Over the course of last month, I came to know four incredible high school girls: Priscilla, Christina, Stephanie and Lucia. These girls stole my heart. These are the type of girls who make it all worth it- the sleeping on a classroom floor, surrounded by 8 other women. Washing my hair in a sink and basically rinsing off with a hose because the shower head doesn’t work properly. And this water is frigid cold (seriously the coldest shower I’ve ever taken).
(Christina and I) Christina is strong. She can have tough exterior, but truly gentle on the inside. Full of compassion. She is a protector, always standing up for the little guy. Her passion for Jesus is truly inspiring.
It amazes me how deep of relationships that can be formed in just a few short weeks. These girls aren’t just girls that I had in my devotional group; they are my friends and even more than that, my sisters in Christ. Their love for Jesus is so inspiring and it’s especially evident in the way they love. They love each other for who they are. There is no trying to be someone you’re not around them. They are real and not afraid to be themselves. I have not met any high schooler who serve and give back like these girls.
(Kristen, Priscilla, me, Christina, & Kristina) Priscilla, oh little Priscilla. Priscilla can be sassy, but in a good way. She is full of hospitality. She had me and two teammates over to her house for a BBQ, and expressed to us that whenever we come back to Costa Rica that we had a place to stay. 🙂
One night the girls had three of my teammates and myself over to Lucia’s house after school. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and just having a fun time, full of laughter. When preparing dinner they banned us from the kitchen and were insistent that we were their guests. As I stood there watching the girls make dinner, I had to mentally take a step back and soak up that moment. It was so beautiful to watch the girls talking (mostly laughing) with one another and helping each other prepare the food. They all have the most beautiful smiles, it reflects the love they have in their heart for Jesus. Once the food was ready and the table set, they had us sit down to eat. But first they had us close our eyes for a surprise. When we opened them, my heart melted. The lights were turned off and the table was lit with many candles. I began to tear up in that moment because of the love I felt from them and because in knew I had to leave them soon. Oh, how I did NOT want to leave them. During dinner though, they wanted each of my teammates and I to go around and share what we have learned so far on the race. It was a cool experience having the opportunity to share the ways Christ has worked in and through us. After we all shared our experiences, and it was nearing the time to leave, and we began to pray. Some of us praying in English and some praying in Spanish. It was a beautiful picture of the body of Christ coming together and giving thanks to the One who deserves it all.
I will never forget that night.
(Lucia, Stephanie, and I) Lucia: Sweet Lucia. She is so wise and pure of heart; love and compassion just pour out of her. She is humble and truly beautiful inside and out.
Stephanie: Oh, Stephanie. She has this special way about her that allows you to be yourself around her instantly upon meeting her. It’s an amazing gift. She is full of laughter and loves to put smiles on others faces.
I started writing this blog in Costa Rica but finished it here in Thailand. As I think back to the time spent in CR with these beautiful ladies, my heart becomes sad because I miss them so much. However, I am so incredibly blessed and thankful for the time that I was able to spend with them and get to know them. They taught me so much and I am forever grateful. The Lord has given me a peace in my heart that I will see them again. Praise Jesus! I love you girls!
This is what the World Race is supposed to be about. The hard good-byes. Loving so much that you do not want to leave where you’re at. I pray that the Lord overflows me with His love each month so I can shower it on everyone I meet.
I am finishing this blog from Thailand, and the month is almost over. I can tell you that I am not ready to leave here yet. We only have one more day of ministry (teaching english at a Thai Buddhist school) left and there is so much left that we can do. More kids we can impact. But the Lord’s timing is perfect and He is sovereign.
(Don’t worry, more blogs will be coming about Thailand) Sorry, this one is soo over due!
