Writing to you on a flight from Colombia to Costa Rica! In this moment of take off I am reminded of the Lord’s sheer grace that it is even possible that human beings can take flight. What an incredible life we’ve been given.
For the most part, my squad and I have spent the last three months all together in Medellin, Colombia, and today starts a new season because for the first time we will be partnering with three separate hosts at one time! Over the next few weeks, my co leader Rob and I will travel to each team throughout Costa Rica and join in with their unique ministries. I’m so excited! I know God has a lot in store for this squad in this last month. Did I mention I am only on the field for one more month?? We are in the process of raising up new leaders from this group to guide the squad for their remaining 7 months of the trip. I couldn’t be prouder of the leadership this squad has shown and I have full confidence they will thrive when Rob and I will transition home.
This squad has endured many challenges over the course of the race. It feels like every time we finally clear a hurdle, we’re met with an even bigger one on the other side. I never could have anticipated the ways I would be challenged as a leader throughout this year. I’m praying and having confidence that the lessons I’m taking away from this seemingly chaotic season are contributing to a deeper understanding of Christ-centered leadership. And more importantly, a deeper understanding of God’s grace.
Throughout all the challenges, there has been an abundance of joy – moments I will truly carry with me for the rest of my life. If you want to hear more about the specific ways this season has been s t r e t c h i n g, let’s save those stories for a coffee date this summer (I will be home in May and would truly love that so much!!)
For now I’ll just give you some highlights of the moments that have made me thankful to be alive and in Colombia!
Any of the opportunities we were invited into homes and given the chance to build relationships with the families in our community
Every Sunday afternoon we planned an activity for the youth at our foundation – often times a walk to the park and a soccer game followed!
The women in the rehabilitation program cook over 150 meals a day, and most of our mornings started out by joining them in the kitchen. Some of my most memorable conversations happened while sorting, peeling, and cutting veggies!
Any time I got to witness members of my squad step out and teach or share their testimonies. *cue me beaming with pride*
We we also got to help the foundation with the construction of their new building. After three months of digging, they were able to lay the foundation during our last week!
As part of a youth outreach event, I got to teach several of the teens and women at the foundation how to make friendship bracelets. I left with many matching bracelets with new friends!
One of my favorite days of the race was Valentines Day because it was shortly after our squad was all out of quarantine, so we were finally able to reunite with the teens in the youth group. We threw a big party and played lots of games!
Another highlight was Easter! Here is the view of our table where we gathered to celebrate. Our whole squad spent Holy Week at a new ministry host just outside of Medellin in San Pedro. We loved our hosts and ministry there as well!
We bonded with our hosts very quickly and joined them for a fruitful week of outreach and evangelism.
Back in February we stepped away from “structured ministry“ for a few days to rest and debrief the squad. We visited Guatape and became friends with a man named Juan Carlos at a local coffee shop.
After getting to know him a little, my co Rob was able to pray healing over his injured knee. The look of complete shock on his face when he stood to walk and felt no pain is something I will remember forever. It’s just one of the many healings I’ve been able to witness this year! Gloria a Dios.
Here is my squad on Easter Sunday (minus Shelby). Each day I‘ve gotten to spend with them on this journey has been filled with immense joy. I’m thankful for each of these people in my life. The trials this year has brought have been immense as well. I’m also thankful for them.
Here‘s to living and learning! ¯_(?)_/¯
Please pray for this month in Costa Rica as we partner with three new ministries, raise up new squad leaders, switch up teams, and transition Rob and me off the field. Big things happening! Also I am still about $1000 short of funding so prayers for that would be great as well!
Thank you for your support, even just in reading this!
