Whenever I step outside America’s borders, my heart becomes full. I find it difficult to narrow down the reasons why. Maybe it’s the experience of a different culture, or learning a foreign language. Or it could be the adventure that coincides with travelling or making new friends. Maybe it’s tasting the rich (and sometimes strange) local cuisine or getting a front row seat to seeing the variety of God’s creation. It is even possible that it’s simply the escape from the fast-paced, usually materialistic, society of America.
No matter what the reason, or combination of reasons, I love being in another country.
For the past two weeks I have immersed myself into the food, people, and “Pura Vida” lifestyle of Costa Rica. I am here for seven weeks total, teaching English in a local elementary school for credit towards my Master’s degree. I live in the home of the sweet Acevedo family, in a tiny town called Villarreal. I spend most of my time teaching “Kinders” and stuffing myself with fresh pineapples and mangos. Not to mention the beach, which is a 5 minute bus ride from my house, calls my name nearly everyday.
In many ways I feel the Lord using this experience to ready me for the World Race. Not only is my Spanish increasing cada minuto (every minute) but His Spirit is at work in my heart, preparing me the upcoming year. He has been revealing himself to me, via English and Spanish conversations, His Word, and His Creation. During this time, the Lord has continued to confirm in my heart that the World Race is what He has planned for me.
I am taking a Sociology class while I am here…a study of the “Global South.” The discussions and reading have opened my eyes even more so to the pain and poverty that exists in many of the countries located near or below the equator. My heart is burdened to the point where I cannot remain content with the cozy American lifestyle that awaits me back in Georgia.
“Pura Vida” is the common saying here, which means “Pure Life.” As I continue my work here in Costa Rica and prepare for my journey with the World Race, I pray that I would be a vessel for sharing the “Pura Vida” that our Heavenly Father offers to anyone willing to receive it.
(Above) This is the home of the Acevedo family, where I am staying for these 7 weeks!
(Above) Here are some of the Kinders I'm teaching English to. Ellos son fuertes!
