Hola! Buenos dias from Costa Rica!
We were in Puerto Viejo for 14 days. We stayed at a YWAM (Youth with a Mission) Base. The 14 days were about serving our hosts in whatever way possible. This meant we helped them build a house for future missionaries and teachers! I used a hammer, moved heavy logs and beams, and also painted more than I have in my whole life! We were in the jungles of Talamanca mountain. There were lots of mosquitoes, monkeys, rain and humidity. I decided to sleep in my tent outside because of the humidity and bugs. I spent the days covered in mud, paint, sawdust, sweat and bug spray. At night I fell asleep to monkeys screaming and dogs barking. I survived, and I’m so glad I have the experience in my “life” portfolio.
In addition to the manual labor, we went out into the community to pray with people and share the love of Jesus. One day, I had a great conversation with a Costa Rican fisherman. We talked about racism around the world and how Jesus loved people regardless of who they were. It was interesting to hear his perspective on race as a black man born in Costa Rica.
One thing the Race has taught me is that people are people, regardless of where they are born or what they look like. We are all people in need of love. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus is that Savior, He is Love! He lived among us, died, rose again, ascended back to heaven, and sent back the Holy Spirit to restore our relationship to the Father. I’m so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to share Jesus all around the world.
New Team Update
During our first week in Costa Rica, we had team changes. Everyone on the squad was assigned to new teams for the 3rd time since Launch in October. I genuinely miss my last team, Team Kainoceros, but I’m growing to love Team Level Up, my new team.
Here’s the team. Click on their names to go to their blogs.
Jenny (Team leader)
Amanda (Storyteller)
Ashley (Intercession coordinator)
Eva (My birthday twin has been with me the whole Race. I’m so thankful for her. She’s a powerful woman of God, and God knew I’d need her the whole Race.) ????
Brynna (Squad logistics coordinator)
Stella (A squad leader who is with our team for this month in Costa Rica)
Me (Treasurer)
To sum up this update, I asked each team member for one word that described our time in the jungle. Here’s what we said. The word to describe the 2 weeks were: Tiring, Stretching, Difficult, Purposed, Endurance, Thankfulness, Symbolic.
Today (May 21st) marks 100 days until we are back on U.S. soil! I am praying that these next months I continue to have experiences that deepen my faith and reliance on God, and leave me changed and on fire for God. I want to finish this Race strong, and begin my “post-Race” life even stronger. I don’t want to settle. I want to pursue all God has for me.
Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.
In courageous faith and for His glory alone,
Sharon
