I've been a little frustrated that we have not been able to get into an orphanage yet. Afterall, THAT is why we are here. I wish, some days, that we were walking into a program already established here in Costa Rica. It would be nice to have had someone tell us where to live, or where to shop, or how to handle healthcare issues, or how to buy a car...but those are the things that we have to learn in order to be effective here in ministry.
However, all these moments have been crucial.
We have been blessed to partner with an organization that has tremendous vision and tremendous passion.
In fact, I believe that the pressure we feel to have everything 100% in place is a pressure we have put on ourselves and is actually keeping us from waiting on The Lord to direct our steps. Just the other day, Tara (Exeuctive Director of ROOM) encouraged us to continue to follow The Lord's pacing referencing Zechariah 4:10. I cannot recall a time where I had been conscious of this verse but the timing of the reminder has been exactly what I needed: it says, "Do not despise these small beginnings, for The Lord rejoices to see the work begin..."
The work is beginning for sure and we are rejoicing!
What a beautiful realization that 2 weeks ago having an in-country director for Costa Rica had not yet been realized!
2 weeks ago we had no concept of what it would be like to travel in an airplane with 4 children. Now, we know what to expect and how to prepare with even more effectiveness.
2 weeks ago we had no concept of what traveling in and around Costa Rica would really look like for us. Now, we have traveled by taxi, bus, rented a car and have traveled in the city and on the "new" roads...
2 weeks ago we had no point of reference for Costa Rican directions. Now, when people say, "go to the salon in Tinamastes and take the dirt road past the house with the red roof", we understand. We also understand that there are no street names. We understand that making friends with locals is the best way to know where anything and everything is. Or, your only way.
2 weeks ago we had no real potential long term homes. We reserved the house we are staying in understanding that we would have 3 weeks to find a house that we would stay in for the next year+. This has been, by far, the most difficult part for me. Travel has probably been the most difficult part for Kyle. But, locating and deciding on a home has been the most difficult part for me. Probably mostly because of my desire to create a home for my children.
Just the other day, after a particularly difficult day, I came inside and laid on the bed and decided that God and I really needed to have a conversation. I asked God if He wanted me to feel unsafe...or maybe I was confusing "uncomfortable" with "unsafe" and I needed Him to direct me. But whatever was happpening, we needed something to change. There has been an obvious level of release of security that has happened for us to be here. And the difficult part has been discerning the difference between God's leading and my comfort. Am I just uncomfortable or is this God's Spirit leading me?
What an incredible lesson to be learning in a foreign land! After that night, we had one last house to see. Yesterday I was overcome with emotion as we found the home...What had been lacking, had been found. God's faithfulness made evident once again...
2 weeks ago my kids were still unsure of this land. Last night, Calvary said, "Who loves Costa Rica?" and all four simultaneously raised their hands.
So much has happened in 2 weeks. We have continued to grow and learn and understand what it means to live here. We have made connections and friendships that are going to be so instrumental in developing and growing ROOM's ministry.
These are small beginnings, but they are necessary. We are so happy to be God's instrument for laying the ground work here in Costa Rica. We have learned so much and are so happy to continue to learn and grow in both love and knowledge of this amazing country and their people.
"What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:5-9
this week's prayer requests:
1. Safe travels for Melissa who is returning home on Saturday...she has been so wonderful to have here with us.
2. It has become obvious that we need to purchase a vehicle...please pray for guidance that we will find a dependable and affordable one.
3. We are hoping to make the house we viewed yesterday situated 40 min outside of San Isidro our home base...please pray that all goes well.
4. Our plan today to go and visit 2 orphanages in San Isidro has been stalled due to both Melissa and Finley being sick. Please pray that both will feel better and that no one else gets sick.
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