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Marshuan Braxton (Photo courtesy of Othel Anding Photography)
According to the Rev. Jerry Beam, superintendent for the New Albany District of the United Methodist Church, Marshuan Braxton, who was set to enter his senior year at New Albany High School, was washed out to sea from a beach on the Pacific Ocean.
Beam said that Braxton and several other youth were standing on some rocks looking out to sea when a large wave crashed upon them. Four youth fell into the water and three are alive after being rescued.
The group of 15, including senior high school youth and their adult chaperones, departed Memphis International Airport on Saturday. Under the auspices of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, the group was traveling to the town of Villa Briceno, in the central region of the country, in order to do construction and other mission activities.
The New Albany United Methodist District Office is in contact with Costa Rican authorities and the American Embassy to monitor developments.
Most of the youth and adults are making their way back to the United States although some adults will remain in Costa Rica to monitor the situation.
Amy G - As far as letting your kids go out of the country without you, do you really think the situation would have been different if the parents had been there? I'm betting that some of the chaperones are parents of kids on the trip. Accidents happen despite our best intentions and even under the watchful eyes of chaperones.
I went on plenty of trips in junior high and high school without my parents. If I would have had to wait for my parents to go with me, I would have missed out. These trips are important growing experiences for teens and college students, whether they are in or out of the country.
Anyway, just my two cents. My heart goes out to Marshaun's family and youth group.
Amy G.