The earthquake and its victims

Today, we set out to see the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, and to see if there was anything that we could be doing as a small team to help. From the road, here is a picture of one of the huge cracks caused by the shaking and part of a house missing. Hundreds of people are still unaccounted for, missing and presumed dead from mud slides. While we didn't get even remotely close to the most devastated areas due to a tractor trailer blocking the main road; below are some pictures that might explain better how Costa Rica is coping with this disaster.

This family of kids let me take their picture in a make-shift "tent village", though they had their bedding and clothing inside this huge tractor trailer where they were trying to stay warm. Someone, just anyone that they didn't even know, taking a few minutes to talk with them and take their picture, give them a hug and try to share in their difficulty seemed to bring a simple smile.

Inside this large tent which was being whipped around in the wind today was a smaller "tent village" for refugees.

Outside the large tractor trailer, people were coming and picking up water, for drinking and to brush their teeth.

Because of power lines still down in this area, travel was difficult today and a tractor trailer blocked our way of seeing more. Outside this tent village we parked our van and as a small team we prayed for the Costa Ricans in this area. There is much to do to rebuild this part of the country which occupies some of the most beautiful tourism sites. Our hearts were heavy today as we toured the area. The loss of homes, businesses and the tourism trade is obvious. I'd ask that you continue to pray for Costa Rica and for the clean-up efforts.