and the end was near.

I aplogize for it being so long since I last posted. It has been a crazy last few weeks trying to finish up the project to completion.  Now as I sit here the final night before I leave so much has and is going through my mind. Be checking for a more in-depth blog of the past few weeks as I have time to process and really put a heartfelt, sincere effort into every word that is written.

Cerro Chirripó- Video

We did it--Here is a glimpse of the amazing adventure!

Conquered!

We did it!  After 9 hours of hiking we summited Mt. Chirripó.  Standing over 3820 m [12,530 ft], the tallest point in Costa Rica, hiking just over 19.6 km [ about 12 miles] we made it! In total we hiked 42 km [26 miles] in 15.5 hrs.

We started the trek at 4:30 am Friday July 2.  Waking up from the hostel that was located just 50 m below the trail head we all suited up with all our gear that contained everything from food, warm clothes, med kits, head lamps, sleeping bag, etc., we would need for the next two days out on the trail.  As we headed up the trail, trudging through the thick mud that the morning horses had softened up, I started to realize the task at hand.  It was our goal to get to base, another 14.5 m, on day one.  From there we would decide to continue further and attempt to summit or hold off until sunday morning.

The steep trail, full of mud, rocks, and various other obstacles made for a tough ascent that left us gasping for air at times.  As we ascended the mountains, valleys, and passes, the trail and pain in my muscles was quietly soothed and forgotten about as my focus was on the views.

Throughout the trail we climbed hills such as "Mount without Faith", "Water's Climb", "Old Man's Beard", "The Burns", and worst of all, "The Repentance."

Arriving at base about 11 am and 14.5 km later, we decided to sit down for a while, hydrate, and rest our feet.  After resting up, I took a short 15 min nap, fixed up the many blisters my feet endured from the climb, we decided to see if we could summit Mt. Chirripó, with another 5.1 km climb.  Part way down the trail it began to drizzle a bit and we decided to call it a day. Wisdom over pride.  The decision: wake up at 2 am and head for summit tomorrow morning.

The building we stayed in has been nicknamed "The Refrigerator."  We all now know why.  Bundled up in jeans, sweatshirt, and mummy sleeping bags, it was a long cold night.

2 am came so quickly. The air was crisp. My muscles were sore. My feet throbbing from blisters. Fingers difficult to bend from the cold. Head lamp on. Breath visible in the air, we took off for Cerro de Chirripó, hoping we would get to see the sunrise at the summit. I must admit, the stars at 2 am are incredible! I even saw two shooting stars.

After 2 hrs of up and down, rolling through the saddle pass to Chirripó, we had reached the base of the mountain.  The air was thin. It was cold. And I was tired. But adrenaline was running. We were so close!  With a 400 ft gain in elevation the ascent seemed to be straight up.  We scrambled, scaled, huffed, and puffed to the top.

At 4:26 am on July 3, 2011. I was second in my party to summit! I had made it!  This had to be one of the most difficult things I had done in a loooong time. Mentally, Physically I was drained. Take a look--

On the contrary, it was a huge accomplishment. I still have yet to fully process the thoughts that ran through my head.

Below are a few pictures from the early morning summit:

[Me at the summit of Chirripó!]

[Sunrise view from the top of Cerro Chirripó]

[3 July, 2011 P. Grant Larsen Minneapolis, MN--summited Cerro Chirripó]

Upon summiting we took a few pictures and headed back down. Fromt the summit we got to catch a little bit of the sunrise and were able to see the Carribean ocean! From there, the plan: summit, descend, and catch three buses back to Atenas--what a day.

But, what an amazing two days it was! I can now say I have climbed my first mountain; the tallest point in Costa Rica nonetheless.  My name is in the book and the feeling of accomplishment was amazing. Currently we are putting together a documentary video that captures our journey of Chirripó; be looking for that  and more photos soon!  Until then, I'll see you on the flip side.

