July 20, 2007

Bittersweet –the only word perfect enough to describe today. We finished an amazing week of work on an amazing woman’s house, but also had to say goodbye to some close friends. The Costa Ricans set off today for their trek back to Atlanta for a relaxing day at Six Flags, then back to Costa Rica. It was our first day working without them and it seemed very quiet and somewhat sad. We miss them. A lot. Thank goodness it wasn’t a real goodbye, but more of just a “see ya later”. Although the distance may seem like a barrier, the anticipation of knowing we will see them again next summer makes it better. We’ve had a great week, made some awesome memories as well as new friends, and are bringing back so much more than we started with. Not a doubt in our minds we’d do it again in a heartbeat. We pray for safe travels tomorrow. We’ve had a great week, but we’re more than ready to get a good night’s sleep in our OWN beds…. God Bless!

Love Always,
Katie Adkins and Grace Hunt


Today was definitely the worst day for me. Saying goodbye to the Costa Ricans was very hard and even though it’s not a “real goodbye” it was still extremely difficult. A morning filled with good food, tears, and many camera flashes. All of the Costa Ricans are filled with so much joy and love. They were always laughing, smiling and telling jokes. I never knew someone that doesn’t even speak the same language as me could make me laugh as much as they do. Today working without them was like there was an empty space. The hammerings were no longer covered by their laughs and their natural warmness that they bring to a room was gone. It just wasn’t the same without them. One of the things that I noticed most this week was how the Costa Ricans kept saying, “Thank you” and “Thank you for this opportunity” but they weren’t the only things to gain something. It was a major win-win situation. I learned so much from them. My favorite thing that Linda, one of the Costa Ricans, said all week was, “Somos Uno” which means, “We are one.” It was so true. We grew together as friends and family and I will never forget any of them. Going home will be great, but not as great as all of the knowledge that we will be taking with us. As one of the managers of the camp says, “May you go with peace and the peace of God be with you, may your heads rest lightly on your pillows and your snores be silent. "

Take care,
Olivia Hunt

Photos at www.firstumcbs.org