short disclaimer * we have all been tested negative and quarantined together, we only leave the house in small groups (always with masks and social distancing)

Ever lived in a house with 30 other people? No I don’t mean a sorority house or a college dorm... I mean a literal house. With 30 people. Yep, that’s what life looks like right now. 

Our squad has been blessed with our base here in Costa Rica. Each team has a room (5 of us share a very messy but functional garage).  We have a kitchen, living room, bathrooms, even hot water. All the things! Thank you Jesus for this opportunity! 

Now don’t get me wrong, we’re so thankful to be here but it’s definitely not all you see on social media. We’re a family which means we don’t always agree on everything. We have to sacrifice to love others better. We take turns washing dishes and floors. We can’t flush toilet paper here so we take out the trash filled with toilet paper (my least favorite chore). 

Living in community had taught me a lot. It’s one thing to tent in the woods with 30 people but another to operate in a home with them. You get real close real fast. It’s very rare that you’ll find a quiet place so you learn to spend time with the Lord wherever and whenever you can. You get used to your brothers farting next to you on the couch and your sisters stealing your clothes. Somehow there’s always a mix up on who ate who’s food and who forget to put away the milk.

Community has taught me that it’s ok to not be ok. God meets you where you’re at. Whether that’s on the swing facing the mountains or the sitting on the toilet with a parasite. We’ve grown as a family and a church. Church isn’t a place but a body of believers. We all call one another higher and say the hard things. We encourage one another and choose love despite our differences. There’s always a shoulder to cry on and someone to laugh with. 

Thank you God for your perfect timing! Friends that will last a life time! Community that cares! 

Here’s a little intro of our house:

https://youtu.be/7_ceK92sOjw