** For more pictures of the trip click here and/ or take a look at my facebook page. Hope to hear from ya'll soon!

Blessings,

P. Grant

Mt. Chirripó

So as I prepared last night and continue preparing this morning to climb the tallest point in Costa Rica; Mt.  Chirripó with three other interns I'm surprisingly not nervous nor afraid; rather, excited.  Be in prayer for safety and wisdom. It is no easy hike; but definitely one to remember!

Standing at 3,820m [12,529']; an 11 mile trail; and 7,000' of vertical elevation gain, this mountain stands as Goliath, and myself David.  I have never done any hiking/ climbing of this magnitude. Questioning whether i an physically fit to endure the grueling task ahead of me, or whether I have the appropriate gear for a trek of this magnitude.

All I know is I will try to enjoy every moment of this experience enjoying God's incredible creation.  Be looking for a few blogs and photos upon my return Monday!

Goliath [aka Mt. Chirripó]:

Ought to be a man.

So last night we had our final Bible study under the topic "Biblical Manhood". Preparation for this study was to come up with a creative way to share the work that God has been doing in our life throughout our time here in Costa Rica.  I thought I would share the poem I wrote:

Ought to be a Man

Life full of purpose,

Life free from the curse.

Consumed man,

Trading truth for lies.

Bearing the worlds image,

Instead of Your image.

The downfall of man.

To live a life of selflessness,

Rather than selfishness.

Of dignity,

Of honor.

Doesn’t take fame in power nor greed nor pride,

But runs after God’s own heart.

That is what a man ought be.

searches for and finds,

fights and wins,

trusts and lives,

loves and sacrifices.

Lets go of the world,

Like David searching

Runs for his life,

Not to be filled with strife.

A servants heart

God planted from the start.

That is what a man ought to be.

Walking in the dust of a savior,

man’s heart truly savors.

Man can do nothing but kneel,

letting God take the wheel.

Sacrifices his life,

So to give another life.

That is what a man ought be.

Cries out to God

That he might be sought,

He utters from the top of his lungs,

Ready for his life to become undone

know me,

see me,

examine me,

test me,

investigate me,

question me,

protect me,

show me,

watch me,

have me,

hold me,

help me,

keep me,

change me,

create in me,

break in on me,

break in on me.

For he knows what a man ought be.

Chooses to love without fear,

It’s alright to shed a tear.

That man is not judged by man,

Nor shall he lift any hand.

For the true judge is the lover himself,

That truly gives of himself.

That is what a man ought be.

Builds a foundation with a cornerstone of Christ,

Leads an example for those who don’t know Christ.

Builds the house on His solid rock,

All starting when Christ went, knock knock.

It is the world that has been mistaken,

It’s by God’s strength he wont be shaken.

Power to lead and love,

Comes only from above.

That is what a man ought be.

So madly in love with you,

He has no fear in what you, the guide, might do.

But commits his life,

Through the peril he’s met.

For life comes from the one above,

And he must truly learn to love.

For love itself is Christ,

And Christ itself is love.

That is what a man ought be.

In him he finds security,

And that is 100% certainty.

That a life without Christ,

Is a life without reason.

I have thanked God for such a miraculous season.

One particular reason.

He thought me,

Then brought me,

And He has taught me,

What a man ought be.

Cienega Update

**Check out update of the building I have been working!! Click here: La Cienega God is good!!**

100-4-20 Project

One month left--it cannot be true!  It is amazing to me that 5 months have already passed by. Wow! That being said I need your help! I have been so blessed by many of you for your prayers and financial support over the past 5 months. It has allowed me to let God work in and through me, no strings attached.  That being said, I am on the home stretch and I am in need of financial support.

The Lord laid the 100-4-20 Project [One Hundered-for-Twenty Project] on my heart the other night when I was asking Him and praying to Him, anxious and worrisome of finances. At the moment I am $2000 shy of my budget.  Your support time and time again has allowed the mission that God has me here in Costa Rica with EMI to take full speed.  Serving the community, partnering with the local church, serving in Mexico and for Amor ministries with the design of Cienega [a new Christian University south of Cancun that will be the seed of Christian education in the Yucatan Peninsula].

