The past several weeks have been so eventful I can’t even put it into words. Well, actually I can, which is what I’m trying to do. Eventually I found myself strolling down a dirt street with a big grin on my face, an open heart, and a mango in my pocket. But with all good things, it took hard work and effort to get to that beautiful place.
It started my last few days in Jaco, Costa Rica. Our squad leaders were with us. They were inspiring me and my host was pushing me to grow. So I claimed the breakthrough that I wanted. My freedom had already been bought so all I had to do was accept it. I did. I decided to go to the skate ramp to sing and dance. Why? Because that’s what makes me happy. So I might as well be happy.
The next day I bought a twirly skirt to dance in. It also made me happy. Then we saw the movie War Room and things started to get real. I needed to learn how to pray better.
After the movie we had free time, our rest day, our adventure day, and out last day of ministry. Those days flew by. Soon we were saying our goodbyes and heading to Grenada, Nicaragua for debrief.
The travel to Nicaragua wasn’t that bad. I am so grateful for our amazing logistics team.
At debrief we had sessions to help us grow more. One was about sharing things and being vulnerable. So I stepped up to share about something that really hurt me when I was 19. After that, I didn’t feel any better. I felt like I had a gaping wound. But that’s how vulnerability works, it hurts and then it heals. It hurt for 2 days before it started to heal. I felt awkward and exposed, but then as I saw my squad encourage me, I began to trust them more and heal. Debrief felt like vacation. I went to this place called Chocolate Cafe 3 times. I felt at home there. My third time there I had gone alone. I went to journal, pray, read, and eat. While there a group of English speakers were asking about the restaurant so I stepped in and told them which menu was best to order from. They commended me on reading my Bible. Later when I was about to leave they invited me to sit with them. Their names are Leo, Clarence, Tim, and Joyce. Four days ago they were complete strangers. But that day they all sat together and we discussed the topic of religion versus having a personal relationship with God. I left the cafe feeling very inspired. The next day we left for our ministry in Nicaragua. We arrived at a place called Vision Nicaragua. We had a free day. The next day we only had an orientation with a village called Bethel and then a trip to the store. I was starting to forget to claim my freedom and almost felt useless. The next morning I prayed for God to help me. I prayed for a long time. Like an hour. Then that morning when we went to the village to talk with people I felt almost free. Once I prayed openly with someone I felt all the way free.
Two days later we were in a different village. I was walking down a dirt road with my group. We had just finished praying and singing over a sick man. I looked at the dirt road and saw the beauty in the rocks and gravel. The mango trees danced in the light breeze, and small orchids bloomed sporadically next to the road. The day was gorgeous. I looked at the orchid in my hand that I had just picked. Then I patted the mango in my pocket. These seem like small things, but they are full of beauty. Our God gives wonderful gifts. I smiled to myself knowing this was only the beginning of my new vibrant life.
