Baby Shower & Support for Birth in Costa Rica
“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Melissa and Phil are expecting their first precious child and in a twist of life circumstances, they are held in the beautiful country of Costa Rica to bring their baby into this world. Nine months ago, they did not anticipate anything that the past 4 months would bring, expecting that their best laid plans were bulletproof. They know and appreciate that they are not the only ones whose lives have made drastic shifts during this global pandemic. A 2-week business research trip, investigating where to plant a global health clinic, with 1 carry-on bag each, has turned into a required 6-month stay. Once they had realized they would be in Costa Rica for a longer period of time, they were required to shift their plans to give birth there.
The couple is thankful to have found a wonderful midwife & doula for a home-birth at an AirB&B; however, as with many others, they have been impacted significantly by these changes. They have not been able to celebrate with their families and friends prior to giving birth, nor will they be able to settle their new babe into their home in Oregon anytime soon. The soon-to-be parents will not be able to travel home to the states for at least 8 weeks after their baby joins them, as they will have to await Costa Rican Citizenship documents, as well as a United States Passport, before they will be able to get him home. While they know they are incredibly blessed and excited to have this opportunity in Costa Rica, they have also been heavily impacted by the inability to be surrounded by loved ones during this incredibly precious time.
Family & friends have tried to mail necessities & care packages, but each has been returned. Mail/packages/gifts have not been able to enter Costa Rica, due to its closed borders & lack of flights. In lieu of throwing an “in-person” baby shower for the couple, we are asking for support financially for the couple, so that they will be better able to afford the basic baby necessities as well as proper care and lodging for their family. Medical expenses for the birth are now 100% out of pocket for them, an unexpected burden, as they’d planned to use their health insurance coverage in the US. Melissa and Phil look forward to being able to celebrate with you all in person when they are able to return stateside. Any support you can gift will be a blessing to the young couple as they welcome Baby Van Buren into this world.
