I’m in shock… we’ve just finished our first week in Costa Rica!! It’s so hard to think that the summer is actually moving forward, and that there’s a “deadline” on this amazing journey. As much as I resist thinking about a limit to our time here, there is genuinely nothing that I would wish differently about this first week. It has been, hands down, amazing. As we’ve all been saying, God has done immeasurably more than we have asked for or even imagined thus far, both on campus and in our personal walks! It seems He’s been revealing so much in each of our hearts, within our own characters, leading us individually to deeper spiritual maturity. I love hearing everyone share their hearts during our morning devotionals. What’s more, today, nine visitors came to Bible Talk, and we had multiple studies! LaToya and I met with a freshman girl named Paola today and studied what it means to seek God. I was astounded at her heart. As we studied the heart of the Ethiopian eunuch, Paola bursts out, “I want you to teach me everything you know!” The eagerness and humility in this young, formerly Catholic girl’s heart was inspiring. Please be praying for Paola!
Tonight, we left campus and headed to the mall all together to have our discipling groups in a fun, new place. (You know, Friday night feeling crazy and all.) I can speak for all the girls when I say that, over dinner, God called us to boast in our weaknesses and rejoice in His strength. That’s been the theme of the week, seemingly indirectly and directly, and God has most definitely provided opportunities to boast in our weaknesses. I am so grateful to serve the God who meets us where we’re at and empowers us, by His grace! Despite language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, selfish ambition and character flaws, God has been opening doors to hearts on campus, and it is very obvious that the messengers have nothing to do with it.
A HUGE thank you to all of you who are praying (most helpful), encouraging and advising us (also very helpful), and even commenting on the blog (you may not guess, but extremely helpful). You lift us up in more ways than you know. Muchísimas gracias!
Brie