August 7, 2013: Day Five

After
giving Felicia the book for Angel, Felicia lifted my spirit as she shared her
witness to my fall. Felicia exclaimed, raising her arms into the air, “When
I saw you get up and brush yourself off and go on with what you were doing, I knew you were a missionary!” Thank you, Jesus. It is to You alone, for Your glory and by
Your power I can get up, brush off and go on with Your work. The Bible says the God will restore the years
the locust have destroyed. I wonder if the “locust” are more than just insects, but anything that robs people of
what God intended because I have often felt destroyed by the impact of abuse, which
represents the locust in my life, leaving me with a sense of unworthiness and
self-loathing that years ago kept me from fully serving as a missionary. Felicia’s
words remind me of my heart’s desire and of how by the merciful blood of Jesus
Christ we are made worthy.
With
bags, equipment and coolers trekked up the hill and loaded we began the journey
back to San Jose. I did not wish to
go. It was difficult to leave and I had such a rush of feelings! I experienced a pull on my heart
like never before. Arriving at the
village at the base of the mountain we stopped to drop off Pastor Anthony and
Gabriel. Alex purchased everyone a cool
drink of their choice. Miriam and her
daughter were across the road at the bus stop so Rosh and I ran over to speak
with them. After saying goodbye to
Anthony and Gabe we were on our way again.
Our second stop was for gas, restroom and for me the dreaded goodbyes to
Carlos, Marguerite and Martha. Feeling
very self-conscious for my emotions, it was difficult to hold back tears as I
will miss them very much. Alex, in his
generosity surprised me with a bottle of cold water, in which I was
very appreciative. Driving through the mountains and villages I enjoyed
gazing out the windows looking at the lush unusual plants, especially flowering
bushes and endless plantations.



Early
afternoon we arrived at the National Rain Forest for lunch and zip-lining. I, of course, with the condition of my hand, could not zip-line. Interestingly enough, it did not bother me
being left out, as we all know I’d be the first in line to zip line! Tricia kindly stayed behind with
me and we watched a video presentation and took the tram tour that lifted to a breathtaking view mid-canopy. The rain forest, extremely dense and full
beheld many species of plants. At the
entrance, we did see a sloth and it was much larger than I’d expected. As it climbed higher into the tree I do not
think I have ever seen anything move so incredibly slow, not even a turtle! On the tram we did see an anteater in a bit of trouble extremely high off the ground as he disturbed a
hive of bees. He caught our attention as it leap out of the
hole, scrambled to grasp a vine upside down, midair and rapidly raced down the trunk. I had
no idea anteaters could climb trees! On
the way back we looked for signs of the animal, but all that remained were a multitude of bees hovering in
protection of their hive.
As
this was my first visit to a rain forest I was content with the opportunity to learn the history of the habitat and explore before zipping through it.
Next time though..….
Next time though..….
We
arrived into the city during rush hour.
The District of Columbia has nothing on the traffic in downtown San
Jose! Yet, amazingly the traffic flows
and moves along. We stopped at our accommodations, unpacked, washed-up and met up for dinner. We met Julie, Alex’s wife who ministers to the
women of San Jose, along with their two young daughters. We dined in a local pizza parlor for dinner and
ate by far the best pizza, ever.
(OM Costa Rica does not yet have
accommodations to board mission teams, so we sampled a variety of local
restaurants when in San Jose.)
Following photos.....not for the skirmish, squeamish or skittish....Kait and I were fascinated with the bugs and reptiles. Here are a few shots depicting several industrious, colorful and quite large bugs we encountered.



PRAY, CONSIDER, RECEIVE, SHARE
Please PRAY for the people of Costa Rica and other regions in the world who are struggling to make ends meet. Many people are unable to secure stable work, are being released from employment or cut back in hours and/or pay. Too many people are in need of adequate housing, food and quality medical care. Communities of people are in need of resources and job skill training in order to learn a trade for employment. Children and teens are not in school because they are the sole caretaker of younger siblings or are working because they must contribute to their family's income. All children and youth ought to have access to education and a childhood. Pray for the diligent work of OM and other ministries worldwide partnering with local churches in the area of restoration and development, as visions are ignited through the encouragement for people to utilize their God-given gifts and talents in order to guide communities to the prospect of economic self-sufficiency. So many people are lost, existing day to day in a cycle of confusion and hurt that tears down one's ability to trust. Trust themselves, trust others, or trust God. Jesus gave His life as a living sacrifice in order to guide us back to a loving God who is the only One who can protect the essence of self, our precious soul. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life. Only He can reconcile our lives back to God. Seek the Way. Learn of Truth. Choose Life. Please PRAY that God would honor and bless the efforts of missionaries, area pastors, local churches, volunteers and others who support God’s work through resources, time, skills, finances and/or prayer. Pray hearts open to hear the Good News of God's plan of redemption for all creation through His Son Jesus Christ. Pray for spiritual growth in all people, for the embracing of faith in Jesus, fully trusting Him to make a way where they seems no possible means. May we all not just believe in Jesus, but believe Him. May we grow in understanding and knowledge of Him, walking in forgiveness and love for all people we encounter.
Please CONSIDER giving, through donations or volunteer service, globally and/or within your own community. Below are links to websites where you can learn more about OM who is fulfilling the Great Commission through service to the poor and neglected people of Costa Rica and other regions worldwide.
RECEIVE the Lord's eternal blessing for your partnership in whichever manner He guides you in.
Please SHARE this blog with anyone you know who is interested in supporting, praying for and/or partnering in missions work, locally or globally.
PRAYER REQUESTS
For those in need of physical healing
For the unemployed
For children unable to attend school out of necessity to work in support of family
For children unable to attend school due to lack of funding or flooding across roads
For access to quality and affordable medical care
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
Vive Talamanca (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) -
Operation Mobilization (OM) –
Go to: omusa.org
OM Costa Rica (Spanish, Chrome translates to English) –
To donate to OM Costa Rica (English) -
Note: In the additional information comment box type: “Donation for OM Costa Rica field #14500 Vive Talamanca, then specify, as desired, water
filter, construction, motorcycle, school supplies, literature, etc.
filter, construction, motorcycle, school supplies, literature, etc.
No comments:
Post a Comment