Friday, December 17, 2010

Connecting Communities

I have always loved seeing cross-cultural connections happen between youth group teens, mission work teams, and nationals and missionaries. I guess that is the midwife in me…relationship between a health care professional and their client isn’t immediate, it takes time, trust and openness. I thoroughly enjoy meeting a slim pregnant woman during the early weeks of pregnancy, and seeing the relationship develop as pregnancy progresses and the fetus becomes more than an “idea”.

We are privileged to work with nationals and missionaries and have seen this very thing develop between our home church in North America, sister organizations here in Costa Rica and the members and pastor of a local church body. I couldn’t help introducing myself to a bubbly Tica who spoke her passion for women’s ministry at a vision meeting hosted for our visiting Gringo missions committee in November. This congregation has the entire congregation involved in cell groups which foster community.

In Costa Rica(as in much of Latin America), physical walls and metal gates deter neighborhood interaction. Those fortunate enough to have a few hours of free time, spend it with family be they near or far. Although I have established community with missionary friends, Nicaraguan clinic workers, and Bible study groups I have had limited success in cultivating community in my own backyard. Desiring ongoing interaction with women interested in studying God's Word in the 2 mile radius surrounding our home in Tres Rios, I was intrigued and wondered if such a small group would “feel” like that experienced in Charlotte in years gone by.

Although the only gringa in the small group, Facebook messages, texts and emails from members connected me mid-week after my initial attendance. Warmly embraced by this local body of believers with cultural and physical differences, I see that the health of this cell group is core to the DNA of the church community our home church in the US seeks to partner. May relationships be planted that stand the test of time, distance and cultural differences. May God be glorified and exalted in connecting communities across an expanse of land and sea, and a vision for partnership become a lasting connection between two communities who love well.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Forty-two Months....

Three years and six months. 42 months. Amazing. When I look into the faces of those whom I have relationship with or at photos of those whose paths crossed mine during those 42 months I am so thankful that God placed our family here. I can’t begin to imagine not having met my dearest friends here, for experiencing God’s tender touch and soft-spoken whisper at just the right moment and learning about faith by living alongside those whose very lives depict it. You see, living life one thousand miles from familiarity is impossible without the intricate details woven into each moment by our Creator.

A handwritten note. Prayer prompted by a whisper. Crystal Light in every flavor imaginable. A song. Pecans. A tender touch. Chocolate( some very luscious, organic chocolate). A listening ear. Rain, and more rain. Brownie mix. Flawed Spanish. Magazines from the USA. Another prayer. Thanksgiving napkins. A phone call. Sunshine. Broken English. A tear . Laughter.

Thank you to those who were the hands , feet ,and heart of God to me and my family during these 42 months. Those who taught me more about faith than you will ever know. For allowing us to touch the lives of total strangers, and for the time to become friends to others along the way. Your investment breathes life and is necessary for us to serve others . Stay with us for the journey.