Starting in 2008, each senior class at Maryville Christian School will be going on a mission trip to Costa Rica. As a Christian school we felt obligated to give our seniors the chance to experience servanthood and ministry first hand in a foreign field. They have had years of training in Bible classes and their churches. Before they leave MCS, we want to prepare and inspire them for a lifetime of serving God. What better way to conclude their years at MCS than to have them serve the Lord by proclaiming His message to the suffering and lost in a foreign land?
A mission trip is a potent way to help the seniors to grow closer in their relationship to God. They will also grow closer to each other as brothers and sisters as they share this special time together. Our graduates need to experience a different culture. By going to Costa Rica, they can see how others in the world live and realize how truly blessed we are as Americans. Perhaps most importantly, serving in a foreign field turns the focus off of oneself and on to the needs of others less fortunate.
Please find listed below some of the daily details of the 2009 Senior Mission Trip to Costa Rica writted by the students:
March 5:
Today was amazing. After witnessing breath-taking scenery of Costa Rica's rolling hills and mountains, our group travelled to some old ruins in order to pass out more tracts. Unfortunately, the weather hindered our progress, for not many people wanted to walk around on such a chilly, windy, and (drizzly) rainy day. However, several tracts were given out despite those conditions. It amazes me how friendly and 
appreciative the locals are toward us Americans. Almost all of them said thank you, even though several seemed to be in a hurry. We learned that saying "con gusto" (with pleasure) as "you're welcome", rather than "de nada" (of nothing) is more culturally acceptable here in Costa Rica. The former indicates that we enjoy spreading the gospel, while the latter makes it seem like the people we encounter aren't as important and that we don't really like handing out the Biblical pamphlets.
After an adequate number of tracts had been distributed, Marlin (our bus driver) took us to a Catholic cathedral. It was enormous, and gorgeous on the inside and out. Marlin warned us not to take pictures with flash or make noise inside the church, for many people were inside praying. As I walked into the building, I was hit with the beauty of both the architecture and design. The ceilings had intricate carvings, and several prayer kneelers and statues of saints decorated the inside of the church. It was the most beautiful church I've ever seen, hands down. The platform on which the pulpit stood contained numerous paintings and pictures of Jesus, Mary, etc. The stained glass windows told stories of historical Christians using colorful pictures. Outside, Psalm 42 ("As the deer panteth for the water...") was carved into the pearly, white walls. Halle, Jessica, and I had fun translating it from Spanish into English. We descended the twisty walkway down to the outside courtyard, where we drank holy water from pipes. Everything about the cathedral was incrediblely beautiful, but it just made me think how much more beautiful our God is.
Traffic was scary as always. In fact, Caitlin and Austin witnessed a bicyclist receive a ticket for accidentally hitting a moving car. Back at the compound, we met some hilarious college students who live here for a year, learning Spanish. They are very accepting of and friendly toward us, and even included us in their fun games last night (like Taboo). We are having so much fun, and it saddens me to know it's quickly coming to an end. To be honest, I'd much rather stay here with Score and my new friends than go to the beach, where I'll most likely sunburn and won't stay busy. Words can't describe this amazing vacation/mission trip.
~Joanna Les amo, (I love you) Hannah, Hudson, and Mom.
Today was my favorite day so far! We all loaded up in our bus and drove over to a local kindergarten. 
We split up into four teams: basketball, futbol(soccer), volleyball, and silly random games. I, of course, was in the silly random games with Stephanie and Leah. We played pato, pato, ganzo (duck, duck, goose) and a Spanish version of London bridges falling down. It was difficult communicating with the five year olds who had no exposure previously to english. We were able to pick up on several words like "vamos"(go!) and "corre"(run!). The teachers were very helpful as well but also spoke no english. After the games were done Raymond(our Score leader) told the children a story involving four hearts about our hearts with and without Christ.
We also went sight seeing today for a while. We went up a huge stone staircase to a stone lookout. We were able to see the whole city from the lookout and it was absolutely breath taking. We all must of took billions of pictures up there before we left. It was an unforgettable experience. It will be very difficult to leave my new home in Costa Rica, but I do miss my friends and family back in Tennessee. Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we venture on in our journey through this great country of Costa Rica! I love you all and will see you soon!
