Baptized in Trego

The air in my lungs, fills the voice in my heart

It sings of good things.- Deas Vail

As I went under the water, and pushed out a final breath of air, I let go of the old Caitie. In fact, I left past, present, and future Caitie back in that little creek in Trego. As I stood back to my feet and I breathed a breath of fresh air, I became a “Christian.” Yes, yes, I’ve been saved my entire life. I’ve loved Jesus, and I’ve always known EXACTLY what He did for me. But over the years I’ve become less and less “Christ like” and more and more of Caitie. As I laid down my pride, and my worries, He picked me back up and assured me that He is, was, and always will be what I need. Now that I’m standing back up, breathing His breath of life, I need to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Walk in His name, and not my own. Letting my actions, words, and thoughts be His.

Let’s go.

Omnipresent

"You're calling me to you, and I will run... I will run to you"

As Megan and I were running today, she was encouraging me about God being with me. He is there when I begin,  beside me through it all , at the top of every hill, and at the bottom of every valley and at the finish line.

Sounds kinda like the Christian walk... There are times in my life, where I'm merely crawling with God. I feel like I can't go any further, but He walks right there with me. There are some times that I feel like I'm running,  I have overflowing passion to keep going and serving the Lord head on. But, God is there with you at all times. Whether you think you're walking the opposite way, or you're barely making it...He's there. He never leaves or forsakes us. He wants us to follow Him, and he will guide us. Whether we're crawling, walking or sprinting towards eternity.

Construcción del templo

In the years that I've been a christian, there is one thing that Satan loves to use to enable me from serving the Lord to my fullest. DISCOURAGEMENT. He pulls that card out almost every day for me. 

 While being here in Costa Rica, He's used many circumstances to plant this inferiority in my mind. Especially this... Seeing pictures from people in Africa and El Salvador surrounded by children, and loving on them and being able to reach hundreds and hundreds. And then there is our team, here in CR, and we have about 30 kids in the program. We're not reaching multitudes, or seeing a plentiful harvest. At first, this was something that crippled me in my service. Feeling as though it didn't really matter, because it wasn't this GREAT work. But, God has worked so much in my heart in the last few months. Realizing that...it doesn't matter what the work is. He's using the circumstances here to further His kingdom. We had the opportunity to build relationships with each and every child in the program.God has showed me that it's not about the work that's being done, but it's about doing it unto Him, humbly and willingly.

I truly believe that God didn't bring me here to just work with the kids, and serve at Calvary Chapel Villarreal. He brought me here to rebuild my temple. Thus far, God has been ripping down the old temple, that is full of idols, and defilement, and He has started rebuilding the new temple. Full of refined gold, and His word, and His spirit. Not only has He shown me the importance of cleansing my mind of things that aren't of Him, but also taking care of the temple He gave me, which is my body. He even placed people like Megan (a person who has a passion for nutrition), and Josh (athlete, who's mom is a physical trainer, so he knows a ton about physical fitness) into my life. I feel like I'm learning this lesson kind of late in the game, but I know God will redeem the time I've wasted, if I ask Him to. 

You would think that coming to the Mission Field would be only to serve, and build others up....but it's so not only that. God has used this time to teach our whole team so many life lessons. 

Praise God for this:

"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare" Bendiciones! Caitie

JORGE.

On Sunday, Corey asked us interns if we’d like to drive to Liberia with him to pick up his friend at the airport. Jumping at the chance to ride in a car for more than 5 minutes, Megan and I went with him. On the way, we stopped at a little pastry shop, and picked up a snack. I hadn’t eaten, but I wasn’t hungry either…so I saved mine to eat later. On the way Corey had to stop and get gas. Jorge who is probably 10 came right up to the car as we pulled in. He asked Megan and I what we were doing, where we were going… and some other questions I couldn’t quite understand. We had a brief conversation, but something was stirring in my heart. There was something about him that made my heart break. Maybe it was the lack of any fat on this kids body, or that he was working at a gas station at the age of 10…trying to earn a little money. Whatever the case may be, God prompted me to give this kid my pastry. It wasn’t much to offer, I felt almost silly giving it to him, but Jorge’s face lit up as I handed it to him. God showed me that it’s not about what I offer, it’s about doing it unto Him, and He will make the increase. Just like when he fed the multitude with 5 fish and 2 loaves. Having a willing heart to give the little we do have is where God wants us to be. He takes care of the rest. Don’t ever believe the lie that Satan tells you that what you have is not good enough.

