Follow ETBU Softball in Costa Rica
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Kaitlyn Hollingshead
Senior - Rehabilitation Science Major
New Braunfels, Texas
For my teammates and I this mission trip was a huge step out of our comfort zone. Some had never been on a plane, most had never been out of the country, and as a whole we are not the best Spanish speakers. However, throughout this week of service we have had several opportunities to learn about and appreciate the beautiful culture in Costa Rica, meet amazing people from around the world, and come together as a team to work for something so much greater than ourselves.
Our first full day in Costa Rica was spent attending a local church and helping with several projects around the YWAM base. Going to church here was a really cool experience because we realized that even though we are in another country, and couldn't understand most of what was being said, the way they praise God is the same as us. One thing that stood out to me was the passion the Costa Rican people worship with. So many times we take for granted the freedom of our worship and find ourselves just going through the motions. Therefore, it was truly inspiring to see that every song that was sang and every prayer that was said was done with all of their hearts. When we came back to the base we split into groups and started cleaning, washing cars, and working to make the outside areas look nicer. This seemed like such a small thing, but it was nice to serve the people that live at YWAM, knowing they work so hard every day to serve the Lord.
Monday started with a worship service that was like none I had ever been a part of. It was just amazing to hear one song being sung in over four languages at the same time. Again the passion during worship was unreal, and you could definitely feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in the room. The rest of the day was spent working at a school that was ran by a church in a pretty rough community. The people who work there go above and beyond to help better the lives of children in the community. They even open their doors over Christmas break to make sure that they get to have at least two good meals a day. It was truly an honor to serve them anyway we could. After a couple hours of painting and setting up graduation decorations, we had the opportunity to spend some time with the kids. I met a little boy named Ian who completely melted my heart and reminded me of Matthew 18:3. In this verse Jesus explains the importance of having a child like faith. I was a complete stranger to this child and spoke a completely different language, but he was still so kind and so open to spending time with me, because he didn't know any better. As we get older we tend to put up barriers, shutting out the love of Christ, and those around us. So meeting Ian was a great reminder to be more vulnerable and to allow Gods love back into my heart.
On Tuesday we started the day with Bible distributions, and honestly I was really worried about the language barrier we were faced with. However, even though I completely butchered the Spanish language, communicating was actually rather easy. I believe that the people we were sharing Bibles with shared the same love for Jesus that we did, and that relationship with Christ is strong enough to overcome any barrier. Each one of us walked away from this experience with stories that we will remember and share for a lifetime. Tuesday night we had the opportunity to play the Costa Rican National Team. They didn't all have uniforms, they didn't have the best equipment, and their field was not in the best shape. However, they were happy to be out there and were never discouraged. After playing them and seeing their passion for the game despite their poor conditions, I have found a new level of appreciation for the game, and I cannot wait to play them again on Friday.
Wednesday was the day we had all been waiting for. We went to Casa de Pan which is the home of a sweet lady named Melba and her husband and the 46 children they care for. When we arrived we helped clean and organize a little bit and then played with the kids. Before we left Mrs. Melba sat us down and shared her story with us. She made sure that we understood that they were not an orphanage. She was their mom, and they were her children. She then explained to us that because they are not an orphanage they do not receive funding from the government, but that everything they needed has been provided to them by the grace of God. I was truly inspired by Melba and her dedication to the work God has planned for her. I pray that my teammates and I will open our hearts to what God has in store for us and that we will have the courage to pursue it.
Finally, today was a much needed day of relaxation and excursions. We spent the whole day visiting shops, buying gifts for friends and family, and spending time together swimming in the ocean. Spending time with my team today really opened my eyes to how close we have become over this week and I look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this team when we return back to campus. With only one full day left to spend in Costa Rica, I believe that as we prepare to head back home we will leave with changed hearts, a deeper passion for the Lord, and stronger relationships with every girl on the team.Â
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