Next time I sign up for a training program, I’m going to pay close attention to the name. For example, the word “Intensive” in the title of my training program here in Costa Rica didn’t really stand out to me when I signed up. Oh, it certainly stands out now!
This program has been fantastic and overwhelming at the same time. I don’t even think I struggled this much with some of my engineering classes. I literally get tired while talking during class – especially when we are repeating verb conjugations over and over again. I think my tongue hates trying to roll my Rrrrrrrrrs so I will just have to take a talking break when I finally get home (sign language all around)
All joking aside, I have learned so much over the past 7 weeks and I am so thankful I had this opportunity to study. I also realized how much more there is to learn, so I’ve already lined up some friends and family members to practice with when I am managing Hydromissions projects from the States.
Besides being grateful for the classes here, I am extremely grateful that we have Chapel twice a week during our morning break between classes. I am pretty sure that I would have skyrocketed blood pressure by now if I didn’t take my focus off myself (classes, work, etc) and focus on God. The Tri students lead the worship and take turns teaching from the bible (and bring in guest pastors). The Tri students are the ones that are here for at least one full trimester (4 months), but most of them take all three sessions so they are fluent at the end of the year-long study. I have met some amazing people going into all sorts of different ministries (from children programs to prison ministry and everything in-between) around Central and South America.
Below, I’ve copied lyrics from “I Will Follow”. It is one of my favorite worship songs and it seemed extra special singing it in Chapel a few weeks ago beside so many people who literally moved their entire families (some with multiple young children) to a foreign country to go where God called, to serve who He serves and to love who He loves.
“I Will Follow”
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow…
All your ways are good
All your ways are sure
I will trust in you alone
Higher than my sight
High above my life
I will trust in you alone (trust in you alone)
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you, yeah
I will follow you, yeah
Light unto the world
Light unto my life
I will live for you alone
You’re the one I seek
Knowing I will find
All I need in you alone, in you alone
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you, yeah
In you there’s life everlasting
In you there’s freedom for my soul
In you there’s joy, unending joy
And I will follow
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow
Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve, I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you, yeah
I will follow you, yeah
I will follow you, yeah
I will follow you, yeah
How Many Cows 
I don’t think you will have to worry about taking a talking break when you get home. Between Dad, Helene & me….you won’t be able to get a word in.