Hi friends! Oh my goodness the last few weeks have been so full. I said goodbye to Turrialba and my host family, I met up with the rest of my squad in Jacó for debrief, and made my way to my new ministry here in Rio Grande, Costa Rica!
Our goodbye was difficult, Pastor Armando, and his family and church took us in as their own. They loved and cared for us so well, leaving them was bittersweet. It was incredibly sad to say goodbye, but really awesome we formed relationships that warranted a tough goodbye. I am grateful to God for my time in Turrialba, with Julio and Marie and Greta and Gabriel and Julie and so many more!
Jacó was our debrief, a time when we come back together to unpack our last ministry and the things we have learned. We have team check ins and teachings. It’s simply a time to reset and recharge before our next ministry. The World Race really values rest. In our weeks, we have 5 days of ministry and work, 1 free day or adventure day, and 1 day of sabbath and rest. Our debrief is just an extension of the value of rest.
I had four days to be filled up by my squad mentor, coaches, squad leaders, and fellow squad members. Specifically I spent my time enjoying the quiet of the morning (5:30 sunrise runs), appreciating the majesty that is the ocean the Lord created and being captivated by the stars that hung so brightly in the sky. It was refreshing to hear what the Lord was doing in the lives and ministries of other teams. It was restful to just be and appreciate the beauty that was all around me. While Jacó was very spiritually dark, it was cool to recognize that this squad brought the light of the world. In this hostile, where the ways and passions of the world were very present, we stuck out like a sore thumb. We did not look like the world. I got to walk in peace and confidence that my eyes are fixed on not what is seen but what is unseen, since what is seen it temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
And now I have found myself in Rio Grande, Costa Rica. I would tell you more about where that is, but I’m not 100% sure I know, I wasn’t sure where I was going until I was here. Classic World Race. But what I do know is that my team and I are living with Pastor Hector and his family. We live on a fruit farm! Our ministry will consist of gardening, evangelism, teaching, and serving the community in many ways. This month is going to be stretching. I know that the Lord is going to use it to teach and grow each of us.
I personally have already felt the uncomfortable growing pains. Last night I prepared a message and shared my testimony to the congregation. Public speaking is NOT my natural bend. However, we were asked to prepare something and I knew the Lord was prompting me. Hannah, one of our squad leaders, also felt clearly that God was highlighting me, so I stepped out in obedience. Even though it was scary and largely uncomfortable, I said yes. My desire to walk in all the things the Lord has for me was greater than my fear of incompetence, and my desire to please people. I understood that the Lord can and will use me regardless of my inadequacies.
And he did! With much prayer for him to use me, for him to give me the words, for him to take away any fear and anxiety, I left feeling so light. A freedom that comes from walking in obedience. I felt no fear while speaking, I was overwhelmed by his peace and covered in his confidence. It wasn’t a world changing message, but it was a big moment. A moment that I know Jesus used to plant a seed or touch a heart. And a moment that emboldened me to step into the hard and challenging things he is calling me to.
With all that being said, would you pray over this month for my team and I? Pray that the Lord would embolden us and teach us in the uncomfortable.
And would you reflect on your own lives right now, look and see where it is that God is asking you to step in obedience.
I love you guys and am so grateful for your support! If you guys have any questions about what life looks like or about my last few weeks I would love to answer them!
My whole squad in Jacó
My favorite sunrise from Jacó
Papayas on the fruit farm
Rainbow on our first night in Rio Grande
Gardening!
Me speaking at church!
