Simply put- Costa Rica is nothing like I expected at all, but that is a very good thing. I expected a lush green jungle with toucans on every branch, I expected resorts rising above each hill overlooking the ocean, I imagined a vacation. I got so much more- but not in the way you’d expect.
On the way over, I glimpsed from my middle seat and was able to catch the tips of mountains and the familiar red tin and terra cotta roofs of my beloved Central America. I stepped off the plane in San Jose after an exhausting travel day and was immediately met with that rush of hot air that you get every time. The drive to the base was nothing short of nostalgic- urging me deeper and deeper into homesickness for Guatemala. I don’t usually get homesick for well- home- but it was not a person but a place that tugged at my heartstrings this time.
The first morning I woke up in Costa Rica I stepped outside before everyone was up wanting to savor these first precious minutes with this new country. I was met with a thin layer of dewy clouds creeping over the top of the beautiful mountain range that is our backyard view. At that moment I was grieving, but I was also learning to let go. Learning to love a new place that I’ll call home for the next three months. Learning to give this one a chance and not comparing the proverbial apples to oranges. I’m tumbling down the hill, falling in LOVE with this place & these people. So full of grace, they’re teaching about a whole new side of the same Jesus- His tangible, dwell-able peace.
I asked Jesus to show me what he had in store for me in particular. I asked to be wrecked of all things standing in the way of the Father and I. The next 24 hours held more beautiful moments of growth than the past month. I prayed boldly, and the Lord showed up. BIG. It only takes a word to completely shift a perspective & a phrase to draw my knees to fall at His feet. Every hour of every day I want to grow closer and closer to Jesus, knowing His heart is the highest honor that we get the privilege of chasing after. Every day is full of new surprises left for me, each sunset is a promise of the fiery love from the one who created it all. So cheers to these next few months & cheers to growth!
See you on the flippity flop! xx
