Anticipation Rises for Puerto Rico Mission Team
As the combined mission team from Livonia UMC, Homer UMC, Rush UMC, Lansing UMC, and two from Philadelphia, PA heads to Puerto Rico today, January 19, anticipation rises as members wonder just what it will be like in Puerto Rico, what will they see, who will they meet, what will they eat, and what will the nature of their work assignment be?
Puerto Rico – Did You Know?
- Puerto Rico is 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. It includes the main island of Puerto Rico and several islands: Vieques, Culebra, Mona and numerous islets, and is located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
- “The culture of Puerto Rico has been greatly influenced by its history. With the blend of Taino Indians, Spanish and African cultures, comes a melting pot of people and traditions, as well as the impact of the United States political and social exchange into every aspect of life.”
- “Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences. We call it “cocina criolla”, a delicious mingling of flavors and ingredients passed from generation to generation.”
Island of Puerto Rico taken from space.
Coquí Frog
Couqi frog of Puerto Rico
It is known that the people of Puerto Rico are very fond of their little island mascot, a tiny frog that is about 1″- 2″ long called the coquí. It is called a “natural wonder of Puerto Rico.” This endemic species live in the island’s forests. Although small, it makes an impressively loud sound! “The call of the coquí is clear, high-pitched and unmistakable. And if you ever get to spend a night or two in El Yunque, you’ll hear their song all night long without interruption. This symphony will either drive you nuts or lull you to sleep.” I hope that I get to both see and hear this little frog, the coquí.
What else will the mission team see and experience? That remains to be seen.
Jeremiah 20:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The mission team asks for your prayers – that the work that they do will bring hope and encouragement for a brighter future to those that they meet and minister to that have been so greatly affected by the natural disaster, Hurricane Maria.
Information courtesy of:
