August 31st, 2011

As of yesterday the last year of my life has been consumed with God and His calling for me to be in Costa Rica. On Aug. 31 last year I was headed to the airport to fly to Costa Rica for the first time. I remember thinking about how excited I was, how I hoped I loved it, how I thought God was calling me here long term, but secretly a small part of me was hoping He wasn't. It's pretty scary when you think about possibly living in a different country. You're away from everything you have ever known. None of your family is here, you don't know anyone, the culture is totally different, most people only eat rice and beans, you don't have a car, you pay your bills at the grocery store, you get yelled at pretty much everyday but some random guy while walking down the street. It's different, and sometimes very challenging, but mostly it's awesome. I'm in no way saying everyone would love it here, but I do. I've prayed and prayed that if God wants me to be here long term then I need to have those desires in my heart. And oh has He ever delivered! 

This last year of my life has been a roller coaster! Spending the first 6 weeks here was awesome, but then going home and breaking the news was a struggle. Fundraising and preparing for 5 months was awesome time spent with family and friends, but also a struggle, because I was ready to get back to where I felt God was calling me. When I finally made it back I knew all the whispers God had poured down on me calling me here were true. The last 6 months have been amazing! God has stretched me and used me in ways I never thought were possible. Every week I get to pray for families, help feed starving children, love on people when we don't even speak the same language, lead teams of people who are trying to take this all in in less thank week! I'm hosting a bible study at my house, serving at FUSE (youth group from Celebracion Church), I'm speaking during our chapel times with the teams, and Ive also spoken at FUSE. God has given me so many opportunities here that I never imagined myself doing. I love how He has such a perfect plan for each of us! 

As I look back on the last year of my life, I can't help but look forward to the next coming years. I'm so excited to see what God has planned for me. I cannot wait to serve Him, be stretched by Him, and to be a part of this great plan He has. I do feel God has called me to Costa Rica for a longer period of time. I have dedicated to coming back and spending at least 2 additional years here. I will be here until God tells me not to be, until He calls me somewhere else.

I ask that each of you pray for me. Pray the Holy Spirit continues to guide me in His perfect plan. Pray that He stretches me in ways none of us ever imagined. Pray God continues to give me peace throughout the difficulties that this brings. Pray that God continues to soften my heart so that He may break my heart for what breaks His.

I want to thank each of you for the support you have given me over the last year. I have been so encouraged and felt so loved by how many people are being a part of Gods plan! Thank you to everyone who has ever prayed for me, written an encouraging note, financially supported me, personally told me they knew I was making an impact. You guys are making a difference. You are the ones God is using to get me through this! Thank you for all of your love!