I wanted to let my supporters in on some things that have been tough as well as what has been a blessing. I feel like it is important for my family, church family, friends, and potential racers to know what I have been feeling an going through recently. This blog is going to be more personal than others.
STRUGGLES-
1. Different Theologies- This has been tough for me, because I didn’t realize how many different beliefs I would come in contact with. Whether it be political, theological, or just basic beliefs in general. I have to realize that God made us all different with different backgrounds and family structures. We all grew up in different ways of life, and it has been tough for me to see other people not value something that is so important to me.
2. Having more rules than I had expected- We all know rules are a good thing, and they help keep us within our own boundaries. However, initially coming here I had thought life would be more laid back. It’s absolutely not a bad thing to have rules, but to me, it just seemed like we were being overwhelmed by different rules that sometimes felt like someone’s small preferences being pushed onto everyone else. I keep having to realize that God put me in this specific position for a reason and I am meant to struggle with these things for a reason that is not totally clear to me at this moment.
3. Living with 30 people while trying to keep the peace with everybody- We have 4 teams all living in one house, that is 30 people, 8 people to one room and 25 girls sharing small bathroom space! Frustrations are obviously going to happen, people are too loud sometimes, some do not respect others space, some do not clean up after themselves. Small things like that can get really frustrating after a while. I have to remind myself that I cannot force people to live in a way I would prefer. I just have to do my best to respect others in the way they have asked, and hope I get the same respect in return.
JOYS-
1. Living in beautiful Costa Rica- It is so beautiful here of course with their gorgeous beaches, volcanoes, and native animals. Yet even more than the landscape, the people are truly beautiful, inside and out. They are so kind, if they speak any english at all, they will do their best to communicate with you. They are humble, when asked if they speak English, they always say “a little bit” but in reality they have such a vast vocabulary of English words. Getting to know these people has been such a blessing. I am already dreading December 5th when we fly out of Costa Rica.
2. Getting to live in a community 24/7- Even with all of the frustrations admitted above, living in close quarters with 7 other girls has helped me learn patience like I’ve never experienced before. I have learned to tolerate not having things exactly my way. I have learned how to care for my team and how to apologize when I have done wrong. I have learned how to be more open when I am feeling frustrated and how to decipher emotions that aren’t Godly.
3. The extensive amount of time I have to read my bible- This one brings my so much joy. I have found so much comfort in God’s word. I love spending an hour or more a day just reading through my bible. I started the New Testament when arriving in Costa Rica, I read it all the way through, then I started the Old Testament and I am currently in Deuteronomy. I am attempting to read the New Testament twice before I get home. It is such a blessing to be able to just sit and study my bible when I wake up or before I go to bed. I have a passion for the word and think I am wanting to go to bible college after I finish my time here. However, I am waiting to apply to make sure that is where the Lord is leading me.
Thank you for reading and please feel free to email me with any comments or concerns as well as leave a comment below! I have to apologize to my email list friends because I had said I wanted to send one out every week with an in depth update on my life. However, that has proved to be hard with the ministry we are currently in. So I apologize and would love to start that up soon if time allows. Love y’all and will post agin soon!