The 100-4-20 Project looks something like: 100 people pledging to support for $20.

God says there is power in numbers. I am asking for support and continued prayer from continuing or new supporters that are excited about expanding God's Kingdom.  At first I thought I was a little out there with the idea--but when are God's ideas within the realm of our understanding.  After chatting with a few people of great wisdom in my life, God continued to affirm this prompting on my heart.  I have started pursuing and God has continued to provide.

I am asking, are you willing to give a $20 bill to expand God's Kingdom. Together, can we gather 100 people who are passionate about Christ and the work that He has sent me to in Costa Rica?

Information for sending donations:

- For easy online donations view the "How to Donate" tab at the top and follow the simple instructions.

- Cash: see Address below and include a note stating: For Grant Larsen #2851

- Check:
           > Make donations payable to EMI or Engineering Ministries International
           > Only put #2851 in the memo; DO NOT include my name on the check

Engineering Ministries International
130 E. Kiowa, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

I would love to hear from you if you have questions or just want to hear what God is doing here in Costa Rica.

Shoot me an email! pgrantlarsen.cr@gmail.com

Together, with the power and trust in the faithful provider of our God, much can be achieved.

"...Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hope of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf…"

Hebrews 6:16-20

Contentment.

I once heard that "it is impossible to be content."--At the time, I thought that was a logical statement. How often am I in one place, no matter how cool it is, that I am always planning something ahead. I'm worried about something in the future. I'm trying to figure everything out--distracted from what is in front of me.

For the Christ says in Matthew 6: 25-34:


"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
   “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."


This past week I came down with some kind of sickness--it consumed my whole body.  There was no other place I'd rather be than home.  Soon my perspective change, here, in Costa Rica is home. This is the place the Lord has provided for me. 


                                                                                                              A 'mother' to care for me. 


            A roof over my head [very important during these rainy, rainy days].


Food. 
                                                                             A warm blanket.  


                             Spanish TV [though takes a lot of energy and not worth the trouble when sick].


And soon--there was no other place I'd rather be than right where I was--sick and all.  I was content.  There was nothing more I needed nor wanted.  He provided everything.


Impossible to be content?  I think not.


How often do we miss our blessings because we are caught up in the, 'not yet happened'?


By day 3 I was ready to be back in the office--and when I showed up I was ready to work.  Needless to say, for missing a whole day and half of work--you would never even know.  It is amazing the way we respond and react to the 'trials' that we face daily when we are content in Christ. When we are content and obedient to his call on our life.  Who actually wants to go to work? I DO.  I get to use my gifts, my passions, and abilities to do His work--there is nothing more satisfying than that. I need nothing more and want nothing less.


May we become content and obedient to Christ and gorge on the blessings that come from Him daily.

On the Home Stretch.

What a crazy past two weeks it has been.  With my parents in town, hitting the 2/3 mark of my time here in Costa Rica, and as the work piles up as we try to complete the project by the end of July, it has been a trying period to stay organized, manage time, and get the things that need to get done, done.

My parents came to visit!  What a blessing it was to spend a few days with them and share with them some of the familiarities of my life, right now.  Taking them to 'hole-in-the-wall' restaurants, being their translator, as they do not speak any english, helping them get acquainted with the Latin American culture, are just a few of the fun and exhausting experiences we had.

I had the opportunity to take a day off and travel to Guanacaste, located in Northern Costa Rica.  We went to a few beaches, enjoyed some great fish, went snorkeling, endured a incredible amount of rain [at times 1.5 feet on the roads--which seemed more like rivers], and my dad even spoiled me and got me a surfing lesson!!  As many of you know, I LOVE snowboarding--I can never seem to get away from it--so what better than to try surfing.  I found it to be a difficult task, but take a look--I even got up a few times:

Last Thursday my parents came down to Atenas and my host family had them over for dinner--talk about an exhausting night.  As my host parents practiced a little bit of their english, I was responsible for translating anything that wasn't understood.  It was a blessing to be where I am at with Spanish to be able to have conversations. At times I would start talking to my parents and it would be in Spanish, shortly after realizing that my parents had NO idea what I was saying--embarrassing. BUT, how amazing that I don't even have to think anymore--it has been a huge blessing.

