As we loaded the bus for ministry last week, tears filling our eyes and blurring our vision, we knew it’d be the last time we saw the faces of some of our favorite people.
About a month ago, my team was informed that there would be a family from Arkansas living with us when we get home from La Montaña, who are on a vision trip to see whether they want (and of course, to solidly whether God is calling them or not) to move to Costa Rica and partner with Adventures in Missions. My first response was one of indifference, assuming that we wouldn’t really be interacting with them, but rather letting them do their thing while we continue doing our thing. Welp, I was wrong.
Not only did we get to know the Rodda’s; we fell in love with the Rodda’s. I’ve never met a family quite like them and they left an impression on me that I’ll never forget.
Ben (Mr. Rodda): the moment you introduced yourself when welcoming us home from La Montaña, I knew you were gonna be a fun guy to have around. First of all, God has endowed you with the rare gifts of passion, vulnerability, perspective, knowledge, and wisdom. It’s not everyday that you meet a dad who has such a strong passion for young people like you do, a perspective that soars above the “now” and points people to a “higher good”, a spirit willing and eager to share areas of weakness for the benefit of others, and has the knowledge with which to impart the wisdom that so clearly envelopes him. Especially having lived without a dad for nearly six months, having a father figure around the house was a breath of fresh air for all of us, especially me.
Secondly, the way in which you lead your family is simply beautiful. The unending love that you show your wife and two daughters beautiful mirrors the Biblical landscape of how the Lord intended families to interact, treat, and support one another. The blueprint you so closely and intentionally follow in your role as father inspires everyone you meet; people see the difference in you and want to follow in your footsteps.
My favorite memory with you: I have to say that my most favorite memory with you was our two hour theological conversation on the bus ride to ministry. Lord knows I needed to have a heady conversation with someone and that’s actually what I was dying to have on that particular day when you sat down and asked me to tell you a little bit about myself; then the rest of the conversation just kinda unfolded itself and I can’t thank you enough for taking your time to intentionally listen to me and show me that my voice indeed matters. (I suppose a long theological conversation is bound to happen when you put a pastor and a curious girl on the same bus row for a two hour ride….). Anyway, my soul needed that so thank you, Ben. You are incredible and unforgettable.
Kim (Mrs. Rodda): wow. I don’t even know where to start. Your passion, creativity, love, joy, empathy, and fun personality is unparalleled. I have never met anyone who so beautifully embodies all of these characteristics the way you do: harmoniously and selflessly. Again, when news hit us that a family was staying at the base, I had little to know expectations of getting to know them, but the minute I met you, I knew this would not be the case. You love fiercely. You never cast judgements. You are so much fun to be around and your presence fills any room you walk into. You are an inspiration. One of a kind. You set an example everyone wants to follow. You fight for the overlooked and underprivileged. Your heart is made of gold. You view us all equally, yet treat us with such thoughtful individuality, as to cater to our differences without changing yourself in the process (which, in case you were unaware, is not an easy task to perform and takes quite the measure of candidness and talent to execute with such precision).
My favorite memory with you: definitely the awesome photo shoot you did with us a couple weeks ago. It meant a lot for you to selflessly spend your entire day with us girls in San José taking wacky, artsy pictures. That’s actually the most fun I’d had in a hot second and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I think I like you just a ‘lil bit;-)
Stella (the eldest daughter, 15): the moment I met you, I knew we’d get along. Let me start by saying you are mature beyond your years (like, WOW) and it’s extremely rare to meet someone your age who has the kind of perspective, personality, and wisdom you do. In addition to these excellent qualities, you are freaking talented! Remember that day you tired you teach me soccer? You know what you’re talking about, girl. Seriously, keep up the hard work. The Lord made a true masterpiece when he made you and is constantly dancing over you with joy. You are truly beautiful inside out and I am honored to call you my friend.
My favorite memory with you: hands down our conversation outside the kindergarten classrooms a couple weeks ago at the Love At Work School. You spoke to me with such wisdom, intelligence, and perspective that I left the conversation completely baffled at you. Believe it or not, I learned a lot from YOU instead of other way around. You are seriously inspirational and influential; a life changer and truth seeker. Never underestimate the power you carry as a believer with the Holy Spirit inside of you. He has such great things in store for you, my dear!
Savvy (youngest daughter, 13): Savvy! I miss you so much. You, too, are mature way beyond your years and it carries into everything you do. By looks I would guess 14, but by maturity, I’d have to say 24 (or older). I know I told you this in person, but I wasn’t half as mature as you at 14, and because of that, I look up to you in a way. And not only are you physically and mentally mature, but spiritually mature as well, which is not something you find in your average 13-year-old. You taught me so much during your stay in Costa Rica that I have already been able to apply to life and ministry. You inspire, bring joy, show love, and radiate Jesus everywhere you go. Never stop chasing the Lord with all your heart because He’s gonna use you in such mighty ways. You are a true treasure.
Favorite memory with you: I have to say my favorite memory with you is that time at Project Abraham that we sat monotonously cleaning bleachers, yet having the most interesting and fruitful conversation in which we learned about each other as well as encouraged one another in the Lord. I will never forget that amazing time I spent with you!
Rodda’s: I really miss you guys and simply can’t believe how quickly that month flew by! I wish you guys could come with us to Ecuador and finish the Race with us…but all good things must come to an end, I suppose. You guys inspired, encouraged, and impacted me as both a family and individually, and the Lord knew that that’s just what I needed at that specific time in my life. I thank God for putting you all in my path and for the privilege I had of meeting and getting to know every single one of you. I plan on keeping you in my prayers and can’t wait to see where the Lord will take you guys in the upcoming years! (If it’s Costa Rica, you’d better believe I’ll be knockin at yo front door sooner than later;-). Love you guys!
-Sam
