The Costa Rican phrase Pura Vida couldn’t define my last month in this country any better. Pura Vida is the response to everything here and loosely means, “Life is great.” But directly translates as “Pure Life,” which ironically perfectly describes a life lied down for our savior. A life purified and sanctified for Jesus Christ. It is ironic because for many locals and tourists in Jaco, Costa Rica, Pura Vida describes a life of heavy drinking, drug use, and prostitution. I find this contrasting meaning so interesting; both start out feeling the same, but lead us down very different paths.
The version of Pura Vida I am experiencing here is unlike any other I have before. It is one that is deep and satisfying. I am experiencing paradise on the pacific coast of Costa Rica. Every morning I wake up, unzip out of my tent, brew a cup of Costa Rican coffee, spend time with the Lord under the massive Mango tree on our property, head to the gym with Tanner, & come back for our day of ministry, after ministry we head to the beach to surf (I’m practically pro now), then come back for dinner, have team time, and then hit the sleeping pad. This month has refreshed me in such an incredible way (even with the heat and dirt everywhere), but we have been working harder than you can imagine. Ministry this month has looked like eight hours a day of demo, digging ditches, mixing & pouring concrete, & erecting walls block by block in the hot Costa Rican sun…which has had us sweating more than I ever usually do under the Phoenix sun.
Work hard, play hard has been the theme of the month here. Our work is going towards advancing the ministry Oceans Edge which is equipping young local Costa Ricans and Americans to Go out and advance the kingdom of God. The manual labor we have been doing has been on the Oceans Edge property which will house missions teams for years to come. We have also had the opportunity to evangelize in local shops and restaurants, and focus on prayer in and throughout the city.
This month has been such a gift to myself and my team. The ocean has a therapeutic energy that my soul has connected with for as long as I can remember. My team and myself are healthy and ready for Panama. Yesterday was our last day of ministry, and today starts our first Leadership Development Weekend, which will train and equip us for what is next. On Saturday we will cross the border by bus into Panama.
What gifts is God placing in your life currently? Are you conscious of the beauty in the crispness of the spring air? Content with the financial or physical place God has you? Enjoying the food in your life? Thankful for your ability to sleep in air conditioning? He is a good, good Father; I challenge you to take a step back and look for the blessings amidst the challenges and monotony of day-to-day life and hard work.