-Lindsay C. (HI MOM! I miss and love you mommy, daddy, and baba!!)
March 4:
This afternoon we went to a day care. The children were so sweet. When you see them, you immediately want to take them home with you. We did a variety of games and activities with them. We painted faces, colored in coloring books, played soccer and baseball, and played on their playground. The children here are so beautiful in every way imaginable. One child I became very fond of was named Martin. He was so cute. When I first saw him, I wanted to pick him up and hug him. On foreign missions, it is so easy to fall in love with the children. Their eyes captivate you and God gives you love for them you never thought possible. Some may think that language would be a huge barrier. Surprisingly, you almost don't even notice that you're speaking different languages. When it was time to leave, I said goodbye to Martin. I said, "Da me beso, por favor" which means "give me a kiss please." He smiled really big and gave me a kiss on the cheek. I will never forget that smile and the sweet spirit he had. Everyone loved the time we spent at the day care and I know I can speak for the rest of us that we could have spent all day playing with God's special children.
-Katie Ratliff
This evening, we rode our big SCORE bus into the city. It was chilly outside, and we all piled out into the dark, run-down street. We clutched the sandwiches and juice boxes we had prepared earlier that day. We were ready to give out food to the homeless, prostitutes, drug addicts, and dealers. At first the streets were empty, but as soon as the word got out about what we were doing, the people started coming faster. They were dirty, and not all of them looked like us, but they were so thankful. Nearly every person told us, "Gracias," and some even said "Dios le bendiga," which means "God bless you." One man in particular even put on a puppet show for us with his doll "Chuky" which was probably his only friend. He had joy in his eyes when we laughed at Chuky's silly antics. A few of us even got a hug from Chuky! Unfortunately, we soon had to leave as the crowds came rougher and faster. Surprisingly as we rushed into the bus, I felt peaceful. Even though these people were so different from me, their hearts were in need of the Savior, just like me. I prayed a silent prayer for them as we drove away, and I smiled as Chuky waved goodbye.
-Caitlin Shivers
March 3:
We went to the public school of about 1,400 kids, 700 in the morning, and 700 at night. Going to the elementary school near the hole was an incredible experience. It was the bombdigity! The children were
just as excited to see us as we were them. They came up to us, even though they didn't know us, and hugged and kissed us. I was so excited because the kids in America would never do that. It made every bit of irritation about the plane delays, lack of sleep, and getting accustomed to a new culture more than worth it. After saying hello, we had the opportunity to play a game with some of the kids. Although we didn't understand the rules or the purpose of the game, it was still fun watching the children play and getting to interact with them. I made a friend while playing the game, her name is Gabriella. I tried to speak Spanish with her but I failed miserably. But, I did have some communication with her through my friends. What I learned today is that God is universal. He is not confined to one language or social status. His love is for everyone, not just Southern, white, Baptists. Also, if you reflect the love of God, you will come away more blessed than those you actually helped.
-Austin L.
This morning pleasantly surprised me. After waking up to sunshine coming through the windows, we headed to hand out 4,000 tracks in San Jose. I went anxious about passing out the tracks because I had never participated in that type of evangelism previously. Soon my nerves left me as I passed out a few tracks. The people here contrast Americans greatly. Many people appeared very busy and hectic, but they managed to make one hand available to receive the tracks. Oh yeah…I feel it necessary to mention everyone (especially Stephanie) did well with this task. One of my favorite parts of street ministry though was when Raymond, 
our leader, did paint ministry where he brought in a crowd by playing a simple game and then moved on to preaching in a technique I had never witnessed. Sean and Austin got to help out some in this part. Later in the day, we bought food from a grocery store and went to hand it out at el hueco, the hole. As some of you might have heard from last year the hole is a dump in the slums of San Jose where mainly Nicaraguan refugees manage to live. I am still feeling a mix of emotions about this time. The houses seemed to be barely homes. They were simply constructed of tin and scrap metal and anything else people could find to make a house. We went into one home of a three generation family. The class was able to hear and thanks to translators understand the stories about the women in this home. I was touched hearing their great love for God and their joy that results from this love. One of the daughters was 14, if I remember correctly. This young girl shared with us her dream of the future. She wants to become a missionary to Africa. I felt at that moment one of those feelings that don´t happen for me very often. I felt so joyful and overwhelmed when I heard this. I can't even describe how I felt. Although I didn't cry, I could feel tears of joy come to my eyes. I could go on and on about every experience that happened today. I feel so blessed to be on this trip and thank God for this opportunity. I can't express how much I am loving it down here so much. We have already had so many laughs and good times plus deep experiences that we will never want to trade for anything…at least I do. –Jessica G.