Have reach a conversational level of speaking Spanish, this has allowed for more opportunities to relate with the people throughout the community.  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to accompany a fellow intern and we went out into the park to find someone to strike up a conversation. Simply to talk, get to know them, introduce ourselves and let them know what we are doing here in Atenas.  As we talked with a few people it wasn't as awkward as i thought it would be.  My initial thoughts were of fear, judgement of man, embarrassment. but as we just had conversations with people it was so, comfortable.  We had the opportunity to talk about Christ. Sharing who He is and what He had done in our lives.  My thoughts soon vanished and I cannot wait to go out and do it again. The awkwardness is quickly taken away when the person realizes you can speak at their level--I find this parallel to Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:

"Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to may win those under the law. To those no having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

As the weeks start rolling into the finish, pray that God would give us opportunities to become like those around us, [not of the world but IN the world] so that we may share the gospel of Christ and its blessings to the community of which we have been put in.

Also, please pray for financial support. As my time comes to an end I still have finances that need to be filled. I have yet to look to the finish line of my work here in Costa Rica and I know that our God provides for whatever we need, wherever He has us, IF we are obedient to Him. If you would like to support Christ's mission that I have embarked on click the "How to Donate" tab at the top and follow 1-2-3. If you would like to do it through mail, contact me [which I would love anyways] and I will help you out with anything needed.

It has been my pleasure to continue sharing with you the work that God is doing here in the Community of Atenas, as well as throughout Central and South America as I serve with EMI to help build hope into people's lives that they might know to come and love the God and Savior for whom I serve so diligently.

In Christ's unfailing and everlasting love,

P. Grant Larsen

4+2=6

Progress.

After many many hours of work, here is a sample of the progress that has been made on a simply 3D model of "Cienega." It is the Phase 1 building for a new Christian University that Amor Ministries wants to plant in the Yucatan Peninsula. This will be the seed for Christian education near the Cancun/ Puerto Morelos, Mexico area.

Enjoy :-)

** Also check out more photos added under the photo tab above! **

Halfway and Some more.

As the halfway point of my internship and mission experience has come and gone, God daily continues to bless the work being done here in Latin America. Me and my team are hard at work diligently working on the design of the Phase I building for the Christian University complex that we designed earlier this year in February. As the architecture design begins to wrap up and the structure for the building is coming to completion our anticipation for the building completion runs high.  Just a few months ago this vision for a new Christian University in the Yucatan Peninsula was simply a dream, a desire, a thought, we are now seeing the physical production and it is truly coming alive!

It is a blessing that I do not take for granted as I daily get to work and serve alongside some amazing people who truly want to expand God’s Kingdom.  As an intern it is my job to work and coordinate with the volunteer professionals, preparing and editing drawings and figuring out design solutions as they arise along the way.  It has been a time of growing both in my field of architecture and knowledge but also spiritually.

Every day we open up the office with worship, prayer, devotions, etc. Also, once a week myself and the interns get together to have a bible study. We have been studying and learning on the topic of “Biblical Manhood.” On top of those, once a week I get together with my boss [Tim] who is also my mentor and we have fellowship together. We have been going through the book “Wild At Heart.” This has been a great time of spiritual growth as we discuss topics about how to live a spiritually rich life. How to embrace the adventure and battle that God has placed us in. God has been teaching me that my life needs to be consumed in Him. Everything I do is for His glory. As I have begun to embrace this idea the blessings have been overflowing.  The relationships I have made with my host family, within my church, and within the community of Atenas, Costa Rica are incredible.

