Costa Rica 2024 Day 4

Its been another great day in Costa Rica's beautiful Cloud Forest! As usual, we began our day with a delicious breakfast cooked by the amazing staff at La Montaña. Then it was off to work: finishing the painting of the handrails around the currently-drained lower lake and pouring concrete to help get the lake ready for refilling.

Once the morning work was done, we got to experience life as tourists! We were treated to a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant followed by a zipline tour through the jungle. A great time was had by all! 

After our zipline adventure, we enjoyed tasting some Costa Rican snacks and bought a few souvenirs before heading back to camp. 

One of the joys of working at La Montaña has been getting to hear the life stories of many of the people who work and live on the property. Before dinner we walked up the hill to the home of Hortencia, her husband Christian, their two daughters, and their new puppy, Bean. As we took in the view and played with Bean, Hortencia told us about how God called her and Christian to La Montaña many years ago and what it's been like raising their children here. Many of us have been struck by how content Hortencia and La Montaña's other employees are. They serve joyfully and enthusiastically year after year, knowing that their daily labor is an important part of what God is doing in the hearts of the teens who attend the camp. What a difference between the lives we live in the busy Bay Area and the lives lived here at the camp!

                Bethany, Amanda, and Bean

         Hortencia tells her story and answers our questions about life on the camp property.

   The camp facilities as seen from the hill above Hortencia's house.

Looking down on Hortencia and Christian's house

We're pretty sure that Bean loves living here!

Lots more photos of Day 4 can be found here.