Since I’ve arrived here in Costa Rica, life has been up and down and ALL around. I have grown in so many ways, some I’m sure I’m not even aware of yet. I have made incredible friends and have been pushed by incredible leaders who love Jesus so, so much. I have seen Christ working in myself and in others and I am ridiculously thankful for that. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is a (incomplete) list of all the things I am thankful for here in Costa Rica.
My GAP family
This little life we are living here is extremely unique… It can be hard living with a group of people who not long ago, I didn’t even know existed. We are still getting to know each other, our quirks and needs, and we are learning how to love each other well in the midst of that process. It is also so much fun! I have gotten to know people I never would have met, learn about different cultures within the states, and listen to all sorts of new music. I am so thankful for this family that we have and I am proud to call myself a part of it!
I am thankful for Chloe, for always being willing to help out wherever needed and love us well. For Hannah, who always brings a smile to the faces of everyone around her. For Kayla, who is never afraid to talk about her faith. For Tyler and his contagious smile. For Zeph, who is not afraid to remind me to stop rolling my eyes. For Grant, who is always making sure that we know how loved and cared for we are. For Jeremy (J-Spice), who is always working hard at whatever he does.
(Everyone else is mentioned at some point below)
Bible Class
We have a different class every week, as well as a different teacher most weeks. This has allowed us to be exposed to all sorts of topics and styles of teaching and through that, learn SO much. I am thankful for the teachers who push us and challenge us, forcing us to think and speak even when we are tired. For the staff who come to class with us and talk through it later in the day. For my AMAZING God who I will be eternally learning about and trying to comprehend and who loves me enough to share himself with me in new ways every day.
Spanish Class
While Bible class is new every week, it is easy for Spanish class to feel very repetitive. But, just as in everything else, we are being challenged to learn and grow in this subject. I am thankful for my teacher who puts up with our crazy group of students. For her dedication to Spanish and to our learning, even when we do all we can to have it easy that day. For my classmates, Tyler, Jeremy, and Grant for making what could be boring fun. For my creative God who made us capable of learning wild things and using them to relate to more people around the world.
Santa Rosa
Where Spanish has come in the most handy for all of us has been at our weekend ministries. I have looked forward to my weekends for various reasons… I am thankful for Hannah and Esteban, the church leaders. They have welcomed us into their home and church and have made us feel like a part of the incredible work they are doing there. They have loved us and, of course, challenged us to be better and to grow in new ways. I am thankful for the people of this ministry. For the kids who speak Spanish to me even when I feel like a big dummy who can’t understand them. For the youth who come to learn about Jesus and are excited about the church.
I am thankful for my ministry crew, Martin and Ryan. For the long car rides that are never boring. For the afternoons and evenings we spend talking and getting to know each other. For the way that we’ve come to work together, picking each other up when we’re down, pushing each other to be the best we can be and serve these people well. I am thankful for Ryan, who leads the youth group every Saturday IN SPANISH. (It still blows me away.) He has pushed me to work hard and well as we serve this ministry, encouraging me and showing so much grace when I am less than perfect (all the time). I am thankful for Martin, who sticks with me even at both of our worsts. We tend to push each other’s buttons a little too often, but we are not afraid to tell the other one when they’re being ridiculous and forgive each other quickly in those times. He challenges me to think harder and deeper, but also to have FUN, even when I’m not in the mood.
Sami and Brandon
An unexpected blessing I received this year is Sami and Brandon’s part in Santa Rosa. I get to spend all weekend with them as well as stay at their house overnight! It has been so amazing to see them settle into their new home, serving God and the people of Santa Rosa with their whole hearts. I am thankful for the chance to get to know them again in a new way. For their deep and unapologetic love for God and their willingness to share that with anyone who is willing to listen. I am thankful for how welcoming and loving they have been towards me. For allowing me to be a small part of their home for this period of time.
Small Group
Every Tuesday night, we all split into small groups for a bible study. I am so thankful for this chance to get to know some more girls better and dig into the word as a group. We have been going through Hebrews, which has been a challenge, but also extremely rewarding. Every once in a while, I get to lead the discussion and that has been such a blessing as I miss leading my group back home. My small group leaders are Alayna and Sarah, and the other girls in the group are Destiny and Emily. I am thankful for Alayna who has a contagious enthusiasm about Jesus, the Bible, and the work that the Lord is doing in our lives. I am thankful for Sarah and her hard-working spirit. She is always the one to go the extra mile both in our group and around the villa. I am thankful for Emily, for sticking with us in the midst of extreme sickness and always being willing to share and laugh with us.
Villa Staff
Leadership is not a simple or easy task, but it is one that our staff have been doing so well with! I am thankful for the student life directors and their dedication to us and this program. For Ryan, who is always pushing us to grow and work and think hard, no matter how much we resist. For Rachel, who gives me all the hugs and time and encouragement. For Sarah, who loves us so well in whatever ways we need. I am thankful for the interns who have given another year of their life to learn about leadership and be there for us. For Jordan, who never fails to make us laugh. He does all the little things that could be overlooked, but does them SO WELL. For Alayna, who is always willing to spend time with us and be a great friend. For Erin, who a constant support for us whenever we need it. For Lauren, who didn’t plan on being here in Costa Rica, but has poured her whole heart into where she is anyway.
Club Lucas
My roommates! Destiny, Gwyn, and Emma… we have had so much fun together these past few months. Having roommates was one of the things I was most nervous about coming here, but they have become one of my main support systems. I am so happy that I am getting to know them and that I still have time to continue doing that! I am thankful for Destiny, who I can spend time with anytime and always have a good time. She is dedicated to her faith and so excited about Jesus and the work he is doing. For Gwyn, who is always willing to learn and process new things and also listen when we are doing the same thing. For Emma, who is on fire for Christ and is not afraid to hide it. She is always ready for a good conversation!
Dish Chicks
Even though we are doing something as mundane as washing dishes, it always ends up being a great time! Whether there’s music playing, a conversation happening, or we’re just being stupid together, my dish crew, Martin and Destiny, are always making me laugh.
The Ladies that cook and clean!
Thanks to these wonderful ladies, all of our meals are ready, all of our laundry is washed, all of our rooms are clean, and the whole villa stays in order. They do a lot of behind the scenes work and we do not thank them nearly as often as they deserve, but we are SO THANKFUL for them and all of their hard work!
My supporters
Last, but most definitely not least, I am thankful for YOU, my supporter. Whether you have given financially, been with me through the process of getting me here, or have been praying for me as I live my life here in Costa Rica, you are a blessing and I cannot thank you enough! The past couple months have been incredible and I could not have done it without you. Being here, knowing that I am only here because of your support is humbling and empowering at the same time and I give all the glory to the Lord!
Prayer Requests
- With the end of the semester coming in less than two weeks, most, if not all, of us have been experiencing home sickness to some extent. Please pray that we will be able to enjoy these next couple weeks, even though we love our families and can’t wait to see them! Pray that we will continue encouraging one another, showing love and grace, even when our patience runs short.
- Pray for health! Sickness has been going around the past month or so, please pray that we will all be able to fully enjoy our time here, and that when people are sick, that we can come together to make sure they have what they need and are being cared for in the right ways.
Financial needs
Thank you so much to everyone who has already supported me financially, it has been an incredible blessing to watch that come together! I am very close to paying in full, but I am still a couple hundred dollars short. If you are interested in donating, visit https://scoreintl.org/donate/gapintern-donation/
LeAnn Dienner - Costa Rica 