It’s still hard to believe that this is my life until next August. It’s so surreal to wake up in Costa Rica next to my teammates/friends/family everyday. It’s bitter sweet to sit at a table with them and our hosts to eat a meal and cherish time spent together. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.
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While most of the time this has been the greatest experience of a lifetime, there are also moments where I’m learning more than what I bargained for. Sharing our stories with each other this past week has been a wonderful thing to bring us closer together in our brokenness. It has also opened up previous wounds, reminding me of trials I’ve faced. I learned how I kind of just pushed a lot of things aside and decided I was okay without really processing the event.
Yesterday was a good time for me to really pray and think about those times and how God has used hard times in my life to shape me and bring me to where I am today. I really hate that it rains a lot here because I love being outside surrounded by the beautiful green. But, without the rain, there would be no green. Growth wouldn’t happen. I like to look at my life the same way. Those things we have in our life that were a pain to go through are being used to grow us in ways we may see, but also may not. I want to encourage you to see your life like this too. We don’t always get what we want, but my prayer is that you trust that you are getting what you need and God’s plan for you is even better than what you wanted in the first place. It may not seem that way at first, but have patience, have faith. Don’t be arrogant to what you’ve been given. Be thankful, for what you’ve been given is a gift from God and is being used for a bigger picture than what we can wrap our minds around! I will rejoice with you in the life we’ve been given!
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.
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I’ve been living in Costa Rica for 11 days now! Here are a few highlights from this past week.
Sunday we went to a small church about an hour away. It’s just under 15 miles away but it takes a good hour to get there. That should give you a good picture of driving around here. It was such a beautiful feeling to be surrounded by people of different backgrounds, cultures and languages yet all worshipping the same God. It was pure bliss and a taste of heaven. The songs were in Spanish but we recognized a few of our favorites and caught on to the others. I loved it!
Monday we hung out (literally in hammocks) at the park! It was a little chilly that day but there is nothing like relaxing with a good book surrounded by trees. We also had a picnic there for lunch.
Also, look how cool the trees look up close!
Tuesday (9/15) was Costa Rican Independence Day! We celebrated by going to the parade where kids from the local schools danced, played music and carried flags down the streets. The weather cooperated and we had a lot of fun!
I also got my yellow fever shot that day. I was unable to get it in the states due to some unforeseen complications. But, it was about half the price here! And, get this, I got it at Walmart! Haha. The funny thing is that for one, my papers are in Spanish. And second, when I got back in the car I noticed that the doctor didn’t even put the band aid over where I got the shot. Oh man, too funny. I was very thankful for Beth (one of my lovely hosts) for helping by translating and stepping in as mother when I needed help. She even went back with me to get the actual shot. Shout out to the real MVP; Beth!
Wednesday we went to Puntarenas to paint a church. We had a blast despite the high temps. The people welcomed us in and took such good care of us from the food to the amazing fresh fruit drinks that were to die for. We also played with kids that evening before staying the night.
Thursday we drove back (we were about 2 hours away) and stopped at the beach for a little while. It was soooo windy but the weather and scene were on point, my friends. I loved it and I’m so thankful that our hosts brought us there!
Yesterday (and today) are more of rest days. My team is spending time on our own right now to have silence and time to read, journal, blog, nap, etc.
***I’m working on compiling some video footage and hoping to post a new video sometime this week, so keep a look out for that!
PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for no rain the day of the concert (October, 3rd). Pray for my team to seek time with the Lord even in the midst of busy days and the desire to just spend time with one another instead. Pray that we serve our hosts to the glory of God and love them well. Pray for the ministry, Conexion, which we are working with this month. Pray for the language frustration to not be a barrier to our ability to love these people. We are starting prison ministry this week, pray for that experience (we aren’t all going at once and I’m not going this week). We are going to be teaching English when the other group is at the prison, pray for that too! We are getting ready to go on a medical expedition to Guadalupe next weekend, pray that we are able to help the people we encounter through medical relief and through the love of Jesus pouring out of us.
Much love,
Brittany
