Mission Trip to Costa Rica
This past March, volunteers from the Costa Rica Mission Partners gathered in San José, Costa Rica to hold vision clinics alongside medical and dental clinics. Readers and sunglasses were given to people of all ages who were unable to afford the eyewear. We are so happy that we were able to support this mission trip and help those in need in Costa Rica.
About Costa Rica
Image Credit: U.S. Dept. of State
Costa Rica is a Central American country bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has a population of around 4.5 million, of whom nearly a quarter live in the capital and largest city, San José. Located in the Central Valley region, San José is the focal point of political and economic activity, and is the major transportation hub of Costa Rica.
Pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and tourism are prime industries in Costa Rica’s economy. High levels of education among its residents also make the country an attractive investment location.
Since 1999, tourism has brought in more foreign exchange than the combined export of bananas, pineapples and coffee. However, Costa Rica still faces lack of maintenance and new investment in infrastructure, and a high poverty and unemployment rate.
Mission Trip to San Jose, Costa Rica
In March 2016, six volunteers from the Costa Rica Mission Partners (CRMP) held vision clinics in La Carpio, one of the poorest communities in San José, Costa Rica. CRMP is a nonprofit organization founded in 2013 that facilitates mission teams to Costa Rica.
CRMP reports that they were able to help 125 people! They were also able to distribute 50 readers and 15 sunglasses to those in need in La Carpio.
Testimonials & Pictures from Costa Rica
“In La Carpio, the poorest community in the San Jose, CR area, we held several vision clinics alongside medical and dental clinics. Many people were helped because they are unable to afford reading glasses. People of all ages were given glasses and a few sun glasses. These vision clinics are very impactful to this community. There is no way these people could afford to go into town and get reading classes. It would be too expensive. When we bring reading glasses to La Carpio, it provides the blessing of clearer eye sight and ability to function to MANY people! As you can see by their smiling faces, it makes them VERY HAPPY!”
– Patti Pease, Costa Rica Mission Partners
Jessica Altamirano
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