Relying on Him

Ok, so I admit, I often ask the Lord why He has Jamie and I here. Don't get me wrong, we love and enjoy Costa Rica and all the wonderful people and definitely have affirmation to serve here BUT, we find ourselves sometimes unprepared, or not experienced enough for situations we would have never expected. One of these instances happened 15 days after we arrived in Costa Rica to serve full-time.

Jamie and I sponsor a little boy named Carlitos. For the past few years Jamie has served here, he has had the opportunity to create a friendship with this incredible little boy. So a year ago, we sponsored him, and continue to do so....this is how much we believe in the vision and mission of the PVM Sponsorship Program. Well, shortly after we arrive, we find out that Carlitos's 4 year old brother was run over by a car, in critical condition and rushed to the hospital. Our heart broke for this family that we love so much, and also to know that Carlitos's mom was 5 months pregnant. What do you say in this situation? We are "missionaries" now, we should know exactly what to do, right? We decided to bring the family some food, and we prayed, and then prayed some more.

This is Jamie (and his majestic hair) with our Carlitos!

Praise the Lord, Carlitos's brother did survive the accident and miraculously only carries a long scar in the back of his head as a reminder of the accident. However, a few months later, tragedy hit again. Carlitos's mom, Jesus Maria, lost her precious baby at 9 months. Marjorie and I visit her home, and all that the runs through my mind is... I'm 26 years old...I have no idea what she is going through, I have never lost a child....God give me words, Holy Spirit give me Your words. The only thing that comes to mind is Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is --- His good, pleasing and perfect will. I have no idea why God gave me this verse, but I felt that I needed to affirm her that although we can't understand suffering in this world we need to understand and take hold of the truth that His will, is good, that it is pleasing and that it is perfect, and that she is never alone in her suffering. Once scripture was spoken, tears began to flow and Marjorie and I held her, cried and prayed with her. In that moment, I truly felt a blanket of God's love surround us.

I wake up everyday feeling ill-equipped, because I am. Then Jamie and I Ephesians 6:10 it up, and put on the full Armor of God, one piece at a time. We get ready for battle everyday, and I really can't believe that I never prepared like this before until my employment status on facebook changed to "missionary". May I never walk through this life thinking that I've got it all under control. There is no way that Jamie and I can prepare for everything that hits us here, we don't have a plan B or C. So its no wonder we would truly discover who our God is in a place where all we can do is rely on Him.

So Pura Vida Family, can you join in praying for Carlitos's family? Pray for comfort, peace, and an abundance of joy for this family who has suffered so much. Also, if you're interested in sponsoring a child like Jamie and I do, please visit www.puravidamissions.com and check out our Child Sponsorship page, as you help change a life, yours will be changed as well.

Because He lives,

Natalya Clemens