Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Pura Vida Newsletter: January/February 2013
To check out a copy of the January/February edition of PuraVida and read about what God is doing with at-risk youth in Costa Rica, click here.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
FundaVida Backpacking Expedition!
When they first mentioned the idea of a 3-day backpacking trip in the mountains, you could say I was less than thrilled. Hiking with a 50 lb. pack on my back is certainly not my idea of a fun way to spend the weekend. And all the somewhat "girly-girls" of the FundaVida youth leadership/discipleship group agreed. But after a meeting where two of my biggest fears were assuaged--(1) what to do in case of an emergency, and almost equally as important, (2) would there be a bathroom?...I decided to "put on my happy face" and at the next youth leader meeting encouraged the girls that if I could do it, then they could to!
In mid-January we headed to the mountains for a 3-day adventure. The packs were heavier than I could have imagined, to my dismay it did rain the whole first day, and I fell more than I would like to admit, but a few absolutely beautiful (dare I say, miraculous) things happened that I would like to share...
The first thing, and why I use the word miraculous, is that God gave me a good attitude about the trip. I was prepared to fight my emotions the whole way--fight not wanting to be there, fight being frustrated with the wet and cold, fight the claustrophobia of tight quarters and lack of personal space, fight being annoyed with falling about 5,000 times. But what I found was at each new challenge, God gave me great peace and a calm spirit and heart. I even enjoyed most of the trip! This was certainly ALL from God because nothing in me was excited about or looking forward to the physical conditions we would face.
The second beautiful thing that happened was the way in which the kids worked together as a team. They were presented with challenge after challenge, everything from planning a menu, hiking in the rain, getting lost, setting up camp, and helping each other along the way, and each challenge they met with amazing attitudes, excellent compromising and team work, and generous hearts to help those (ahem, like me) who weren't quite as physically capable. They really bonded as a group and experienced a type of community/family that is hard to come by in the places they live and grow up in. The character that is being formed through this discipleship group is amazing!
The third thing was the way we all connected deeply with the devotions about Jesus as a servant and how He demonstrated leadership by serving. This was a somewhat revolutionary idea to these leaders-in-training who see "leadership" in their families and communities by force/oppression or money or material possessions. Leadership in their communities isn't earned through consistency, hard work, character, and serving, rather it is taken by being stronger, faster, scarier/more intimidating, or stealing. But we were all humbled to learn that Jesus gained respect by protecting the weak, standing up to those who ruled by fear or compulsion, and giving generously of His time, love and grace.
In mid-January we headed to the mountains for a 3-day adventure. The packs were heavier than I could have imagined, to my dismay it did rain the whole first day, and I fell more than I would like to admit, but a few absolutely beautiful (dare I say, miraculous) things happened that I would like to share...
The first thing, and why I use the word miraculous, is that God gave me a good attitude about the trip. I was prepared to fight my emotions the whole way--fight not wanting to be there, fight being frustrated with the wet and cold, fight the claustrophobia of tight quarters and lack of personal space, fight being annoyed with falling about 5,000 times. But what I found was at each new challenge, God gave me great peace and a calm spirit and heart. I even enjoyed most of the trip! This was certainly ALL from God because nothing in me was excited about or looking forward to the physical conditions we would face.
Cooking dinner with Kimberly and Jennifer.
The second beautiful thing that happened was the way in which the kids worked together as a team. They were presented with challenge after challenge, everything from planning a menu, hiking in the rain, getting lost, setting up camp, and helping each other along the way, and each challenge they met with amazing attitudes, excellent compromising and team work, and generous hearts to help those (ahem, like me) who weren't quite as physically capable. They really bonded as a group and experienced a type of community/family that is hard to come by in the places they live and grow up in. The character that is being formed through this discipleship group is amazing!
Getting a helping hand so I didn't fall going down a
steep slope hiking in the rain with a 50 lb. backpack!
The third thing was the way we all connected deeply with the devotions about Jesus as a servant and how He demonstrated leadership by serving. This was a somewhat revolutionary idea to these leaders-in-training who see "leadership" in their families and communities by force/oppression or money or material possessions. Leadership in their communities isn't earned through consistency, hard work, character, and serving, rather it is taken by being stronger, faster, scarier/more intimidating, or stealing. But we were all humbled to learn that Jesus gained respect by protecting the weak, standing up to those who ruled by fear or compulsion, and giving generously of His time, love and grace.
Aris and Yoselyn preparing lunch (tuna and bean sandwiches)
beside the waterfall before bible study.
Cooling off beside a beautiful waterfall on a 7-hour hike
the second day of the trip.
The absolute most beautiful and awe-inspiring moment of the trip happened at the very end, though. After two days of eating simply, sleeping in hammocks, fighting the elements, and hiking with heavy packs, the kids faced their biggest challenge yet: creating a platform to carry all their packs on out of logs and rope for the final half mile of the hike. Our guide had told us it was extremely physically challenging and as leaders our challenge was to remain silent, let them do it alone, and walk behind praying for them along the way. About 50 yards into the journey, it was evident the physical strain the kids were under. I leaned over to another leader and said, "It's like dropping off your son or daughter on the first day of kindergarten! I just want to step in and help them!" It was so hard to watch them stumble under the weight, cry out in distress and shed tears from the logs digging into their shoulders.
One of the guys, Diego, perhaps the strongest physically-speaking, suggested they pray and they prayed together, encouraging each other along the way. When they took their final steps and were able to set down the platform they all fell to the ground in exhaustion, hanging their heads low. Our guide commended them for their perseverance and said he hadn't seen a group as unified and successful in the exercise yet, and that they had no reason to hang their heads. He asked if anyone wanted to share. Several commented that they thought of Christ carrying the cross to Calgary and that the weight they had to carry, and the distance they were made to carry it, was nothing compared to what He did for them. More tears came as this reality sunk in. One girl commented that she would tell her grandkids about this day--what they accomplished together.
I was so humbled by their perseverance, their tremendous strength as a team, and their love for one another and the God that had helped them the whole way. The trip had a huge impact on each one of these young leaders, and me as well. They are being trained to be lights in the darkness of the communities they live in and to fight each day the temptation to give in to the numerous challenges they face, but with the love and support of the FundaVida community and a God big enough to help them reach their goals, their lives are being transformed and impacting all those around them. To see more pictures from the trip, visit my Facebook page.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Feliz Navidad!
It's that time of year! Below is my Pura Vida Christmas 2012 newsletter. I hope you enjoy!
Pura Vida Christmas 2012
Pura Vida Christmas 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Pura Vida November 2012
Extra, extra, read all about it! Below is the November edition of my Pura Vida newsletter. Check back soon for more pictures and video from FundaVida's Creative Worship/Talent Night!
Pura Vida November 2012
Pura Vida November 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
TOMS in La Carpio and Christmas at FundaVida
I've been wanting to post this for awhile, so figured I might as well get around to it! Awhile back I went into the office at the center in La Carpio where I teach English and saw a plastic bag full of black shoes. I asked the director what all the shoes were for and she told me they were a donation of TOMS shoes for all the students.
WOW! It hit me de nuevo (anew) the difference between working in the States with teens and working in poor communities in Costa Rica with teens. In the States, my Young Life kids bought expensive (or what I would consider expensive!) TOMS shoes (http://www.toms.com/) because they loved the styles and the fact that for every pair they bought TOMS would donate to a pair to a child in need. And now the kids I work with here are on the receiving end! The girls LOVE their TOMS and wear them a lot. The boys aren't quite as convinced of the fashion statement that is TOMS shoes, but they've discovered they make good shoes for playing soccer :)
And I actually got a pair as well as there were some leftover!
WOW! It hit me de nuevo (anew) the difference between working in the States with teens and working in poor communities in Costa Rica with teens. In the States, my Young Life kids bought expensive (or what I would consider expensive!) TOMS shoes (http://www.toms.com/) because they loved the styles and the fact that for every pair they bought TOMS would donate to a pair to a child in need. And now the kids I work with here are on the receiving end! The girls LOVE their TOMS and wear them a lot. The boys aren't quite as convinced of the fashion statement that is TOMS shoes, but they've discovered they make good shoes for playing soccer :)
And I actually got a pair as well as there were some leftover!
Isn't this kid the cutest thing ever? They got some for some of the girls who have kids as well!
And, as you all might know, I LOVE Christmas! And I don't love mornings :) As I was heading in early for a teen club meeting with FundaVida I was dragging my feet (don't get me wrong, I love what I do, I would just rather do it later in the day) To my great delight, the ladies in the kitchen had decorated for Christmas. Yes, Costa Ricans have all their decorations out in early-mid December. It's amazing!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Pura Vida Newsletter--September and Submission
Hey friends! Below you will find my latest newsletter! Enjoy!
And a note about submission. As some of you who read this blog have found, it often acts as my diary (open for the world to read). So I feel compelled to share a word about submission with you today. Perhaps if only to put it out there for public record so that I am held accountable to what I feel God leading me to do.
