Day 1 in Bella Vista, 2011

Welcome to Bella Vista, 2011

An hour’s ride on a dirt road leading us through picturesque countryside and up to the cloud-covered 3000′ mountains brought us to Bella Vista this morning. The mud created by last night’s spectacular thunderstorm in no way dampened the enthusiasm of our team and the tremendous welcome the 32 families gave us.

Council President Luis Alonzo Pineda began the welcome ceremony by leading us in a devotion based on Acts 2:42-47, “…they broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” this passage seemed to come alive in front of our eyes as we witnessed their love for one another. Afterwards, introductions were made, children sang a welcoming song, and several council members updated us on the major changes made in the village this past year. And major they are! New crops such as yucca, cocoa, and passion fruit have been introduced this year, and over twice as much land is in cultivation this season. Returning team members are amazed to see new fencing, chicken coops, family gardens, and improved sanitation. Despite the worst drought in the past fifteen years taking a toll on the plantain crop, the council members enthusiastically shared their ambitious goals for the coming year, which include fencing the entire property (over 200 acres), building a third water tank, and creating roads to facilitate harvesting and marketing crops. Improving community health and supporting effective communication and decision-making are important goals, as well.

After a brief tour of new homes, garden plots, and a few of the newer crops, we feasted on a delicious lunch prepared by women in the village, who treated us to tilapia, rice, tortillas, and Bella-Vista-grown yucca and passionfruit juice. Very few five star restaurants could beat the beautiful mountain views we enjoyed from the veranda.

Since it was Sunday and a time for families to enjoy a day of comparative rest, we departed earlier than usual, returning to the hotel in time to cool off in the pool and gear up for a full day tomorrow.