I sit in a dark classroom listening to the thunder and rain that comes every afternoon and I look towards the window. A sign is draped down it with the Fruit of the Spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self- Control. And the funny thing is, is that I have seen every single fruit in someone in the past 2 weeks that we have been in San Pedro, Costa Rica.
I see Kindness and Goodness in our hosts and those who work here at Zoe International Christian School and church. Right away as we arrived, they grabbed our bags, and excitedly told us all about Zoe school, the town of San Pedro, and Costa Rica. When we got to the school they had food waiting for us, and we were beyond thankful. They really have poured so much more into us then we could even imagine. They just threw us a retreat this past Friday and Saturday, where they did a lot of spiritual and emotional work in us. It was exhausting but really amazing.
Next is Gentleness, I see Gentleness in the teacher I help assist. She teaches Spanish and Social Studies. She has showed a sort of Gentleness with her students, and you can really tell they love her very much. She also shows me this type of Gentleness, she asks me about myself, and makes me feel included. She is also hilarious so you know how great she is to be around. She really is the best.
I have seen Self- Control in my team. It has been a bit difficult, especially when you are trying to make budget, while trying to feed 7 people, 4 of which are guys. It has been a challenge but we have been doing good. But I will be honest it has been hard going grocery shopping when all you are craving is cookies.
Peace has been present every morning when everyone wakes up at 5:45 am, and I have a little quiet time outside and read my Bible. Watching the mountains and the sunrise each morning reminds me of the amazing works of our Father. The wonderful colors, morning chill and sometimes the random sounds of a car alarm.
I saw Patience and Faithfulness on day 4 of the race, when I woke up 3-4 times in the wee hours of the morning to run to the bathroom, later to find out I have a parasite, whom I’ve named Enrique. We figured out it may have been from some fruit from a smoothie stand. It got kinda serious, so we had to call an ambulance because it is cheaper than going to the actual doctor. I saw Faithfulness in our squad leader Abi while she stood by me to wait for the ambulance, and later on with my team leader Devin, when he helped me get my medicine.
The next day was Costa Rica’s Independence Day, and we went to a parade. I saw Faithfulness again when Enrique decided to show up, and lovely Molly went with me to run and find a bathroom. But when we found one it was “para customers only” so Molly and I bought ice cream. She held onto mine while I rushed to the bathroom. Throughout this whole ordeal I saw Patience in almost everyone while they waited for me to use the restroom countless times.
I see Love and Joy in my team almost every time we have “Team Time”. We challenge each other, care for each other, and laugh our butts off all the time. I am so blessed to be on this team who loves me, and to be in this country that has already blessed me more times than I can count.
Love,
Katie
