Hey friends! A quick update on my life, I’m Living in Costa Rica now! My squad now calls a town named Puerto Viejo our home! We’ve been living out our Jungle Book dreams here, because we’re living in an actual jungle! Oftentimes I get woken up in the dead of night by howler monkeys screeching in the trees near our home. We also live just a 20 minute walk to the beach which has brought C squad endless joy! We’ve been doing lots of manual labor ministry, and were currently working on building a house! We’ve also gotten the chance to do lots of evangelism which has been so sweet, getting to share the gospel in a community where universalism is the biggest religion.
As we were saying our goodbyes to Guatemala, many of us shared that God was speaking the phrase “into the fire” over our time in Costa. We came into it with anticipation and excitement, wanting to know how the Lord was going to grow us in this season. Realistically though, we had no idea what we were coming into. We were put on a base that is run by a different organization, that operates much differently than our last. Into a community where people don’t immediately usher you into their homes and offer you a drink. Into the jungle where it is unbelievably humid, and mosquitos run rampant. The culture here is entirely different than the one we were used to in Guatemala. It’s safe to say we’ve had to do a lot of adjusting to our new home.
Through all that is different and new, we’ve grown to love this place, and embrace all its quirks. We’ve gotten the chance to live with a ywam group, and see people our age outside of gap year chase after the heart of the father, and give up their lives to fulfill the great commission. We’ve been able to see the faithfulness of believers in the indigenous communities of Costa Rica. We’ve been able to share our heart with the youth here and pour into them by playing soccer in the rain. We’ve experiences spiritual breakthroughs, and exercised our power as sons and daughters to cast out demons and bring heaven to earth. We’ve had prayer and worship through the night. We’ve gotten to do ministry as a squad! Through the fire, there has been so much joy. I hope this serves as a reminder of God’s goodness. He brings hope into the hopeless, joy into the desolate, light into the darkness.
The Father has been so so faithful in this season. When we were struggling to see the good, He picked us up and gave us gentle reminders of who He is, and the vision He has for our ministry. He has restored the soul of our squad, He has given us rest in the chaos, and comfort in the conflict. He has brought us into the heart of his creation, and given us abounding beauty to look at in our work. What a good Father, a tender Shepard caring intentionally about each of the sheep in his flock.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Wow, that’s so cool that you get to do ministry in Costa Rica. It’s amazing that you got to go and evangelize in even the jungle.
this is sooooo encouraging to read gabby!
i know the transition has brought challenges with it, and this is an amazing testimony of what God has done through it.
One of my absolute favorite verses and one that I cling to in times of change. I love your heart sweet girl, keep shining bright.
Making a transition can bring about challenges that’s for sure, yet the beauty is in seeing where God is leading. Continue to be open, having spiritual eyes, and move on His leading! Awesome to read the squad is ministering together and spiritual breakthroughs are occurring! The Father is so good! Thanks for sharing Gabby!
I love you so very much????
Amazing testimony! Change and hardship often bring personal growth and joy. I am praying that God protect you and give you the strength to continue working for His kingdom. Love you.
So amazing . You all are doing amazing in sharing God’s word. You all are so inspiring to us all.
Gabby~ you are so precious! Love you!
(Jessalyn’s mama??)