This past Sunday we embarked on our first adventure day.
The day started with an hour and a half bus ride. I spent the whole time starring out the window awing over God’s great creation: I found my Church in the rolling clouds covering the majestic mountains and the comfort they seemed to bring.
Then we arrived and started our trek to the Irazu Volcano!
We got distracted by a side path in the woods that led to no where…
so we got back on our way to the volcano.
Walking through the wide open space was simply calming: I found my Church in that calmness.
Alas, we reached the main lookout point. Don’t ask me where the volcano is because I still don’t know… couldn’t tell you where the lava would come from… I’m not even convinced I saw the actual Irazu Volcano…
None the less, it was absolutely beautiful.
And so were the people I adventured with.
I found my Church in their smiles and warm embraces: God’s love poured fervently out of these people.
It was incredible to stand at the edge looking into the depths of this volcano.
I found my Church in the still of the water. I found my Church in the amazement of the things my God is capable of.
I gazed over the fence, and awed some more.
As I saw the no passing sign…
I decided…
To climb on top of the fence…
And gain a new perspective.
There, I found my Church in remembering how small I am in this world, but still my God loves me more than I can know.
I walked away refreshed filled with love of my Church.
Then we hoped back on the bus and half of us went on to a second hike while the other half went home.
We arrived at next spot, and it started to pour down rain.
Our hike through the forest became very wet, cold, and muddy.
But still I found my Church.
I found my Church in the trees standing tall and strong, thriving as God poured down His love.
As we walked the foggy paths, soaked and freezing;
we still smiled.
Though our legs were covered in mud, I felt cleansed. I found my Church in the refreshment of the rain. My body and soul were washed with God’s grace.
We took one last photo and headed back to the bus, with no one looking forward to the bus ride home. Then, our bus driver surprised us with a stop at a heavenly restaurant.
We warmed up with cups of hot coffee and filled our bellies with amazing food. Then it was back on the bus and time to go home.
I never stepped foot in a Church this Sunday. I hiked a volcano, got soaked in a rainforest, and ate delicious food: yet somehow it was the best Church I could ask for.
God does not live in a building. We can’t put God in a box. God lives in our hearts. If we know that and seek Him, we can find a Church anywhere and every where.
I encourage you to take God out of the box you’ve stuck Him in and see all the surprising ways you can find your Church.
