6 months ago, I looked a lot different. I had one less tattoo, clean clothes, and paler skin. Beyond that, though, I was coming off the heels of 4 months sharing a tent with a teammate and with 100% of my time dedicated to knowing Christ deeper. Bright-eyed and expectantly unexpectant, I stepped onto the plane to call the jungle of Costa Rica home and the people in it family.
Now, I live in a small mountain town in the Dominican Republic with less than 40 days left on this 9 month journey. Now, I have stories of roosters hopping across beds in the early morning and getting lost in town. I still share a tent with my teammate but now she is even more a sister than months ago. Now, I hold journals full of joyful, scared, and sad prayers. Now, I hold stories close to my heart. Ones of hundreds of people I’ve met along the way. Ones of people who’ve never heard the name of Jesus, yet showed me who Jesus was more than I’ve ever known. Thank you Father for the gift of your children!
The waitress in Sosúa Beach: showed me the safety of Jesus
Wanda, the 7 year old neighbor, Ishmael the man who rode his bike around town all day, Kisha a staff in CR, Joshua and Jude two missionary kids, Jaime a dance teacher missionary in the DR, German backpackers from the bus station: showed me how Jesus is a friend to all. even when you’re lonely.
Kendie the staff in DR, Carlos our neighbor in the DR, Sammy a staff member and friend in CR: showed me what it looks like to have the joy of the Lord.
Starr, the missionary kid I mentor: showed me how important passion is
Man from Nicaragua I sat next to on the plane: to step into things despite of fear
Steven, a staff member in Costa Rica who became a good friend: showed me Jesus is intentional and bold in the face of fear. Showed me just how much Jesus cares for me
David, the man we met on a beach who got us coconuts with His neighbors machete: Jesus’ generosity
Lau, the Canadian girl who came to find “zen”: open-mindedness and listening spirit
Pearl, the ex police officer from New York City who quit her job to find truth within herself: showed me i don’t know anything about new age religion, and maybe I should. Showed me the creator is much more beautiful than the creation.
Neil, the homeless man at the bus stop: showed me Jesus challenged modern day truth
The Catholic man at the bus stop traveling Latin America: showed me that Jesus cares about relationship, and Jesus is gentle
Victoria, the ex-mormon who believes in God but not religion: showed me that Jesus makes me look crazy, and that’s okay
The wonderful lady who slammed our ear drums dancing and singing to Spanish karaoke worship at church: to dance in the Lord’s presence
José, whose home we built. Who didn’t know where he was going to live until we showed up: showed be expectant and trust Jesus.
Elsi, the co-founded or our base and kitchen genius. Steven’s mom when we stayed in His small community in the jungle: Jesus listens to our desires (and gives us motherly love when we need it)
Pastor of bambú, the welcoming church we visited in the Jungle who were hurt in the past by missionaries: Jesus didn’t preserve His heart after Hed been spit at
Gen, the quiet kid who showed up to play soccer in Suiri, Costa Rica: showed me Jesus was gentle and joyful.
Karina, the incredible missionary who started a revival in Suiri, Costa Rica: showed me that Jesus was known for His strength but was equally inviting.
Raymond, the 15 year old our host mentors: showed me I’ll never stop learning.
Man who sold us bagged ice cream at the ceviche stand every siesta time: showed Jesus is endlessly patient with everyone
Tori, the girl who had just left new age religion to follow Jesus: showed to always seek truth, ask questions, and be bold.
Angelica, the girl I played soccer with every week in San Box: showed me Jesus doesnt want me to not do something because I’m scared I’ll fail
Daniel who gave us free coffee because he saw us picking up trash: showed me Jesus was always willing to give up what He had for others
YWAM Germany team we served with the first two weeks: showed me Jesus’ love appeals beyond culture. People my age can chase after the Lord. Bravery. How to love without preserving my heart. How to love gently.
Old ladies I evangelized to from Missouri, who reminded me what American Christianity looks like: showed me that love mostly comes from a pure heart
Lady who rushed her son to the store for arepa ingredients as she invited me into her home: showed me Jesus’ hospitality, that He was inviting to all.
Anderson at Burger King: showed me its okay to mess up, Jesus welcomes mistakes
Evans, the man who drove an hour to help set up sound systems for a talent show: Jesus uses all of our talents for His glory
Jordy, a staff member in Costa Rica who became a good friend: showed me Jesus’ family is intentional and welcome to all. Showed me what friendship looks like
Rasta, our host in Costa Rica: showed me what it looks like to lay it all at the feet of Jesus. Showed me everyone is different and what wise counsel looks like.
I write this blog more for me, because I can’t imagine any adjectives to make you understand these people, these children of God. They taught me more than I could ever teach them. If I’ve gained anything on this journey, more than a tattoo, tan skin, or dirty clothes, it’s a bigger heart. a smaller one at first glance, because it is one that is held on many corners of the world. one that stretches to places I’d never expected when I walked up to that stranger on the beach.
