Encounter
When you go on a mission trip, to church camp, to a worship conference, or even just to regular Sunday morning service, there’s an expectation that you’ll meet with God. We should expect to encounter God through these events! But we should also expect to experience God’s love in the daily, simple moments at home. […]
Growing in Faith
On my last trip to Costa Rica, one of my favorite experiences was sitting in on the adults’ English class. The teacher, Johan, works with both kids and adults in the community. He primarily teaches English, but his classroom also houses a computer lab. Here, students of all ages learn basic computer skills including programs […]
Sabbath on a Mission Trip
If you’ve been around my corner of the internet for even a few days, you’ve probably read something about slowing down, rest, or Sabbath. This is perhaps the only spiritual practice that I lean toward legalism on. But for me, this is necessary. An intentional time each week of resting with God is as necessary […]
Rainbow
Everything in Costa Rica is beautiful. At every turn there’s a mountain, tree canopy, cotton candy clouds, and vibrant flowers. Yet I’m still amazed at the neverending gifts of God through the nature he created here. A simple rain shower is more beautiful against the backdrop of luscious greenery. The setting sun sets the sky […]
BOGO Fro-Yo
I’ve been in Costa Rica for one week now, and I’ve noticed a few things seem to be loved no matter the culture: Wednesday is BOGO day at one of the local frozen yogurt shops! So my friend Victoria (read her story in the EMPOWERED journal), my friend Jenny (one of the FSM staff), and […]
Villa Larry
Something that’s so powerful that Faithful Servant Missions does with those in the community is home visits. When mission teams come to San Ramón, they break into small groups and spend an afternoon at a local house. This is a tangible way for the missionaries to see what life is like practically for those who […]
Call Me Maestra
The main reason I’m spending a month in Costa Rica is to support the ministry leaders at La Viña San Ramón, which is the church that has its home at Faithful Servant Missions. Each week these twelve leaders and I will gather together to study Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. This week we had […]
Satisfied
I woke up and had one of my favorite breakfasts – empanadas! One of the things I remember most from my time in Costa Rica last October was the food. We had fresh pico de gallo, homemade tortillas, and a variety of flavorful spiced rice and bean dishes every day. Plus fresh, tropical fruits like […]
Guava Bread
My friend Ute and I walked to a local bakery to pick up a variety of sweet breads. One was filled with cream cheese and sprinkled with coarse sugar. One was filled with a strawberry jam and some kind of cream. The final one was filled with a guava jam. Locally it’s called guayaba. So. […]
Relatable
Walking through San Ramón I saw a nurse heading into the hospital for work. She was about my age. White scrubs. Long blonde balayage hair in a high ponytail with a slight wave to it. Small gold hoop earrings. And a Stanley cup. Some things are not so different even thousands of miles away! We […]
