I have such an amazing support group of friends and family that I know will continually be praying for me as a step into this new phase in my life. I wanted a way to share my experiences in Costa Rica with everyone so I have officially entered the blogosphere.
As many of you already know, God is calling me to live and work for 6:8 Ministries in Alajuelita, Costa Rica for a year before I attend Davidson College in the fall of 2011. Especially at my college preparatory school, we have been programmed since kindergarten to push through middle school and then high school in order to continue our studies at the college level. So when I began toying with the possibility of deviating from “the plan” I knew it had to be God. The truth is, now I cannot imagine anything feeling more natural or normal than to spend this upcoming year in Alajuelita. The peace that has accompanied my decision has in no way originated in me, though. My mind knows that this is a highly irregular thing to do and my brain reminds me of all of the nitpicky details over which I would normally love to stress. But, thank goodness, God has my heart. Never before have I been forced to trust in and rely on God as I have in these past few months. However, this place of surrender has initiated a level of intimacy with my heavenly Father that has been so rewarding.
As a member of the 6:8 staff, I will help lead short term mission teams that come to Alajuelita throughout the year. The specifics of the trip depends upon the individual teams but usually includes conducting vacation bible schools and soccer camps, building houses, and serving at the feeding center and newly opened homeless shelter. Above all, 6:8 strives to build relationships with the local community through camps, construction projects, and hot meals. In conjunction with the verse after which the ministry received its name, Micah 6:8, the goal of all outreach is “to love mercy and to act justly and to walk humbly with your God.”
Today marks the one month countdown for the move to Costa. My heart flits between excitement, nervousness, and some sadness when I think about the short amount of time left in Jacksonville before I embark on this adventure. Despite the bittersweet aspect of graduating from high school, leaving my family, friends, and church community, and moving to a foreign country I am confident that God has amazing things in store for me. I can imagine the specific things I think that God will do in my life in a year, but in reality, I am resigned to the fact that I cannot even begin to fathom all that God will accomplish. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21).
Please be praying for me and my family as we prepare for the big move at the end of June. Love, in Christ,
Becca
