These word are only going to be able capture a peek into what God did through and to my team and me these last two weeks we spent in Nicoya Costa Rica. It was an amazing trip that I got to see God work powerfully. It was continually brought to light how God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

As we prepared to land after a fourteen hours of travel my stomach began those annoying butterflies. We couldn’t see the land were landing in because the evening had set in. We were positioned at the back of the plane every flight so we waited as the front of the plane exited before us. Slowly we walked down the isle of the plane anxious to see and feel what this country of Coast Rica would be like. Down the steps we walked on to the runway. The feeling of humidity immediately overcome us. It felt different to breathe and my clothes were oddly wet. The runway is not like an normal U.S. runway but rather a large cement parking lot. Strange birds with very long skinny legs were running about the landing strip. The airport we entered was basically a large warehouse with the largest fans I have ever seen blowing down from the ceiling. My anxiousness quickly turned to excitement as we waited in line to get our passports stamped for the very first time (expect for a few well traveled folks on our team).

As we picked up our luggage, not a bag missing, (just one lonely camera) we were warmly welcomed by our team leaders and Pastor Walter and his family. The bus ride to Nicoya was an exciting one. Driving on your side of the road is not a common thing in Costa Rica. Passing and weaving in and out of cars, motorcycles, and busses is how they do it there. We were told that the Tikos (locals) had prepared a huge meal for us. After a day of airplane food  a home cooked meal is just what we all needed.

Upon arriving at the Methodist church we would be calling home for the next week we quickly began to see the love and kindness of these people we came to serve and join with. They took our bags , ushered us to sit down, and served us the most delicious food I have had it a long time. We had our first taste of rice and beans. Little did we know we would be having rice and beans with every meal.

As soon as were finished we were shown our rooms. They were brightly painted with a bight blue paint and had floral curtains hanging from the bared windows. The blue paint gave wonderful contrast to the little lizards zig-zaging across the walls. The Tikos brought us in mattresses and pads to be used. I was very thankful not to have to sleep on the tile floor! The girls had a huge blessing of having a bathroom in our room plus another bathroom with three toilets and another shower. We defiantly had the advantage over  the boy’s one room bathroom shack. We were instructed on how to use the toilets. NO TOILET PAPER could be flushed. It is amazing how hard it is to break that habit and I quickly became quite skilled in the removal of floating toilet paper.

The sounds we experienced at night were all new and very loud. The trucks there could use some type of breaks that make a horrible sound, and ATV’s ran rampant.  We also got to experience the lovely wakeup call of the local roosters. Very punctual at 5:00 a.m., sometimes even right out our door. We hoped every time we had chicken for a meal that somehow the deed had been done and we would no longer be graced with his call.

Our first day in Costa Rica we were faced with the language barrier and our need for translators. V.B.S. was scheduled for the afternoon and we didn’t have anyone who could translate to the bible story.  My team was up first for bible that day so a bit of anxiety was in my heart. But as we would continue to see throughout the entire trip God provided where we needed. Edwin, a local twelve year old, was able to help us in our time of need. He was not shy and his ability to speak English was such a blessing the entire trip. Our team told the story of how God created Adam and how just like He created him, God made them too.

It became obvious that on the first day the craft time was everyone’s favorite station at VBS. The kids and parents joined together making the small projects we had brought for them. Snakes, pinwheels, handkerchiefs, they loved them all. I was amazed at how patient and detailed they were with the coloring. Even the youngest took much care and time into each project. It was fun seeing the team members help and instruct the kids how to make the projects. Michael for instance isn’t a crafty guy but took on showing the ninos how to make the projects in a very manly manner that was really wonderful to watch.

On day three God sent two translators who were involved with children’s ministry at their church and were able to help us engage the children even more. The realization of  how greatly we had needed translators didn’t fully sink in until we had two of them. God would provide us with three total translators and Stacey, who little did we know spoke Spanish well enough, to help us through day two and the rest of the trip. 

My arms were very full during the days getting hugs and loving on all the little children. Again God provided knowing I would need lots of love leaving my son home in the states. I enjoyed seeing how the mothers cared and loved their children. It was very hard to distinguish whose kids belonged to who because they were always passing them around and loving on all of them. I really felt like they had true community. This is something I so desire to have more of in my life.

The team did really well at playing with all the kids. Quickly friendships were born and games of “football” and volleyball became a regular sight within the walls of the little church. The Tikos are born knowing how to kick the ball and the Gringos had to face defeat often. Eli found out that even with shoes it is possible to break a toe when you collide with another foot. He had the prettiest toe I have every seen. Purple and blue his toe turned. The pastor was very kind to Eli and brought him cream that amazingly took the swelling and pain away after a few days!

The morning devotion time was very powerful in preparing us for the days activities. For some the regular routine of reading and praying was new and the joy of discovering the fruit of seeking God was powerful. The sight of all the team members sitting quietly with bibles open and seriously desiring to hear from God is one I will never forget.

Everyday each team had a different ministry block we would enter into after our morning devotions. The activities included: Living Water, which was passing out cold water to those who were on the streets, in the bus stations, hospital and park; Ask the Lord, which was a time of praying and seeking where the Lord was sending that team for the day; Serving, which was helping paint the surrounding fence of the church; and Prayer Walking, which was walking around the streets surrounding the church praying as the Lord lead.

God used each team powerfully and began to show our team that he will lead if we will listen and expect that He will speak. Amidst all of the serving and ministry taking place each night we would enter in to a time of worship with the team as a whole. Around day six we had an extended time of praising the Lord. It was this night that I realized how much I had lacked in my worship to God. As the guitar played and our voices were raised in true worship God spoke so clearly to my heart. “Worship Me” my heart was saying and the relief of knowing that all God wanted was for me to worship Him. I am one who can get busy serving and doing the things of ministry and feel as if I am not doing well or doing enough. But these two words were so powerful to my heart that all God wants of me and my team was for us to worship Him. That night we did worship Him!

Now that I have been home for a few days,  I am having a bit of sadness missing the people of Nicoya and my team members. But thinking back on all the wonderful things God did in my heart, the hearts of my team members, and how he used us to minister to the people of Costa Rica I am so full of joy. His hand moved in our midst and showed us He is worthy of our praise. I know these memories will be with me forever and what I have learned will continue to impact my future days.

Some of you will think I am crazy but the Littleton’s dinner will include….rice and beans!