Please find listed below the daily details of the 2008 Senior Mission Trip to Costa Rica written by the students:
Date April 26
We left Knoxville this morning at 7:30. After an hour and a half stop in Atlanta, we arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica at about noon. We had a smooth plane ride and everyone survived the trip just fine! We were met at the airport by SCORE and had an hour bus ride to the SCORE compound where we are staying in Sabanilla. After lunch we took a sightseeing ride up a nearby mountain where we had a great view of the city below. It was also a good way to get a look at the local neighborhoods and everyday life in the area. We even saw a soccer game in progress. On the way back to the compound, we stopped by a grocery store to look around and buy snacks if we wanted to. We shared dinner tonight with another group on their senior trip from Lexington, NC. Before turning in for the night the kids had a time of devotion and a fun time of games.
Date April 27
Today we left the SCORE villas at 9:00 am for church. We went to Sunday School first and then after a break attended the church service. It was translated into English for us. The kids enjoyed lunch at a pizza restaurant. We had some free time back at the compound for rest before heading out to souvenir shop. Then it was back to the compound for dinner and games/free time before bed. We've had a leisurely start to our trip in order to acclimate us to the local lifestyle here in Costa Rica (church, local restaurant, shopping). Tomorrow our ministry time begins at 9 am with a trip to San Jose to hand out tracts.
Date April 28
This morning we left for the center of San José, Costa Rica – a city of about 1.2 million people – at about 9:00. All 20 of us got on a public bus along with our Costa Rican host, Raymond. We arrived at the center of town and gave out approximately 700 tracts. Some of the people refused the tracts but most of the people received them very graciously, and others actually sat down on the park benches to read the pamphlets of the gospel right away.
After having returned to the Score compound and eaten lunch we all went to a new ministry that Score has started called the Transition House. This is a compound similar to the one where we are staying where three young ladies that have lived in an orphanage all or most of their lives are staying with a Score family. They are transitioning from the orphanage to the world of college or work. Because orphanages no longer care for kids that have reached their 18th birthday Transition House is a wonderful way for these ladies to prepare for their futures without worry. The girls' names are Jasmin, Marilyn, and Indira. We enjoyed playing volleyball mixed with soccer with them as well as some card games.
After leaving the Transition House we all went to one of the local supermarkets owned by Walmart to buy food to make over 110 sandwiches, cookies, and juice. After we ate supper the seniors prepared all these things, put them in baggies, and then in coolers. We all went down to a very poor area of San José where we gave this food out to many homeless and oppressed people. This was a real eye-opening event for the kids, seeing poverty and spiritual oppression so close to them.
Overall the day was wonderful and rewarding. Tomorrow we will continue to be servants for the Lord's people here in Costa Rica.
Thank you for praying for us,
Phil Reynolds
Date April 28 
Today was very interesting. We started the morning at a facility that works with disabled young adults. We had young adults with down syndrome, deaf, mute, and also mentally slow. Charley and I had the opportunity to work with a girl who was deaf. Even with the fact that we didn't speak the same language and she couldn't hear us we found a way to communicate. I think I can speak for all of us by saying, that spending time with these precious people was very beneficial. Next, we went to a neighborhood where we handed out hygiene products to Nicaraguan refugees. At first we wondered why we were doing this, these products will only run out, but then we were shown "the pit" where people who don't have enough money to have a home live. It's a place where people just throw their trash down there not thinking about human beings living there. There was a group of children that came running towards us, I started a conversation with one and it attracted a ton of other children. They wanted our attention, to hold their hands and to talk to them. I was so heart broken having to wave goodbye to them after not even ten minutes. That's where I would have loved to have spent hours, just loving children who so desperately want to be loved. They seemed so happy, they had nothing but were happier than I. It's a very sobering time here to really see reality for what it is, not our little bubble we're so content with at home.
