lol). I was not looking forward to hiking, especially with my backpack loaded up with heavy stuff. 

We Uber'd to Heredia, and hopped on the bus to the mountain. I was really tired after not sleeping much for a few nights before (and, apparently, tonight), so I was only half awake for the bus ride. Blessing of blessings, it turned out we weren't actually having to hike. We drove almost the whole way up the mountain, to where there was a park area and small cabana-type areas with grills and tables.

We unloaded everything and most of the students went to explore. Lagos prepped the charcoal for the grill, I wiped down the counter. Once he was ready, we grabbed the box of matches and lighter fluid...then discovered that our box of matches was not actually a box of matches. So, I went and borrowed a lighter from a neighboring party.

Lagos masterfully turned the pile of coals into a good burn for grilling. We busted out the meat to get it ready, and realized we hadn't brought any salt. I'm not sure who, maybe Esther?, but someone (after some searching) borrowed salt from a neighboring group. 

The meat turned into burgers and hot dogs (did you know hot dogs here come in individual sleeves inside of the case?) and people showed back up and we ate. They were delicious, y'all. Freshly-grilled burgers cannot be beaten. 

After we ate, we explored the area some more. I was on the verge of falling asleep, but got pulled into a group that was walking up to see the Cruz on the monte. Apparently, in the 1930's, a little church got built on this monte, formerly known as Monte de las Lagunas. The name changed, but people kept vandalizing the church, so in the 70's (i think), a big concrete cross got built instead. At least, that's what I think I remember the sign saying. 

We walked up a slippery hill, but got there. The view was spectacular. You could see the whole city laid out in front of you. I saw a lot of hummingbirds in the trees and flowers near the cruz. We walked around more, got a little lost, got unlost. It was a lot of fun and really helped me wake up, though socially I still wasn't much use. 

Tannia and her futbol friend, Vanessa had brought a soccer ball, so obviously, we got our futbol on. My team lost. The winning goal - as per tradition, apparently - was scored on me. I also got low-key covered in mud. We had an amazing time, and the weather held! It's been raining for most of the day, most of this week. Yet, today was lovely.

Packed up, bussed home, got some saldo put on everyone's phones. I took a quick nap and went for a run. 

My run was really, really nice. About 2 miles into it, I was trying to keep up with a runner who was ahead of me, and it turned out to be Bryan, from the Añoranzas dance group! We ran another 2 miles together and got to talk for a bit. I really like him, and apparently, he runs a lot. After we parted ways, I decided to try for a third loop around the Sabana, and ended up with a total run of 7 miles! I imagine tomorrow will be a sore day, but I am very pleased.

Tonight, I also got to zoom with Alexis for a few hours. It was a really good conversation, though it left me pensive. 

After doing some work, and watching a couple of episodes of a show, I went to bed. I put it off because something felt undone today, but I couldn't remember what it was. As I was laying in bed, almost asleep, I realized I hadn't written this, so here we are. Thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day. 

PRAYERS

-for us to walk in step with the Spirit

-for good team dynamics

-for our sister team in the Balkans
-for our team to rest well and prep well for the camp
-for the H@ngout students to seek God over their break
-for more ministry and gospel opportunities
-gratitude for everything God's done so far

Our bus!

The view!

The cruz!