This past week I experiences some of the best and definitely the hardest times of the trip so far. I'm telling you what, God is molding me and refining my spirit and preparing me for some amazing things.
This week Lawrenceville UMC came. For those of you who do not know, Lawrenceville is the group that I have been coming to Costa Rica with for the past 4 years, so this was very exciting for me. If there was something I needed after having to say goodbye to my family it was my "mission mom" and "mission dad". Barry and Cindy Blakley have come on every trip with me and have kind of adopted me as their mission daughter. Cindy and I have been meeting once a month for dinner since last year's trip and our relationship has grown even closer. She has been such an amazing mentor, mom and friend, and she was exactly what I needed this week! God knew what I needed before I did!
Anyway, so I was a little part of the planning for their trip and felt very excited about all of the exciting things we were going to do during the week. We started each day with Vacation Bible School for the children and women in a nearby community. I spent most of my time with the ladies because our hope is to begin a monthly women's ministry in this community, and the ladies of the church want me to be in charge of getting that together, so I wanted the women to get to know me and feel comfortable with me. It was an amazing week, and I saw God move is some really powerful ways. We painted fingernails, did crafts, sang songs, watched some video clips, and at the end of the week we were able to pray over each woman that was there. It was a powerful week to say the least. I really can't even put into words what went on in that building. Here are some pictures of the fun we had with the kids and adults....and for those of you who have been to Costa Rica with me or seen videos you know we had to do a little Boom Chicka Boom, so I have a few pictures of that as well!
First Day of VBS
This precious baby fell asleep in my arms! awww!
Painting Nails
Sand Art Craft
Karla and I after I finished painting her nails
Our prayer day
All the women praying and worshiping
Owen and me :)
Lawrenceville UMC
Boom Chicka Boom
Garrison stealing the show
More Boom Chicka Boom
Boom Chicka Boom Model Style! :) I'm really good....I think I should consider modeling if this whole missionary thing doesn't work out! haha!
On Wednesday this week the group had a free day. Cindy and I stayed back and took a day to relax while the rest of the group went zip lining and traveling. Little did we know that our day of relaxing would turn out to be an 8 mile hike! haha! We walked from the church to the pastor's house and back. It was exactly what I needed though. We were able to talk and pray and she really knew exactly what to say to lift my spirit and give me the kind of encouragement that kicked me in the butt! Only Cindy could have been so honest and loving all at the same time. I realized through this day of "relaxing" that I had started to become a little selfish needing "Taylor time" and "Taylor space" and "Taylor things". I had left all of my sacrificing in Georgia and had become a needy recipient instead of a joyful giver. What I really needed was God time. Thank you Cindy! I love you! After Wednesday I was a different person! I was able to build relationships that I had neglected in the beginning of the week, and I had a new and fresh focus. God is an amazing provider and knows exactly what we need when we need it! Here is a picture of Cindy and I after our 8 mile hike about to go get ice cream to cool down!
After Wednesday I also found a new place for my quiet time. There is really no quiet place in Costa Rica, so I haven't been having a set time to sit and reflect and pray, but after Wednesday, Cindy really reminded me how important it was to find a place, so here is my quiet place:
Yay! Quiet!
Isn't it beautiful
Ok, so don't look at the face (I just woke up), but look at the big smile!!
I also have some really exciting news about my mission here in Costa Rica. On Thursday Douglas, Barry, Kay and I went to a location where they are wanting to remodel a church. Right now the church is not in operating condition. They also would like to build bathroom facilities, a kitchen and a dining hall for those in the community to feel like they have a safe place to go and fellowship. Douglas told me that he would like for this to be my project for the upcoming year. We still need to get a couple of approvals before beginning anything, but I will keep you all updating on the progress and any needs that we may have in this process. For now, here are some pictures of the existing building, and the surrounding community. It is on a beautiful property and has so much potential. I can't wait to get started!!
In addition, I worked with a group at the church to finish a couple of projects in the afternoon. Here are some pictures of all of the work that has been completed at the church!
This is the building that Lawrenceville UMC was working on last year! Wow!! This year they were able to eat all their meals here!
The entrance
Future Kitchen
Where once there was only Logan dancing....we now have a whole room...
Same building 2 years ago...wow!
This week, I am back at the parsonage working on the house. I can't wait to catch you all up on all the progress there! We finally have stairs and don't have to climb a ladder to get to the second floor! I love you all so much and I am so blessed to have such encouraging and prayerful friends and family. I wouldn't be where I am today without each of you!
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