In the grand scheme of things… it’s not that big of a deal.
This is a huge theme I’ve learned this month. What a beautiful lesson it is and continues to be. what a freeing way to live.
Although ministry looked nothing like I thought it would this month, Jacó, Costa Rica has become such a special place in my heart I hope to visit again.
What’s Costa Rica was for me personally:
(Experiences, thoughts about the town + lessons learned)
Beautiful, busy, broken, HOT and sweaty…all the time, tasks, friendship, laughter, family dinners, having strep for the first week, having a 104 degree temp (yiiiiikes), babysitting (thank you for letting me hold your kids! It warmed my heart), teaching Sunday school to 8-12yr old, building scaffolding, teamwork to pick up double decker scaffolding and moving to a different location, painting a 20ft wall, spending hours on end painting our one beautiful light pole, worship on the beach, walks on the beach at sunset most nights, hard conversations, Brit coffee, bohio coffee, el barco, Oceano, lots and lots of walking, 320 pieces of sushi, pregnancy resource center, prayer walk at night time, Devotions in the morning, morning stretching with alli, mentor group with Amanda, birthday parties on the beach, cup of noods, and Joy.
What I learned this month:
- I have become way more chill. In the grand scheme of things, most things aren’t that big of a deal. Many things are preferences, not concrete have-to’s.
- I am becoming confident in who God has created me to be, and who He continually molds me to be each morning.
- He is in all the little things. He wants to show off to us.
- It is quite freeing not knowing what day it is.
- Hard work looks different day-to-day.
- I am a beautiful woman because God intricately created me for a purpose here on Earth.
- My mind / heart connection is happening!!!! What a HUGE step for me! I know in my head and believe in my heart. Ahhh!!!!
- Forgiveness.
- Living with community is a beautiful thing. It’s hard but beautiful.
- Revelations in Psalms!!!!
(Psalms 23; 27: 8,13-14; 36:5-10; 65:9; 78:38-39; 103)
- It’s okay to almost cry because of a sunset.
- Being okay with constantly being sweaty. The glisten is a new look!
- Quiet time to learn and grow with the Lord has become one of my most favorite times.
- Joy.
- That Jesus had sisters!!!!! How did I not know that??? So cool. (Matthew 13:56)
- I am in a place of overflow, and I should not and do not feel bad about that. Thank you God for this season. What a gift!
- The Holy Spirit is so cool.
- God is the ultimate provider so why worry?
- Silent disco dance parties instead of packing the night before you leave are a must.
Anyways, this month has absolutely flown by and I’m sad it’s already over. How crazy is it that we are going to our THIRD country????
I love you guys. Thank you thank you thank you for all the prayers, support and encouragement you all send. God is moving big, and I’m excited to go along this journey with you guys by my side. We are off to Panama on the 12th! Debrief with our squad until then in San Jose.
– Lauren
