Learning about God in Costa Rica
So from my 3 day experience in another country, I have learned that everyone should go somewhere else if they want to know more about God. I was thinking today that when we read the bible, we see it from our point of view, the American culture. The fast-paced, give-me-what-I-want, quick-God-what-are-you-trying-to-tell-me-now translation. We almost read it on the surface of things. It's hard to put into words, but I am learning that God is saying a lot more in the bible than what I have been reading.
The first day we went to the precario we took a tour. We walked around, handing out candy and bracelets that a friend of mine made. But as I walked around, I just looked at the people and saw their hearts, which God loves, and my heart went out to them. Some were full of smiles, some looked sad, but as soon as you said Hola they would smile. I loved it and wanted so much to come back and spend more time.
The Second day we went back to the precario, this time we went to the medical clinic. We spent a good part of the day there. There were a couple of projects that we were going to be working on, but it seemed like we didn´t have many supplies. We were going to spend time with the children while they were waiting, but there weren´t very many patients. (Someone said we just needed patience to get patients.) After we left, I was very
discouraged. I didn´t feel like I was contributing much at all. I was beginning to wonder what God had for me to do. I don´t speak Spanish and it is hard to engage in a conversation with someone.
The third day, God has answered my question of `what can I do?´ This morning during our devotional, Patsy shared how she felt like she wasn´t doing that much. Different people spoke up and said that with the people at the pacario will be talking about us even after we leave and how much they love having us there. They are shunned, no one talks to them or reaches out to them. By us just being there, sitting with them while they wait for the doctor, simply smiling at them, it means the everything to them.
So I decided today that I would look at my role from a different perspective. Something so little to us is so great to them - even the smallest seed that is planted will be a great tree on day. This is what the kingdom of heaven is like. Look up Matthew 13:31-32.
We went back to the precario today for a bible study with the women. We took the children to another house across the way from where the women were attending. We had 21 children, which was a lot for a room that was very small. It was very fun and the children behaved very well, the ages were from 2-10. The womens bible study was a lot bigger than normal. They seemed to be so encouraged to have us there.
I was very inspired today, knowing no matter what I see, God is still using me. I think that sometimes we look at life or the bible and say "what am I doing", when all we need to do is just slow down. Take the time to see that something as small as a mustard seed can move a mountain in anyones life.
God has amazing things for these people. He is calling them into a new life. "Those who were not my people I will call my people, and her who was not beloved I will call beloved. And in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God." Romans 9:29-26
Keep praying for God to do his work in their lives. Thank you for all your prayers and God Bless.
-Liz
