A Journey to Transformation
Six years ago, my path led me to Jacó, Costa Rica, on a mission trip. There, I met Pastor David, a surfer who had discovered God’s calling and decided to dedicate his life to serving others. He returned to Florida to study, then made Costa Rica his home in 2006. Under the shade of a beach-side mango tree, he started his own church and, with his wife Pamela, launched a children’s ministry in a squatter’s village in Jacó.
The Birth of a Vision
In 2017, Pastor David was in the process of raising funds to purchase land adjacent to the physical church he had built a few years prior. To aid his cause, he needed 3D renderings for his presentation to the board in Tampa. It was then that I realized my purpose there. I spent my remaining days absorbing Pastor David’s vision and returning it to JAI. We created the renderings for his meeting, pouring our collective passion into every detail.
Navigating the Slow Dance of Construction
Construction in Costa Rica progresses slowly, with the permit process lasting months, if not years. In the first phase, they focused on fortifying the perimeter wall, adding a secured access gate, and a Porte Cachere to the church that extends out into a new parking lot. Phase 1 was safety driven so the newly purchased land was enclosed and secured, and people could be dropped off in a covered area protected from the elements and traffic from the entry driveway.
Phase two involves building a second story over the children’s ministry rooms and kitchen area, a complete remodeling of the current classrooms, new outdoor cafeteria area, several new restrooms, establishing new offices and storage rooms, building an accessible ramp, and creating a vibrant playground with sidewalks.
Phase 3 and 4 will include the building of dormitories and a woodshop.
(BEFORE images of the children’s classrooms)
(CURRENT progress image of the classroom building with the second floor added)
Designing Spaces, Changing Lives
As hospitality designers, we design spaces that meet others’ needs. In this case, we are creating spaces for those who have very little but are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve others, thanks to Radical Life Ministries. Once complete, the additional classrooms and expanded Christian school and Bible Institute dedicated to training ministry leaders will be able to serve 160 students and their families, marking a significant milestone in our mission. These spaces will forever change lives and trajectories.
Overcoming Obstacles
One significant challenge we faced was creating renderings without any blueprints or drawings. Everything was in Pastor David’s mind, and I had three days to bring it to life. Yet, we prevailed, turning his vision into a tangible reality.
Lessons in Resilience
Pastor David’s heart beats with a passion for helping others through his God-given talents. He has built a team of leaders branching out and building other churches. His unwavering faith is a lesson in resilience and perseverance as he discovered this process will take decades.
Family Involvement: Enhancing the Project
In 2017 and 2019, my husband and daughter accompanied me on this mission trip. Their involvement added a personal connection to the project, and my daughter Madelyn’s experience working with the local children opened her eyes to the power of serving others.
Impacting Future Generations
I hope my daughter and other young people involved in such projects understand that even small efforts can make a significant difference. The ripple effect of kindness and service is immense, and in serving others, we find fulfillment that surpasses material possessions. I have been nurturing a dream of starting a foundation that aids our industry in making a difference for those less fortunate worldwide.
Making a Difference, One Design at a Time
This project serves as a reminder that every small action contributes to a larger impact. Through design, through creativity, we have the power to transform not only spaces but lives. We can make a difference, one design at a time. And that, my friends, is the heart and soul of our mission at JAI: Design that Makes a Difference.
Join Us in Building Brighter Futures
We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey. Your support can help us create spaces that change lives and give hope to those who need it the most. Consider donating to our building project or the ministry through this link. Together, we can design a better world.
