ince 2016, I have been involved in each of our international mission trips to Central America. From Magdelena to Desamparados, I traveled with my dad, and anyone else willing to be the hands and feet of Christ.
After five years, a global pandemic, health changes, a bachelor’s degree, three jobs, two homes, and practically a whole new world, I returned to Costa Rica.
I quickly realized that I am not who I was. My life changed so drastically since our last trip, yet I hoped my return would reawaken the person I used to be - but God loves us too much to let us stay the same.
I saw this particular lesson play out at the tutoring center in Los Guido. The children I tutored in years prior had since aged out of the program. All of the relationships I had fostered with the kids over the years now felt so far away, and I began doubting that I had even made a difference.
During our second week, I asked the staff if I could possibly see any of the students I used to know. As God would have it, I found out that several of them made their way to the tutoring center once a week for extra help with their schoolwork. Immediately, arrangements were made for me to stay and work into the evening at the tutoring center and be reunited with some of my past kids.
Keimel, Meibelyn, and Ana - these three girls had been genuine highlights of my past trips. I last saw them at 9 and 12 years old, so I was truly stunned to discover that two of them were headed towards graduation. They all welcomed me with open arms and stories of things I had missed. Ana showed off her English skills, and Meibelyn talked with me about her new favorite TV shows. Keimel, now tall enough to see eye-to-eye, wrapped her arms around my waist, laid her head on my shoulder, and followed me around for the rest of the night.
When the girls learned I was back in Costa Rica, they asked if they could see me - just as I had been asking to see them.
I am not who I was, but I am privileged to build onto the foundations I had laid in the past. These girls had changed too, just as I had, yet they still asked for me. I wanted so badly to know that I made an impact, and I saw evidence that I did. It is all to the credit and infinite wisdom of God, who forged me into the person I am now, and gives me strength to continue growing into the person He wants me to be.
Kami Rowe
Trip Missionary
