Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you an update on how my first 2 weeks and a half in Costa Rica has been. We arrived last Monday after a flight out from Georgia to Fort Lauderdale and then to San Jose. Our base leader picked us up and we drove to our base. I felt oddly at home when I looked at the scenery outside the window because it looked so so much like Colombia.
Although our first few days were very relaxed because we were yet to begin our ministry work, they were still eventful days. On Tuesday we had Gallo Pinto for breakfast and had a cultural training. Most of the day for me was spent reminiscing because it was exactly one day before my birthday. Throughout the day so many little things were said or happened that reminded me of my late grandma. To feel utterly connected to the person she was, was the best birthday present I could have ever asked for. As midnight approached, I decided to listen to Mi Pequeño Tesoro (a song my parents sang for me since I was in the womb) and a bunch of random Colombian music. When I awoke, I was pretty rested and then slowly my squadmates started to come into my room to say Happy Birthday. I stepped into our living room and saw in huge letters, “Feliz Cumpleaños Tati” on our chalkboard amidst signed, individual notes. Some girls gave me notes or painted cards and absolutely everyone sang Happy Birthday to me on multiple occasions throughout the day. We had a teaching on how perhaps the true meaning of the Gospel that Jesus came to live out is the reversal of oppression. At one point during the day, everyone decided to go out to do groceries or find wi-fi, this was my chance. I stayed back and sat on my balcony just fully taking in the reality of my adult life thus far. The moments in silence also helped me mourn the victims and families affected by 9/11 in order to honor them well. Slowly everyone started coming back and Amelia (one of my teammates) brought me back an ice cube tray and nail polish. BEST GIFT EVER. Some leaders brought me back huge packages of chocolate. Before dinner, we had a moment of silence in honor of the victims of 9/11. Xinia is a lovely woman who cooks for the base and for us racers. She happened to have made chicken and potatoes, rice, salad, and beans but all with the flavors that my family cooks with. Not to mention she also made horchata and nothing could have made me happier.
On Thursday, we began ministry at a food bank. Although we woke up very early (5:30 am), the drive was also about 2 hours, so we were rested when we arrived. Our job was to fix food packages, and then separate and organize the food. This was all done in a warehouse and proved to be slightly more entertaining than I expected. The soles of my sneakers are absolutely disgusting from the amount of sugar, flour, and sticky stuff I stepped in while at this ministry. Since then I’ve begun new ministries with my team at a community center with people of every age, at Las Tablas with small children, and at Metro Ministries with 6-13-year-old children. At the community center, we spend our mornings playing games with the elderly, the first half of our afternoon doing conversational English with adults to help them practice English, and the second half of our afternoon playing with children and practicing English.
At Las Tablas, the slums, we met a lady who walked into this under-privileged community 26 years ago and decided to share the love of Jesus in the most influential way she could. She dedicated her life to feeding children, pregnant mothers, drug addicts, and the elderly. Along the way, she cleaned out an entire river, raised up a community center, placed sewage and public lighting, and helped hundreds of undocumented immigrants get their documents. The respect that this lady has gained within this community was evident as she walked us through it. Every child who saw her jumped into her arms, every man immediately treated her with respect, and absolutely everyone called her “mama.” She sat us down and explained to extent of which she has sacrificed a “normal life” to help a community that she saw a need in. She encouraged my team and me in such a way that we cannot explain.
We also do ministry with a worldwide organization that employs a type of VBS (Vacation Bible School) model in underprivileged communities to reach out to kids. We play games, do sports, and have fun learning moments about important life values. In the moments in which ministry can seem boring, I am reminded that every second I spend loving someone is worth it. I’ve also realized that one of my favorite things to do is to throw my chanclas (flip flops) into the air and play soccer barefoot with the puddles and the mud. So many events have come and gone, yet the adventure has only begun.
Q&A: I asked you guys to ask absolutely any questions you had for me, so here we go!
“Where is your first stop and where will you be bunking?”
My first stop is Costa Rica, near the capital and my entire squad of +30 is staying in a big house where we have team rooms with bunks and I have an incredible view. The kitchen is my favorite place in the house because it’s always full of laughter, joy, music, and great food.
“What are you most looking forward to (at the moment) on this 9-month journey?”
This is a really tough question because I have so much that I’m looking forward to. However, based off of what I’ve experienced so far, I’m really excited for every child that I’m going to meet and laugh with.
“What would be your highest high? What’s your fave location now?”
My highest high has been definitely tumbling on the floor as three little boys tried to wrestle me. Even though it wasn’t the most gentle of moments, we were all so carefree and just focused on having fun. My favorite location right now is my balcony. It’s where I do yoga, talk with my parents, journal, and just take in the beauty in the backyard.
“What are you most excited about during this trip?”
I’m so so excited to just love on people, to see the world from a new perspective, and to gain tools and skills that will help me be more empathetic.
There we go! Blog number one from the field.
Here, on the left you can donate any amount towards reaching my goal. I’d truly appreciate it and trust it’s sharing the love.
Love you guys so much and stay updated with all my photographs on Facebook (Tatiana Gomez) and on Instagram (@lifeoftatis).
