Living in Jaco has been beyond anything I could have imagined over the past two weeks. Apart from the major climate change, life on the coast has had its sweet moments. Yes, living two blocks from la playa (attempting a little Spanglish) has its perks, but I think some of the most eye capturing, memory tabbed moments so far has been with my thirty three family members and now an additional nineteen more!
If you are trying to do the math right now to see how many that is, I’ll make it easy for ya.. THERE ARE FIFTY TWO WORLD RACERS LIVING UNDER THE SAME ROOF.
World Race Semester has joined H squad in Jaco, Costa Rica and will be partnering with Ocean’s Edge Ministry as well this month! I won’t go into major detail about WR semester because that isn’t the point of this post; however, just to give you a little understanding, WR semester is for 18-21 year olds who will spend three months on the field with the hopes of heading to three different countries. Due to COVID restrictions, their previous travel plans fell through so Ocean’s Edge has opened their doors and every bed to provide an opportunity for these racers to do international missions work.
Tbh, this week has definitely been a challenge with the transition. Quiet space doesn’t quite look the way it used to, schedules and ministry life has been modified, and all of us have had to squeeze in just a little bit more to make this a functional reality. It’s been real and raw with just a dash of stress… I ain’t gonna lie. It’s hard to try to learn how to live in an even bigger community while still trying to acclimate to the new BIG family you have now. Whew, talk about learning a lot more names! This was a big yes sandwiched in with some major flexibility. And I don’t feel uncomfortable saying this because it is the reality of saying yes.. it is the reality of sacrifice. It’s beautiful and burdensome all at the same time.
…. It’s a beautiful surrender….
Without a doubt, we will be imperfect at this.. without a doubt it will be a challenge; however, there are fifty two people living in this house who have come to love Jesus recklessly no matter the cost. This is part of that cost, and I believe as long as our hearts are postured to be dependent on Jesus, we will learn to give grace in the exhausting moments, to love in the stressful moments, and to grow in the burdening moments.
P.S.
Check out my girl, Kailee Knudsen’s new video as she captured the beauty of our new, bigger community!! Link is below:
Much love,
Amanda 🙂
So happy you are well! What an amazing experience! Amazing to see God’s work being carried out. Praying for safety and God’s blessings.
So beautiful to read and watch that video! God is amazing Amanda so glad to see the work Jesus is doing through all of you and the love He continues to pour into you al daily! Keep running as we cheer you all on from back home ??