Costa Rica is a beautiful Central American country bordered by Nicaraguan to the north and Panama to the south/southeast. Costa Rica receives an average of 14 feet of rain per year (some areas receive as much as 25 ft. per year) and this lush country hosts a variety of flora and fauna. Many types of tropical vegetation can be found, including fruit that is so juicy it will be difficult to keep your face and clothes dry. Wildlife includes various types of monkeys, sloths, jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, iguanas, coatimundi, anteaters, poisonous arrow tip frogs, fish, crabs, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, etc. The more dangerous animals ordinarily keep to themselves.

In places this country is only 60 miles across from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, rising from sea level to approximately 12,700 feet (Mt. Chirripo). This lush country hosts beautiful beaches, jungles, and mountains, with amicable temperatures all year long. San Jose, the capital, has a low temperature in the sixties to a high temperature in the mid-eighties almost every day. Coastland areas vary a little more, as during certain times of the year temperatures can rise to almost 100 degrees during the day. With the wind coming off of the ocean, however, these temperatures are hardly noticeable, and these high temperatures are usually only during the Costa Rican summer, or dry season (December through April). The remainder of the year beach area temperatures rise to approximately 90 degrees, although all parts of Costa Rica other than the higher mountains are humid all year long.

The economy of Costa Rica is stable, although as of November 2007 the US dollar is steadily weakening. The currency of Costa Rica is the colon, with just under 500 colones being approximately $1, and the exact rate of exchange varying a cent or two depending on the day. Transportation and food are inexpensive, with hour long taxi rides within cities costing less than $15 (city buses usually cost less than $.50), and in many places in San Jose you can eat lobster or filet mignon for approximately $9 or less. Wonderful yet less expensive meals can be had for 2 to 5 dollars in many restaurants, and shopping in local supermarkets also offers an alternative low cost meal selection. The number one source of income for Costa Rica is tourism, with the US making up 80% of this number. The next largest income is through agriculture, being made up of coffee, tropical fruits, sugar cane and other agricultural exports. If you're a coffee lover, Costa Rica is the place for you, as gourmet coffee can be found for 2 to 4 dollars a bag.

If this is not enough, the people of Costa Rica are the real reason to visit. These loving people are so hospitable you may never want to leave. Ticos, the name Costa Ricans have given themselves, will bend over backwards to make your stay an enjoyable one. The Catholic Church still makes up approximately 80% of the population, and evangelical Christianity is growing like wildfire. These non-legalistic, openhearted people of faith have a sincere love of God that can only strengthen the belief system of those visiting this incredible country. Mainline denominations such as Methodism, Presbyterianism, and Anglicanism also are making an impact.

Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism are also present in Costa Rica, but by far the country claims Christianity as its dominant religion.

In the end, the country of Costa Rica offers many opportunities for faith development, through both the spiritual lives of the people residing here as well as the opportunities for outreach to the poor, that to which Christ has called us. The people here have hearts and minds for such outreach as well, although resources are incredible limited. This is where those of us with so many blessings come in.

Come to Costa Rica, and together let's make a real difference in the lives of God's children.