Today was the first day the team was able to see the school and work with the Costa Rican students. We began our morning with a team meeting over breakfast. We were all able to enjoy our special words of affirmation, prayer, and blessings from a friend or family member at home. It is such an amazing way to start your day with the support and love from someone at home, so thank you all for your kind words. Shortly after we arrived to the school, we were introduced to an amazing woman filled with love from God and a passion for helping change the lives of children in her community. We were fortunate enough to have a powerful prayer with her shortly after touring the school. It was so powerful seeing one woman, encircled with thirteen people, with her arms held out to receive the love and prayer. As we finished our prayer, she was so greatful that tears streamed down her face as she hugged and thanked each individual on the team. Following the prayer, all of the team members went into a kindergarten classroom and played with the children. All of the boys crowded around Rory to play race cars. Laurene and Danielle sat on the floor to play house and dolls. Jonathon, Ellen, and Pat played blocks with a little boy named Jefferson. David humored two little girls in the doorway. And we were all snapping pictures of these memorable moments. Next the team branched out into different arms to reach out. David and Jonathan reached out to the community with the national director of LACC, Johnny. They were able to take pictures of past students that have become successful in Costa Rica. Rory, Katie, Kendra, Danielle, Laurene, Dani, Rachel, Mary, and I reached out to the students. The children were asked to think about what God has asked them to become as an adult in the career field. Then the students began decorating a picture frame with their career dream. The students had an assortment of careers including; firemen, policemen, artists, architects, writers, teachers, ministers, doctors, and missionary leaders. As the students finished their craft, or a group of students came running out for recess, Rory picked up a basketball and went to shoot some hoops. Dani and Rachel made beautiful crafts for the girls with some extra supplies from the picture frames. Towards the end of the school day, Mary Mahon, Mary Linam, and I went to collect supplies to remodel the teacher's lounge. It sounds like everyone enjoyed their experience today and the team is so supportive of one another. I would like to say Thank you to the team for their uplifting spirit, unconditional love, and abundant willingness. It has been an amazing trip thus far, and I know that God is making huge changes in San Jose, Costa Rica. I have noticed that my personal spiritual growth is continuing to expand, like a sponge soaking up water in the hot sun. I am so thankful that I listened to my calling from God, to step outside of my comfort zone, and follow my heart on this mission! Goodnight and God Bless, Mindy Dlouhy