Rebekah Watson
April 30, 2008
Today was a day in which we could really let loose and experience something completely new. The group went into the mountains to zip-line through the forest. We originally thought we would only have one opportunity to try this, but God blessed us with five opportunities! The group worked their way gradually across the mountain, slowly making our way to the fastest zip-line. It was exhilarating!
When we finished, the group made its way down to an indoor soccer field, where five of our guys faced off against Costa Rican players. Our players, who were the first American players the Costa Rican team had ever faced, held their own, and left a strong impression on our new friends.
After the games were finished, we went to a Costa Rican restaurant, where we dined on chicken, rice, vegetables, fruit drinks many of us had never sampled before. We also enjoyed an amazing desert which consisted of a type of cake filled with peaches and whipped cream. The group hoped to go volunteer at a daycare center afterwards, but due to time constraints we were unable to get to the center before it closed.
Our happy but exhausted group made its way back to the Villa, where we took some much needed time to rest and relax after an exhausting day. Afterwards, we enjoyed a dinner of taco salad and refried beans. We rounded off our meal with a devotional centered on giving thanks for all of our blessings, as well as paying attention to the small things in life.
Currently, our class is in the main room on the compound, watching a professional soccer game projected onto the wall. This is a very fun experience for us all. Pachuca is beating Saprissa by a score of 1-0, but we hope for Saprissa to rally back for the win.
In the morning, we will pack some of our belongings and leave for a hotel located on a beach on the Pacific Ocean. The group is very excited over this next adventure. Unfortunately, we will not be able to update this blog tomorrow, so this will be the last post until Friday.
God continues to move in the hearts and minds of the students who have been blessed with the opportunity to take part in this mission trip. We have been given new perspectives on life, and our hearts and minds have been opened to the messages the Lord wishes to convey to us.
Even though our main mission work has come to an end, I am sure God will continue to speak to us all, teaching us what He desires for us to know. Our class will be forever impacted and transformed by this trip, as well as by all the blessings God has granted us in this country. We appreciate your continuing prayers, and we pray for you as well. The group misses all of you, and we look forward to seeing you all again. God Bless,
-C.J. Rose
Thursday and Friday, we were able to spend the days at the beach. This was personally my first time to ever see the Pacific Ocean, and it was definitely a blast! Getting to our destination was nothing like what I would have expected. We had to travel through the mountains to get to the beach. Two of my favorite things to do! The view was breathtaking! When we arrived, we went straight to the water after we ate lunch. For those of you who know me well, I am deathly afraid of the ocean. And yes, I did get in, and I am so glad I did. The waves were incredible. On the Atlantic Coast or the Gulf, waves are either small or non-existent. Here they were so strong, you would get sucked under and flipped in 8 different directions. Even though it sounds kinda dangerous, I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was an unforgettable time. After one night on the beach, we were not willing to leave just yet. As hard as it is to believe, we, yes the senior class, woke up voluntarily at 7 in the morning to go to the beach before breakfast. The beach trip was definitely too short. This was one of the most incredible beaches I have ever seen. The beach itself was surrounded by the rainforest. The resort we stayed at had absolutely everything you could think of. From putt-putt to indoor soccer to paths through the rainforest. We didn't get to do everything, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves! The one thing that did freak me out the most was the bugs and the wildlife. At home, if a bug falls in your hair, you at least know what it is. Here, you have know idea if it will kill you or not! I'm just kiddin. 
The wildlife was definitely different than the US. The crabs were purple and orange, and there were iguanas as big as your leg every time you turned around. It was definitely a time I will never forget. As this week comes to a close, I am far from ready to leave. My heart will remain in Costa Rica while my body and mind prepares for college. This trip has definitely been an eye opening experience for me, and I wouldn't change it for anything…unless I could make it longer!
See you soon!
Laura