Guys!! It has been a week in Turrialba, Costa Rica. And I regret to inform you I will not be coming home.
Haha just teasing, but seriously it feels like home already. I’m just going to give you guys a glimpse of what my life looks like and a few things I’m learning!!
First off, I have the sweetest and most gracious host family. Pastor Armando has generously opened his church to us. 13 of my teammates and I live in one of the rooms in the church. Our official ministry is working on projects for the church. This past week we finished a sidewalk, built a roof, and started a big painting project! A day in the life looks like: Maria and Julio cooking us the most incredible meals, Greta cleans up after us, and Hugo teaches us how to do the tasks for the day. While there are some things that took adjusting to, I don’t focus on the cold showers or working in the heat or the fact that I share a room with 13 other humans. I am so overwhelmed with how blessed I am to be here, in community, to be serving, and to have these amenities at all. I am more than taken care of.
Life here is slow, and I’m learning what it looks like to live like Jesus. But not because I’m putting up a roof or painting a church. They don’t need us for that. I’m learning what it looks like to live like Jesus through the people around me. Through this family I’ve never met, who opened their home to me; through Maria and Julio, who spend all day preparing and cooking delicious meals for us. Through Greta who serves us and Julio who extends patience as he teaches us the project of the day. These humans are showing us the gospel as they love and serve us, and I love seeing Jesus in them.
The Lord is showing me so much, but more specifically he is teaching me the importance of living like Christ in the mundane, small moments of life. I see it in those around me, and now I rejoice when I get a moment to do the dishes for Maria, or braid Greta’s hair, or share my cinnamon frosted pecans!
My first ministry is not exactly what I was expecting, but it’s humbling and I’m so thankful. I love seeing the Lord in the little moments, seeing him as others faithfully serve me, and seeing him when I get a moment to love others well. I think this is a great first ministry, it’s a reminder that the Lord doesn’t NEED us, but we get to be used by him. He is so good to invite us into what he is doing, and so good to give us opportunities to live like him, even in the smallest moments.
Would you guys just take a moment to ask the Lord how we can be faithful in the small?
All prayers for my team and ministry hosts are so so appreciated!!
Love you guys! Stay tuned!!
I love what you said in the last paragraph about the Lord not needing us but inviting us in! That’s so good! Praying for you and your team Hadley! Thanks for the update!
Hadley, thanks for the great update! You are learning what takes many so long to learn – the beauty of living life in the mundane and finding Christ in the mundane. We are so grateful for the opportunity you and your team have there and are praying for you!!!
I appreciate your attention to seeing the Lord in the little things and appreciating the small ways you and your team are blessed.
You go, Hadley!
Bubba and Suzanne
I’m so thankful for this opportunity – adventure – you are on and the joy I read in your words of appreciation for the care given to you and your new friends. Appreciating small things from people you’ve never met is very mature & heartwarming. I will continue to pray for you on this worthy adventure.