Hi guys!!!! This blog post in long overdue but life is so crazy here!! But, here it is!
As training camp was wrapping up and we began to pack and clean and mentally prepare to leave the country, I couldn’t help but think how blessed I am to be in the position I’m in. I never thought I would PAY to eat rice and beans, pee in a porta potty, sleep on the floor, live out of a backpack and shower in a shipping container. But, there I was, loving and taking in every second with my new people. My team consist of 17 people, boys and girls, ages 18-21, and let me tell you, living with that many people is SOO hard. That’s 17 people to feed breakfast, lunch and dinner for, grocery shop for, plan for. Everything we need, we do ourselves. We all take turns cooking every meal and doing the dishes (If you know me, yes I made a schedule for everyone) We all have to go grocery shopping each week and meal prep and let me tell you… I hate grocery shopping. Mom, I’m so sorry you have to do that every week????? But, the Lord has been making me do some character building by putting me out of my comfort zone ALOT. This trip so far has definitely taught me how to live in community even in the hard days.
I am currently writing this in Jaco, Costa Rica in a coffee shop called “Panaderia Tosso“, because that’s the only place that has wifi near our compound. This place is so beautiful and has so much potential but needs so much love and support. I’ve been here since January 26th and time has been flying by. When we arrived we were greeted by an 11n11 squad (a squad who goes to 11 countries in 11 months) which is not common but with covid, a lot of host weren’t allowing missionary groups so we were put at the same host house. They welcomed us, helped up get settled in and loved on us. There are 38 of them so you can imagine how packed the compound can be and there’s not much space for alone time which is an adjustment for sure but I wouldn’t want it any other way. But guys!!!! Get this. We have running water!! and BEDS!! and nice food!! and the bugs are to a minimum expect for a few cockroaches here and there (yep, cockroaches). Did I mention the beach is a 10 min walk!!! God is so SO good. To say we are blessed to be at a place like this is an understatement.
Both of our squads have been painting a 120+ foot mural at the local park. We are ART BOMBING Jaco and it is breathtaking!! It’s 85-90 degrees daily and I find myself getting frustrated because i’m so hot, sweaty and sticky but I GET to see the laughs and smiles of locals of all ages jumping in to help paint with us and it makes it all worth it. The culture here is so different but so refreshing. Lots of smiles and laughs and dancing. On days where it feels impossible I am filled with the joy of the Lord knowing the people we’re reaching and getting to love on.
I’ve learned how to listen to God in a world full of noise and it has been incredible! He’s extra loud here in Jaco, Costa Rica. My heart is so happy. This. This is my happy place. Talk to you all soon!!!
XOXO- Bay <3
