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.