It’s hard to believe it’s almost been a month since we left for Costa Rica. This was my this was my third mission trip. I’ve gone to Peru in 2005 and Africa in 2007. They’ve all been so different. They’ve each taught me different lessons. I’ve heard it said that, “We need Africa, more than Africa needs us.” When it comes to missions, wherever you go, that’s true. It’s amazing what the people in other countries can teach us by the way they live their lives.

Costa Rica was a special trip for me. Here are some of my big takeaways:

There is Nothing Special About Costa Rica - Dan, one of the staff members for 6:8 ministries said this at our debriefing, and he’s right. The one thing I’ve noticed about mission trips is there is nothing special about the places you go. Everybody, everywhere is facing similar tests and trials, everyone, everywhere needs God. People need God just as much in Pittsburgh as they do Costa Rica. Opportunities to help people in big ways are before us everyday, the question is: what are we going to do about it?

Live 50% Comfortable - In our orientation, Dave, one of the leaders of 6:8, said they wanted us to live about 50% comfortable while we’re there. It’s so easy to live in our comfort zone, to never step out and talk to someone about Jesus, to not be there for someone when it’s inconvenient, to not ask someone to go to church, I could go on and on. Mission trips force you to get out of your comfort zone. Now, it’s time to get out of our comfort zone at home, and live about 50% comfortable while reaching people for God.

Slow Down and Care - There is a 70% unemployment rate in Costa Rica. So most people sit around all day and do nothing! A lot of times, to minister to a family, we’d simply buy some snacks and drinks and go to their homes and spend time with them. We loved on them, had some great conversations with them, and prayed for them. I started thinking about that. Often, I’m in such a hurry to be off to the next thing I “have” to do, that I miss out on the moment I’m in and the opportunities that lie before me. Sometimes the best ministry is just spending time with someone and giving them your full attention.

Teenagers are Capable of a lot more than We Think - I loved bringing a group down from Revolution! These students have a special place in my heart. They worked so hard and had awesome attitudes! They built a house, ministered and fed the homeless, We all made memories we’ll never forget. I’m so proud of each of them.

Everyone Needs to go on Mission Trips, Often - People often think going on a mission trip, is the same as going on vacation, it’s not. You usually do get one or two “free” days where you get to enjoy the area, but the rest of the time, you’re working your tail off!

Mission trips will change your life, increase your compassion, enlarge your vision, give you a global perspective, and help you live your life on purpose. After going on mission trips, it’s harder for me to go somewhere, without wanting to make a difference.

If you’ve never gone on a mission trip, I encourage you to search online for one that lines up with what’s in your heart. And then Go! I promise you, it’ll be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made!

I’ve head a lot of pastors say this book is a must read, after reading it, I’d agree. I think more than anything this book is great because it shows people in ministry that they’re not alone. That there are millions of people all around the world in ministry going through similar things and having similar feelings.

I think everybody on staff in ministry in any capacity should read this book.

Buy it Here

Some Highlights:

• “the way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in my life.

• ”The only problem? God wasn’t my God. My pride was my god.

• When we think that our calling is to be the biggest, the most creative, or the best, we have completely lost sight of the only important fact. We are called.

• You are responsible for the decisions you have made. The late nights. The double cheeseburgers. The neglect of your Bible, your prayer time, your family. Those were your decisions.

• It doesn’t say, “The greatest commandment is to love your job with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” It doesn’t say, “The greatest commandment is to love your calling with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” It doesn’t even say, “Love the church with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” The greatest commandment. Love the Lord your God. With all your heart. With all your soul. With all your mind. With all your strength. And next? Love your neighbor as yourself.

• There’s one sad truth in life I’ve found While journeying east and west— The only folks we really wound Are those we love the best. We flatter those we scarcely know, We please the fleeting guest, And deal full many a thoughtless blow To those who love us best. —Ella Wheeler Wilcox

• the leaders who were the healthiest were the ones who never disrespected the people who hurt them.When you are tempted to give up on trust, remember truth. God wants you to dream again. God wants you to trust again. Jesus came to give you life. An abundant life.

It’s early Saturday morning here. We only have 3 more days here. I’m going to miss this place! It seems like we’ve been here for a month!

Vacation Day – Our vacation day was awesome! We went on a Crocodile Safari! It was ridiculous! We saw huge gators (some up to 18 feet long) getting fed from literally a foot away. We have lots of video and pics of that, so I’m sure you’ll get to see them! Then we went to Jaco Beach! It was ridiculous! I’ve never experienced waves like that! They were brutal! The boys and I had a blast getting crushed over and over again by them! Then we went to Jaco Taco, a sweet taco bar for dinner! A great day overall!
The House – We’ve made a lot of progress on the house. Today, we’ll finish the walls along with the roof, and ideally put the windows and doors in. It’s been an awesome experience.

Tiko Worship – They call the people here “tiko’s” and call us “gringo’s”! Tiko worship is like a dance party form of worship. We had youth group last night and finished the night off with some Tiko Worship, it was a lot of fun.

A Powerful Afternoon - Yesterday afternoon was pretty powerful. We took a walk to a family’s house (kids pictured above) to bring them food, hand with them, and pray for them! The youngest son, was born in a field, his dad cut the umbilical cord with an unsanitary knife. An infection went into this child’s brain. He shouldn’t be alive or able to walk, he is doing both. He is working on communicating, although all he can do right now is make noises.

Then his older sister, who is 9 years old, was raped by her uncle when she was 8. It was so bad she had to get surgery. I don’t think I’ve ever been so heart broken and ticked off in my entire life. Her uncle was put away for 3 months, but because he didn’t have a trial yet, they let him go until the time of his trial. He was living next door to this family. Thankfully, some supporters of 6:8 ministries provided the finances to move this family to a safe location.

We go to play with these kids, the girls braided the girls hair, and we finished our time with them praying over them. I think this was definitely the experience that impacted me the most. Please pray for this family!

Being the Church - On the way home, we stopped at a grocery store and a bakery, bought some food, and handed it out to people who were in need throughout the city. It was so simple and easy and it was such an awesome thing to do. Through the church here and 6:8 ministries they’re reaching the homeless, children through twenty somethings, adults, addicts, men, and so many more people. It’s so cool to see a church be the church in a city. It’s an honor to be a part of this.

The rest of the Trip – Today, a team of us is going on a long hike up to the Cross. There is a huge mountain with 3 crosses on it. Everyone here says it’s a must do. I’m excited to go to the top with some of our group. I know it will be an awesome memory.

Sunday, we’ll have church, then we’re going to the city of San Jose to tour the city and get some shopping in. Monday, we’ll dedicate the house and hang and minister to the family we’re giving it to.

Tuesday we come home . . . it will be bittersweet.

Miss y’all back home!

Much love,

Bubs