I’m learning this lesson more and more as I stay here in Costa Rica. I don't have much to offer, but that doesn’t mean I should burry my talent. God gave me gifts, and resources for a purpose. I’m called to give what I have to God. He will do the work.

Be encouraged, church.

Back to the basics...

“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” 1 Corinthians 4:1

Regard me as a servant…I don’t know about you, but that is so humbling to me. I’m here, serving the Lord and being a steward of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, my flesh wants recognition, I want my pride to be fed, and I want to be able to boast in this work, I want people to hear “thank you” The reality is, the people here, and the people from back home should regard me as a servant…a lowly servant. I’m doing what I’ve been told to do. God has put this work in front of me, He’s given me the strength and gifts to accomplish the tasks and He’s given me the people to minister to. Nothing I’m doing here is of me, It’s all of God, or for His glory. In Luke 17:9-10 it says “Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say “We are unworthy servants, we have only done what was our duty”

I am so unworthy to be here. I’ve been standing back and seeing all the work God is doing in the people that live here, and seeing lives change with the workers here. I’ve been paying close attention to God’s creation; humans, animals and nature… I’m realizing how SMALL I am in the big picture. But, God is doing a great work in my life. Instead of believing the lies Satan tells me like “God doesn’t need you, he doesn’t want you, you can’t do anything”, God has been giving me promise after promise that he has a plan for my life, and if I abide in it, great and mighty things will come from it.
            We just hit our 3 month mark. I’m already fretting about leaving. It’s going to be so hard saying goodbye to all these people that I’ve fallen in love with. I’m going to miss the, interesting, but awesome culture. I’m going to miss singing in Spanish, watching the sunset at Tamarindo, and walking to the church each morning with Megan and Josh. But, I still have 3 months left to enjoy these things. I’m praying that God gives me a calm spirit, and the mentality to enjoy each moment He puts in front of me.

Prayer requests:
-This week is VBS for all the kids. Pray that we have the strength and supplies to minister to these kids. And pray that the children’s hearts would be softened and that this experience would change their lives forever.

-For my team. That we would be of one mind, that God would continue to unite us, and that we would have 1 corinthians 13 love for eachother.

-Matt and Brooke Mcclain. They are moving in a few months. Please pray for peace and that God gives them all the time they need to get everything done.
-Me, as I travel back to the states on the 23^rd for my brothers wedding. Pray for traveling mercies, and that my time home would be fruitful, and I would get what I need to get done…done! :)

I’m missing you all, and know that I’ve been praying for many of you all the way down here in Costa Rica.

God Bless,
Caitie

There's no place that I'd rather be....

            Before I knew it, my time here was half over. But, the work God is doing is full force. There is so much left that God has for us…I’m daily being reminded that I need to be present in the moment. Praying that my eyes and ears would hear and see the lessons God is teaching me. By doing that, I’ve seen him fulfill promises, I’ve seen him heal hearts, and open doors I never thought would be opened. And, there is still 3 months left….

            One year ago, when I went to Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to lead worship in Spanish. God promised me then, that I would get to do it again. I wasn’t sure how he was going to fulfill this promise, but here I am, in Costa Rica…not only singing in Spanish, but also teaching classes, and having conversations with the children. I’ve had opportunities to sing at Calvary Chapel, where I am serving, but also at another local church. I’ve gotten to sing the National Anthem at a school graduation, and in a couple weeks, I will be singing in Spanish at a concert outreach. More and more doors are being opened, and I’m so thankful God is enabling me to walk through these doors. God has used Potter’s Field not only to shape me into a usable vessel for God, but also to open more doors for me to serve God in the future.
            One of my biggest prayers is that God would enable me to write songs. In the last month, He’s given me not only one song, but three. He’s surrounded me with musically talented people, and I know He’s got something bigger in store.

In 3 weeks, I will be going home for a week for my brothers wedding. I’m really excited, but also a little bit nervous. It’s going to be a shock to be back in my normal culture. Life is so different here, and I’ve become accustomed to it. But,  I am so looking forward to a mom hug, some NY pizza, and some God talk with my Dad. I’m also looking forward to catching up with friends, and singing in English at my brothers wedding. It’s gonna be a great time of refreshing and relaxation. Please keep my trip in your prayers.

            If I wrote everything that God was doing here, there wouldn’t be enough room, but just know that God has transformed my life, and the lives of my teammates around me. I can’t wait to come back home and share all the big and small things God has taught me and shown me while I’ve been here.

God bless you all :)