Costa Rica was a month of so many feelings, thoughts, and changes. We had team changes, continent changes, and ministry style changes. It was a beautiful place, but a challenging month in every aspect of my life. When asked what was one word to describe my month, I used the word “Fight”. Following God does not mean that things come easy. It’s a choice and in Costa Rica, I had to keep fighting for everything God was doing.
Culture Shock is a Thing
I didn’t really experience much culture shock from when I left America to head into Africa. I think I was prepared, and it was a simple transition for me. But from living in Asia for half a year and then going to Latin America, talk about being thrown for a loop. So many cultural norms had to be completely flipped.
Wearing shoes inside v. taking off shoes everywhere. Not touching anyone v. greeting each other with a kiss on the cheek. Real toilets v. squatty potties. Wifi everywhere v. wifi in coffee shops only. Everyone smelling great v. showering once a week and it being normal. God being a part of culture v. being careful of saying we are Christians. Cheese and milk v. cows in the middle of the roads. It was an adjustment to say the least.
La Pura Vida es Bien
The slogan of Costa Rica is “Pura Vida.” It means the pure life. The lifestyle in Costa Rica is a beautiful one. Costa Rica doesn’t have a military. They cannot be a part of wars. Because of that, there is such an emphasis on education, art, and their youth. When walking down the street in the morning, there is a peace that exists. People see people. Life is an interaction with other lives. It’s community not individuality, and it’s so refreshing.
Mother Should Have Taught Me Spanish
Yes, I am Mexican. No, I don’t know Spanish. Yes, my mom is fluent. No, she didn’t teach me. No, I don’t know why she didn’t. Yes, I should have learned. Repeat every single time I meet someone. Thanks mom. hehehe
I Must Be Obedient (even when others aren’t)
At the beginning of the race, I wrote down 5 things I wanted to happen. One of those was to mentor a young woman. When I got to Costa Rica, I felt like God say it was time. I went to the young woman and simply asked if she wanted to do a Bible study together. We chose the book we were going to do, and I told her my testimony so that there would be no walls.
And except at church on Sunday during service, I never saw her again. Following Christ is a choice. And people effect people so when someone chooses to follow or not follow what God is saying, other’s are effected. We cannot worry and wait because of what other’s may do. We must be obedient to what God is telling us to do and let the results be in His hands. I stepped out and felt like I did what God asked of me, and even though we didn’t have a Bible study, I trust that there was a purpose in it.
Community Means Not Giving Up
I miss Wild Pursuit. What we had on that team was very unique, pure, and full of Christ. And this team is different. It doesn’t flow as naturally. But community is not about whether it is easy or not. It’s about choosing the people around you and continuing to fight for the relationship. I have seen each one of us fight past complacency separation and push to create a community within our team. It hasn’t been easy, but we aren’t giving up, and I have faith that what comes out at the end is going to be beautiful.
I love Costa Rica as a country. It was a hard month for me though. I know God is working, and I know that He is with me. And even when I have to remind myself of those things daily, I will not check out. I have two months left on the World Race, which means there are two months of things God wants to do through and to me. I am ready.
