Tattoos
On my first trip to Costa Rica, I was surprised at how many people had tattoos! Even teenagers as young as 12 had tattoos up and down their arms. Although there are laws about how old you can be to get a tattoo, with a parent’s consent there’s really no limit. On my second trip […]
Today I Took the Train
Today I took the train. I love train travel. Amtrak, if you’re listening, I’m not an influencer but I could become one for you! As a kid, my favorite birthday present was a day trip to Chicago from Kewanee, IL. I loved seeing all the small towns pass by and visiting the snack car. If […]
What to Wear on a Mission Trip
Would you believe me if I said clothing can hold people back from serving in missions? It’s true though. The two questions that are repeated to me most when planning mission trips are: For anyone who has served others, whether locally or globally, these are hardly the most important questions to ask! Nevertheless, they often […]
Shopping!
One of my favorite things to watch when I’m scrolling on TikTok is how people in other countries live. Seeing locals and expats walk around their towns is so fascinating! I love noticing the differences in how life is set up, especially things like streets, transportation, and stores. So when the head teacher asked if […]
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 […]
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 […]
Surrounded
Less than three hours in the country and already beautiful things are happening! Our flight was smooth; about three hours with little turbulence. The in-flight snacks were tasty. And even though I was in the middle seat, I didn’t feel squished! On one side sat my friend Cheryl who created and runs Faithful Servant Missions. […]
