It's been a whirlwind few months, and maybe this is going to explain why. In 25 days we are bound for Costa Rica. It's been just over a year since I last posted about Project Serve, so some of you might wonder if it's been off the radar. Quite the opposite in fact, 2011 saw one team go to Toronto, one team (made up of a few Toronto teams) do a work weekend in Huntsville, and team training beginning for our international trip this year. Our small group from Collingwood will be joining a larger group from other youth centres to make up a team of 20 youth and leaders. February 12th we will be heading to the community of Cartago, located about an hour and a half outside the capital of San Jose, Costa Rica. While Costa Rica is a very affluent nation, the gap between the rich and poor is wide, and poverty is a significant issue in the community that we are working in. Our team will be partnering with a local church to build a room onto their building, and it will be used for serving meals to the community, outreach programs, and a variety of other things.
What makes this trip unique is not the work that we are doing, but the partnership that we will have with Youth For Christ Costa Rica while we are there. There is a team of Costa Rican youth that will be joining our youth and we'll be working as a team for the week that we are there. What an incredible experience! For many of our youth, Project Serve has challenged them to grow in their practical skills, leadership, teamwork, and life skills, and it has made lasting friendships.
We will definitely keep you updated as we return from the trip. If you would like to join us by financially supporting us, please use canadahelps.org, and after selecting "Donate Now" use the drop down menu beside "Fund" to select "Project Serve Mission Trip", then in the box beside "Message" type "Collingwood". Or, you can send cash or a cheque made out to Highlands Youth For Christ to the following:
Highlands Youth For Christ
9 Centre St.
Orangeville, ON
L9W 2W9
Please include a note that says "Project Serve Collingwood", and know that 100% of the money you donate supports the Collingwood team.
We are so grateful for your support! We are looking forward to seeing lives changed as we serve the world around us!
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Check out our Facebook page for this group at https://www.facebook.com/costarica2012
