Introducing Trevor Hunter//Co-Write

So...if you don't know him, you may be wondering who this super random guy is that I have been mentioning in the past couple posts. Well, I got some time to sit down with him to allow him to introduce himself to you. So, here we go:

My name is Trevor Hunter, I am 21 years old and I am from Highlands Ranch, CO. I like to write fiction stories, play and listen to music, sing, play guitar and connect to others that I can relate to. My goals/dreams in life are to be a published writer someday and to live a happy life to where I can help others get back on their feet. 

...& this is him!

In Costa Rica, I am excited to go through the experience, help others with things they are struggling with, and gaining from that experience. I am not nervous about traveling to a third world country. However, this is my first mission trip out of the country!

There is some Scripture in the Bible that is referred to as the "The Great Commissioning" regarding the mission statement, if you will, that Jesus gave to his disciples and to all of us that is often associated with missions. I asked Trevor what he thought about this one piece of Scripture that we hear often and what it means to him. 

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

"To me, Matthew 28:19-20 means that it is of the upmost importance to expose the light of God to everyone, especially those who are in need of it. We are not to worry about the obstacles that can and will be thrown our way for he always has our backs and will forever be there to guide us through it." (Trevor)

If that is not right on, I don't know what is. I am very excited to be making this trip with Trevor this summer and even more so to see how God uses it to make a ripple effect of difference in our lives, the ticos' lives and everyone who surrounds us and that we meet on this crazy path called life. 

Trevor will be continuing posting/co-writing blog posts with me as we continue to dig into what this small little country means to us and the crazy things that happen in between all of the lines.

We are so excited to be able to reach our world, & for you to be a part of it all.
It is seriously such a blessing. 

Stay tuned for more posts soon!

Bendiciones & pura vida!

Trevor & Rachel

Bendiciones: Blessings

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but it is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey." ::// Pat Conroy

The very first time that I traveled, I was scared to death. I remember walking into the airport for the first time as a passenger; shaking, nervous, and unsure. I bought this pink elephant from a nearby souvenir store in the terminal and clenched it the entirety of the flight to New Orleans, LA. And yes, I am so glad that I made it alive. ;)

There is something about going to a new place for the first time that is exciting. It does not matter who you are, traveling is nerve-wracking. But, I know without a doubt, there is no regret in doing so. Since then, I had flown to numerous places like NYC, Costa Rica and numerous places around the States. I believe that it is all within His blessing and His call that I even have obtained the ability to travel as much as I do.

Mentioned above is a quote from Pat Conroy. He is a New York Times bestselling author from Atlanta, Georgia. As an author for the NY Times, Mr. Conroy travels a lot for his work. And once he leaves a place, he can never forget about it. There was something new, intriguing, and haunting in a way about that new place. The differences in culture, food, ideas, religion or the people may have shocked him at some point, but they are experiences his mind will always hold a special place for.

The next 3 months cannot go by quick enough. 

I was reflecting today on exactly how blessed and how much joy my God has given me. He has given me a job that I love with Dare2Share Ministries, so many new and motivated people who I am able to join in this crazy journey, opportunities for the future I never thought were possible for me, and family, friends, roommates and coworkers that are there, every step of the way. 

To be going back to Costa Rica this July and sharing it with someone who is of great significance in my life is quite the adventure. This is not all about me. Or the people in Costa Rica. Or the people that I work with. Or am related to. Or trust and hang out with. It is about HIM. Ever heard of the saying "HE>I"? 

While the planning is still in process, the Lord is molding this trip in so many mind blowing ways. So for thoughts and prayers, please be thinking of travel, planning and those with whom will be reached in the small, but huge heart country of Costa Rica. 

Thank you for reading this post, and I am stoked to see how this blog is used for the bettering of our world. 

Bendiciones and Pura Vida!

Rachel Yvonne

Viajar a casa: Traveling Home

There is something about returning to a place that you love.  Something in the air, the food, the land, the people, the music, the culture...that calls you back; beckoning for return. This place to me is Heredia, Costa  Rica. The place that captured my heart in a net, never to be released, about 14 months ago.  It is the place that I think about at least once, or sometimes multiple times, a day.

This summer, in July, I will be making a comeback to this land.  A comeback I will always anticipate. A comeback in which I will be joined by some souls that are so dear to me; and to once again greet the ones who I left behind 14 months ago.  Only this time, it is for a longer amount of time; a dream I wished would come true. Only this time, to gain new experiences and to take steps further into being followers of Christ.; something which may not be completely out of comfort.

This time, I will be documenting more efficiently, and not to keep experiences merely as out of memory. This time, God will push me further; and those going with me. This time, the people of Costa Rica will be reached in a way like never before. A calling in which God has placed; a calling so Divine and so beautiful it is impossible to look away in the other direction.

There is something about knowing in my heart that there are those who share the same love for this country as I do; and my heart rejoices even more for the ones whom God has placed and are desiring to find out.  There is something that He is stirring up; something beautiful and incredible. Something bigger beyond our own thoughts. Something to which we better understand what it is to "Pura Vida."

Pure life.

A life of goodness, purity and life. (a greeting common in Costa Rica)

I believe that this greeting means more everyday; our God wants pure lives for us. He wants us to have lives of goodness, peace, purity and life. He washes us clean. He makes us new. He gives us a hope and a future.

It is because of Him that passion for such a place as Costa Rica exists. Why my love for people expands the more I gain a larger outlook on the world around me; through His worldview. He gives me pure life. Él me da la vida pura.

As the next 3 and 1/2 months go by, I will live to love Him; and work to seek His plan set within this trip of return. As the months pass, please pray for myself, my friend, Trevor, who is traveling with me, for the ticos in which we build relationships with, for the travel, for the retreat we will be a part of, for those who will be graciously hosting us into their home and for His will to permeate everything that is done.

God bless, & Pura Vida!

Rachel Yvonne