Oregon team

My first team of Mission Adventure's flew in on June 24th, my birthday :), to embark on a 10 day mission trip with Youth With A Mission in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was privileged to work aside a tica, Costa Rican, gal named Paola my first week working with teams. She showed me some of the main duties as a leader while serving with the ministry. I was honored to work aside these 15 Oregonites. We had the opportunity to work with children on 4 different locations performing dramas, making crafts, and playing children's games. Que rajado (very cool!). The team from Oregon was a blessing to me and my life.

The most impacting day from our service together was on a perfectly sunny day at a small Christian school. Here, we were privileged to meet a little girl named Noelyia. This precious elementary student was a sponsor child of Tricia and Kenny Snyder, a couple from Oregon. As we drove up to the school in our 2 big white YWAM vans, we could see a mother and young girl sitting on a bench waiting patiently for our arrival. As the van stopped, Tricia quickly ran over to the mother and daughter and shared a big smile and embrace them since she didn't speak the language. Tears began to fill our eyes as we saw the power of God between the two mothers and their gratitude towards each other. Through our short time chatting with this family, we learned that they had been praying for this American family. The love was mutual between the two families. Throughout the 3 hours together, the two mothers never left each others side. They were unable to speak the same language, however, they were both able to speak the language of the Love of Christ. This American family had been a great blessing to Noelyia and her mother and Noelyia and her mother were also a great blessing for Tricia and Kenny.

Although borders, cultural differences, and language can separate people, the love of Christ binds us together. I was privileged to be a part of this experience.