As I close out this week long blog of our mission trip to Costa Rica and Pura Vida, I find it harder and harder to capture this experience in words. But I'll start with the word captivating. This trip has been transformative in many ways. My beliefs about God, scripture and spirituality have all been challenged throughout this trip, but I walk away with stronger beliefs in all three areas.
My belief in God was strengthened during this trip by the amazing interns I met at Pura Vida. I came to know about eight or nine individuals and two a lot more personally who all had incredibly strong relationships with God and with great conviction to strive to walk with God each day. Their connection and commitment to God was awe-inspiring and left me striving to improve my own relationship with God.
Personal beliefs on scripture were challenged this week during TAG time (Time Alone with God). I read inspiring scripture some days and then condemning and ruthless scripture about killing heretics other days. I remain confused at which parts of the Bible Christians associate themselves with and which they neglect for reasons that would contradict other beliefs/laws of Christianity.
My spirituality has made leaps and bounds over the course of this trip. I've understood that one does not need religion to be spiritual and that spirituality is not confined to the adherences that religions have. By meeting individuals with such great spirituality and spending time each day to be by myself and reflect, I have come to a great understanding about my own spirituality.
As I arrive back home, I remember that it is not that important how big of an effect I had on the kids I met, but how big of an effect they had on me. It is my duty to carry their memories with me, share their stories and convey my experiences to ensure that others hear of the beauty and promise of Costa Rica. I walk away from this week as an overall better individual.
Jason Renner
My belief in God was strengthened during this trip by the amazing interns I met at Pura Vida. I came to know about eight or nine individuals and two a lot more personally who all had incredibly strong relationships with God and with great conviction to strive to walk with God each day. Their connection and commitment to God was awe-inspiring and left me striving to improve my own relationship with God.
Personal beliefs on scripture were challenged this week during TAG time (Time Alone with God). I read inspiring scripture some days and then condemning and ruthless scripture about killing heretics other days. I remain confused at which parts of the Bible Christians associate themselves with and which they neglect for reasons that would contradict other beliefs/laws of Christianity.
My spirituality has made leaps and bounds over the course of this trip. I've understood that one does not need religion to be spiritual and that spirituality is not confined to the adherences that religions have. By meeting individuals with such great spirituality and spending time each day to be by myself and reflect, I have come to a great understanding about my own spirituality.
As I arrive back home, I remember that it is not that important how big of an effect I had on the kids I met, but how big of an effect they had on me. It is my duty to carry their memories with me, share their stories and convey my experiences to ensure that others hear of the beauty and promise of Costa Rica. I walk away from this week as an overall better individual.
Jason Renner