This morning, I was reading in the one year bible that Debbie Bryson gave us at the Women's retreat, and I read in 1 Samuel about David and Goliath. When I saw the title of the scripture, I figured God was going to speak to me about the giants I have in my life, and conquering them through His strength. That's usually what I get from that story, but today he spoke to me something different. While I was reading the verses about Saul and David's interaction about David being able enough to kill Goliath, David spoke about killing the bears and lions. Usually, I look right past that, but God showed me that He is my David. I'm his sheep. When I'm under attack, He comes and rescues me. He doesn't want me to be struck down and killed. He was wants to save me from the things I can't save myself from. It offered a lot of healing for me today, and I had the chance to share it with Megan and pray about it with her.

Moral of the story: Trials come, but when we call out to God, he saves us from the "bears" and "lions" in our life that are seeking to destroy us.

As we were leaving for work this morning, Megan and I found out we'd be working together at Helyi's house, but we weren't sure what we'd be doing. We got there, and thought we might be babysitting, but instead, we sat down and ate a meal with her and a couple other ladies from the church (Sylvia and Alejandra) and then made book marks that have the promises of God written on them. It was such a refreshing morning, and I'm so glad that I've had the opportunity to get to know these women, as much as I can with the language barrier. I'm so excited to be able to learn from these women, and spend more time with them.

God is so good.
Please continue to pray for me and my team, along with the children we are ministering to.

-Caitie

Pura Vida

Wow, what a blessing it has been to be in Costa Rica. God is teaching me so many lessons! It's blowing my mind. 

I don't even know where to begin. God is showing me how to put Him first, training me to be a good wife by taking care of a home, cooking and spending all my time with one person and submitting to firstly, God, but also to the authority He has placed over me.  

Home life has been really interesting. I couldn't ask for a better person to house with though. Megan and I have been getting along really well. Of course, there are bumps in the road, but I would think there was something wrong with us if there wasn't. I can't wait to see what God does with the time we get to spend with each other. I know that I've learned more life lessons from her than any other person I've ever met. (besides my parents) We both recognize God has a purpose for putting us here, and we're waiting with open ears to learn it. 

The weather. Wow, it's hot, but it's getting better, and rainy season has begun...so evenings are a lot cooler. It hasn't been easy to work in it, and most of the time I just want to sit down and not do anything, but God is showing me to do His work with a grateful heart, and a willing heart. Definitely SUCH an important lesson to learn.

While I've been here, God has put it on my heart to get healthy. Megan and I went on our first run today. It was interesting how much Satan didn't want us to. Firstly, we woke up late, then our stomachs hurt. When we went to leave, the gate wouldn't open. We started running and ran into a few crazy obstacles and then a dog started to attack me. I got really sick afterwards. God prompted my heart to read Romans 8 when I got home, and it was exactly what I needed to read. If God is for us, who can be against us!

On Friday, I will be leaving for San Jose for a Women's Conference. It's going to be with the women from the church. I'm excited to get to know them better, and to have a weekend of refreshment and spiritual rejuvenation. I'm really excited to go. Please pray for safe travels, and for the hearts of the ladies going.

A few other things you can pray for:

Gustavo--a child that is in the program. Struggling at home. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Me- As I continue to walk in the Lords plan for my life, and giving Him back the temple He gave me.

Anayeli-- Another child in the program. God has laid her as a burden on my heart. Not sure why, but please keep her lifted up.

Juan-- My landlord. He's a blessing. He has a few health issues though, so please pray for healing.

Thanks for reading. I will try to continue to keep all of you who are keeping up with my posted. Sorry these blogs have been few and far between. I will do my best to update you as often as I think I can.

God bless you!

-Caitie