The first month of the World Race is complete. We had an amazing time at 6:8 ministry. We were able to be a part of the impact that this ministry does on a daily basis. We saw many aspects of their roles in Alajuelita and how they care for the people of this city. As I look back on my time in Costa Rica, there are 5 moments that impacted me the most and they are as follows:
1. Child Sponsorship
While in Costa Rica, we had the chance to help 6:8 with their child Sponsorship program. This program enables kids to go to school. In Costa Rica, you have to pay for uniforms and supplies to go to school. If you don't have uniforms and school supplies, you can't go. Through sponsorship from America, 6:8 is able to sponsor 113 kids and also an additional 15 kids for the local church. We were there when the kids were given all their supplies. Our team helped with many stations at the sponsorship day such as nail painting for little girls, hair cuts, giving uniforms, taking their pictures, giving backpacks, praying over them, and also making cards for there sponsor. This was such an amazing opportunity for us to see the benefit of sponsoring children oversea. My team actually sponsored a High School girl. She was in the hospital during our stay in Costa Rica due to a tumor. However, we did get to meet her mom. Please pray for Saskia while she recovers from her surgery and prepares for the next school year.
2. VBS
We did a VBS for a neighborhood called Verbena for 3 days. This neighborhood is filled with illegal Nicaraguan. It is one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Costa Rica. Many people don't even know it exists. The houses are pancaked on top of each other. Their raw sewage runs out of the homes and down to the river. Walking through the neighborhood is like an obstacle course. You have to watch every step to make sure you don't go off the path and fall or step in to sewage. We were able to teach them wonderfulchildren stories about Jesus, songs, crafts, and games. The seed of hope was planted in many of these children. Our teams found so much joy in loving on these beautiful children of God.
3. Pot Luck Dinner
On our last day in Alajuelita, the 4 teams staying at the team house had a pot luck dinner with all our leftover food.
First off I must state my love for pot luck dinners. At home, I would always be the first in line in any pot luck dinner situation. It delights my heart to see all the different foods and cultures that are put into a pot luck. I couldn't contain my smile all night. At first, we all thought we wouldn't have enough food for 35 people, but the food lined down 4 table. We had enough food to feed an army. IT WAS AWESOME!
4. Black and White Event
The men on our squad came up with a black and white event. This event was full of fun and laughter. The men put so much effort into this event. We had dancing, prizes, and limbo. This was such a blessing to the girls on our squad.
5. Worship at the Celebration Church.
Who knew that worshiping in a different language would be so powerful. It was amazing to see God presence in a different country. I loved to see the passion that the Costa Ricans felt for God. It was such a humbling experience. We all learned our new favorite spanish praise songs.
Already on this journey, I have seen the growth in my team and squad. I can't wait to see how the Lord will use us in the upcoming months.
(Photos by my amazing teammate MK Hill)