One in particular, Jose Pablo, a high school student who is interested in being an Architect and doing missions over in Japan. He comes to the office voluntarily once a week to work and serve alongside of us as he develops his skills and desire to learn how architecture can make a difference throughout the world. I have gotten to have many conversations with Jose. Typically he speaks English as I speak Spanish, it’s quite entertaining. We have had conversations regarding spiritual relationship, missions, service, each other’s past and backgrounds. I have grown quite fond of Jose’s desire to serve. He opened up to me one day, and I could see in his eyes. As he told me about his desire to serve and be God’s messenger over in Japan, I could relate.  The passion that he spoke with resonated so strongly within my heart. “This is why I am here. This is why I am in Costa Rica,” I said to myself. “The passions and desires that God has put in my heart, to make a difference in such a needy world.”

I am here for a purpose and daily God is revealing that to me. God has been growing me spiritually as He molds me into the man He has created me to be. He has been able to use me to serve others. As I daily sacrifice my comforts and own desires to do His will, I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God, is one amazing boss.

Why did Jesus fold the napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never 
noticed this.... The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was 
placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes. 
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, 
and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.

'Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the 

tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran 
and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She 
said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where 
they have put him!'

Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran 
Peter and got there first. He stopped and looked in and saw the linen cloth 
lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He 
also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered 
Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.'

Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to 
understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy 
knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he 
made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was 
furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until 
the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, 
until the master was finished.

Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his 
fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss 
it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded 
napkin meant,  "I'm finished." But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it 
beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........

The folded napkin meant, "I'm coming back!"

GodisLove. LoveisGod.

Throughout my life I have struggled to define love. Some say it is am emotion. Others say it comes and goes. While others say it just is.  I have wrestled with how to define what Love truly is.  Recently God has laid it on my heart to discover what true biblical love is. Here are a few things God has been teaching me:

"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart." 1 Peter 1:22

- In order to love, I must first be purified.

"This is love for God: To obey His commands." 1 John 5:3

- I must be obedient.

"Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

- I must remain faithful.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God and God in Him." 1 John 4:16

- If I am living in God and He in me, then I live in love.

"Love is

.patient

.kind

.it does not envy

.it does not boast

.it is not proud

.it is not rude

.it is not easily-angered

.it keeps no record

.it does not delight in evil

.it rejoices with truth

.it always protects

.it always hopes

.it always perseveres

.it never fails."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

the Stand.

'For I'll stand with arms high and heart abandoned,

in awe of the one who gave it all.

yes, I'l stand, my soul Lord to you surrendered,

all I am is yours.'

My God is bigger. My God is better. My God IS love.

Built on a Cornerstone.

A cornerstone was used in the history of building to make sure a building was square.  It was used as the foundational stone to construct the building so that is may stand perfect. So that the walls may all be plumb and flush.  As Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ states that our cornerstone in our walk of faith is Christ. As He is the most perfect. He will direct us in the right direction to make sure we hit the mark set before us.

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

   “See, I lay a stone in Zion, 
a chosen and precious cornerstone, 
and the one who trusts in him 
will never be put to shame.”

    Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

   “The stone the builders rejected 
has become the cornerstone,”

    and,

   “A stone that causes people to stumble 
and a rock that makes them fall.”

   They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

   But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

   Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.   Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

1 Peter 2:4-12

cor·ner·stone

–noun

1. a stone uniting two masonry walls at an intersection.

2. a stone representing the nominal starting place in theconstruction of a monumental building, usually carved with the date and laid with appropriate ceremonies.

3. something that is essential, indispensable, or basic

4. the chief foundation on which something is constructed or developed


"In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His spirit."


Ephesians 2:21-22

-- God is my Cornerstone whom I have built my life around. I know I won't miss the mark for Christ is perfect. If I talk behind Him and want to be like Him, may I get dirty and dusty in His footsteps.--

A Test of Manhood. Of Discipline.

I have to admit, I have been slacking! It has been almost a month since I last updated my blog.  It's not because God isn't working. It's not because there is nothing exicting happening here in Costa Rica. Rather, and I will admit, it is from shear laziness! How convicted do I feel.

