Costa Rica

When I first heard about the chance to go to Costa Rica on intercession, I thought that it would be such a good trip. Naturally, I decided that I would do anything in order to go on that trip. After all, I love to travel. Sure, the other options sounded interesting, but this one stuck out to me. I had a feeling that perhaps this trip would be the highlight of my first year of college. Now, as the trip draws near, I find myself wondering what it’s going to be like.
There are a lot of things that I need to take into consideration in preparation for this trip. One of them is the language. Personally, I feel like this will be the most frustrating aspect of the trip for me. Not being able to verbally communicate with the girls and their children is going to be very difficult for me. I think though, that by having this experience, I will be able to appreciate more the importance of non-verbal communication. I am going to have to really work on making myself seem approachable, and kind, without saying a word.
Another thing that I’ve been thinking about, is the girls themselves, in the shelter. I think that this trip will be emotionally trying for me. Even though I know what I am going to see, (young girls who have been hurt, and who have children) I can’t seem to prepare myself for the sight of these girls, who wont get to enjoy their young lives, like I have. Like I am. It’s going to be hard to go there and see girls, younger than me, who have children. Each time I think of this, I am so sad, and I tend to imagine how different my life would be if I were in their position. I can only imagine how used, how betrayed, and how sad these girls are going to be. And seeing that, I think, will break my heart. But then again, I might be surprised, and find them to be happy. This happened to me once, I visited a third world country and thought that the people there would all be very sad and lonely, but instead, found them to be happy, and thankful for what they had. This experience lead me to consider how lucky I am. I think that this trip will also do the same for me. I will see these girls, and realize how blessed I am, to lead the life I do. I will see them and their children, and hopefully learn to be thankful for what I have, and not worry about what I don’t have.
When I was told that we would be providing child care for the girls there, I got very excited. I happen to love children, and I have found that even the shyest smile can light up my day. My fear for spending time with these children is that there will be one very special little girl or boy, that I will become attached to, and it will break my heart (once again) to leave them. I am not, however, worried that spending time with these kids will be a hassle, or that it will stress me out, because I know myself, and I know that children have a special place in my heart, and always will, no matter their background, no matter their circumstance. I know that these children will have the ability from first glance, to light up my day.
Some other things that would normally be an issue for some people, are climate and culture. I know that both will be very different than what I am used to, but having traveled to a country much like Costa Rica before, I think that getting used to the heat and bugs and creatures will be the least of my worries. The culture will be fascinating to me, and I will have to do my best not to get completely drawn in, for fear that I will not want to leave when the time comes.
Overall, I feel like this trip will be an amazing experience. I welcome the pain that the circumstances might bring, I welcome the joy that the people might bring to my heart, and I welcome the unknown. I don’t know what to expect, but I have learned to expect great things from my maker.

Love Forever
Shle
xoxo

"Huh, please don't you rock my boat
'Cause I don't want my boat to be rockin' anyhow
Please don't you rock my boat, no
'Cause I don't want my boat to be rockin'
I'm tellin' you that, oh, ooh-aah,
I like it a-like a-thisCan you miss?
And you should know, ooh-aah,
when I like it a-like a-this
Am I really it?
Ooh yeah
You satis- satis- satisfy my soul, morning time
Evening cold, -fy my soul
Yes, I've been a-tellin' you,
bake me the sweetest cakesI
'm happy inside all the time
Oh, can't you see what you've done for me?"