Hola from Costa Rica! My squad and I arrived here on Monday afternoon. Our travel day started at 2:45am when we left for the airport in Atlanta. We had a quick layover in Fort Lauderdale, FL and then we were off to Costa Rica! After boarding the plane I realized I had left my black cardigan on the seat in the airport. It was too late to go back and I started to get pretty sad and disappointed that I had left one of the things I bought solely for this trip in the airport. I brought these feelings to God and received such peace. I heard him say, “You said you were going to leave comfort behind on this trip. This is just the first step. I will provide.” Still a little disappointed in myself, yet filled with peace, I sat in my seat and awaited our landing. Three hours later we landed in beautiful Costa Rica! We made it through customs, grabbed our packs, and were soon driven to our base where we will stay for the next three months. Already our expectations were far exceeded. We pulled up to the light pink walls and white picket fence with butterflies in our stomach. As soon as we walked in it felt like home. We have a kitchen, a living room, a dining area, bedrooms, bathrooms with running water, and my favorite part, a backyard. We walked out to a gorgeous backyard with green grass, swings, a patio, and a lush mountain backdrop! Absolutely SURREAL. After the tour we got our room assignments. My team and I walked into a room with bunk beds, mattresses, sheets, our own bathroom, and a balcony! I have never been more excited to sleep on a bunk bed. We were all in awe of the little things and there was something so sweet about it. When you have no expectations it’s so easy for God to far exceed them. Already I have seen the tender touches of the Lord providing for me in the biggest and smallest ways. I have seen his loving hand guiding me on this journey he’s brought me on and I am so excited and expectant to see what God has in store for me here. The past two days my team and I worked at a food bank sorting through packaged foods and repairing the bags before they are given to the people of Costa Rica. God provided such protection and guidance. This next week we will start some new ministries and I am very excited to see God in this country! The views are breathtaking, the people are some of the most friendly and sweet people I’ve ever met, and God can be seen in every moment. I’m learning a lot about God’s faithfulness and I’ll take his plan over a black cardigan any day.
