Phase 2 of the Costa Rica mission team has landed, and we are so happy to be here in San Jose! Upon our arrival at the airport Thursday night, we were warmly greeted by several smiling disciples from San Jose. We instantly felt so welcomed and excited to be here! We are all staying in homes with the disciples and are quickly building great new friendships.
Friday morning we hit the ground running early! We hopped on a bus after a few hours of sleep and headed north to La Paz waterfalls. In typical rainforest fashion, it rained all day long; however, nothing could dampen our spirits. We saw incredible waterfalls, rainforest views, and astonishing local wildlife...monkeys, snakes, lions, jaguars, hummingbirds, frogs, butterflies, and even sloths!
It was very bonding and refreshing to pull together as a team once we arrived at the La Paz lodge. The women who have spent the last month here shared what they have learned with us, and it was so encouraging! We are truly impressed and proud of Brie, Joenesha, Carrie, Violeta & Jessica as they have truly poured their hearts out for the church and the people of San Jose. A truly moving moment was when Elizabeth, who leads the church with her husband Jose Luis, shared a heart full of gratitude for the many planted seeds and faithful acts of the campus students from North River over the past month.
Some memorable advice from these girls to us included: "Be patient! You're on Tico time!" (Tico is the word for a local Costa Rican), to turn our focus outward, and to watch for God in the moments. After they shared, those of us who just arrived had a chance to encourage them as well. Lin wrapped up our time by reminding us of 2 Corinthians 5:20, that we are Christ's ambassadors here in Costa Rica and every place that we set our feet. We are all excited to go share our faith downtown (el centro) San Jose tomorrow and spend the day with the church sharing at various workshops and enjoying a meal together!
Pura Vida! Keep us in your prayers.
❤,
Lauren Boyles