It’s been about a week of being home and it has been weird to be back. Jaco was amazing and I never posted because I was too busy enjoying the beautiful beach that I lived 10 minutes from. We stayed at an organization called Oceans Edge, which is run by awesome ladies who mentored and loved us so well. Ministry looked like a variety of things such as projects on the property, volunteering at the local church, reaching out to businesses, and helping out at surf club. Some girls on my team painted a beautiful mural. I loved the variety in ministry and that most days looked like something different.
My favorite thing was being able to build relationships and meet people who live in Jaco. Wether through going on a prayer walk, going to businesses, or walking on the beach, there were so many opportunities to meet people. Building relationships and being intentional is something my team did really well. One thing I learned is that these small interactions are meaningful and can go a long way. Sometimes the conversation could lead to hearing someones story, asking to pray for them, and inviting them to church.
Being home this has been so much harder. For one thing, its not normal to walk up to a random persons house and start having a conversation with them. People in the states are a lot more independent and aren’t as willing to talk to strangers. Also I find myself not having a desire to be as intentional with people and I am already back into the fast paced mindset of checking things off a list and getting things done.
I’m trying to take the time to think about what it really looks like to live a mission lifestyle. It’s more then just serving during a specific time. It really is waking up everyday and saying yes to God and choosing to love people. Its a lifestyle that comes when you pursue God and it’s definitely not something that’s easy, but it will be worth it!!
Heres a few pics from Jaco:
