pura vida

On a very rare day off, the family (Morgan, Burcu, and Drew) and I were laying on the beach peacefully reading our books when a large group plopped several yards away from us. We immediately knew they were Americans, yes there were blonde’s in the group, and yes they spoke English and were loud, but it was the manner in which they carried their primed selves. Each came individually carrying chairs, coolers, speakers, abundances of towels, and all their worldly baggage and materialism. This is one thing we do not miss about the States and admire about the Costa Ricans, the contentment in simplicity.

The people here don’t worry about what they have or don’t because, as I too have learned when I tried to cross the river with arms full of stuff, the more junk you have only further complicates life. The Ticos take one day at a time, rather one hour at a time. No worries for the future, because the future doesn’t exist yet. So why waste energy fretting on a non-existent idea. No worries, Pura Vida. As I have been told, work with what you’re given as opposed to fighting it. It’s about the reaction. Watching surfers, they move with the wave and literally roll with the punches, as unexpected as it can be. When you don’t worry about what’s to come, one is able to appreciate the small things occurring in the present. You never know what you may pass up when appreciation lies too far ahead of you. Life is what happens, when you’re waiting for it to begin. Live life now, not worrying about what to bring along.

sin fronteras

A religion, I feel, has been diverted into an organization that has rules and boundaries created out of fear of chaos. We instill laws because we have no trust, which by any means is legitimized when mass murders and other awful, human caused events occur. We create institutions like marriage, religions, rules, and borders in attempt to grasp security and control. These structures are in effort to a sense of security where there isn’t any. Only God is able to provide true security in our lives. Life is about a circle of relationship, not a hierarchy of power.

That’s one neat thing about Beach Community Church, where we worship- I would call it a hut. And what’s neat about our bungalow is the fact that it has no walls. We worship “Sin Fronteras” (Without Borders). There’s no limit to who can attend, to our love, to the hands and feet of the church which extend across the world. There is nothing to hold us back.

We were created to share life and build relationships, not place boundaries on love. Submission to God and those in our lives isn’t out of obedience either, simply out of respect. If we are submissive to one another, equally and in the same manner out of genuine love, there’s no need for authority in relationships. God wants us to join them in their circle of relationship. One thing I’ve learned is that God doesn’t want to be number one on our daily to-do lists, rather the center of our lives. We should be revolving around him, not placing him first. With ranking comes a sense of power, which is not how relationships were intended to be lived out.

Equality in pure love brings true contentment, but first we must be willing to give up our independence. Learn to rely on God, to trust that He is good. It’s hard to rescue someone that lives by fear and has no trust.

a lesson from the ocean

I was humbled the other day by the crazy, rippin’, Costa Rican waters. While sharing life with our youth group, we got together for our weekly football game; which takes place on an island moated by the river on one side and the ocean on the other. This
one day, however, the waters were extremely rough, ready to sweep anyone away into the ocean.

Our youth leader, Kevin, headed out first into what we thought was the shallowest section. It soon became apparent that even this big guy was no match for the waters. He turned around waving and warning us away that the current was too strong, and the rocks were to slippery. My stubborn self and I decided that I could handle it. I ignored the warning and began a slippery and unstable truck to the sacred playing grounds. Half way across, I realized something; I was stuck. The group was either on the safe grounds back on shore, or already carried away several yards down… I was alone. Yet, I believed I could succeed unaccompanied, single handedly. I was wrong. With my beloved and world traveling Chaco’s and Kleen Kanteen in hand, sadly, I was more worried about losing them than busting a knee. I lifted up a foot to start heading back to shore, when I was caught off balance and stumbled into the slippery rocks. My friends on shore saw that I was struggling and Drew began to wade out to my rescue. Nope, I thought, I don’t need help, I don’t need anyone. A few feet a away from Drew, I took a hard fall and scraped my knees up… but I still had my Chaco’s! Drew asked if he could help carry my stuff so wouldn’t be thrown off balance and weighted down as much. Again I denied. I can carry my own crap load. It’s mine to carry. One more hard fall, a pleading glare from Drew, and I handed over some of what had been taxing my effort to cross back to safety. With his help I made it to shore in one piece.

I was a bit disappointed in myself in the fact that I couldn’t do it alone. But later, I realized my faults. It took me yelling, “No I can do it by myself,” and hard falls to conclude that in fact I can’t. Who knew? We are supposed to share each other’s burdens, help carry each other’s loads to make the life journey a bit easier. These burdens, I’ve found, could be tangible like Jesus’ cross. Or it could be struggles, sorrows, and pains locked up and kept secret. If dammed up, this poison will continue to fester and eat away at our insides until eventually, we explode. Facing this toxicity only cuts away at its looming presence. Sharing it evens out the troubles as more people unite to fight it.

The independence in us, tells us that we don’t need God. We have the belief that we can handle life on our own, even though we truly don’t know what’s best for our own lives. We demand independence, but complain when God loves us enough to give it us-especially when things don’t go our way. Why couldn’t God have prevented this? How could God have let this happen? I’ve learned that God gave us free will, our individualism to make decisions. Sometimes these choices lead to bad things which affect our lives and we immediately look for someone to blame, usually out Abba in Heaven. We need to give up that independence, and trust in God. Trust that He is good, and whatever we do – because it’s in and through Him- it’s also good. True faith is giving over the control to Christ. My independent attitude has only gotten me stuck, literally. Sharing and trusting helped lead me out of the mess, my choices had tossed me into. Rely fully on God. I’m learning to trust; to comprehend that Jesus already carried the sins and burdens of the world.

I was scared standing alone in the middle of the river, unsteady, untrusting. It would have been a heck of a lot easier if I obeyed the warnings, and placed my hand trustingly in those who want to help.

shining star

The most eager minds I’ve encountered are those of the Tico kids in Tamarindo. We’ve been teaching English and art classes for the past 2 weeks, at CEPIA, to open minded and enthusiastic 11-year olds. We have the kids participate in art projects such as writing their names and drawing five things that represent them around it and write those objects in English, and making a pop-up card with a note to someone they care about in Spanish and English. However, our all time favorite art project was the day Morgan ‘shone’ her light and love on these kids, literally.

We’re still not sure how it began, but a lil Tico girl grabbed glitter paint and began slathering it on Morgan’s arms, then legs, and eventually the impossibly fun matter was everywhere. It was such an unforgettable day, we ate up every moment with the kids who continue to smile despite their hardships, and find joy in everything. The kids continue to remember Morgan as the crazy gringa who let them sparkle her and turn her into their shining star.

They’ve picked up English so incredibly quickly! We’ve been repetitively gone over phrases such as “How are you?” “My name is…” “I am from Costa Rica” and basics such as colors, numbers, months, body parts, and random objects. One class we gave them the choice of Arts & Crafts, a game, or learning English, and to no surprise they chose English. They’re just sponges who soak up whatever we can give them; knowledge, time, love. On Friday, we have pieces of wood prepared for the kids to paint encouraging words like “esperanza” (hope) or, “drive carefully” to be nailed to trees along the roads. The kids are learning English, friendship, being conscience of the environment, and helping each other and their neighbors.

With them, a smile means instant friendship and an organic love that extends beyond language and combines cultures. Glitter always helps making the process a little more fun too.

la pura vida - costa rica

After one week in Costa Rica, I’m in love. The people, places, and surroundings are beautiful. Only on the second day I began to see God shine through smiles, stories, and nature. In the Café we work at, our boss Mirna, told me of how although her and her 2 daughters live in a one bedroom apartment, her ex-husband doesn’t support her, she has numerous medical problems, along with tragic family issues, she gives thanks to God that she’s alive. It never ceases to amaze me when I come across stories like this – how thankful people are even in tough situaitons.

We work in an awesomely cute coffee shop nextdoor to where we live Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8-4. We volunteer Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at CEPIA teaching english/art classes to a 4th grade class. This organization helps empower impovrished local (Tico) kids in the area, teaching them everything from envronmentaly friendly practices to computer classes to swim classes. Its organizations like these that we really feel like we’re making a difference in the kids lives.

During the nights we’re also busy. Mondays we go see our friend play guitar at a local restarunt, Tuesdays we lead a Tico VBS, Wednesdays we have youthgroup with the local gringos, Thursdays we head out for more live music, Fridays we have a Tico spanish youth group. We’re are incredibly busy, and our days are packed, but we love every minute of it!

One thing we’ve definetly learned, like in Jamaica is to be flexible and take things as they come. Plans usually don’t work out exatlcy the way you want them to, buses never come on time (or at all), and usually we get caught in a downpour walking home. It’s these moments where we have to be patient, laugh, and move on. There’s never room for frusteration.

One thing that I love here is that we have friends! The locals are so welcoming towards us fresh meat interns. After youth group one night we piled 11 people into a 5 seater car and drove down the road for ice crem. It’s moments that those that we’ll remember because of the purity in fellowship we felt with people from completely different backgrounds. I can’t wait to continue to learn and grow more over the next few weeks!

Here are a few pictures!
The Outside of CAFE CAFE

Our Cabina


The Group

like the ants

Sometimes I am so intent on understanding the big picture that I forget to slow down and analyze the small, crucial things. This small realization occurred one evening on a bench as I bent over to tie my shoe. I scanned the patterned brick below me, admired it for a brief second, then went back to lacing. But at a second glance, I focused in on one area and noticed small ants jiving and zigzagging carrying leaves and ducking between spaces in the bricks. As an Animal Planet/Discovery Channel fanatic, I found this way cool. Applying this to my everyday life, I discovered that if I never take time to direct my attention towards where I'm needed I'd miss out on a lot more 'way cool' things. Take time, slow down, appreciate and concentrate on the small things; because this will help in piecing together the ever-confusing, big picture.

pictures

Picture Links!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022568&l=d7dab&id=1398690197

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022570&l=24529&id=1398690197

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2022572&l=abb17&id=1398690197

what we did in jamaica

To go through day to day and list what we did would be a) boring b) difficult c) lengthy

So! If you would like to know details about Jamaica and our day to day happenings, PLUS other mission trips Grace Community Church is taking, check out http://www.gymsoxsummermissions.blogspot.com (Read the titles to make sure its about JAMAICA, not to be confused with Brooklyn or Mexico)

But! Every night, in our room, the girls would get together and we'd compile happy memories from the day. Feel free to scan through our inside jokes, behind the scene stories and true feelings, and what you won't find in the Grace blog. Here is what we came up with, we call it:

THE JAMAICA HAPPY BOOK:
-Meeting the Street Family – Margaritaville - Kerry sliding down the slide - Eric being outside while we talked about him - Warming ourselves with towels in the airport - Emily crossing the bouncy thing - Hillary's Celine performance - Emily's Grease performance - Raff leading worship - Group having a "cool vibe" (Kerry)- "Bookworm" - Capturing the lizard - Other "Book" innuendos - Taking beautiful pictures - Beautiful view from cloisters - Meeting 3 women & kids - Juice at dinner - Being able to flush toilet paper/drink water - Good brunch on Sunday - Tamborines/jammin' hymns - Meeting the Streets - Beach & pool time - Taking jumping pictures at the pool - Bra & panty parties/B&P status - Playing water polo with Jamaicans - Kirby graduating - Girls' pics on the pool deck - Sketchy black spots in the ocean - "Hot" tub - Awesome concert at Hoolebury - Little Eric dancing - Hillary & Colleen dancing with Jamaican women - Conversations with David & Leroy - Ice cream at concert - Hanging out with the Streets, Kerene, & Celine - Little girl (Tory) who said "come, come" to Amy over and over while dragging her to the car - Amy & Colleen's showers came back on! - Would You Rather/The Book of Questions - Singing every song from every genre/the 90s - Riddles/"In My World..." - THRUST! - Richie with a machete - Eating fresh mangoes - Beautiful view from roof of fellowship hall - "You two have a thing." - Jamaican girl - Gin Rummy - Doug making up an "In My World..." - What women want conversations with Hunter - Girls all ordering the same thing (Tequila Shrimp) - Cute puppies at Street house - Tracy got Mountain Dew - Emily realizing she likes wearing no underwear - Being hyper & eating candy - Taking fun pictures in ocean at dinner - Blueberry muffins - Tuna sandwiches at the church - Hillary making PB&J sandwiches with Goober - "Super uncool." – Kerry - Part of the group going to the beach - Dancing to songs at group time - Salad Fingers - Caitlin got a shoutout from Judson - Guava jelly - View at dinner - Caitiln's headache medicine - BOBBY! - PB&J high fives at the Streets - Getting a lot done at the Street house - Pouring the roof more efficiently - BEN GLENN - Going to the beach - Hop saving the puppy (Marley) - Brooke's laugh - Gas station stops for candy & ice cream - Hearing about Brooklyn - Children squealing at Jesus at Ben Glenn - Pump trucks at the church - "That just happened." - Sleeping in on Friday! - Getting pranked - Boys eating first - Brad mooned the Jamaican police - Dunn's River Falls - "Congratulations! You have completed the climb of the World Famous Dunn's River Falls!" - Duck shoes - Ocho Rios market - Inviting people to Ben Glenn - Name bracelets from David Gayle - Amazing chalk drawings - "Hips Don't Lie" during serious group time – CRYING - Amy & Colleen's awkward chin/collarbone bump hug - "Is it Frank?" - Pastor at Ocho Rios - "Roses are red, violets are blue. Reverend Chris Sasser & his group, I will always love you!" – Kerene - David M.: "Kerry, did you fill out the form?" Kerry: "No, I picked my butt." - Being punchdrunk - Sad pictures on the porch - Danny making it on the plane - "This is the trip that never ends..." - "The only other person here is the floor sweeper!" - Cheering for the zamboni - Frisbee in the D.C. airport - Kirbs Irish Dancing - Elevator music - British accents - True Life: We're Stuck in An Airport - Where is Dulles? - Wheelchairs/Smarte carts
- Amazing beds at the Sheraton – Being Home –Telling others about our amazing trip!!!!

hope

The moment we open the door, they’re always smiling and have welcoming arms for good Jamaican hugs.

On my mission trip to Jamaica, I finally got a chance to meet with the Street Family. Eight members of the humble family pack into a small cinderblock ‘house,’ way below anything they truly deserve. I was fortunate enough to be able to help dig and pour a foundation, and begin with columns, on an extension to their bare dwelling.
Her name is Hope. She’s stunning. She’s 26, with a 6 year old son named Eric, and her goofy wit will have you hooked the moment she smiles.

Hope and her two brothers, David and Leroy ate, stayed, worked, and went everywhere with us throughout the week. It was awesome, seriously; the time spent with that amazing family will stick with me forever.

As the week progressed, Hope and I began talking more and more. She’d tell me of her cute Spanish boyfriend, view on religions, and how thankful she was for everything. She reminded me that when you have nothing, your everything, is Christ. When darkness beings to takeover, Abba will shine his light for you. And even when all seems lost there’s hope, Jesus.

The word hope has meant a lot to me over the past few years. Hope for the future, hope for healing, hope to grow and love. When I think of Hope, I do think hope. She’s strong, faithful, and happy. Hope, along with the rest of the family, is accepting. She knew nothing of what I’d done, of who I was, and yet she was willing to be my friend-stay up late giggling, hold my hand as we talked with Ben Glen, and loving me for me.

Hope is there waiting, smiling and ready to embrace all who come knocking.

... as yourself

The time is almost here! Soon, (on the 14th), I’ll be heading to the unfamiliar Island of Jamaica where hard work with construction, white beaches, and God’s people (with awesome accents, mon) await. But what have I discovered about myself during the time leading up to this trip? Have I been still enough to hear God; to retain a concept from Him that I'm supposed to carry with me to Jamaica? The message that seems to keep streaming in is to:
1) place my cares and worries in the hands of God
2) be comfortable with myself, and to be myself

“So be content with yourself, God’s strong hand is on you: he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; for he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6

The most malleable of things don’t wear a hard covering, nor carry any extra baggage or weight. I’m learning to trust more and accept that God loves, no matter what. God wants to love all that you are, spirit, body, and mind. Likewise, we are to do the same. The medium by which we love and worship God varies, but for me, it’s through service.


The verse, “Love your neighbor as yourself” takes on new meaning with me. Be true when you love. Don’t pretend or hide behind a façade of things you busy yourself with. Be yourself. Love purely…

SparkNote version:(Be open, trusting, be grateful, be yourself, place worries on Christ, accept love, accept yourself)

go

This awesome guy I know, Jeff Cash or J-Money, made this video to further illustrate our Call… to GO! It fits beautifully as a theme for me this summer. I’m off to be Christ’s ambassador to all I cross paths with; even if “its your next door neighbor Jack”.



I've been thinking and praying a lot about the people we'll meet. God puts people in our lives for a reason, and I've been meditating on how to be receptive and amenable. Then a lightbulb went off one night: This is how I have been hearing God... through people. Through their pain, smiles, stories, laughter, and hearing bits and pieces about their lives. I've experienced this at South Wilmington Men's Shelter, church, and at home. What God wants me to hear is often said by people I'd least expect it from.

Tied with the theme of 'Go' is, I feel, a sense of urgency. We don't know what tomorrow will hold. My goal was this summer was to not sit back and watch, but take action in what I belive is a just cause. This being teaching about sustainability, peace, and God's word in Costa Rica, and sharing hope and loving on the Jamaicans.

Like J$ says,

"People need hope, and when Jesus spoke, he said go, go, go...."

focus

In Jamaica and Costa Rica, we will be encountering people who have different ideas and experiences than us, who have so much less than we do, and who will ask us about our faith. In the past, it’s been important for me to prepare myself spiritually for a time devoted entirely to Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 asks us,

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an
answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you
have.
But do this with gentleness and respect.”

I’ve been priming my heart through quiet times, devotionals, and thus learning to be still. I need to become more receptive to what the Lord has to say and continue to focus on following Jesus’ example of loving everyone. No matter who we come across, we are told that when we are in Christ we are a family, we are one.

Like Jeff says, we need to reconnect to our first love. This, I believe, will facilitate in leading me to the answer when asked for ‘the reason for the hope that I have.’ Over the next two weeks I’ll concentrate on getting my eyes of the problems, questions, and past, and instead focus on embracing the future. I have no doubt in the plans ahead for us, because that’s what a Christian is called to do – follow and walk with obedience regardless of the possible outcome.

Joy has nothing to do with circumstances; it comes from Him who has my heart and focus.

With peace and love,
laura

and it begins...

Hola and Peace and to everyone!
This summer, some very exciting opportunites have been presented to me and a few of my friends. June 14th-21st: I'll be headed to Jamaica with 25 fellow seniors with my church, Grace Community. July 1st-Aug. 3rd: I'm headed to Tamarindo, Costa Rica with 3 of my close friends.
In Jamaica:
-construction
-VBS for the local kids
-spreading God's word
In Costa Rica:
-working with Tamarindo Community Church
-helping start an orphanage
-plan youth groups for local kids
-work in Cafe Cafe (used as outreach tool through the church)

The Lord has been slowly, and in his own special way, been working in my heart and life to help me accept love from others and myself. I'm excited to be able to share my hope to those who feel abandoned as I too grow in Christ.

With Peace and Love,
laura