A Thank You Letter to Iglesia Respuestas

If you read my previous blog, “Are you a Planner?”, you’d know that my team has been serving in San Jose, Costa Rica for the last month and God has shown up BIG! He provided a way for us to get connected with a local church who welcomed us in with OPEN ARMS! The day we met Pastor Christian and his son Natha was one that truly felt too good to be true. As they showed us the church and the projects they had for us I couldn’t help but feel a certain confirmation in my heart that we were EXACTLY where God wanted us to be. 

My teammate Quynn told Pastor how grateful we were because their hospitality and provision was a straight answer to our prayers. He returned the thanks in saying a week ago he didn’t know God would send people to help paint the kids rooms so we were also an answered prayer. 

Since the day we moved in this church has met our every need, desire and more! They brought inflatable air mattresses because they couldn’t believe we were sleeping comfortably on sleeping pads (as a racer our sleeping pads really do become a part of us ??). A coffee maker appeared the day after they realized we’d been walking 20 minutes for coffee in the mornings. An HDMI chord showed up so we could watch movies on the projector and not “be bored”. We were never asked for a single thing not even money for lodging. More than the physical things they provided us with, ill remember how they personally met me in spiritual ways they couldn’t even think of. 

*Pastor Christian and Pastora Ericka welcomed us in like family. We spent laundry days at their house chatting, playing games and always with snacks.  

During our time in the church I stepped into a time of fasting. I decided to stay off social media and make specific time in the AM/PM to worship for an hour. I’ve struggled to carry family struggles in a healthy way and as life does, things come up. So, I felt the Lord call me to this time of fasting as a way to fight alongside my family differently then I ever had before. With this brought some heavy emotions and STILL i experienced God in so many ways…

*Chris’s silliness during worship practice that had the whole band giggling reminded me of Gods Joy. 

*I felt Gods embrace through Stephs strong hugs paired with a comforting kiss on the cheek every time we greeted each other. 

*I felt Gods Peace through Natha’s calm demeanor that never wavered. 

*I saw Gods light through Erika’s smile and the way she lit up the room every time she walked in. 

*I saw God through Jose Freddy’s servant heart as he came to do maintenance  in the church even after 12 hour overnight work shifts. 

*I saw God as thoughtful through Rafa bringing Addi bug lotion after her arm got bit through the night. 

*I saw Gods desire for connection through the warm smiles and conversation we shared with the worship team. 

*Every Sunday I felt the Holy Spirits presence through worship and sermons that felt written just for me. 

I really could go on and on with the smallest things that made the biggest difference. 

Instead I’ll try to keep it short by saying.. “Muchisimas Gracias y Pura Vida!” 

*My team and I painted this mural that will soon be filled with flowers made out of kids handprints from time the church. 

*We also painted this mural in the other kids room. 

*The worship team made us feel like family as we got to watch them practice every friday night. 

My team and I arrived in Guatemala a couple of days ago! We will be here for the month of June and have more UNSCRIPTED TIME! Hit that subscribe button to stay updated with all Gods doing on the daily. Prayers and encouragements are always welcome and if you feel led to support financially donations can be made through Venmo (Curiegas) 

-From a thankful Heart, 

Cyntya