Month 3 was one of my favorite months so far, but also challenging. Costa Rica was absolutely beautiful! Our ministry with The Hope Project was very diverse, and that’s why I loved it so much. We would help with English classes, a pregnancy center, girls club, watch/attend dance classes, random projects ( creating a pamphlet for new moms, bookmarks, concrete, cleaning/organizing the center ) and partner with Christ for the City, once a week.
English Classes and Dance Classes instantly became my favorite things to participate in and taught me the most this month. Both taught me that’s it not too late. It’s not too late to learn something new, like a language or how to dance or painting or going back to school or it’s not too late to mend a relationship or it’s not too late to turn to God. Back in the States it feels like if you don’t start a sport or talent when you’re 3 you’re done for. Like it would be too late to start because everyone is so far ahead of you. But what I learned this month is that’s simply not true. I met dancers who had only been dancing for 2 years, and they were fantastic. I also met people in their late 40’s thriving in English Classes. This lesson was wrapped in a bow with another lesson that I no longer let other people’s opinions or assumptions of me define me or hold me back. After letting go, I could see myself start to have more fun and more freedom. Fun can be vulnerable, and you would think as someone who struggles to be vulnerable, I would have recognized that before now. Letting go of fear of other’s opinions of you isn’t easy, but it’s so worth it. Through Christ I’m constantly changing and overcoming. Once I told the Lord this and that I was serious, He constantly provided situations this month where I had to own who I am, what I can do, and own my mistakes and ask for forgiveness. Learning all of this, and standing up for myself, and saying I can do this, led to me realizing that if I’m constantly changing and growing, so are those around me. That I can’t hold onto one idea of someone, I assumed, and let that hold me back from loving them.
Through all of this, I learned what it means to love harder and unconditionally. To not give up on someone because I can only see the flaws, but ask the Lord to show me the good in them. To swallow the pride and listen to understand them. I’ve learned that hurt people hurt others, and we should choose love instead of taking justice into our own hands. Love is hard and frustrating sometimes, but keep loving hard because that person may need love more than correction, in that moment. Love looks different for everyone. The way you love and the way you receive love. .
I enjoyed this post so much! It’s such a blessing to me for you to be so honest about your journey. Our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us. I’m learning that the degree to which his power is at work in me has everything to do with loving God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. My prayer for you is that God will show you what he can do through you, and that you will be hooked for life on the purposeful feeling that comes with doing his will not ours.
Much love, Abby!
Abby, what a blessing to hear from you and to learn all that you are doing and all that you are experiencing on this new journey of your life. Wishing you blessings as you continue to share Jesus with others. ??????
I’m just now getting the chance to sit down and read this, and I can’t tell you how encouraging this post has been to me. I’m reminded of what God said to me a while ago; that you and I would be walking through and learning a lot of the same things. And I find it amazing that even though we are in vastly different places right now, it sounds like you’re talking about me! All of the things you’ve said that God is teaching and growing you in is so similar to me it’s amazing; even down to not realizing the vulnerability of having fun ha. It’s encouraging to hear of God moving in your life, walking alongside you and personally tending to you in ways only He can. Our God is truly awesome! And I know this is only the beginning of the magnificent way He’s going to work in your life. Just always remember to let go and let God, He’s got every single aspect of every single thing in His hands
I keep loosening my drafts. We LUV you much. We are excited for you to be a part of God’s work. I am glad that this AMAZING RACE has brought you understanding. So glad you have found time for reflection. All my love to you and to all who have helped you make this trip.
I keep loosening my drafts. We LUV you much. We are excited for you to be a part of God’s work. I am glad that this AMAZING RACE has brought you understanding. So glad you have found time for reflection. All my love to you and to all who have helped you make this trip.
I keep loosening my drafts. We LUV you much. We are excited for you to be a part of God’s work. I am glad that this AMAZING RACE has brought you understanding. So glad you have found time for reflection. All my love to you and to all who have helped you make this trip.
I keep loosening my drafts. We LUV you much. We are excited for you to be a part of God’s work. I am glad that this AMAZING RACE has brought you understanding. So glad you have found time for reflection. All my love to you and to all who have helped you make this trip.
Such wisdom and joy! OH HAPPY DAY!
Such wisdom and joy! OH HAPPY DAY! So sorry for the redundancy of posts. I am new at this. All my love…and more.
Hi Abby! What profound statements you make! It is amazing what God can do within us if we just let go and let God, right? I struggle with a lot of the same things and you have given me some things to think about. I never thought I would be taking the advice of such a young person, but man you just nailed one of my personal struggles. I pray you continue to be safe on your journey, I know God has his arms of protection around you. I continue to be so proud of you and can’t wait to hear more of your stories when you return home. Love and huge hugs!