Proyecto Sixaola

Peder Wiegner

I am studying Political Science at Eastern University and I’m very interested in becoming involved in peace-making efforts throughout my college career and my lifetime. I enjoy playing soccer, volleyball, and table tennis. I grew up in Costa Rica, and I plan to return as often as possible. I love the people, I love the country, and I love the weather. This is our second Spring Break mission trip to Costa Rica.



Jon Heinly

Hi, I’m Jon Heinly. I am a junior at Eastern University where I am studying youth ministry, psychology, and theology. This will be my second trip to Sixaola, Costa Rica. I look forward to this return trip and reconnecting with the Gonzalez family. I see great value in mission experiences and have made several trips over the last few years. Most recently, I was in Cuzco, Peru for two months.



Kara Shelly

I am very excited about my Spring Break trip to Costa Rica. I am currently a second semester sophomore at Eastern University majoring in Secondary Education and English Literature. I would love to be involved in some kind of missions in the future but God knows his plans for me, so I will wait on him. This trip is a wonderful opportunity to explore this area of service. I know that God will not only use me to reach others, but will also teach me valuable lessons.



Adrian D. Groff

I am Adrian from Landisville, PA and I’m a Junior at Eastern University studying Business Management and Accounting. I like playing basketball and church softball (and most other sports), ATV and cycle riding, snowmobiling, hunting, and spending quality time with friends and family.

I very excited to participate in the trip to Costa Rica. I am going on this trip to spread the love, hope, and joy of Jesus Christ among the people in the Sixaola area. I want to partner with the Gonzalez family to bless and minister to the people of Costa Rica. I am also looking forward to spending time with some good friends and seeing some of the beautiful sights of Costa Rica. My desire is for the Lord to receive all the honor, glory, and praise from me being on this trip.

I want to live in God's will and be faithful to what he has called me to do. After college, I am interested in helping out with my dad's heating, a/c, and plumbing business based out of Lancaster, PA. I also have an interest in maybe someday being involved with an organization that provides small business loans to people in impoverished nations.



Gail Longenecker

I am so excited about our spring break trip to Costa Rica. Last year's trip was fun and an amazing learning experience. The highlight for me was getting to spend time with the Gonzalez family and see how they are serving God in the community of Sixaola. I am so thankful for the oppurtunity to go to Sixaola again and continue the relationships we built last year. I know God will teach me so much during the trip and that we will grow individually and as a team.
Currently, I am a sophomore at Eastern University, double majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education and getting a minor in teaching English as a second language. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being with kids, and doing outdoor activities. I do not know where God will use me in the future, but I do know that I will learn from this trip and it will prepare me in some way for God's plans for my life.



J. Curtis Dehmey

I am currently a Sophomore at Eastern University studying Youth Ministry and have 3 minors in Psychology, Theology, and Biblical Studies. I love to play soccer and hang out with friends. I am coming on this trip to serve and fellowship with people in Costa Rica. This is also my first time out of the country, so i am looking to gain a new cross cultural experience. I look forward to my time in Costa Rica!



Jess Garber

My name is Jessica Garber and I am a freshman at Eastern University. I am from Maytown, Pa and my home congregation is Mountville Mennonite Church. I am excited to spend my spring break in Costa Rica with a few friends, showing the love of Christ in practical ways. Last summer I visited Costa Rica with my youth group, and I am glad to return to the beautiful country. I know that God will use this trip for his glory, and I am looking forward to the chance to learn and grow through this experience!


Jared Nissley

I am a Junior studying Biology at Eastern University. I enjoy skiing and having my hopes for the Phillies repeatedly crushed. I'm going on this trip because I KNOW I'll be stretched in more ways than I can imagine. I am excited to experience a new culture, I desire to bring hope to a needy place, I’m excited to meet and interact with Gonzalez family, and I’m looking forward to a little sun in the midst of winter.