We spent two days in La Fortuna, the town near the Arenal Volcano. We visited the Tabacon Hot Springs, watched the volcano, and went horseback riding. Here were our highs:

Galloping through the fields was amazing, an appreciation of all of God's creation.

Watching lava spew from the volcano and run down the side.

The hot springs were naturally hot, not warmed by a heater, but by lava. The volcano was the earth's natural fireworks.

Horseback riding was amazing and we had a chance to see God's creation at the greatest, there was nothing holding us back.

The walk to the waterfall was a challenge, but it made renewing our baptismal vows more meaningful.

The horses were just raw power, nothing holding them back.

The volcano was just a powerful thing to look at and think about, it has the power to destroy stuff.

We arrived in Arenal after a quick drive from Limon. We were immediately greeted warmly by lava heated hot springs and nature's fireworks from the volcano. We then went on a horseback rig to the mighty and beautiful waterfall. We renewed our baptismal vows in the waters below the fall.

All of our activities here have been God moments for me. Seeing a volcano or a waterfall or sitting in a hot spring heated by the lava. It is amazing to see how nature works and all of God's creatures.

One of the many God moments I've had was at the beginning of the horseback riding session. As soon as I got on the horse I immediately identified that he knew my leg was injured by sniffing the exact location of the break and nothing else.

During the six hour drive from Limon to La Fortuna, we experienced what must have been a monsoon. After arriving, we visited the hot springs, which were indescribable, and the fuming volcano, which we can see from our hotel room window. The horseback riding was enjoyed by a everybody. I really enjoyed the fresh water and the renewing of our baptismal vows.

There was a little girl walking down the pathway towards us saying "only 200 more steps guys, I have faith in you."

My God moment was when I swam towards a massive waterfall. The force of the fall was so powerful I couldn't even get to it. I sat on the rocks, defeated, at the base of the fall, and realized how truly small I was when I looked up.
There's a difference between drinking coffee at a cafe and next to a volcano.

Freedom in the art of horseback riding was especially amazing in a rainforest.

Hanging out in the hot springs was incredible!

The hot springs filled us with awe, God makes the best hot tubs. The Arenal volcano was amazing to watch spew lava into the night sky.

The trip up from the waterfall created a sense of caring and community.

Having fellowship in the dark while watching the volcano erupt, it was another tangible time of community in awe of God's creation.

Horseback riding was another tangible experience of God. It was so fulfilling to celebrate and connect with one of God's creatures. The waterfall trip allowed us to see complete godly love in the selfless way we all came together to support Zach and Keely and it was totally affirmed with the baptismal covenant.

Dear St. Catherine's, 

At this very moment we are in Costa Rica on our pilgrimage that many of us have been anticipating since we joined started J2A. In the past two days the experiences that we have encountered are more than any of us could of ever imagined. Being in this beautiful country is like being in a different world. The people, culture, and environment surrounding us right now is a changing experience. All of us go into our activities not knowing what to expect and come out amazed and filled with knowledge. There are some many unsuspected things that occur without being apart of our supposed schedule. 

The food is very different here, but many of us have been more willing to try new things, usually with good results. ~Hannah 

The purpose of this pilgrimage seemed to be to find god in our own way, which is easier said then done. I feel like i've been put on a scavenger hunt and someone failed to give me the list. But the book of Genesis keeps coming back to me and the phrase "and god said it was good." i am constantly searching for things that are perfect or good in there own way. I have not given up this quest. ~Nathan Tomchik 

It's amazing how in a world governed by man-made devices, the most beautiful things of all are totally natural and made by god.~Mitch Dumke 

It's like nothing I have ever experienced before. Everything is raw, pure and untouched. ~Monica Kraeger 

Costa rica is a breath of fresh air. Its nice being away from home and the every day problems that we don't face here. ~Rob Stuart 

I'm going through a very interesting experience here. Costa Rica is a very positive place and I'm going to enjoy the break from my everyday problems at home.~Connor Kimball 

I didn't think I'd look forward to/enjoy as much as I do the language and the culture. Regionalities and Costa Rican language quirks are actually things I'm starting to look forward to, because I feel like I'm learning out loud.~Nathan Tomchik 

I learned very quickly that the conflicts I expected to occur didn't, and all of the issues that have arisen were unexpected. Call it cliche, but the most enlightening, interesting, memorable, and spiritual experiences have been unforeseen. Having been through Happening, I have faith that I will experience my "God moment", and I believe I will know when it "happens." I hope that my peers and leaders have clarity and serenity to be able to recognize their relationship with the holy spirit. The ability to deal with discomfort is obviously a necessity with my broken leg, but I find that this approach is most beneficial in relation to the unexpected aspects of our pilgrimage.~Zach Pope 

In the past two and a half days, I have found so many firsts, from the flight to finding myself in the middle of the beautiful rain forest. Personally, I love Costa Rica's landscape, culture and food. The country's land is all pure, untouched and breath taking. God's creations lie everywhere I look and I seem to find another adventure every where I look, no matter how tired I am and missing home, family and my dearest friends. <3 ~Kaitlin Thomas 

13-June-10, Puerto Viejo, Limon, Costa Rica

Rain in a rainforest? Clouds in a cloud forest? Coast line in Costa Rica? It's all new, broadening, and enriching. it was only a 4 hour plane ride, but the whole world changed…weather, culture, fauna, language, food, and experiences. Lovin' it. ~Tom Donoghue 

Where did you see God today? I've seen God in the rainforest within the varieties of plant life and animal species. I've felt God's presence in the community of pilgrims. I know God is alive through the 1st time experiences that will last a lifetime. Pura Vida!! ~Scott Lummis 

God is in everyone here, and God is being brought forth by where we are. The beauty of this place is showing us that God is in everyday things, challenges and joys. It has been a wild two and a half days, we can't believe that this much can be done in 72 hours. 

Thanks to everyone at St. Catherine's for supporting our pilgrimage and our planning over the last two years! We hope that you will be able to understand what happens on a pilgrimage through what we have written. Tomorrow we will travel to La Fortuna and the area of the Arenal volcano. Our internet service has been really spotty over these first few days, hopefully we will be able to send other updates later in the week, if not, join us for our Costa Rica Pot-Luck Sharing Dinner on Sunday, June 27th from 5-7pm in the parish hall! 

Pura Vida! Muchos gracias!
much love,

the YA class and leaders