My squad has been in Costa Rica for four weeks now. It’s an all-squad month, which means all three teams are living together in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle! We are doing all kinds of things on this farm like painting, building, mixing concrete, organizing, etc. We are currently involved in a lot of manual labor. On Saturdays we get the honor of doing a kids ministry in a neighboring town.
Living in the jungle creates for an interesting life! This Costa Rican farm involves a lot of bugs, creatures of all sorts, and all around chaos. We have a few rats that we can spot running on the roof beams and we keep finding more. We’ve been eating a lot of rice and beans.
In the past couple of weeks we’ve experienced termites, newborn baby mice under sheets, and bug bites of all kinds (I got 57 bug bites the first week!). We go to sleep hearing geicos clicking and wake up to monkeys screaming in the jungle. We’ve gotten to play soccer, do spontaneous worship sessions, see nature in a new light.
We’re currently not in rainy season, which means we try to save as much water as possible. This means flushing only when you poop and turning the water off when soaping up in the shower. We do laundry, hang it on the line, and pray that it doesn’t rain while our stuff is drying.
We are living completely unplugged. The only time we can connect with the world is when we go into town thirty minutes away.
It’s definitely not easy here on the farm. I find myself exhausted and drained most of the time. My body hurts from the manual labor. I’m still itching from all the bug bites. I’m sweating as soon as I step out of the shower. BUT, being so disconnected from the world helps me remember what’s important. I can’t hide behind my phone or computer. I can’t use work or my favorite tv show to distract me.
I’m learning to focus on intimacy with the Father. Being stripped away of all the distractions pushes me into further intimacy with Him.
This month has been hard. It’s peaceful and chaotic all at once. It’s challenging me and teaching me. I’m learning more about myself and the people around me. And I’m excited to see what else God has to say.
I love reading your updates! Praying for you!!
“I’m learning to focus on intimacy with the Father. Being stripped away of all the distractions pushes me into further intimacy with Him.” YAS KATY KOSER. THIS IS IT. so proud of you, keep pressing in, I’m excited to hear what He has to share with you too! ??????
Sweet Katy! My goodness! Aren’t you on the ride of your life!!! It’s hard for me to hear all this involving you yet, I rejoice at the lessons of faith you are accepting! What a time in your life, Katy! What lessons, what experiences, what spiritual gifts you are receiving! Things you didnt know you had or could do in you! I’m so proud of you and praying God gives you EXACTLY what He plans for you while you serve Him in these days! You are prayed for! And you are loved so very much! Soo proud of you, honey!!!
Love you K! Praying for you and your team.
Katy, we just got a chance to read this.
We love you so much and are so proud of you! We’re praying for you and we love hearing what you’re doing and cannot wait to see you again soon.
Love love love reading these…you’re having experiences you will never ever forget! So excited for you cousin
Katy, as I was reading your last blog and filled with pride in how you changed your mindset with the reading of Philippians 4, it reminded me of another book in the bible, and how it might be an encouragement to our squad.
In the book of Zechariah, the task of rebuilding the temple is at hand. Zechariah is called, by God, to encourage the people to continue with the building because of it’s FUTURE importance; the Messiah is coming.
In reading that, I thought of how hard you all have been working in the jungle, to prepare what’s needed for a FUTURE ministry in that location. Be encouraged, the work you are doing there is important for the impact it will have on that community in the future.
Much love to you, Katy, and blessings for a fun and restful weekend.