Always, continually, no matter what.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

I’m still alive…I promise.  As we say in Costa Rica, “perdón” for taking so long to post again!

Since I last posted, I spent my last days in Panamá with a group of Texans, and what an interesting experience that was!  It was so neat (and exhausting) being on the host-end of a mission team.  I met so many wonderful new people, and it was so encouraging to see the way they pulled their own unique gifts together to serve the community of El Valle and its neighbors.

 As my time in Panamá came to end, I was incredibly challenged to rejoice in the Lord regardless of my circumstances!  (That’s a fancy way of saying: I didn’t want to leave, but I had to, so I praised God anyways.)

I then embarked on definitely the most adventurous 30 hours of my life.  I traveled by bus from El Valle to Panama City, and then from the city to San José, Costa Rica.  I literally walked across the Panamá-Costa Rica border, and I took a taxi all the way to my host home midday on Saturday.  Within a few hours, a friendly face (more commonly referred to as Keith Slayden) arrived, and what an exciting time we are having here!

On our first full day, we visited Volcán Poás, but I forgot my camera at the home!  (Note to self: remember your camera.)  Today, we had our first day of classes, wandered through the mall, and safely took the bus home (for the first time by ourselves).  Here is part of our group in the Heredia town square.  We get to spend 6 weeks with some awesome individuals!  I look forward to getting to know them better.

 We have also been so blessed by a wonderful host family (and we sure are eating well!), and we are in great hands here in Costa Rica.  The hardest part has been adjusting from life in Panamá to life here.  Geographically, both are incredibly different, and even the people are different, but primarily, it’s been shifting from organized missions work to doing life here as a student as a missionary.  Honestly, I don’t have much wisdom to share with this challenge…I can only anticipate improvement with time.

I do know that as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, no matter what is going on, I must be joyful, pray and thank the Lord.  Whether I’m soaking up creation, laughing with my host mom or studying with another student, God asks for my attention.  And I encourage you to ask God to show you how to live that way.  Maybe He’ll show you someone who is living this out already.

Beg that he would give you opportunities to show joy, the energy to pray without ceasing, and the humility to thank Him for everything…always.  I’m already praying it for you.  Good luck!