During my time here all of the interns meet on Tuesday night for a guys Bible study.  Our focus has been "Biblical Manhood."  We have been studying and asking the question, "What is 'Biblical Manhood'? and how do we live that out?  We have covered topics such as Man's Creation and Purpose, God's Guide, Sainthood, Servanthood, and Discipleship/ Walking with God.  These kinds of topics have hit home with me and have led me on a search and discovery of what true manhood is.  The first week after discussion we began to discuse our definitions of what we thought 'biblical mahood' looks like.  My definition of manhood looks something like this:

"Living in the submission and surrender of/to our own fleshly/ sinful nature, bearing God's intention of man to live in sacrifice, love, humility, unity and responsibility, as an offering to God."

This has sent me over the past few months and weeks to really dig into God's word and discover what it truly means to be a man. Are my eyes set on the world's view of man. A "man" that indulges in his fleshly desires, consumed by the media, by cars, the pursuit of women, popularity and social acceptance. But rather am I living as God intended me to live. To reflect the image of my Creator. To work, create, and be relational. Daily I have been asking myself, Am I being fruitful and responsible today with the work that God has set before me? [Gen. 1:28 and Eph. 2:10]

As I near the half-way point of my time and service here in Costa Rica it is easy to lose track of why I am here. It is easy to get in a routine and loose the luster that the "unknowns" used to have. As things become more familiar and I become more comfortable with that language, the culture, and especially living with a Costa Rican family, it is easy to forget servanthood, responsibility, and 'selflessness'. It is my prayer that God would work discipline and resonsibility in me over the next few months. Many He daily work in me to continue molding and scultpting the Man that He has in mind for me to be. And it is my prayer that daily I will be glorifying Him in everything that I do and say.

On that note, be looking for a blog update everyweek. I may also include a short update or thought here and there throughout the week as the Lord lays on my heart.  I cannot express to you the joy it brings me when I receive a email or post of encouragement and prayers. It fans the flame of servanthood in my heart knowing that God doesn't expect us to do life on our own.  But a true man seeks for guidance, insight, and help from others. When we are truly able to be open about our life, I believe we have stepped into the intention that God has for us to live in love, humility, unity and responsibility.

Matthew 6:19

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

When the Devil Strikes.

To say the least myself and the other 4 interns had a great weekend.  Taking a half day on work to catch a bus to Manuel Antonio where we would spend the weekend walking through the rainforest spotting monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, butterflies, and seeing some amazing trees that have to be over 150 years old.

However, the excitement would only last so long.  After a relaxing, humid, sweaty, peaceful day at the beach and rainforest we headed back to our hostel room to shower, rest, and clean up before heading out to dinner to celebrate my belated birthday present from my parents, money to take us all out to dinner.  When we returned to our room and i approached our locker to grab some of my stuff it dawned on me. The lock was still locked, but the hinge and hardware which held the lock to the door had been forced open.

 

 It finally hit me.  When my Iphone, my Relix watch, my headphones, my Passport, my wallet (includes: license, debit card, insurance card, school i.d.'s), my camera, had all been taken.  He had searched through every pocket of our bags.  Two other interns had electronics and wallets taken as well.

I was in SHOCK. I can't even describe the feels I was feeling. It wasn't anger, it wasn't revenge.  It was a sensation of violation, disrespect, shock, questions like "why?", panic.

Having stolen more than $1000, a passport, a few debit/credit cards, licenses at the end of the day we were safe.  As I comptemplated what to do next and the shear utter anxiousness and violation we were reminded of Hebrews 10:32-39:

"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so thatwhen you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For,

Yet a little while, 
and the coming one will come and will not delay; 
but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back, 
my soul has no pleasure in him.

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls."

