My team has been in Costa Rica for about a week now in a small town called Los Chiles. When Ashley and Alyssa picked up a guidebook on Costa Rica during our team retreat in Nicaragua, the guidebook described Los Chiles as “the ends of the earth.” Needless to say that we had no idea what our next ministry would look like. It was tough for some of us as we imagined what the ends of the earth would look like – and then compared it with some of the other teams who were going to the beach town of Jaco.
But, as we drove through the amazing mountains of inner Costa Rica, I knew that if the end of the earth looked anything like this, it would be my literal dream come true. The more towns we drove through with less and less ‘options’ the more excited I became
As we pulled up to our home in the jungle we were all craning our necks to see. The house was both small and big. The actual structure of the home is small – four bunks are fit into a space that is maybe 75 sqft. And there are four rooms like that with a small common area in the middle. But the whole space is so open. There are three bathrooms and three showers set outside, as well as a kitchen all under cover in a huge porch – probably almost 1,000sqft . There are homemade barbells a d workout equipment and, get this!, a washing machine. We found out we could drink the filtered water so we wouldn’t have to buy any, which would have been a huge hassle with the closest stores at least 20 minutes away – and our transportation living an hour and a half away! There’s a huge speaker with bluetooth connection, and on top of all that, absolutely beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset. I truly feel spoiled – which is not what I would have said if Los Chiles had been pur first destination!
Our hosts arrived about an hour after we did. Don Tony and Rosa are a true blessing. The moment we met them, we could see their joy and genuine excitement to have us there. They told us what our days would look like: three days of work on the farm, Saturdays we would work with kids, and Sunday we would help serve at their church. We would also get to participate in a community effort to pray over several nearby areas and claim them in the name of Jesus.
Every morning, Tony greets us with “Good morning, my girls!” – it is the cutest thing. We bless literally everything we do in prayer. Before every meal, even an afternoon snack or cafe, Tony gathers us up and reads from the Word. His excitement for the word of God is infectious and it’s been so sweet to hear him explain scripture. He paints such vivid pictures- and I know it’s because the Word of God is so vividly alive to him. I cant even explain it other than saying it is a child-like joy, even though he is a very wise man.
It’s only day two as I write this, so I know this may change, but the work has been hard but very fulfilling. So far, all we’ve had opportunity to do is manual labor. A while ago, their sanctuary was blown down in a storm and they’re in the process of rebuilding. Day one, we worked with other local missionaries, Manuel and Stephen, to dig a huge stump out of the ground. It was three hours of breaking up, shoveling, and hauling away damp clay before the log finally gave way.
During lunch and a short break (and afternoon cafe, of course!) it began raining, so Tony decided we wouldn’t go out to tackle the last stump. Trying to bless him, we asked if he needed us to go get the tools and bring them back. He said no, but if three of us could go hide them out of the rain and if we could also take a broom to sweep the steps (they’re in the jungle, up the last hill to the sanctuary) to get them ready for the women who were coming for a prayer vigil Tuesday night, he would appreciate it. We agreed and figures we’d be gone maybe 30 minutes – but Manuel and Stephen insisted on coming with me, Alyssa, and Rachel to do it.
Then we noticed that they were carrying machete – and we couldn’t imagine what they needed those for.
As we got there and started sweeping off the leaves, they guys started cutting back plants that were overhanging the steps. Then Manuel asked me to sweep the front of the steps too (they’re completely covered in tile). Then, Stephen started digging out nuisance plants. Then they got two big water jugs out, and Manuel came back from filling one. He was laughing in excitement as he got down and started scrubbing away the dirt on the front of the steps. He was paying attention to every tile where I’d just been giving a broad sweep.
That was when I realized this wasn’t going to be the 30 minute job I’d thought.
A little more than two hours later, the difference in the steps was literally black and white. They looked immaculate and we all felt so accomplished. And it had been fun. It really had! Alyssa said, “You know, I think if I’d know exactly what we were doing before I wouldn’t have enjoyed this so much.” And it’s so true!
We went out with no expectations except to do the job that had been asked of us. As we watched Manuel and Stephen add more to that task because of their desire to do their best, we had the choice to jump in with them or resist. We could say this wasn’t what we’d volunteered for OR we could say ‘yes’ in our spirits, not because we had to, but because they asked us to.
I’m 100% sure that these next few weeks will be stretching. I’m 100% sure there will be other times my team will go in thinking ‘this is what’s happening’ only to have our expectations blown up by reality. I’m also 100% sure that Tony and Rosa will have life-giving work for us to do every day, whether that’s working with children or pouring concrete. And every day we’ll have that choice: to resist or simply do what is asked of us.
And that’s a choice that I’ll always have – and that you have every day. God has really put this thought on my mind: where does the root of bitterness anchor? I think it might be pride. We think we deserve more or better or different, etc. I think maybe bitterness isn’t overcome by forgiveness or contentment or perspective. I think it is done in by humility. When my heart simply says ‘yes’ there will be no room for comparison or discontent.
I’m praying and training to have a humble spirit. It’s gonna be a process, but it’s one I invite you to join me it. Let’s do what others ask and, even more, what the Lord asks with willing hearts.
