To express how full, faith-building, awe-inspiring and simply encouraging this last week on campus was would be a nearly impossible feat. In fact, these last few days would be enough content with which to write a short novella. (But I'll resist on this post... Don't worry.) God is good! I would've never imagined an ending to these four weeks as amazing as this before coming here. We never imagined having so many--over 30!--college students studying the Bible on UCR's campus. I never imagined the profound sense of unity and camaraderie we feel with our Costa Rican family here that we do now. I never imagined having five new friends who are SO close to making the most important decision of their lives. I never imagined falling in love so deeply with tropical rainstorms, equatorial sunshine, green mountains, slow sloths, and hearing the words "Pura vida" after every sentence. And I definitely never imagined feeling more pride and joy for my teammates than I do: this awe, in particular, is what I'm filled with this morning.
Last night, the last Saturday night for the majority of our team here, the Tico disciples threw us a raving fiesta (or rather, pachanga) to celebrate the end of our campus month. And What. A. Pachanga. :) We started off screaming our lungs out watching the Costa Rica/Mexico match (if you haven't picked up on it, fútbol is life here in Central America). Immediately after the final score was announced, there was no hesitation to put the music on and get on our feet to dance. And we danced for hours! Salsa, merengue, bachata, and the occasional Cha Cha slide filled our evening with so much laughter. It was an amazing way to have fun, bond even more with our siblings in Christ here (nothing says humility like gringo "rhythm"...), and enjoy our last night as a full team. At the end of the party, some of the disciples took time to share about the North River team, which was encouraging and humbling. Jordan and Kati are on the plane this morning headed home to Atlanta, and Jacob, Skye, Ryan and Beth will be following suit this week.
There is no doubt in my mind that God hand-picked each one of our team members and brought them especially to San José. Jordan Zech's leadership, Kati's sincerity, Jessica's eagerness, Skye's childlike faith, Ryan's vulnerability, Jacob's work ethic, Violeta's zeal, Beth's worshipfulness, Carrie's depth, Joenesha's light-heartedness, and even all of our weaknesses have been powerfully used by God to create the exact team that was needed. I could not be more proud of my comrades in the fight than I currently am.
This past month has been nothing short of an honor. On the fired-up days, on the exhausted days, on the weak days, on the scary days, on the faith-building days, and on the emotional days... the Spirit has guided, encouraged, strengthened, and stretched us. I wouldn't change anything about any day we've had on campus. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude to be here with these friends and co-warriors of mine, Tico and gringo. Thank you for those who have supported us with prayers, fasting, advice, financial help, or even comments on the blog. Every ounce of encouragement has been deeply needed! Please keep praying for the handful of campus students who are fighting to become disciples of Jesus, and who are so close to doing so.
We love you! Pura vida!
Brie