Today I Got Served! And I’m not talking about the ‘B2K break dance battle‘ kinda serving; I’m talking about the ‘Let me show you the love of Christ and bless you in ways you neither expected nor deserve‘ kind of serving.
These are my new friends, 4 of the most amazing young ladies, like for reals. They are very mature and, although they are obviously teenagers, very self aware. They have a genuine love for God and others that I never possessed or even considered when I was their age.
Lu & Stephanie heading to a weekend retreat
Christina, Priscilla, and I after enjoying ice cream at McDonald’s
The night that they made dinner for Dani, Kristen, Stephanie, and me was just one of the many times in which they’ve been a blessing to my life. It was a delicious tico meal, but that was far from the most memorable part. What I do recall and will never forget is how they diligently cared for us and poured into us from the most sincere part of their hearts. They were gracious, selfless, loving, serving, funny, humble, and beautiful. They exhibited characteristics of Christ that captivated me.
For a moment all I could do was sit and watch as they so willingly and effortlessly prepared a meal while goofing around to the latest teeny-bopper songs and entertaining us, their guests.
The evening proceeded with dinner by candlelight and conversations about what brought us to the race, what we’ve seen and learned so far, and what we hope for our future. As I spoke to these girls, I became increasingly aware of how attentive they were; how they sat wide eyed and hung on every word that we said. We’d just finished eating, but these ladies were still hungry for what food could not provide; and if time were not an issue, I could have stayed with them the entire night. I loved them. They had taught me quite a bit and done so much for me. In that moment I felt my heart expand as I was overcome with thankfulness that God allowed us to cross paths, and I knew that I wanted to remain a part of their lives.
Last month I specifically asked God and my prayer warriors back home for rest. I asked to be the one being poured into rather than be the one doing all of the pouring, for once. I know that sounds pretty selfish and “anti-missions”, but it’s true. God went above and beyond in honoring my prayer requests. The beginning of Costa Rica started with our host giving us a week away from ministry to “refuel and recharge” and it ended with my new friends forcing me to rest as they prepared a wonderful evening for me. Mixed in between were countless moments of other missionaries providing us with food, supplies, money, and clothes. They ministered to us daily and invited us to bible classes, small group meetings, and worship nights – not because they wanted us to take over for the night, but because they wanted us to experience and enjoy what God was doing. They weren’t just focused on a specific task, but they cared about our development as people and disciples. God showed me last month that it doesn’t have to be one way or the other. You’re not either on the giving end or the receiving end. In His Kingdom, all of His children are finding ways to serve one another. Not out of obligation, but out of love.
Last month in Costa Rica, even though I’m supposed to be the missionary, I got served. And oddly enough (after my prayer for rest), all I wanted to do was serve the students, my ministry host, and my team as well. Even more than usual, I want to love them, watch them grow, and be a part of that growth.
So this blog is dedicated to my four new friends, Priscilla, Christina, Stephanie, and Lucia and EVERYONE at Zoe Church & Glory Christian School Costa Rica. Thank you for allowing God to use you to bless me. Your acts of love definitely go beyond what you are able to see or even intended. I know that God has great things planned for you and I love you always!
All the ladies (being normal) after our Farewell Dinner
