When I Remember (The Faces of Costa Rica)

The phrase “goodbye” has become common throughout the past two months. Saying goodbye to my family and friends before the race, saying goodbye to the United States for six months, and now saying goodbye to the people I am meeting here.

Throughout the month I have been in Costa Rica, my team and I have only been in a ministry location for two weeks at a time. Therefore, just as I begin to get comfortable with the city I am in and start solidifying relationships with the community, we switch locations (due to the fact we switched countries so late, our ministry contacts had to find different places for us to stay). It has been difficult and very emotionally exhausting.

As I think about how much I have moved within the past month, it is easy to become confused and discouraged. Why is God continuing to change our environment? How am I supposed to build solid relationships with people when I am moving every two weeks? Am I even making a difference for the kingdom?

But then I begin to think. I start to remember all the beautiful faces I have had the privilege to know and love over the past month; and I start to see the blessings.

I think of Evelyn. Our first host mother. A woman with a beautiful story that she continues to share. A woman who’s passion for children has led her to start a school. A woman who is so full of the Holy Spirit that it left an imprint on me that will always be there.

I think of Marco, Evelyn’s son. A heart always willing and ready to do anything he can to make you feel cared for and loved! A contagious joy, always seen with a smile on his face. Thankful our paths crossed. 

I think of Ester. One of our translators who quickly turned into a friend. Her bubbly spirit brings joy to any room she enters. She’s kind and fun and brings so much life. I am so blessed to know her!

I think of Pedro, Ester’s brother. Another one of our amazing translators who turned into a friend! His joy and humor light up any space he is in. He speaks life and is quick to point out the good in you. Knowing him is an honor and a privilege.

I think of Karen. Wow, what a beautiful woman of God. A woman who’s passion for loving others shines bright in everything she does. A woman who is gentle but also one of the strongest people I have ever met. A mother, a daughter, a friend. I think of the relationship that we built in one short week and how she will always have a space in my heart.

I think of Kai, Karen’s precious little boy. A baby that completely captured my heart. A baby that I saw God’s love through by hearing his laughs and feeling his hugs. A baby that I will always remember. 

(Each of these photos were taken with consent)

I think of so many more faces. Faces of families that welcomed us into their town with open arms and provided everything we needed. Faces of children who’s laughter and joy brought me even more laughter and joy. Faces of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers— too many beautiful faces to count. So when I start to get confused about why God is doing what he is, I just sit back and remember.

With each day that passes, the Father is giving me a bigger capacity to love those around me. He is reminding me that as everything around me is changing, he remains my constant. As everything around me is changing, there is still beauty to be found.

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Malachi 3:6

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” Psalm 102:25-27

“to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3

So here’s to loving where my feet are, and those around me, even if I do not understand. Here’s to trading despair and confusion for joy and praise. Here’s to making space to love more than I ever have before. And above all, here’s to finding true comfort in my one and only constant— my sweet sweet Heavenly Father.