We aren't all that different

One thing I know for sure is that we’ve both been broken at some point in our lives. It’s all a part of the human experience. I’m sure we could sit down for hours sharing our stories.  But, the Lord took that gold glue and pieced me back together to make beautiful pottery. He wrote that story. He allows our brokenness to turn into something beautiful. He’s given us talents and gifts that he can use to uplift the kingdom. How special. We aren’t all that different. 

During my time in Costa Rica I’ll be working with a ministry known as ‘Til He Returns’, or better known in Costa Rica as ‘The Hope Project’. We’ve spent the last two weeks in intensive training, learning what their organization is all about. They taught us about poverty. Poverty is much more than materialistic poverty. Poverty is broken relationships and broken mindsets. 

I think oftentimes people mistake what missions/ministry really is. I’m not coming to Costa Rica as a gringa trying to give everyone clean water, enough food to eat, or newly painted houses. Yes, all those things are great. But, by doing those things in just the three months I’m here, I'd just be trying to use a short term solution for a long term problem. I’m not here because I think I need to change their culture to look like mine, or because I think I am any better than anyone here. Because, in the end we aren’t all that different.

 The Hope Project exists to build long term relationships, to show people that their talents and gifts can be used to uplift the kingdom. They counsel pregnant and postpartum women, offer English classes, and use dance to reach kids in the slums. My three months here are going to be an application of my gifts to come alongside this ministry and community in what they’ve already started. We officially dive into ministry tomorrow, so I haven’t captured much more than us sitting in sessions and teachings, but here’s a little bit of what my eyes have seen so far!

P.s. I'm officially fully funded! Wow! Thank you so much to everyone who has partnered with me along the way whether it was financially, through prayer, or simply tagging along for the journey! I appreciate it more than you could know. Your part doesn't end here though! Stick around to keep up with all that the Lord is doing here and keep praying! Excited for all the things to come:)