HeYyYy! Haven’t talked here in a while so I thought id give you a quick update on some crazy things the Lord has shown me so far on the race!
Buckle your seat belts…
We made it overseas, FINALLY! I am now writing this blog in Turrialba, “Costa Rica WOW”. The day we were getting back our covid test before leaving for Nicaragua, someone came back with a positive test. Disclaimer, everyone was healthy and nobody was sick but we had to quarantine. While we were in quarantine the borders shut down in Nicaragua. This is how cool the Lord is, if we would have launched the day we were supposed to, we would have had to pack all of our stuff again and it would have been possibly difficult to get out of Nicaragua. Also, someone on our squad had a family emergency and if we were to leave the states, they wouldn’t have been able to travel and go back home for the time being. I think this opened up our eyes to how at the moment we might not understand God’s plan and we tend to doubt or be frustrated. But, the good news is the Lord was working in ways that we didn’t know because He knows the future.
We made it to Costa Rica and my love for the Lord is growing every day. Whether I’m reading His word, looking at the people I’m living with and seeing how God is changing them and using them to love on others here, or seeing His creation of nature and how he made every single thing.
One day, some of the group decided that they wanted to get tattoos. Well, the spontaneous person I am had to say yes obviously.But, I had no idea what I wanted, I only knew that I wanted to glorify God through it. I sat down and I just was talking to Him, I said “Hey, I know this might sound really silly but could you give me a word or even a picture in my head of something you’d like me to get tattooed. I want to be able to tell people about you through this.” He said “rest”. I got done with my prayer and thought, okay maybe I heard Him wrong lol. I open up to Mathew 11 and started reading and I saw the word “rest” I couldn’t count how many times. I was like why are you giving me this word Lord I don’t understand. I’ve always struggled with resting with the Lord. Sometimes I think I’m too far gone and I’ve sinned way too much to feel loved. Oh, man was I wrong. Matthew 11:28-30 tells us right there that we can come to him with our open wounds and he’ll give us REST! The word rest is unfamiliar to me in the context that I always have too much on my plate and I’m always on the go. Before this, I was working like a crazy man, 12-hour night shifts, coach gymnastics during the days, sometimes helping my mom with the restaurant she managed over the summer. I never took time to rest with the Lord, to have a Sabbath day. I’m now learning that it’s so vital for me to be filled and spend time with the Lord and have a rest day. So, as you probably guessed, I got the word rest. Also, this tattoo shop was so dope. While getting tatted, the tattoo artist brought out two snakes and his dog! Also, gotta love the cockroach chillin on the ground with us. It was such a great time but now when people ask me what my tattoo means I can tell them a little testimony on how the Lord gave me this word and how I’m learning how to rest in Him! GOD IS SO GOOD even when a bat attacks my head at 5:15 in the am.
Thank you for reading and I’m gonna try to post another blog when we make it up to Pizza Hut again, (Pizza Hut is how we get wifi if you didn’t know). Chow <3
Rest is certainly something that we, as Americans, have trouble grasping hold of. Thank you so much for sharing your story and reminding us how vitally important rest is for us. Praying your tattoo will give you many opportunities to show Christ to others o er the years!! Thanks for the great update, we love ya!!
Good to hear that you made it safely. Love the special story behind your tattoo choice. You’re very much like your mom, always busy. Prayers for you and your team Keerstin.
Ha! I just tried to text you and figured there was no way it was going through. Glad to hear you are well. Trinity is praying strong. Find rest in your service! Most Christians ignore that a Sabbath is commanded. Blessings on your work.
“Costa Rica, Wow!” Proud of you and the team. Keep resting in His truths and Promises!