On 9-16-12 ORR sent a team to Costa Rica to assist victims of the earthquake,
primarily in the region of Necoya. the team members were Ken Gruber, Deb Styles
and Ed Karbowski.
The main objectives of this team were: to assess the damage in the area; as well
as offer solutions for those most affected by the disaster ... and to offer material
assistance to several families that were most affected and had little resources
to help themselves. The team arrived at the YWAM base near Necoya on Sunday
afternoon and met base directors Diego and Salle. They took us around the local
village and showed us some of the damaged homes in the immediate area. These
became the homes that we would invest most of our time, sweat and ORR resources
to help the people of Costa Rica.
On Monday/Tuesday we met with government officials in Necoya to offer our
services and physically inspect several of the most damaged homes in their
community. God gave us much favor with these officials and may offer
opportunities for future teams.
Glenn Vaughan from Colorado joined the team for the work projects Wed. through
Sat. as demolition and concrete construction began on two houses very close to
the YWAM base. The plan was to demolish damaged concrete walls and rebuild with
new footings, new block, and wood framing where needed. The team enjoyed working
alongside with family members of the homes, a block layer from the area, as well
as a translator.
On Sat. Darwin Akin joined the team on the construction site and offered his
unique sense of humor and a strong back. The team left Necoya in the afternoon
and spent their last day with the Akin family in Tamarindo along the coast. We
arrived just in time to see the ocean before sunset and enjoyed a wonderful
meal.
The team returned to Omaha very late on Sunday the 23rd feeling like much had
been accomplished for the Kingdom of God. Ed Karbowski
