Last week, Team Relentless headed off to La Montaña Christian camp. We left all of the girls and had a week where we could just be guys! It was a good week, and a lot of bonding took place. I was thankful for the time away, but by the end of the camp, I was ready to be back at the base.
We left the camp grounds at 3:30 and spent the next 4 ½ hours on different busses attempting to make it back home. Needless to say that by the end of the journey, I was a bit tired. We stepped off the bus onto the sidewalk, rang the doorbell of our base, and shouted, “Upe!” which means, “We’re outside!” I couldn’t help but wonder as to how we were going to be received after a week away.
Immediately, the girls received us with open arms, literally. We were overwhelmed with hugs and smiles as we made our way back to our bedroom. We were buried in encouraging words, and a genuine curiosity as to how are week had been. I felt so welcomed and loved. The girls had also taken the time to decorate our room with some encouraging notes along with some quotes from my favorite show, The Office.
I have been living in Costa Rica for a month and a half now. In that short amount of time, this base has become my home, and this squad has become my family. I love Team Relentless and all of the time we’ve got to spend together, but my favorite moments are ones spent with all of Q Squad. When the guys and girls are all together and we can fellowship together, whether that’s through a worship sesh, a rap battle, a meal, or a non-scheduled time of just hanging out. I can’t help but get a picture of the church in Acts when I think about my squad.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their posessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day.” -Acts 2:42-47
Community living has taken some adjustment, and it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes there isn’t any hot water for showers, “my food” becomes “our food” far too quickly, and as a group we kinda stink, but the joy and encouragement that I receive from these people on a daily basis makes it so worth it. I truly see Jesus through Church Q, and the Holy Spirit is present and working in our lives.
I utter the words, “I can’t believe I’m here right now!” at least once a day, and I think I will continue to say it until I’m back in the U.S. God has blessed me with this trip, and he has blessed me with the people in my squad. I seriously love my Q-mmunity.
