Here I am, already starting month 7 of the World Race in Puerto Viejo, Limon which is in the very southeast corner of Costa Rica. According to our host, Glenda, our tasks this month will range from building a chicken coop to visiting organic farms in the area to take classes regarding compost and how best to plant a garden. We will also be painting, digging trenches to redirect water, teaching English, filling holes with coconuts (never done that before), helping churches and schools in the area, leading children/youth nights, and in general being extra hands. I must admit, when I first heard the long list while looking out at the rain that has fallen for 3 days straight, I felt less than excited.
The race has been great, an amazing growing experience but right now I can feel every day of the 6 ½ months that I’ve been gone. Most days, it’s overwhelming to think about the remaining 5 months. Somehow I found I had gotten into a monotonous routine. We pack up and travel to a different country every month, take a few days to get acclimated, work 6 out of 7 days for 3 weeks or so then start all over again. At this point, if I’m telling a story, I can’t remember what country it happened in, what month it happened, who was there (my old team or current team), have I told the story before, and by then what the point of the story was. I’ve struggled to get comfortable on my new team so with all things considered, I had an overall poor attitude. It was a little bit like the house where we’re living this month.
Dubbed “The House of Restoration”, when we first arrived it was in sad shape. What didn’t it need? Paint has helped, but much of the wood is termite ridden and very weak. If you clean too hard, the wood finish comes off. Washing down the walls outside would have gone quickly with a power washer but the walls would have probably fallen down. We avoid certain weak spots where we’re afraid we might fall through the floor. The shower and sink faucets often come off, literally showering everyone within range. As I write this, we had to turn off the breaker for the fridge because of the sparks and flames. It sounds hopeless.
For me, this house has come to represent life. Sure, mistakes were made. The stilts and foundation of the house shouldn’t have been built from wood in such a termite friendly place. Usually it’s best if an actual electrician or plumber does the plumbing and electricity of a house. Yet, the house has such potential that might not have been noticed or appreciated without tenderness, love, and an eye towards the future. Just like with us, Jesus accepts us where we’re at, sees what we will become and lovingly transforms us. Jesus is also taking us each on an individual journey through life where He promises to walk beside us, each step of the way. Sure, through the years we age, we develop physical and emotional scars, friends come and go, and maybe there are things we wish we could do over. Just like the House of Restoration. However, where we are weak, is really where Jesus gets to show His strength and the journey develops character and expands our dependency on Him. Sure, there are still 5 months left, and at this moment they feel like really long months. For this season though, a long ways from home, God has me on this once in a life time opportunity, traveling to 11 countries in 11 months. So I choose to, as Lesa says “#embracethatlife” even while God’s stirring in me an excitement to see what comes next. The sun comes out, the day doesn’t seem so gloomy and I realize, sometimes, all you need is a facelift.
