The Fire inside Costa Rica

    Instead of giving myself reasons why I cant, I give myself reasons why I can. I remind myself that at this very moment i'm filling my lungs with fresh air. I take a big deep breath and realize someone is taking their last. My goal this first month was to live intentional; to live everyday as it was my last. Leaving lasting footprints behind with every step, everyday that is given to me. When I look at life through these eyes, eyes of intentionality, life gets a little easier, struggles seem smaller, and my purpose seems much much bigger. 

     This first month has been interesting to say the least. Comfort zones have been stretched and self reliance is out the window. I''m completely relying on God with everything I have to show me the way. I am no longer in control of my life. I'm putting everything in God's hands and sometimes that feels a little scary. But i'm adjusting to this new lifestyle, realizing there may be a tarantula in the shower, or a rhino beetle in my bed are just apart of the ride. But when you put your trust in God good good things happen. It's beautiful to see how he works. He is directing a beautiful symphony are you listening to it? Because it is happening all around you. It's in nature, in schools, the orphanages, the streets. Just walk outside right now, look out onto the earth, at the sunset, the night sky and dwell in the beauty that God created for us. It's absolutely incredible. 

     While in Costa Rica we have been able to work at a local school helping the teachers and kids. We have been very active in the classrooms, teaching children english, helping them with math, and even some art lessons. Before arriving in Costa Rica we were asked if there were any artist in the group, the school has wanted a wall mural for awhile. I jumped all over the opportunity. I'm smiling cheek to cheek as i write this, i'm so proud of what my group accomplished. Not just one wall mural but five and every single one is beautiful. It brings so much life to the school. I love watching the kids' faces as they walk by and stand in awe of them. It's pretty amazing how just this small act of kindness has changed the entire life of the school. 

     When we are not working at the school we have been helping out with Bible Studies in the evenings. We have been teaching the people that through Jesus Christ we have the free gift of salvation, nothing we can do will atone for this. The majority of Costa Rican people believe that it's through their own works and sacrifices that they will reach heaven. We encourage them to open their bibles and read for themselves that it's been given to them. We point out scriptures such as Ephesians 2:8, Romans 6:23, and 1 John 1:7 the list goes on and on. Telling these people how much the God of the universe loves them and wants a relationship with them is incredible. When it finally clicks for them and they realize they can be saved through only their faith in God it is truly amazing. 

     I have one week left in Costa Rica and i'm going to make the most of it. Giving my all every single day, because it's not about me. It's not about how tired I feel or how I would rather not eat another old and bruised banana. Those things don't phase me.  My eyes have been set on something bigger because i serve a mighty big God. One thing i've learned this month is to not let your circumstance determine your daily walk.  Don't let the ways of the world impact your mood. Walk into every day with a heart that is on fire for God it will change your entire mindset.

 

Sky above me

Earth below me

Fire within me. 

 

Below are pictures from the school we have been working at. I've also uploaded a video from the orphanage. To see more pictures copy and paste the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.356505731109459.84398.100002501068997&type=3

  
I also want to thank everyone again for all of the support! I've been incredibly blessed through your financial donotions and prayers. There has been a few annonymous donations and people I have never met that I want to specifically thank. Im blown away at your giving. You have definitly blessed me in incredible ways, you know who you are and I can't thank you enough. Im in complete awe of how you have let your love of Christ shine and have blessed me. Thank you again for everything.

-Ciera