Beautifully Different
Costa Rica is beautifully different.
Over the course of my lifetime – thanks to my fun, Jesus-loving, Jesus-trusting parents – I’ve traveled quite a bit. I have found that I’m more attracted to the cultures that are the opposite of America. Pretty much every person you meet in the cultures that appeal to me are friendly, welcoming, & open to conversation.
(You may now see why I’m attracted to these cultures.)
For example, yesterday my team and I handed out bibles in an impoverished Costa Rican village. It was astounding to see how many people were receptive to the Gospel. Not only were these people receptive but also incredibly endearing and welcoming.
After we handed out our last bible to a family, we asked if we could pray for them. They joyfully accepted. The translator took it upon himself to pray so that they could understand. While the translator was praying, I prayed to myself as well. While I was praying, the Lord spoke to me and simply emphasized the word “Blessing” in my prayers. I began to ask Him what that meant & why He was highlighting it so much to me. Then I began to hear that He wanted me to financially bless them. I was happy to do so, however I wanted to make sure it was the Lord telling me to & not myself. After we broke out of the prayer, I said “Adios!” to the family. The grandfather replied, “Adios!” but when he said it, I could’ve sworn that he said, “Dinero!” (Which means money in English) I took that as a pretty obvious sign from God confirming what I thought He was already telling me to do. I joyfully took my wallet out and asked the translator to help me tell the family why I was giving it to them. The wife of the household choked back tears, held her hands to her heart, and said “Muchos gracias, muchos gracias, muchos gracias!”
Here’s a picture of the family and some of their friends:
