For almost a week now, I have been completely submerged in Costa Rican culture and daily life. I wake up to the sound of birds chirping, brush my teeth in the prettiest outdoor sink, and watch the sunset to the sound of monkeys howling (which by the way, is a terrifying sound). We play with the neighborhood children and love on the sweetest stray dogs. I have eaten rice and beans 3x a day since I got here, which is actually not as bad as it sounds. Ministry so far has consisted of hauling large tree branches, climbing on the roof of our church/home, digging holes for fence posts, etc…
The best word to describe this lifestyle is simple. There is something so beautiful about a community that does everyday life together and loves each other in the way that the natives of La Vigia do. Life here definitely requires a hardworking and diligent mentality, yet it is also so slow-paced. On ministry days we work until our jobs are done, and on off days such as today, we rest and relax. I hang up my hammock between two trees and pull out a book or I walk over to the little hole-in-the-wall store to buy ice cream. Life here is slow, but it is the most peaceful feeling that I have ever experienced.
When you live a life as simple as this one, it is so easy to find God in everything. I find God when I look out at the ocean and see the mountains at the end of the horizon (we are located on a peninsula). I find God when I watch the local children play soccer on the field at the end of our road. When you truly stop to look, you can see God’s hand in everything, and that is the beauty of living the lifestyle that these individuals do. Another benefit of this lifestyle is the joy that is instilled in every person that lives it. No one is stressed about meeting their monthly quota or freaking out because their hair appointment got canceled, but they are content with living on the absolute bare minimum. It is the most simple, yet joyful way of life.
I could not be more thankful for this lifestyle that I am having the honor of experiencing, thank you Jesus for giving us the beauty of simplicity. God, I ask that You help open the eyes of every person that is too busy to see Your face and that You give them a glimpse of the peace that they are capable of having. I love you, God, keep your hand over my squad and this mission and let Your name be proclaimed. Amen.
