She hands me a full cup of coffee. I smile and say thank you. It’s always an unexpected surprise when she does. It’s not easy to make. We don’t have a coffee maker. We boil water in a pot, mix it with grinds, let it sit, then use a cloth filter as we pour it into the cup.
I sit in an old, comfy couch in the middle of our open floor space. There are exposed metal beams. A few of our hammocks hang from them. I glance at the mural we are in the process of painting, a mosaic of blues, reds, yellows, greens. There’s no wall to my right, just an open, expansive view of palm trees. Some so close I can touch the leaves without reaching. It’s early morning and the sun is already bright, kissing the skin of the surfers and morning joggers at the beach. The sand and waves are only a ten minute walk from our place. There’s a quiet peace in the air. The only sound is the birds in the trees and the soft rustle of my new teammates as we begin our day.
I can feel the warmth of the coffee in my tummy. That’s what love feels like sometimes.
It’s those simple acts of service. A person puts in a little effort, thinks of you in the process, and simply does it, not expecting or wanting more than a thank you.
There’s a subtle beauty to these small acts of service that I often appreciate more than the grand gestures. It’s not as expressive, it’s not as explicit, but it’s as loving. There’s a natural sense of selflessness in it. Something that can be easily overlooked, or even expected. But my heart warms every time I see it.
It warms when Dani refills her water bottle and gathers the other bottles she sees aren’t full.
It warms when Ethan makes eggs and asks if anyone would like some.
It warms when Lindsey prepares PBJs for lunch as everyone finishes up their tasks.
It warms when Mac takes a few forgotten dishes and washes them without a word.
It warms when Kelsey starts tidying the space without request.
It warms when Bran hands me a cup of coffee in the morning.
It’s been less than a week and this place feels like home. It’s been less than a week and these people feel like home.
We recently had our second team changes. Our missions trip consists of nineteen people. We are broken into smaller teams of five to seven to serve different ministry hosts in each country. Every couple of months there are team changes to help fulfill ministry needs and encourage further growth in individuals by serving with new people.
This is our first and last month together. Next month is our last of the race and we have been told we will be making our own teams as the Spirit leads.
I can be sad we only have a month together, or I can thank the Lord for the month He is blessing us with. We are currently in Jaco, Costa Rica, serving at Ocean’s Edge. It started as a surf camp for kids, an an avenue to share the Gospel. It has grown into so much more. Our days include construction work, painting a mural, ocean and park clean ups, leading Sunday school, and preparing bags of rice and beans.
Please find more info on Ocean’s Edge at oceansedge-lifestyle.com
