This was our first international mission trip as a family, so we decided to reflect as a family. How did you grow in your faith this week? By allowing us to see that even though we are in different countries, different circumstances, and at different stages of our life journey, when we broke down the barriers we realized no matter how different we are, one thing that is, and always will be the same is that we are all God’s children How did your time in Costa Rica challenge your faith? Pushed us out of our comfort zones, whether that was to try and speak Spanish without a translator, rice and beans for breakfast lunch and dinner, or doing without your own personal space and time, to make us grow in our faith and have a stronger relationship with God. How would you describe your memories and God encounters from this trip? We each shared 10 words that describe our trip; Stinky, Cold-showers, irritated, God, small children, soccer, Spanish, jungle, rice, beans, Rice, beans, , trust, children of God, jump rope, friends, fun, challenging, beautiful, Relationships, love, Ticos, prayer, smelly, sweaty, trust, nature, “the simple things”, and compassion. We learned we often overlook the simple joys of life. By walking along side our neighbors in Costa Rica, we realized that we all have gifts to share. Paige, Evan & Emily Thomas |