How do I describe my experience on the Reel Life Adventure trip in Costa Rica? I do not know if I can put words to it. I will try by simply saying that the Lord truly does work in mysterious ways. In preparation for the trip, I thought I knew what I was getting myself into, you know the typical “mission trip high.” Well, I could not have been more wrong.
The Lord revealed to me what it meant to be a true servant and a faithful follower of Him. The Costa Rican people’s love for others overflows through their service and conversation. Regardless of who you are, where you are from, or what language you speak, they will treat you like family from the moment you are greeted until the final goodbye kisses.
In addition to the sweet hospitality, they believe in living in a Pura Vida (pure life) state-of-mind. My American mind was blown away by their gratitude and contentment that they found in their simple lives with next to nothing, materialistically speaking. I could only see what they physically had, i.e. one bedroom houses for large families, scarce amounts of food and water resources. But to them, they had everything they could possibly need; family and faith. They do not need more “stuff” to find happiness or peace, but the culture looks upon the simplest things as a gift from God. In return, they GIVE! In my mind I can think of the comfortable lifestyles they could gain with more living space, more money, more clothes, more resources, yet they continue to give. Amazing.
I walked into this trip expecting to take part in transforming Costa Rica, yet I walked away being transformed myself. I will be forever grateful for the Reel Life team and ministry teams that we worked with in San Jose. Pura Vida!