Women’s Ministry Costa Rica Mission Trip - February 2027

We partner with Ray & Lidia Zirkel and the Methodist Church of Costa Rica (zirkelministrycostarica.com).

• Where? The Methodist Children's Home of Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica.
• What? A construction work project at the site of the Children's Home, building House #3.

We will fly via United Airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Juan Santamaría International Airport, the primary airport serving San José, located in Alajuela Province about 20 kilometers northwest of downtown San José. We will be transported via ground transportation (bus) to the Methodist Wesley House outside of San José, Costa Rica.

Yes, you will need a passport that does not expire within six months from the date of your return. There is no visa required.

The minimum age requirement is 18 by the date the trip leaves. A high school student can join if a parent is traveling with the team.

• Day One: Meet in front of the Loft at 6:00 a.m. to take the church vans to the airport. Arrive in San José, take a quick site visit, settle in at the Wesley House, and attend an instructional meeting/cultural training.
• Days Two & Three: Construction.
• Day Four: Church & fun!
• Day Five: Travel back to Houston.

• Morning devotional and coffee
• Breakfast at the Wesley House
• Work on projects
• Dinner
• Time of reflection and sharing

Team members stay in bunk houses. Each house has three to four sets of bunk beds, plus showers and toilets.

At the Wesley House, kitchen staff will prepare and serve buffet-style meals for breakfast and dinner and prepare lunches for teams to eat at the serve team site. Please let us know of any dietary needs when prompted on the trip registration form. We also encourage team members to bring a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is important, as temperatures at the worksite can rise quickly.

No. A translator will be provided for all events when necessary. We also encourage you to download Google Translate to help with Spanish conversations.

The Wesley House does not have WIFI. Check with your wireless carrier about an appropriate international plan if you'd like data access.

Recommendations can vary by doctor, but we generally suggest team members be up to date on their tetanus shot and receive the general hepatitis vaccine. Please consult your doctor or a travel clinic for guidance specific to your health history.

This is included as part of your TWMC trip fee; see the general Mission Trips FAQ for full coverage details.

The trip cost covers airfare, ground transportation, meals, and lodging, so any personal purchases (souvenirs, snacks, etc.) are separate. Bringing a modest amount of cash is recommended; no bills larger than $20. Team members are also welcome to bring a small thank-you gift for local workers and hosts; any additional personal gift-giving to individuals in the community should go through your team leader rather than being given directly.

• At the worksite: a t-shirt or work shirt, long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and a hat. Work gloves and a bandana are also helpful. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and cut-off shirts are not appropriate by local standards.
• For church/worship: a skirt, pants, or crop pants with a blouse

A full packing list will be provided, including:

• Bible
• Journal
• Comfortable work clothes
• Closed-toe shoes
• Work gloves
• Sunscreen
• Toiletries
• Reusable water bottle

The cost is $1,750 and includes airfare, ground transportation, meals, and lodging.

• Attend the pre-team meeting
• A passport that doesn't expire within six months of the date of your return
• Notarized TWMC Medical and Liability Waiver, provided at your pre-trip meeting (TWMC Missions staff can notarize this for you free of charge)
• Sign the Code of Conduct, which includes abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs; abstaining from unapproved personal gift-giving to individuals in the community; and maintaining a servant posture toward our hosts throughout the trip
• Complete the pre-trip training videos and discussion guide