guess who is BACK! Costa Rica 2013

yes I am home from the wonderful Costa Rica 

 I left a part of my heart there and wish I could go back

I wish I could explain into words how incredible the trip was 

in a nutshell:

my trip was a time to continue my strive to be a faithful servant of God out with other brothers and sisters in Christ in Costa Rica. Being able to serve Him and be an image of Him to others is what the team and I prayed we could do. We were there to help build and paint a camp and also to run a children's camp. The kids that came to our camp were from what is called a squatter village, there are about 400 children that live within the walls of this place and experience things that no children should. Most of these kids come from nothing, some no parents or homes. To be able to take these kids for the day and just let them be kids was the best thing I could ever ask for. Since my Spanish was pretty poor when I first got there I was terrified I wouldn't be able to play with the kids, but one language we all shared was love. One hug to them and they wouldn't let you go. The way they trusted us so easily and just loved us was such an image of how Christ wants us to be to Him. To fully trust Him and grab onto his everlasting love. We played outside, went into the pool which was so fun since these kids had never seen one before and even when it was freezing pouring rain they did not want to get out. Their smiles when you would ask "agua fría??" and they would smirk and say "si" and jump right back in, then we got to play craft and games. These kids touched my heart and it was so heartbreaking to send them back on the bus to where they live, thinking they have to go back to the village, but I pray that God worked in us to bring some light and joy to these kids hearts. With working everyday at the camp we were blessed to experience the beautiful culture of Costa Rica and see Gods amazing creation. One morning before work we got to go ziplinning which was the coolest thing I have ever ever done! I had the greatest time soaring through cloud forest and over a waterfall. We got to experience all the amazing food there (the best food I have ever had) it was beans and rice and chicken and lots and lots and lots of fruit. And this ice cream place called Pops, you have never had ice cream till you go there. You can say I was very very well fed there. Also was able to create friendships that will never die. I was able to become family with the team, the girls I shared an apartment room with are my sisters. We all bonded so fast and had the most amazing time, I cant put into words how blessed I am for these girls and how God hand pick each one of us to be on that trip with one another and how there were so many moments that we grew so much closer to each other. We had long nights of laughter, funniest, crying, heart to hearts and prayers over one another. I have never had the chance to have such amazing best friends that I could feel so comfortable with, share everything with my struggles and happiness, and to have them pray for me and with me. And these girls are the funniest ever. We have created so many inside jokes, like confession time and well those "you had to be there moments". I also was able to hangout with the Hadley family when we got there since they had been living in Costa Rica for the summer. I was so happy to see them since I had not seen them for weeks major separation anxiety! It was so great to catch up and see the little rascal Trey. God is so great and so rich in His love to give me and the team so much those past weeks. Costa Rica 2013 was a life changing experience and I can not wait to go back again someday. 

here are a bunch of pictures taken from my iphone! 

so much coffee..... its just so good!

church time

just so happy with the food, im in love 

pops on pops on pops

my favorite breakfast, its the best staple food 

being weird as usaul 

going back looking on the pictures makes me wish so badly I was back there with everyone. Costa Rica 2013 best time ever. Praise Jesus for the incredible service we were able to act on and the amazing fellowship that grew our hearts

you can also go onto instagram and look on #sscostarica for the other pictures posted by the group!