Last week we had the opportunity to welcome and orient a volunteer in missions, Miriam Cummings, college student from Lincoln, Nebraska who came to live and work with one of our pastoral families for two weeks in La Guacima de Alajuela. She came to learn and serve and took back with her some significant memories while leaving an imprint on the family and community where they served together. Here is what she wrote to me after getting back to Nebraska: "Well, I thought I might tell you a few things I took back with me (things I learned/realized): *I like the Costa Rican saludo (greeting)! The Bible quote, "Greet one another with a holy kiss" wasn't lost here. *I liked the priority people placed on relationships. *The Costa Rican kids were just like the kids here... very cute! *The modern day slave trade is alive and thriving and horrible, and that might be something I'd like to work against in the future. *Costa Rican mangos are delicious. *Cold showers are something to get used to. *I enjoy afternoon coffee (especially at abuelita's (grandma's) house) *I'm a gringa. *I liked being at the church almost every evening there. If I got the opportunity to learn the lyrics to the songs, the singing part of worship could get even better, but I liked their church atmosphere. *I like eating beans and rice with regularity. *I am susceptible to home sickness. *I can sympathize with the person that feels like an outsider a little more now. *I love Priscilla and Abram and Xinia and Yoni.( pastor and her family) *God is very present in la Iglesia Bautista Mansion de Luz" As you can see, crossing cultural boundaries to experience God at work in a country not your own, is a rich and rewarding yet at times scary and uncomfortable adventure. Both a Costa Rican family and a college girl from Nebraska grew and were blessed by the exchange. They were surprised by God and stretched beyond their comfort zones, only to find God still very present out there as well. We find it very satisfying to serve as a bridge for our Costa Rican and North American friends, especially when they no longer need us to navigate their new relationship with each other. Our joy comes when we see people connecting on a heart level regardless of language or cultural differences. The kingdom of God is global in nature, but begins one friendship at a time. Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of kingdom building, Mylinda