It's an off-putting, dare I say alienating word--submission. It conjures up a whole host of images and emotions. And yet it is something we are encouraged to do, compelled to do, as those who have chosen to follow Christ. And I am, once again, being called to do it. It.is.NOT.fun!
I read this morning (after an insightful and convicting message last night and affirming talk after with my pastor) about submission in (....yes, you guessed it) My Utmost for His Highest:
"First be reconciled to your brother...' Our Lord's directive is simple--'First be reconciled...' He says, in effect, 'Go back the way you came-- the way indicated to you by the conviction given to you at the altar; have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing.' Jesus does not mention the other person-- He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus."
OUCH! He always cuts right to the heart of the matter. "It's not a matter of your rights." But doesn't he know that I AM right. Doesn't Oswald know that what he's [my neighbor and brother in Christ] proposing is ridiculous, dare I say outlandish. Why would I submit to that? No one would disagree with me (particularly no one who lives in the US). It's unfair!
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?...Submit yourselves then to God."
-James 4:1, 7
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority..."
- 1 Peter 2:13
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24
Amen. There's nothing left to do than submit. And oh, how it hurts, the injustice of it all. In fact, it reminds me of another injustice, an even greater one, the fruits of which I now live in each day, I drink in morning and night. And I remember, it is for FREEDOM that Christ has set me free. And that includes a FREEDOM to submit--not for my sake, certainly not for the unjust, ridiculous, law-keeper's sake, but for HIS sake, to bring HIM honor and glory, to love and obey HIM, and to live in the light of His truth and grace.
Pura Vida September 2012
And a note about submission. As some of you who read this blog have found, it often acts as my diary (open for the world to read). So I feel compelled to share a word about submission with you today. Perhaps if only to put it out there for public record so that I am held accountable to what I feel God leading me to do.
It's an off-putting, dare I say alienating word--submission. It conjures up a whole host of images and emotions. And yet it is something we are encouraged to do, compelled to do, as those who have chosen to follow Christ. And I am, once again, being called to do it. It.is.NOT.fun!
I read this morning (after an insightful and convicting message last night and affirming talk after with my pastor) about submission in (....yes, you guessed it) My Utmost for His Highest:
"First be reconciled to your brother...' Our Lord's directive is simple--'First be reconciled...' He says, in effect, 'Go back the way you came-- the way indicated to you by the conviction given to you at the altar; have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing.' Jesus does not mention the other person-- He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus."
OUCH! He always cuts right to the heart of the matter. "It's not a matter of your rights." But doesn't he know that I AM right. Doesn't Oswald know that what he's [my neighbor and brother in Christ] proposing is ridiculous, dare I say outlandish. Why would I submit to that? No one would disagree with me (particularly no one who lives in the US). It's unfair!
"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?...Submit yourselves then to God."
-James 4:1, 7
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority..."
- 1 Peter 2:13
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." -Colossians 3:23-24
Amen. There's nothing left to do than submit. And oh, how it hurts, the injustice of it all. In fact, it reminds me of another injustice, an even greater one, the fruits of which I now live in each day, I drink in morning and night. And I remember, it is for FREEDOM that Christ has set me free. And that includes a FREEDOM to submit--not for my sake, certainly not for the unjust, ridiculous, law-keeper's sake, but for HIS sake, to bring HIM honor and glory, to love and obey HIM, and to live in the light of His truth and grace.
Pura Vida September 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Lis: A Changed Life
One of the things I am doing with FundaVida (www.fundavida.org) in addition to helping with their programming for at-risk teens is collecting and writing stories about kids whose lives have been changed through the holistic presence that FundaVida has in some of the poorest, most violent communities around San Jose. Below is a story about Liseth, one of the girls who participates in the bi-weekly discipleship program I help lead.
I'm excited to be joining the other teen program leaders and youth leadership/discipleship kids on a trip to serve the indigenous Bribri people who live in a remote area called Talamanca in the southernmost part of Costa Rica later this month. It will be a challenging trip, taking kids from the inner-city to experience poverty and need on a whole new level as we serve alongside a local church and nonprofit seeking to provide educational and income opportunities to these communities. Many lack sanitary living conditions and struggle from subsequent illnesses and malnutrition.
Please pray for us as we seek to bring hope, light, and tangible assistance to this area, as well as help these young FundaVida leaders better understand that leadership starts with serving. Our tentative theme is it is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35).
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