None of us will be the same again.

This past week I returned with a mission team from Costa Rica, and the first thing that people ask me is “How was it?”. No answer can really explain, but I did want to jot a few notes to pry open the really short version of my answer: “Thrilling, Heartbreaking, challenging”.

A short version worth writing would be long. So, over the next week or so I revisit each of the days of our visit. Each day had it own powerful place in the thread, but together they harmonized on the idea that what I needed most was an appreciation of the heart of God as a Father (Papa Dios!), who loves his children and longs for them to live the life they were created for, even more than we long for Him.

Day 1: Launch and Arrival
Day 2: La Carpio Children
Day 3: The Local Church and The Old Mission
Day 4: Rebar and Foundational Work
Day 5: The Prison of Limon
Day 6: Pastor Wilbur’s houses in Sixaola
Day 7: Beach Reflection and Trip Back to Heredia
Day 8: Eden (La Paz Garden)
Day 9: Return to “The Land of Free Refills”

One friend’s warning was to protect against “dashed expectations”, and let God have control. That turned out to be good advice, because even though we had been consecrated, none of us was ready for what God was about to do for us as nine individuals, for the two Churches and the team, or for our new friends in Costa Rica. Gracias a Dios! (thanks to God!) None of us will be the same again.

Thanks to so many of you who prayed for our protection, divine appointments and favor with God. Your prayers were answered.

My good friend Scott Himes organized and led the trip (with Anita Owen), and put together a special video here for those who can't wait.