“But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.” (Galatians 5:5)
It is only now, after eight months of fundraising, that I have begun to understand what it means to “eagerly await.” It has been rather encouraging to me to read example after example of God calling someone to something and then having them wait for his timing. As the last few financial commitments trickle in, I am pleased to inform you that it is time for me to depart to Costa Rica. In September (God willing) a friend and I will load the car with bare essentials and begin the migration. 3,600 miles and about a week later we will arrive in San Jose.
I am anxious to experience the beauty of the open road and God's people. I remember being in the jungle of Costa Rica three years ago and making a list (that I still have to this day) of all of the things I wanted. The items were simple... french toast, chocolate chip pancakes, turkey and avocado sandwich, and the list goes on in the same fashion. My desire for things had been reduced to food. I didn't care what shirt I was wearing, what car I was driving, or what car I would like to be driving. I didn't want a Ferrari or a 5 bedroom house... just give me some french toast, God's people, and a glimpse of His sunset through the canopy forest that He painted simply to entertain us and I would be content. I am excited to leave the "stuff" of life, and enter the "stuff" of God. Not that one has to leave to experience God, but it is all a part of this journey.
The rest of the Students International staff in Costa Rica has been working hard to set up ministry sites as well as to build a sense of community in the area of Desamparados. We are all excited to see what God has in store for the people of this community as well as the students that we introduce to the mission field through short term outreaches. Thank you so much for your support of this ministry, both financial and prayerful. Please continue to pray for safety, especially as I drive through Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
I don't yet know what roads we'll take, but it seems like we're heading in the right direction...
Dusty Rose...I'm so excited that you are about to head down to Costa Rica. God really does use the support raising season to teach us, not always what we want to learn, but what he wants us to learn. Being utterly dependent on God was one thing I got out of my year of raising support, and it's something I need to be once again even as I am more settled in Prague and more prone to do things out of my own strength. Anyways, looking forward to hearing more of your adventures...
ReplyDeleteTadpole.
Dutton - As I attempt to wrap my head around the entire concept of this faith journey you're about to embark on, I find myself exceedingly proud, yet unmistakeably anxious at the same time. There is no doubt in my mind that lives will be changed and great things accomplished by the work you will do in Costa Rica, and I cannot wait to watch it all unfold. As you become God's hands and feet, witnessing in another country, please know that the thumbprints and footprints you've left on those of us you leave behind will sustain us in your absence, serving as a constant reminder of the very reason for your mission. You, and your amazing, unfailing heart for God, are my inspiration. Ultimately, what's a mother to do? She holds on for all she's worth, only to gently, lovingly, unfold her arms and offer her child up to the One who gave her this precious gift in the first place. Traveling and tender mercies, always and forever. Memo
ReplyDelete