Buenos días from the lush embrace of Costa Rica! I’m Conor, and I’m thrilled to share with you a glimpse into A Day in the Life here on our mission trip. Nestled in the heart of the jungle, our home feels like a sacred bubble during these uncertain COVID times, where we can gather, grow, and encounter God together. Each morning, we check our temperatures and ensure one another's health, allowing us to connect without the weight of quarantine hanging over us.

As the sun rises, we gather for our devotional and worship time, a beautiful way to start our day. Our gracious hosts, Tony and Rasita, treat us to an authentic Costa Rican breakfast that warms both our hearts and bodies. After sharing a meal, we wash dishes and engage in heartfelt conversations about the day’s ministry plans. Today promises to be particularly exciting, but first, let’s introduce you to our incredible team.

What are you all up to? Ah, laundry! A blend of hand washing and machine work, it’s a simple yet grounding task. And Heather, I see you’re writing out verses for today’s ministry. What scripture are you working on? Matthew 5:43-44—loving our enemies and praying for them. What a powerful reminder as we prepare for our work today! And balloons for the kids’ game? How fun! Lydia, I can feel your excitement about playing with the little ones; it truly is a joy to witness their laughter and energy.

As we hop into the back of our trailer, the anticipation builds. This is what the World Race is about—showing up and giving God space to move. Once a week, we have the privilege to teach and love on the children in San Carlos, sharing Bible stories, worship, soccer games, and even guitar lessons. Each moment spent here is a testament to the spiritual growth we’re all experiencing.

As the day winds down and we reflect on our time spent in ministry, the heat may have been intense, but the joy in our hearts makes it all worthwhile. Heading home for dinner and worship, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Just a year ago, we were wrestling with uncertainty about whether overseas missions would be possible in 2021. Yet here we are, immersed in the beauty of Costa Rica, surrounded by its wonderful people, living out our faith journey in tangible ways.

Every encounter with God we have here fills my spirit, reminding me of the incredible purpose we are part of. This day has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m filled with hope for what lies ahead. Thank you for joining me on this journey; it’s an honor to be a part of this mission.Buenos días, dear friends! Greetings from the lush beauty of Costa Rica. I’m Conor, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to A Day in the Life. Here we are, nestled in our little sanctuary in the jungle—a perfect escape during these times when the world feels a bit uncertain. Every morning, we take temperatures, ensuring we’re all healthy and ready to embrace one another in community without the shadow of quarantine.

Our mornings begin with heartfelt devotionals and worship, setting the tone for the day. Our gracious hosts, Tony and Rasita, prepare us an authentic Costa Rican breakfast that nourishes both body and spirit. After sharing meals and laughter, we gather to discuss the exciting ministry adventures that lie ahead. Today promises to be especially joyful!

But first, let me introduce you to our incredible team. As we venture through the house, I find some of the crew diligently washing clothes—both by hand and with the washer. It’s a blend of hard work and camaraderie. Heather is busy writing out Bible verses for today’s ministry, specifically Matthew 5:43-44, which speaks to the power of loving our enemies and praying for them. What a fitting reminder as we prepare our hearts for service!

Lydia can hardly contain her excitement for ministry today, especially when it comes to playing with the little ones. She’s sure of her favorite part, despite the fun of riding in the back of the trailer! And Ryan is bubbling with enthusiasm, ready for the adventure ahead. I’m reminded that on this mission trip, it’s not just about showing up; it’s about giving God the space to move in the hearts of those we meet.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to visit San Carlos each week, where we teach Bible stories, lead worship, play soccer, and even share the joy of music through guitar. It’s profoundly moving to witness God’s work in this vibrant village.

As we wrap up another beautiful day of ministry, Sarah shares her reflections on the heat and the blessings we’ve encountered. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, especially after the uncertainty of last year when we questioned if overseas missions were still possible. To be here now, immersed in the beauty of Costa Rica and surrounded by such wonderful people, feels both surreal and deeply special.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this faith journey and the spiritual growth unfolding within me and among my teammates. Each moment spent here is a testament to what God can do when we step out in faith. Here’s to embracing every opportunity and encounter with God that comes our way. What an adventure!

**A Day in the Life: Embracing the Mission in Costa Rica**

Buenos días, good morning from the vibrant heart of Costa Rica! I’m Conor, and I’m so grateful to welcome you into this beautiful chapter of our faith journey. Here we are, nestled in a lush jungle that feels like a sacred cocoon, especially during these challenging COVID times. Each morning, we take a moment to check our temperatures and ensure we’re feeling well, keeping our little community safe and healthy.

Our mornings begin with a time of devotion and worship, where we gather in this cozy space to seek God’s presence before our wonderful hosts, Tony and Rasita, treat us to a traditional Costa Rican breakfast. There’s something profoundly nourishing about sharing meals together, and after breakfast, we engage in heartfelt conversations about the day ahead—planning our mission trip with eager anticipation.

But before diving into our ministry activities, let’s take a moment to introduce you to our incredible crew.

As I wander outside, I find some team members washing clothes—an old-fashioned yet refreshing task that brings us closer together. “Doing a little pre-wash,” one of them shares, and it’s beautiful to see the camaraderie in these simple moments. Heather is deep in thought, carefully writing out scripture for our ministry. “This is Matthew 5:43-44,” she tells me, a reminder of how essential it is to love even those who challenge us. “It’s going to be a good day at ministry today!” she adds, her excitement infectious.

Lydia joins in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “I can't wait to play with the little kids!” she exclaims, and I smile, knowing how much joy these kids bring to our mission. Ryan, ever the enthusiastic spirit, can hardly contain his excitement as he shouts, “Let’s go!”

As we pile into our makeshift transportation—classic World Race style—I reflect on how this journey is an encounter with God, allowing us to simply show up and give Him space to move. Each week, we travel to San Carlos, pouring our hearts into teaching Bible stories, singing worship songs, and playing soccer with the children. It’s a joy-filled experience that fuels our spiritual growth and deepens our sense of purpose.

After a fulfilling day of ministry, I catch up with Sarah, who shares her thoughts with a grin. “Hot as expected, but great!” she says, and I can see the joy in her eyes. As we return home, the air filled with laughter and chatter, I’m reminded of the surreal nature of this moment. Just a year ago, we were grappling with questions about whether overseas missions would even be possible in 2021.

And now, here we are in Costa Rica, witnessing the beauty of this land and its people. It’s an incredible blessing to be a part of this mission trip, and I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Every encounter, every shared moment, speaks to the goodness of God and the transformative power of love. I can’t wait to see how we continue to grow and be shaped by this experience.

What a remarkable day it has been, and I look forward to more adventures ahead!