I spent this past summer in one of my second homes- Cachi, Costa Rica.
My third time to return, my heart beat faster just at the chance to see the family I had tucked away in that lush green valley.
Landscape aside, there is nothing miraculous about this small town- until you get to know the hearts of the people. They are generous and joyful and full of life. They mourn with each other. They run away from God and He brings the back. They eat, and laugh, and cry together just like anyone else. But they came to mean immeasurably more to me than I dreamed when they didn’t keep me at a foreigner’s distant, but took me into their homes and let me be a part of their lives.
I. LOVE. This. place.
And I want you to meet some of my friends.
Welcome to Cachi.
This is mami Luerdes. She became my Latina Mama 2 years ago when she first took me into her home on a senior missions trip. She had just lost her 15 year old son to cancer a few months prior, but her heart was filled with so much love. God brought joy back to that family and gave me more love and generosity than I could have ever dreamed. She is one of my favorite people on the planet.
This is Norma. She is an old woman who always, always, always cooks food for large gatherings and visiting groups. She is one of the best examples of being a servant that I’ve ever seen. A spit fire at heart, she is so compassionate and even if we couldn’t communicate effectively, she took me into her kitchen and just let me sit and eat.
This is a beloved friend. Her name is Cara.
This is Coco. He is my best friend in all of Costa Rica. I got to see Jesus change literally flip his life around this summer and bring him back prodigal son style. I love this man.
This is Laura. She has the sweetest heart and is a damn good cook too.
My beauties Becca, Adelie, Cara, and Liz.
This is Pastor Alfonzo. He is one of the wisest men I’ve ever met. And He has a contagious smile and lovely rosey cheeks.
This is Michelle.
This is my dear friend Paola. God fought for her this past year and won her back. She is a beautiful person. Next to her is Leo, Coco’s brother.
This is Liz. And she loves nachos and worked at a country club. She is one of the most amazing people to spend time with. She is a simple spirit but she understand’s beauty and richness like no one else I’ve met. My restless heart settled down when I was around Liz.
This is Hadi Karina, Coco’s little sister. Skiddish and shy the first time I met her, but bringing me her barbies and clutching my leg not to go just 10 minutes later.
To the right is Karen. She is one feisty hot mama. But really, she is a great mama.
This is Yamilette and her family. My mind was blown as we got to be a part of Jesus making a way to get to her. 1 babysitter, 1 seven year old translator, and a Spanish bible. Gracious, God- He is a battleship master- King of strategy He finds a way.
To the right is my good friend Jose. He’s a crazy fast soccer player and a fantastic artist.
Very pretty!