I could have responded with utter rage. I could have been enraged. I could have wanted revenge. But honestly, I didn't feel any of that. I was living. I was breathing. I had great friends, I had a God that was watching over me.  All that had been taken from me were THINGS. Things of this earth to be honest. Things I could replace very easily.  Material goods that quite honestly I was probably holding onto too tight.

After reading Hebrews I am reminded that our real treasures are up in Heaven. Our real hope in Christ our Lord.  In that, I have hope and faith in God's provision.

My father send me an email this morning that states, "Sorry to hear about your loss of things at the hostel.  God may be using this to have you lean on Him and rest in His provision."  What great words! To "rest in HIS provision." How often do I find peace and joy in the little that I have knowing that God will provide exactly what I need each and every day to do His will and not my own.

I cannot express more that through God's grace He has given me peace, insurance that He is in control.

I will note that I am on my way to the U.S. Embassy today with a police report and the few pieces of identification I have left.  I ask that you pray the process goes smoothly as it can be difficult sometimes processing this kind of thing in a foreign country.

God is teaching me something. He is growing me. I am learning to "lean on Him and rest in His provision."  When the Devil attacks will I cower? Or will I hand the pen of my life over to Jesus Christ and let Him script the story?  I can only trust and lean on the God of the universe and in that, I have peace.

Made by: God - For: GOD

*Week 6*

This past weekend I got to spend it with my host family, and what an amazing time it was!  With a full packed day on Saturday going to see my second Volcano, Irazu.  With a little car trouble along the way God got us there safely!!  After hiking around for a while and taking a 'few' photos we headed back down the volcano and stopped at an old psychology institution that has been abandoned for many many year. Though very creepy at times there were some awesome moments that I tried to capture...see more in my photos tab.  --I will say more about this later.

the Gang.

Volcano!

 On sunday I got the opportunity to go to the zoo!! Though different from the zoos I am familiar with where they have lions, giraffes, elephants and the like it was mainly filled with exotic birds, lizards, and monkeys!!!  One toucan was quite a friendly toucan and I was in awe of God's creativity and shear beauty of his creation.

Toucan Sam

I still have trouble understanding what God was thinking in the first two books of Genesis when he had completed creating Man and everything else with him and said it is "very good".  I look at so much of humanity and wonder, how is this 'very good'?  The sin that we live in, the lies that we tell, the selfishness and bitterness that we live in.  I struggle to understand what 'good' means.  I have this idea that 'Good' means mediocre, fair, there is something better but this isn't bad.  However if you look at the definition of 'good' you might be pleasantly surprised.


Good adjective  - pleasing; to be desired or approved of; appropriate to a particular purpose


Even from the very beginning God had a plan!  A GOOD plan that has a particular purpose, to show off his vastness and splendor.

This past weekend God revealed more of himself to me.  Through spending a weekend with my Tico family, the conversations, and relationships built, God showed up, reflecting "his good, pleasing, and perfect will" Romans 12: 2 intended for our lives.  As mentioned earlier I would tell about the psychology institution, so...




Though abandoned and quite eerie at times there were some amazing moments that I attempted to capture throughout this old abandoned building. One thing I have come to realize through studying architecture, through observing nature, patterns, forms, colors, and being constantly aware of those things around be I attempt to never miss a beat.  I have come to realize the power of light. The way it can transform a space from an old abandoned building with a desolate history. Below are a few photos that I captured:

 

As I look at the moments and light captured in these photos I can't help but remember the way God [light] ("for I am the way, the truth, and the LIGHT") can transform our lives. Broken, dusty, unkempt, rotting, abandoned, dirty, disheveled, torn, God still shines in.  The photo in the upper left I won't lie, was an accident. But what an amazing moment!!  A simple light, shining into such a dark, desolate room.  When we walk into God's light, He restores, redeems, gives grace, He forgives and soon the dusty doesn't seem so dirty, the broken are healed, the abandoned are loved, unkempt are restored and a picture of what was created as 'very good' is shown upon with God's light, glory, and splendor.  

A simple glimpse of the magnificence of God captured in one picture. What an amazing story. Made By God, For God.