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 :)