With every team we have, Connie tells them that for these trips we always go hoping to bless/encourage others, but often we leave changed and encouraged in our own faiths as well. It’s one reason why AIM’s focus is discipleship—it’s missions to the nations and our own as well. This has been true for me many times, and especially this week. I’m tired, yes… but most of all, I feel… renewal.
I don’t know how to describe Costa Rica other than familia… family through faith. Last year, I told you about the church family there—El Eden—and how welcoming they were, particularly the Pastor and his wife, and another family who owns a small business making clay birds. I was so excited to see them again and to see how they were doing. Jose and Andrea had a baby 6 weeks ago! Little Mattias is a gift from God and this family is so happy. In addition to bringing the team to Jose’s shop to see his art and to buy from him, we were able to spend time with them, drinking coffee, and even sharing a meal. It was a multi-lingual conversation, as we weren’t all fluent in the same language… but it was beautiful, full of laughter, and filled with the love of the family of God.
As well, seeing Pastor Marcos, Ira, and their family… it was like coming home. And I know I used that term to describe Thailand, but it is in a different sense. Coming home to the Church, to mi ‘Mama y Papa de Costa Rica’ – my Costa Rican parents. I don’t know what to say other than that I feel so incredibly blessed to have these people in my life, so thankful to live in a time where communication across the world—and across languages—only makes things more interesting (instead of an impossibility), and so… so, loved.
*Photos by Connie Rock.
That’s it… I’m overwhelmed with the love of Christ, with the love of His people, with my families both by blood and by faith, who are in my life. And my prayer is that I am and will be that to you as well. All I can do right now is say, “Thank you”, and that I feel like I understand a piece of what Paul meant when he wrote:
"I thank my God every time I remember you…" Phil. 1:3
So… the team! There were 19 in all… it was an intergenerational team from Ohio. We were so impressed with their faith, their maturity, and their joy. The night before they left, a horrible storm ripped through their town, destroying homes, property, and electricity. This team left for a missions trip overseas knowing that their families remained behind to clean up and repair their homes… not knowing if their families even had power. And they were “all in” from the moment they stepped off the plane!
Each night as we debriefed, we were amazed at what God did that day. If the team went to a school to do manual labor, they finished early and spent the remainder of the time playing sports with kids, talking with staff, etc… building relationships. A group of men and young adults went to a field everyday and taught the Ticos (Costa Ricans) how to play American football, making sure to learn names and laugh more than compete. They were there for relationships… they were there for Christ.
From children’s ministry to exploring the town, painting a mural on the church wall, and praying for men at a rehabilitation center…. every moment was precious.
For the sake of length, I’m going to end this post here, but please stay tuned for future posts…God did some incredible things in Costa Rica this week (as you read in Francisco's story), and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Dios te bendiga (may God bless you!)
