Leaps of Faith

Over the past few days, things have gotten CRAZY! But I'd just like to note for everybody, I have safely made it to Costa Rica! But there's like, tons of stories I just have to share!!!

Sunday: This was my last day to actually hang out with friends (since Monday would mainly consist of packing and I'm leaving Tuesday) so there was some sadness at church, mainly since it was my last time seeing Barrett, Jordan and Elisabeth.  For lunch my family decided I should eat at the Twin Dragon's restaurant (which we like to to call the "Red Roof") I piged out, which is only appropriate since it would be my last time eating at a actual restaurant, at least that's what I thought.  On Sunday night, I went to our Sunday night Bible study, appropriately called "THRIVE" where after the lesson, there was a little celebration for me, I had a pretty good time but I didn't eat any of my cake since I had totally stuffed my face with food from the Twin Dragons.  I said my goodbye's to everyone there, and went to the Brighter Day Coffee Shop, where I met up with the Young Adults, we hung out for a bit and once again, we all decided to go out to eat.... this time at Pizza Hut.  I was (like usual) the only boy in the group! So I again listened in all of these girl conversations which can sometimes freak me out! But I'm used to it by now, we all said our goodbyes and that was about the end of the day!  That night I took a 2 hour long shower, after all, I won't be getting any hot showers!!

Monday: I woke up early Monday morning, we went to the church to pick up the VBS supplies that I have received as donation from people in the church, let me just say, my VBS suitcase was PACKED FULL! and weighed 48 pounds, thank you everyone who helped me out with this!  We then picked up a THRIVE shirt for Gabbie, I don't really know why since she isn't in THRIVE.... she lives in Maine!  And we picked up the check of generous donations from the people of BWC... I'm just going to say, thank you Lord! I made 1,600 dollars! I'd like to thank everybody for their help... and their prayers. Then it was time for... last second packing!!!!! It was CRAZY, at one point I was just ready to scream I was so stressed, after losing a pair of shoes and my glasses!  On Monday night, Jillian (who I enjoy calling Silly Jilly) came over and we played Lord of the Rings for several hours and ate delicious brownies, that was not something a normal  person would do the day before leaving for a 2 month period!  Later that night, my parents told me about the Airport in Costa Rica, they told me it was full of crazy people who wanted to give me rides and take my money and luggage! It really freaked me out!

Tuesday: A leap of Faith, I had no clue what to expect for the trip, my plan was to just wing it, just let God take control, and I did, my first Leap of Faith was just the decision to go to Costa Rica in general, I knew I was giving God 2 months of my life, which is a small amount when you think about my entire life, but for a 15 year old, 6'3", red-head boy, it's not something I would expect.  We drove to Atlanta, which took about 4 hours, eating out once again, this time at Zaxbys.  We waited several hours at the airport and when it was time to board, I took my second Leap of Faith, leaving my life, leaving everything I'm used to, my family, my friends, my life.... I said my goodbyes to my parents, and got on the plane.  Ok I'm making it sound more drastic than it really is, but I was pretty scared!  When I got on the plane I sat next to this really strange couple.... So I just plugged in my iPod, the plane ride was TERRIBLE, there was so much turbulence and it was so bumpy, I was shaking the entire ride!  When I got back the airport I got threw the immigration process successfully and moved on to the baggage claim, I got my 2 bags and my guitar and walked to the next area.  I was surprised, after my parents told me about all these crazy people that were supposedly in the airport, I didn't see anyone.  Then I walked to this area where you were supposed to get in a taxi, it's kind of like the room in-between the parking lot and the actual store of Wal-Mart, you could look out the window and see literally a thousand people screaming at me trying to get me to go with them.  I was terrified to go out of that little room, but I took my third Leap of Faith and walked out, and the first thing I saw was Raquel waving at me, I found my ride!

Me and Roquel

I got in the car and we made it to the church, at this point it was midnight, so Paster Luis gave me the keys to the church, showed me my room, and went to bed.  I got in my room and I just reflected everything that had happened that day, and I just broke out in prayer.

Wednesday (Today): I woke up this morning and first thing I did was unpack.  I had no idea what to do sine nobody else was awake, so I just did my daily getting ready.  Next, I opened up the shower door and turned on the water.... it was FREEZING!!!! So I took my fourth Leap of Faith and just jumped in, after about 30 seconds of pain and shivering, the water started to heat up.  I did my daily chores.

My Table

My room

My Bed

Well I just got done taking a walk with Roquel, and we'll see what the future holds.  I thank you all for your prayers, and ask you to keep on praying.

Pura Vida!