I’ve written this blog a thousand times over in my head, but as I sit behind my laptop trying to put words to my team’s last 10 days in the village – the words simply slip my mind.
We spent our days staring out into the endless ocean of pineapple fields, wading through the river and walking the gravel roads of Sarapiqui. We were away from the familiarity of the city we became accustomed to in San Jose and were now sleeping on the floor in an old run-down bar.
Playing in the river! Felt like I was living like Mowgli out of the Jungle Book.
We met Pastor Jose and his family after a two hour drive through the rainforest. I’m not sure I have ever seen anything so beautiful; a canopy over the road, mountains off in the distance, beautiful rivers and trees as far as the eye can see. After being welcomed with open arms we spent the first two days resting and becoming familiar with the area. They took us to the river where we played soccer, played in the water and saw the creativity of our Father in what seemed like a hidden space. We spent time working with their youth group, we helped them host their first ever vacation bible school and we simply got to know people in their community.
One of the hidden treasures we found at the river.
After learning the history of the church, I was reminded at how redemptive our God is. Pastor Jose never had any interest in becoming a pastor; he and his family were happily settled in San Jose when he felt the Lord calling him to be a pastor in Sarapiqui. People told him he was crazy for turning an old run down bar into a church, people told him no one would come, people told him it was a waste of time; but here I am, standing in awe of all God has done through this church in the five short months its doors have been opened.
The people of the village we stayed in were more generous than any other group of people I have ever met. I lost count of all the times people brought us food, came over to check on us or gave us freshly picked pineapple. (PS: Perks of living in the middle of the rain forest is that you get fresh pineapple whenever you want.) On top of everything else, Pastor Jose and his family welcomed us as their own; they took us to the river to swim, they showed us the beauty of their country, they drove us to town for an “American meal” and gave generously in any way we needed.
Teresa, who quickly became my Saripiqui grandma. She cooked for me, did my laundry and let me
watch Spanish soap operas with her; a hard goodbye no doubt.
I’ll miss my quiet times in the morning staring out into the pineapple fields. I’ll miss playing soccer and all the kids from VBS. I’ll miss the generosity of the people in Saripiqui and the simplicity of their lifestyle. I’ll for sure miss Pastor Jose, his sense of humor and the craziness he carries for Jesus.
Quiet time with Jesus starring into the unending view of pineapple fields.
Goodbyes are never easy and I know it’s just the beginning. Off to Nicaragua we go to uncover and chase after the plans and provisions God has for us there.
My team and I with Pastor Jose and his family. I cannot say enough about the love I have for them.
And to my friends, family and supporters back home: I can’t simply post a blog without recognizing how much you all have done for me. This would not be possible without you, do not for a second discredit the work God is doing through you. You all are an answer to prayer and I thank Him for you daily.
Con mucho amor,
Victoria
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Prayer Requests:
1. Spanish. The language barrier makes conversations hard but as many of you know I come from a Spanish background and have been around the language my whole life. I have been using my Spanish and am trying to learn but my prayer is that I would be fluent before I come home. (Might sound crazy, but my Father delights in my dreams. So I’m going big on this one.)
2. Team Tharseo. As a team, we are growing closer day by day. We have hard conversations when we need to and some nights we fall asleep with tears in our eyes from laughing so hard. Continue to pray for the unity of the team, the health of this team and against any spiritual attacks we may face.
3. Ministry in Nicaragua. We are all excited for everything Nicaragua has for us. It is an all squad month which means all 30 of us will be together the entire month – yay!
